Chapter One: The Wedding That Changed Everything
The grand cathedral shimmered beneath thousands of golden lights, every pew filled with Italy's most powerful families. Politicians, businessmen, and mafia bosses sat in tense silence, waiting for the ceremony that would unite two influential bloodlines.
At the end of the aisle stood Lorenzo De Luca.
Known across the underworld as The Lord of the Italian Mafia, he wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression unreadable. Cold gray eyes swept across the room, intimidating everyone brave enough to meet his gaze.
He wasn't smiling.
Lorenzo De Luca never smiled.
The massive cathedral doors slowly opened.
A hush fell over the crowd.
Isabella Romano stepped inside, dressed in a breathtaking white gown that sparkled beneath the chandeliers. Her veil floated behind her as she walked toward the man she had loved since she was eighteen.
Her heart pounded with excitement and fear.
She knew this wasn't a marriage built entirely on love. Their families had arranged the union to strengthen an alliance after years of bloodshed. But somewhere along the way, Isabella had fallen hopelessly in love with the cold man waiting for her.
She only prayed that, one day, he might love her too.
As she reached the altar, Lorenzo extended his hand.
She placed hers in his.
His fingers were warm.
It was the gentlest touch he had ever given her.
The priest began the ceremony.
"Do you, Lorenzo De Luca, take Isabella Romano to be your lawful wife?"
"I do."
His deep voice echoed through the cathedral.
"And do you, Isabella Romano, take Lorenzo De Luca to be your lawful husband?"
Tears filled her eyes.
"I do."
The vows were exchanged.
The rings followed.
"You may kiss the bride."
Lorenzo lifted her veil.
For the first time, the icy mafia lord looked directly into her eyes.
His expression softened—just enough for her to notice.
Then he kissed her.
The applause that erupted shook the cathedral walls.
For one beautiful moment, Isabella believed every sacrifice had been worth it.
She was finally Mrs. De Luca.
She had no idea fate had already begun writing the tragedy of their marriage.
---
Hours later...
The celebration was in full swing at the De Luca estate. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead while guests toasted to the newlyweds.
Lorenzo stood beside Isabella, one hand resting lightly against the small of her back.
It wasn't affectionate.
But it was enough to make her smile.
"You've barely eaten," he murmured.
She looked up in surprise.
"You noticed?"
"I notice everything."
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Maybe there was hope after all.
Before she could answer, one of Lorenzo's men rushed into the ballroom.
His face had turned ghostly pale.
"Boss!"
The music stopped.
The room fell silent.
"We've been betrayed."
Lorenzo's eyes hardened instantly.
"What happened?"
"Our convoy was ambushed. They know tonight's routes."
Someone inside the family had leaked information.
Gunfire suddenly exploded outside the mansion.
Guests screamed.
Glass shattered.
Bullets ripped through the ballroom windows.
"Everyone down!" Lorenzo roared.
Chaos erupted.
His guards returned fire while panicked guests fled in every direction.
Lorenzo pulled Isabella behind him, shielding her with his body.
"Don't let go of my hand," he ordered.
She nodded, terrified.
The attack had only just begun.
And neither of them knew it would steal far more than their wedding night.
