The grand hall of the mansion was a spectacle of opulence, a glittering display of power and wealth. Golden chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow, casting flickering reflections on the polished marble floor. Every corner of the vast space was adorned with towering floral arrangements, white roses and blood-red dahlias—a cruel contrast to what this night meant for her.
Alessia stood at the top of the grand staircase, her body wrapped in a gown of silver and diamonds. The fabric clung to her frame like armor, the cold weight of it pressing into her skin as if reminding her of the prison she was about to walk into.
Her fingers curled around the smooth railing, gripping it tightly to keep her hands from trembling.
Tonight was her engagement party.
Tonight, she was to belong to Valenti
