Two Can Play Devil—The Don's Fiery Wife

Elena's POV I was running out of time, and it seems everyone in this room knew it. I smoothed down my red dress for the tenth time, trying to keep my hands from shaking. This party was supposed to be my lifeline. According to my father’s will, I had exactly thirty days to get married, or I’d lose the company he spent his whole life building. I didn't want a husband, but I refused to lose my legacy. "Mr. Sterling," I said, stepping into the path of an old family friend. "It’s good to see you. I was hoping we could talk about—" Arthur Sterling didn't even let me finish. He looked at me with something that looked like pity—or maybe it was fear. "Not tonight, Elena. I’m actually just heading out. My wife... she’s not feeling well." He didn't wait for an answer. He practically ran in the opposite direction. My heart sank. He was the fifth man to dodge me tonight. It was like I had some kind of plague. These were men who used to beg for an invitation to my house. Now, they wouldn't even hold eye contact for five seconds. What is going on? I thought, grabbing a glass of champagne just to have something to hold. Did someone leak the details of the will? Does everyone know I’m desperate? I walked toward the balcony, needing some air, when the room suddenly went quiet. It wasn't the kind of quiet that happens when a song ends. It was the kind of quiet that happens when something or someone scary walks into the room. I turned around, and my breath left me. A man was standing at the entrance. He was tall, dressed in a black suit that probably cost more than my car, and he looked like he owned every floorboard he stepped on. It was Lorenzo. My stomach did a somersault. The last time I saw him was ten years ago, he was a boy from a family with nothing. We were close well that's what I thought .But people like him ain't to be trusted. At least, that’s what I’d seen with my own eyes when I caught him with my cousin. But the boy was gone. This man looked cold. His face was all sharp lines, and his eyes were like flint. He started walking toward—Me, and the crowd just... moved. People literally stepped aside to give him a path. He stopped right in front of me. The smell of his cologne—something woody and expensive—brought back a rush of memories I had tried to bury. "You’re staring, Elena," he said. His voice was deeper than it used to be, a low vibration that made my skin prickle. "Is there something on my face?" I forced myself to snap out of it. I crossed my arms and gave him my best "ice queen" look. "I’m just surprised they let people like you into events like this, Lorenzo. Did you sneak in through the kitchen?" He didn't flinch. In fact, a tiny, cold smile touched his lips. "I bought the building yesterday. I think that earns me an invite." I blinked, stunned. "You... what?" "A lot has changed in ten years," he said, stepping closer. He was so close I could feel the heat coming off him. "I heard you’ve been having a hard time tonight. No one wants to talk to the Moretti heiress?" "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, my face heating up despite me trying to keep my cool. "Don't play dumb. It doesn't suit you," he said. He looked around the room at the wealthy men who were all pointedly looking away from us. "You’re wondering why they’re running away. You’re wondering why your 'friends' won't help you save your father's company." My heart started to hammer against my ribs. "What did you do?" "I didn't have to do much. I just let it be known that anyone who marries you becomes my enemy," he said simply, as if he were talking about the weather. "And in this city, no one wants to be my enemy." I felt like he’d slapped me. "You’re ruining me? Seriously! Why?" "I can't believe you are asking me that Elena," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You told me I was beneath you remember, You told me I wasn't worth your time because I didn't have a title or a bank account. Well, look at us now." "I...then...—" I started, but the words caught in my throat. I remembered the harsh things I'd said back then, words that I couldn't take back, but only because I was hurting. But he doesn’t need to know that. "You need a husband by the end of the month," he continued, ignoring the glare I was sending his way "And because of me, no one is going to step up. No one is going to save you." "I’ll find a way," I hissed, my voice getting colder. "No mattar what you think you might have done." "Not even a stranger on the street will marry you, Elena. I've closed every door." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper. He reached out and tucked it into my hand, his fingers lingering against mine for just a second too long. "That’s my address," he said. "I’m the only man left who isn't afraid of me. If you want to keep your house and your name, you’ll come to me tomorrow morning. We’ll discuss marriage on my terms." He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Don't be late. Anyways, I’ve waited ten years for this. I can wait one more night to watch your world crumble at my feet." He turned and walked away without waiting for me to say a word. I stood there, clutching that piece of paper so hard it crumpled in my fist, while everyone watched the heiress who had just been cornered by a Devil.