Chapter III

My father and brothers were completely blindsided by the sudden turn of events. Yet, with the heads of the other families swarming them with congratulations, they had no choice but to holster their weapons, plaster smiles on their faces, and accept it all.

After all, they couldn't very well disrespect the Godfather in public and spark a turf war, could they?

During a lull in the wedding reception, Mother dragged me into a heavily guarded private lounge where Father was already waiting. She stepped inside and immediately bolted the door behind her.

"Elena, what the hell is going on? How could you marry Vittorio Moretti? The man is a cold-blooded monster!"

"Because... he's the most powerful man here." It was the only justification I could come up with for my impulsive decision.

"Power?" Father frowned, mulling it over. "Well... it’s true that no one dares to cross him."

"But he’s more than ten years your senior! And the rumors... you know the ones. About how cold he is. How he has no interest in women."

"So what?" I replied, feigning composure. "Doesn't the saying go that older men know how to take better care of a woman?"

"But... they say he was injured. That he can’t... perform."

*Crap.* Now I was in a tight spot. How was I supposed to explain that away?

Before I could figure out how to navigate this particular minefield, a steady, rhythmic knock echoed from the door.

Mother opened it to reveal Vittorio standing there, flanked by two silent bodyguards. God only knew how long he’d been listening.

My parents immediately plastered on their practiced, diplomatic smiles, acting as if they hadn't just been trash-talking the dangerous man standing before them. "Don Moretti, to what do we owe the pleasure?"

"If you don't mind, I’d like a word with you both regarding the future division of our territories," Vittorio said smoothly.

I had no idea what he said to them, but by the time the conversation ended, my parents were no longer objecting to the match. In fact, they seemed to view him with a newfound sense of awe.

"That Vittorio is a force to be reckoned with," Father said approvingly. "He’s got grit and authority. He might be older, sure, but he’s exactly the kind of man who can protect our girl in this brutal world."

As for Leo, who had turned tail and run like a coward? He never stood a chance of doing that.