01
863 Words
CORA'S POV
Welcome to the wonderful tales of my life sucks. I tiptoe down the long corridor of our sprawling mansion, each footstep making its distinct click on the cold marble floor. The weight of my father's summoned presence grows heavier with each passing moment, and I can't shake off the knot of unease forming in my stomach.
I reach the double door of his office, and a flash of dread hits me as I recall the reason for his summons.
Pushing down my misgivings, I take a deep breath and push open the imposingly tall oak door. My eyes land on my father, sitting behind his massive mahogany desk. His stern expression is one I know all too well—he's not known for his patience, and he's even less forgiving when it comes to failure.
"Have a seat," he commands, gesturing to a nearby chair.
My heart pounding, I comply, perching tentatively on the edge of the seat. I can feel his gaze boring into me, and I fight the urge to squirm under his sharp scrutiny.
"Cora, my dear," he begins, his voice smooth like velvet but with an underlying hardness I've come to recognize. "You know that I have always strived to protect and provide for you."
I nod slowly, not sure where he's going with this. My father is not one for idle conversation, and I can't help but wonder what his motivations are for the sudden show of tenderness.
"And it is for that very reason that I have decided that it is time you were betrothed to a suitable prospect," he continues. "One who can offer you the protection and resources that I cannot."
I blink in surprise, feeling as if I've been punched in the gut. "A betrothal?" I repeat, my voice barely audible. "But Father, I'm only 19 years old."
My father's expression grows stern. "We both know that time is not on our side," he says. "You have reached an age where you must start to consider the future."
Hot rage roils in my veins, a burning fury that clouds my vision and threatens to overwhelm me. The emotions that stir within me are so strong that they seem to fill up every corner of my mind, leaving no room for anything else.
and I fight to keep my composure. "Who have you chosen? And why wasn't I consulted in this decision?"
My father leans back in his chair, folding his hands across his chest. "Valerio Rossi," he says simply.
A wave of recognition washes over me, and I'm suddenly struck by the gravity of the situation. Rossi is not just any mafia leader—he's one of the most powerful and feared men in the criminal underworld. And now I'm to be married to him.
As the full implications of this sink in, my heart races in my chest, and I can feel the blood rushing to my face. I thought I was prepared for anything, but this blindside hits me like a brick.
"This is impossible," I whisper, feeling as if I'm in a nightmare.
My father's expression remains unreadable. "It is not a matter of possibility, Cora," he says in the same calm tone. "It is a matter of survival. And we must do whatever it takes to ensure our future."
The words linger in the air, the weight of our family's legacy suddenly pressing down on my shoulders. I know that my father is right—our survival demands sacrifice, even if the price is high.
"Father... I know we need this alliance, but I can't possibly marry Valerio Rossi. He's known for his brutality and corruption." The hot rage in my veins threatens to overflow, and my hands feel tight around the arms of my chair.
My father's expression hardens further. "I'm not asking you to like it, Cora. I'm telling you what needs to be done. It's not up for discussion."
"But he's a criminal! He's responsible for countless deaths." My voice is shaking as anger and fear mix inside me.
My father stares at me, his eyes cold and emotionless. "I repeat, it's not up to you. This is the agreement I've made, and it's final."
My heart sinks. I feel as if I've been punched in the gut. Rossi is one of the most powerful men in the criminal underworld, and there's nothing I can do to stop this arrangement.
"I understand," I whisper, the pain of submission burning in my throat.
He nods once, seeming to relax slightly. "Good. It's settled then. The betrothal ceremony will take place in 2 week's time."
My world shrinks to a single point – the overwhelming sense of betrayal and betrayal overwhelming me. I can feel the hot tears threatening to escape my eyes, but I blink them back furiously.
I stand, and my father stands with me. His expression is one I've seen a thousand times – the look of triumph mixed in with a hint of condescension.
I turn and walk from the room, feeling as if I'm in a daze. I don't stop until I'm back in my bedroom, the door slammed shut behind me.
- Writer
