Mr and Mrs Valentino

1

Entering the lavish foyer, I found him in the grand study, immersed in the complexities of power that transcended mere paper and deals.

My father, a titan in an expensive bespoke suit, commanded the room with an air of authority that bespoke generations of mastery in the art of control.

His piercing gaze, a mix of calculation and protection, surveyed the world from behind the polished lenses of his glasses. The suit, impeccably tailored and exuding luxury in every stitch, draped over his broad shoulders, signifying his mastery of both business and clandestine affairs.

Despite the steel in his eyes, the warmth of his smile hinted at a tender side known only to those granted entry into the inner sanctum of our family's world. He stood as a paradox-a symbol of power and protection wrapped in the elegance of fine fabrics and the scent of success.

When I entered the room, he greeted me with a simple yet endearing "Hi, Princess," in a tone that exuded warmth and unwavering protection. It carried a soothing cadence, capable of both quieting storms and offering reassurance in a single phrase.

He never wanted a daughter. He wanted a son, I was his happy accident as he tells me. I quickly became the apple of his eye and he loved me to bits.

Our relationship is not without its complications but at the end of the day we are still family.
"Hi, Papá" I sat across from him.

He flipped his laptop screen down, fixing his tie. "Are you going to get ready sweetheart? We have to leave soon." One of his eyebrows raised.

I force a smile onto my face. "Of course."

As the evening approached, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions cascaded through me. The impending announcement of our engagement felt like a weight pressing down on my chest, each step closer to the ceremony heightened the sense of suffocation I couldn't shake off.

The thought of publicly binding myself to a man I held in such contempt, a man I'd grown to resent over the years, was an unbearable reality.

The looming celebration felt more like a sentencing, a declaration of a fate sealed long before I could comprehend its gravity.

As I stepped into the grand ballroom, I was enveloped in a world of opulence and splendor. The towering ceilings adorned with cascading crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, ethereal glow.

Ornate tapestries, intricately woven with golden threads, adorned the walls, exuding an air of timeless elegance that whispered tales of regal celebrations past.

The dance floor, a mosaic of gleaming marble, shimmered beneath the soft illumination, casting reflections of the flickering candles that adorned every surface.

The tables, meticulously set with lavish floral arrangements and fine china, were a testament to the extravagance of the affair. The scent of fresh blooms mingled with the gentle strains of the orchestral ensemble, weaving a tapestry of sophistication and luxury that enveloped the room.

Every detail, from the carefully curated ambiance to the decadent decor, spoke of a world I felt simultaneously detached from and bound to. The venue itself, a symbol of wealth and prestige, stood as a stage for an announcement that would solidify a union I struggled to accept.

As my eyes wander the room and my surroundings, a jolt of tension crackled in the air. His silver eyes, an uncommon rarity, pierced through the crowd, holding a magnetic intensity that demanded attention.

Raven black locks tousled in a controlled chaos framed his chiseled features, adding a rugged allure to his appearance.

A hint of stubble along his jawline softened the severity of his gaze, lending an air of nonchalance that contrasted sharply with his unwavering presence.

Dressed in a tailored suit, the absence of a tie and the slightly disheveled look somehow accentuated his allure. The crisp shirt hugged his form, the sleeves rolled up in a casual yet purposeful manner, revealing toned forearms.

The suit pants, impeccably cut, accentuated his stature and seemed to flow effortlessly, hinting at a comfort within the boundaries of sophistication.

There was a dangerous elegance about him, an aura that whispered tales of power and danger beneath the surface charm. Despite the deliberate air of nonconformity, his demeanor exuded a quiet confidence, a man accustomed to command and control.

The messy yet deliberate ensemble somehow emphasized his raw magnetism, leaving an indelible impression that lingered as our gazes locked in an unspoken clash of wills.

God I hate him.

"Over here." My fathers voice pushed me from my thoughts, he placed a hand on my back. It's like my feet where on auto pilot. I didn't want to move but they have a mind of their own apparently.
"Luciano." Papa said in a blank tone,

"Fernando" The thick Sicilian accent spoke coming from the man my father shook hands with. "Elena."
Luciano took my hand and kissed my wrist.

Odd.

As I approached my future mother-in-law, there was a familiar grace in her demeanor that exuded both warmth and poise. She extended her cheek gently, air kissing both of my cheeks formally.
"You've really grown into yourself, darling."

Leonora is very beautiful, she was always nice to me, her beautiful brown hair hung over her tan shoulders, she wore a gorgeous black dress that hugged her features perfectly. I used to wonder how someone like her gave birth to someone like Vincent.

And finally I looked to Vincent. My future husband.

"Elena." He grabbed my hand and brushed his lips against my knuckles.

"Vincent." I snatch my hand away, plastering a sarcastic smile onto my face. I could see my father glare at me.

The reason Vincent and I are engaged is to join our mafias. It's very confusing. His family doesn't actually own the mafia in Rome. I do. And they've been trying to get it for years. This was the only way.

We've been engaged since we were 13, No it's not as bad as it sounds. We weren't tied down in shackles. We could see other people do other things but we knew that when the time came we would need to be married.

So there's no way out of this.

First chapter down.

I realised I'm kind of rewriting the story and making it better but oh well. Also I am going to leave some things in but I am introducing new characters if you are here from the old book.

Enjoy!