BOUND BY BLOOD

Unseen Alliance

Gianna spent the rest of the night wide awake, her mind churning with thoughts of her new life. The encounter with her father still burned in her memory, and the weight of her new marriage pressed down on her chest. But her resolve had hardened. She would do whatever it took to survive.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across her room. Gianna rose from the bed, her movements stiff and deliberate as she prepared for the day. Her thoughts were a swirling mix of apprehension and determination. She knew that her new life as Mrs. Moretti would not be easy, but she was resolved to navigate it on her terms.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. A maid entered, her head bowed as she informed Gianna that breakfast was being served in the dining room. Gianna nodded in acknowledgment, dismissing the maid with a wave of her hand. She took one last look at herself in the mirror, adjusting the simple yet elegant dress she had chosen for the day. It was a symbol of her intent—poised, controlled, and ready for whatever lay ahead.

As she made her way downstairs, the tension in her stomach grew. She knew Antonio would be waiting, and she braced herself for another encounter with the man who was now her husband. When she entered the dining room, she found him seated at the head of the long table, his attention focused on a newspaper. He looked up as she approached, his expression unreadable.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, his voice smooth and controlled.

“Good morning,” Gianna replied, taking her seat at the opposite end of the table.

The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the quiet clinking of cutlery as they began their meal. Gianna could feel Antonio’s gaze on her, assessing, judging, but she refused to let it rattle her. Instead, she focused on her food, determined not to show any sign of weakness.After a few moments, Antonio set down his fork and leaned back in his chair.

“We have a meeting with the Santorini family this evening,” he said, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather.

“It’s an important event, one where you’ll need to make a strong impression.”Gianna’s eyes flicked up to meet his.

“I understand,” she replied, her voice steady.

“What do I need to know?”Antonio’s gaze remained fixed on her, as if weighing her response.

“The Santorinis are one of our closest allies, but they are also shrewd and calculating. Salvatore Santorini, the head of the family, is a man who values strength and loyalty above all else. His wife, Isabella, is no less formidable. They’ll be watching you closely, testing you.”

“I’m prepared,” Gianna said, her tone resolute.

“I won’t let you down.”A faint smile tugged at the corner of Antonio’s lips.
“I expect nothing less.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Remember, appearances matter. The way you carry yourself tonight will reflect on both of us. We need to present a united front.”

Gianna nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. This was more than just a social event—it was a test of her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of their world. She knew that every word, every gesture, would be scrutinized, not just by the Santorinis, but by everyone in their circle.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation. Gianna spent hours selecting the perfect dress, one that would convey both elegance and power. She chose a deep emerald green gown with a high neckline and a sleek silhouette that accentuated her figure without being overly revealing. The color, she knew, would stand out against the sea of black and gold that was typical at such events, ensuring that she would not be easily overlooked.