Blood and Vows

Elena Moretti had spent her entire life in a cage. A golden one, perhaps, but a prison nonetheless. As the daughter of Enzo Moretti, one of the most feared mafia bosses in Italy, she had never known freedom. Her father dictated every aspect of her life—what she wore, where she went, and now, who she would marry. Adrian Valenti. The name alone sent a shiver down her spine. He was the heir to the Valenti empire, known for his ruthless efficiency in handling ‘business.’ Some said he had ice in his veins, that he never hesitated when pulling the trigger. Now, he was about to be her husband. The wedding was grand, a spectacle meant to convince the world that their families had finally brokered peace. Chandeliers glittered above the crowded ballroom, a string quartet played in the background, and every crime boss in Italy sat watching. Elena felt the weight of her father’s gaze from the front row as she approached the altar. A silent reminder: Do not resist. Do not fail. Adrian stood at the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression unreadable. When their eyes met, she searched for something—anger, hesitation, even regret—but there was nothing. Just cold calculation. The priest spoke, but Elena barely heard him. “Do you, Elena Moretti, take Adrian Valenti to be your lawful husband?” Her throat tightened. She wanted to run. But there was nowhere to go. “I do,” she whispered. Adrian’s dark eyes remained locked on hers. “Do you, Adrian Valenti, take Elena Moretti to be your lawful wife?” For the briefest moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his gaze. “I do.” As he slid the ring onto her finger, he leaned in and whispered, “Play your part, or you won’t live long enough to regret it.”