ARRANGED TO BE HIS: MARRYING THE MAFIA HEIR

ZARA'S POV  The leather seat beneath me felt colder than I remembered, but it wasn’t the chill that made me shudder, it was the man sitting across from me. My father. Calm, composed, detached. He barely glanced up from the paperwork he was signing, his pen gliding with practiced ease. The afternoon sun caught the edge of his silver cufflinks, glinting like a warning. “You’ll be attending the gala next week,” he stated flatly, eyes still on the document. “Pick something traditional. He prefers elegance.” My jaw tightened. “I haven’t agreed to anything.” He paused mid-signature and finally met my gaze. “You don’t need to. The decision has been made.” “No,” I snapped. “You can’t just decide this for me. I’m not-” “You are,” he cut in coolly. “You’re my daughter. That comes with expectations. This isn’t about you, it’s about what’s best for the family. This alliance strengthens our future. You will marry him, and you’ll do so with dignity.” His words struck like blows. I shot to my feet, heart racing. “You’re selling me off like some kind of asset. Like a property. Like a dog, father...” “Don’t be melodramatic,” he said, leaning back without a hint of emotion. “This is how powerful people keep their influence. He brings resources. You bring beauty. It’s an equal exchange.” “I’m not a commodity,” I hissed. “You’re valuable,” he corrected. “You always have been. Don’t pretend this is about your dreams. Without the name I gave you, you have nothing... Zara. ART.” The air left my lungs. “You don’t even care who he is. What he’s done. People fear him.” “As they should,” he said, unmoved. “Fear keeps people in line. That’s what I admire about him.” “I’m not doing it.” I stepped back, shaking. “You can’t force me.” He gave a slow, humorless smile. “You really think you have a say?” His tone chilled me to the bone. “If you try to make me-” “You won’t run,” he interrupted, voice low. “Because you know exactly what I’m capable of. And you know what could happen to the people you care about. Your friends. Your mentor. That boy from your study group… what was his name again?” I stared at him in horror, heart plummeting. “I thought so.” He stood, adjusting his suit jacket. “You’ll wear the dress. You’ll be there. You’ll smile for the cameras. And if you don’t... you’ll find out just how little freedom you really have.” My hands trembled violently. I didn’t say another word. I turned on my heel and stormed out of his office. Not with grace. Not with control. I ran. Down the corridor. Past the elevators. Past the receptionist who called out after me, I couldn’t even register what she said. My chest was tight, breath short. The world I thought I had built, everything I thought I could control, had collapsed in that cold glass room. It was all gone. All I could hear were the frantic clicks of my heels against the pavement as I burst onto the street, desperate to get away from the building, from him, from everything he’d just said. The icy wind stung my cheeks, but it didn’t matter. My heart was thudding so hard it echoed in my ears. I can’t go through with this. I won’t. He has no right. But deep down, I know he does. I glanced over my shoulder once, paranoid, then picked up my pace. People stared as I rushed past, but I didn’t care. All I knew was I had to keep moving, before the walls closed in again and sealed my fate. He didn’t ask for my consent. He dictated it like a business transaction. Contracts. Timelines. Expectations. Like I was merchandise. Like I was something to be handed over for leverage. While other girls my age are living their lives, falling in love, exploring the world, I’ve been buried in books, chasing achievements, hoping that hard work could buy me a future of my own. I was wrong. Especially now, knowing who he’s picked. The wind whipped harder as I crossed the bridge, wrapping my coat tighter around my body. My fingers were numb, trembling. I blinked rapidly, trying to fight the tears. But they came anyway, blurring the headlights and city lights across the river. I should’ve run sooner. I used to fantasize about it. Packing a bag and disappearing when I turned eighteen. Escaping the cage of privilege and pressure. Giving up the wealth, the reputation, the perfect illusion. But I stayed. And now I’m locked into something I never asked for. My father... Rafael Art. Tycoon. Billionaire. Strategist. A man feared by many, and for good reason. He never plays games he doesn’t win. When he makes a move, the pieces have already been set. No one crosses him. Not even his own blood. Now, I’m his latest chess piece. I couldn’t even speak when he told me. His eyes weren’t full of pride or concern. They were cold, assessing. He looked at me like I was a tool, a means to an end. The man he’s chosen for me isn’t just a stranger. He’s a monster. Dangerous. Influential. Merciless. The kind of man who erases anyone who stands in his way. And my father? He chose him because of that. A wave of nausea hit me. I stopped, clutching the cold metal railing of the bridge, fighting the urge to throw up. This isn’t some fairytale engagement. This is a power exchange. And I’m the currency. The worst part? I can’t tell anyone. Not Bianca. Not Kurt. Not even my professor. My father made it clear, if I breathe a word, the people I love will suffer. He wasn’t bluffing. So what now? I’m barely an adult, and already, I feel like my life isn’t mine. If I run, he’ll find me. If I stay, I become a pawn in a game I never agreed to play. Still... I won’t give in. I straightened up, wiping my tears away with a shaky hand. I looked out at the glowing city, at the lives being lived freely all around me. People laughing. Driving. Existing. I refuse to let this be the end of mine. I’ve always played by the rules. Stayed quiet. Been obedient. That’s what he expected. That’s why he thinks I’ll obey. But he’s wrong. He might hold the money. The name. The power. But I have something he can’t touch. My will. And I won’t marry a man who sees me as a trophy. I won’t let my father control the rest of my life. I’ll fight. I’ll run. I’ll disappear if I have to. I pulled out my phone. No messages. No one I could trust. But maybe I didn’t need a full plan. Not tonight. I just needed a first step. I closed my eyes and drew in a sharp breath. The fear was still there but something fiercer burned beneath it. Resolve. This isn’t the end. Not yet. Not if I have a say in it. And I will find a way out.