shattered by the bet

The Unlikely Marriage

Damian respects her wishes but knows Julian’s friends will still torment her at university. He proposes a solution: marriage. Aria is deeply hesitant—she knows he is a dangerous mafia man and she does not love him yet, fearing his dark world. But to protect her mother from poverty and to give herself a shield, she agrees. They have a private, elegant wedding. Aria remains distant emotionally, but Damian vows to earn her heart safely.

Aria (looking down at the massive diamond wedding ring on her finger): "I am doing this for protection, Damian. I don't love you. Your world is full of blood, and it terrifies me. I don't know if I can ever give you what you want."

Damian (kneeling before her, taking both of her small hands and kissing her knuckles gently): "I don't expect your love overnight, my queen. I will earn it, even if it takes a lifetime. My world is dark, yes, but it will bend to protect you. Your past ends today. From this moment on, you walk as a Thorne."

Aria (whispering, her breath catching as he kisses her cheek): "Why are you so good to me?"

Damian (looking up at her with absolute devotion): "Because you are the only beautiful thing I have ever been allowed to hold."