bound by the mafia king

Chapter Five – The Engagement

The morning sun spilled through the velvet curtains, but Elena didn’t feel its warmth. She sat curled up on the edge of the massive bed, staring at the door that had remained locked from the outside all night.

When it finally opened, Adrian strolled in, immaculate in a black suit, holding a velvet box.

“What’s that?” she asked warily.

He smirked, opening it to reveal a diamond ring that glittered like fire. “Your engagement ring.”

Her stomach dropped. “You’re insane if you think I’ll wear that.”

“You’ll wear it tonight,” Adrian said smoothly, sliding the box into his pocket. “There’s a gathering. The world will know you belong to me.”

Her fists clenched. “I’ll never be yours.”

He leaned closer, his voice dangerously calm. “Whether you love me or hate me, Elena, makes no difference. By tonight, you’ll be my fiancée. And everyone will see it.”

Her heart pounded with rage. But she stayed silent, because the way his eyes burned into hers told her resistance would only fuel him more.

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That night, the mansion glittered with golden lights as mafia elites filled the ballroom. Men in expensive suits, women draped in diamonds, and the stench of power hung in the air.

Elena walked at Adrian’s side, her silver gown hugging her curves, the diamond ring heavy on her finger.

She hated every second.

Adrian placed his hand possessively on the small of her back, his touch both protective and suffocating. “Smile, princess,” he whispered. “They’re watching.”

Instead, Elena did the opposite.

When Adrian raised his glass to announce their engagement, she yanked her hand away, her voice loud and sharp.

“This is a lie!”

The room froze.

Dozens of eyes turned toward her, whispers spreading like wildfire.

Adrian’s jaw tightened, his cold gaze locking on her.

“You think you can embarrass me?” His voice was low, lethal, meant only for her.

Elena lifted her chin, defiant. “If you want a puppet, find someone else. I’ll never be yours.”

The tension crackled, the room watching, waiting.

Adrian’s smirk returned, though his eyes burned with fury. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.

“Oh, princess… you’ll regret that.”