Our Love

CHAPTER 17

SERAPHINA'S POV

The whole day went by in a blur as I tried to process the fact that I had just been sold off for marriage. What are we, living in the nineteen hundreds?

With no one to vent to, no shoulder to cry on, I held onto my locket and prayed the pain would magically fade away. This wasn’t the kind of love I dreamed of.

That night, before sleep claimed me, I made a silent promise to myself — no matter what happens, I won’t lose myself in this marriage.

HAYDEN'S POV

The cold wind brushed against my skin, a subtle reminder that fall was near. I stood on the veranda of my apartment overlooking the city, a cigarette resting between my fingers.

Lately, stress had become my closest companion — especially after the recent news about my so-called marriage.

The tabloids wouldn’t shut up: The Mafia Bachelor is finally getting married. But who's the unfortunate bride. It was laughable, really. I almost pitied the woman who’d end up with me. Almost. Because if she truly marries me, there’s no guarantee she’ll survive.

My phone’s ringtone cut through the silence. One glance at the screen, and I sighed. Of course — Mom.

I took a slow drag before answering. “Hayden darling! Good news! Guess what?” her excited voice rang out.

“I’m not good at guessing, Mom,” I replied flatly.

“Ugh, always ruining my mood.You got that from your father,” she chuckled.

“Anyway, good news — I’ve finally found you a bride!” My fake smile immediately faded.

“And she can make lasagna — your favorite.”

That caught my attention. I barely heard the rest of her speech, but the mention of lasagna made my ears perk up like a dog’s. “At least my wife will be useful,” I muttered inwardly.

"She's from the Hart family and..."Mom kept going on and on but I couldn't care less.

Still thrilled she continued, "We’ll be visiting you soon, son.”

And just like that, the call ended — leaving me with a cigarette, a city full of noise, and a life I didn’t ask for.

I exhaled deeply, watching the smoke fade into the cold night air. There was no escaping this. I’d just have to survive the marriage without destroying it.