Giovanni Armani and Eleanor Madden are the central figures in a high-stakes arranged marriage within the mafia, a union forged to solidify power and avert an impending war. Giovanni epitomizes a spoiled, freakishly rich girl, unafraid to voice her d...
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Strolling through the luxurious halls of the designer boutique, my arms were heavy with bags full of the latest fashion. Ava, my best friend, trailed beside me, talking animatedly about our plans for the weekend.
"Did you see the new line at La Rive? You'd look incredible in that red dress," she said, holding up a sleek, scarlet gown for me to inspect.
I smiled, the thrill of the hunt evident in my eyes. "Of course. Let's add it to the pile," I replied, barely glancing at the price tag.
My phone buzzed in my handbag, interrupting our spree. I fished it out, my smile fading as I saw my father's name on the screen. "❤️Dad💰💵"
"Hold on, it's my dad," I said, answering the call with a hint of reluctance. "Hi, Dad."
"I need you to come home immediately. We have something important to discuss," his voice boomed, leaving no room for argument.
"What's so urgent? I'm in the middle of shopping," I replied, a note of annoyance in my voice.
"It's not a request. The driver is already on his way. Be ready," he insisted before hanging up.
I sighed, turning to Ava with a shrug. "Looks like I have to cut this short. Duty calls."
Ava gave me a sympathetic look. "Good luck. Call me later, okay?"
I nodded, heading to the front of the store to await my ride. Within minutes, a sleek black car pulled up, and the driver opened the door for me. I slid inside, wondering what could be so pressing.
The ride to the estate was smooth, and too quick for my liking. The Russian side of town, cold and sharp, blurred past the windows but I couldn't care less. I was too busy wondering about what my father wanted this time and whatever it was, it probably wasn't good.
When we pulled up to the mansion, I slipped out of the car, my heels clicking loudly on the polished marble floors as I walked into this place, with all Wealth and power, it was like a prison disguised as a palace.
I found my father in his office, sitting behind his desk like he owned the world. The air was with the smell of cigars and leather, I spotted my mother on the sofa, a delicate glass of wine in her hand, her face tight with an expression I couldn't quite place.
"What is this about" I ask, dropping in a chair, crossing my legs, and fixing my gaze on my father.
He cleared his glancing at my mother before speaking "We've got a situation you've heard about the tensions with the Italians right? Well, it is more serious than we thought. To secure our family position we have decided.... you'll marry Eleanor Madden."
I raised an eyebrow barely holding back a laugh "Elanor who"?
"Madden. from the Italian mafia their family is very powerful, and this will protect us both."
I stared at him incredulously "You want me to marry some girl I don't even know what the hell dad!"
"It's not about knowing her" replied his voice growing sharp "It's about the future and you'll do what is necessary for this family."
I scoffed leaning back. "Necessary for this family? What about ways necessary for me? This is insane. I'm not marrying anyone because you've got problems with their mafia. Thats-"
"That's enough" my mothers cut in her voice icy you don't talk to your father like that."
"Oh please Mother spare me the lecture" I snapped rolling my eyes "You both dropped this bomb on me and want me to be happy? That's just ridiculous"
My father's eyes narrowed, and he adjusted his tie clearly trying to keep his temper in check "you've got until tomorrow morning to decide come to my office when you're ready to discuss it but make no mistake. Giovanni this is happening."
I glared at him feeling the familiar heat of defiance rise in my chest but I didn't say another word. What was the point that I just stood up turned on my heel and marched out of the office they could forget about me agreed to this nonsense, but I'll play along for now
As soon as I got back to my room, I kicked off my heels and flopped onto my bed, gazing at the shopping bags tucked in the corner where the security must have left them. After a long, hot shower, I slipped into my comfiest pajamas and collapsed onto the bed. I couldn't help but ponder the effort and exhilaration of the day, realizing how everything had unraveled so quickly, leaving me bewildered.
I mean, at least it was a woman. She can't be that bad. You never know, maybe I might just like her. But I just can't believe my dad would put me in a situation like this. I tried to brush it off, pulled up my covers, rested my head on my silk pillows, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
