Twisted Arrangement

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐑

Elena’s POV
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One day, I was in my room, watching a movie. Suddenly, someone knocked on my door. I opened the door, "Yes?" I said in a soft tone. It was one of my trusted bodyguards, Dante. "Your father wants you to come to his office, Ellie," his voice was firm. If you’re wondering why he called me ‘Ellie’, Dante and I are best friends, even though he’s my bodyguard. He only calls me that when we’re alone and when my brothers are with us because he calls me ‘Ms. Valenti’ when my parents are with us.

I was confused, because why would my father want me to come to his office? It was probably important because my father never let anyone go to his office, without his permission. I nodded and smiled softly, “Thank you for telling me, Dante.”

Dante smiled softly “You’re welcome, Ellie,”
He paused briefly before continuing, “Oh, and you’ll probably want to talk to me after your conversation with your father, or after dinner…”

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What does he mean by that? “What, why?” I asked in a curious tone. He sighed; his divine brown eyes had worry and empathy. “Just trust me on this, Ellie, please…” he had a mixture of concern and worry in his tone. His deep and husky voice was so breathtaking, but I had to focus. And why was I even finding his voice attractive? Okay, that’s odd, Elena.

I nodded, but I still wanted to know why Dante was worried. “Uh, okay…”
Dante nodded, glad that I listened to him. “Good,” he said with a hint of firmness and concern in his tone.

Dante left my room, and so did I.

I’ve always liked Dante, not just as a bodyguard, but as a friend. He was like a brother to me. He’s been my bodyguard since I was thirteen years old, and he was nineteen.
And now, I’m eighteen and he’s twenty-one. He would always make me laugh when I was upset, but I’ve never seen him as a boyfriend or something. I just like and love him like an older brother.

I went through the halls, the sunlight was gleaming through the curtains, casting long shadows that danced on the polished floor. The air was thick with the scent of old books, and every step echoed softly, as if the walls themselves were listening. After a few minutes of walking through the hall, I finally arrived at his office and knocked softly on the door. The silence that followed was almost
oppressive, broken only by the faint rustle of papers behind the door. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of anticipation and unease. When the door creaked open, a pair of piercing eyes met mine, filled with an unreadable expression that made me hesitate for just a moment.

"Come in," I heard the coldness in my father’s tone, and it made me feel uneasy. I slowly opened the door "You wanted me to come here?" I asked, confused. Theodore nodded and gestured for me to come in "Yes. Now, stop asking and get inside" he said in a demanding and cold tone.

I went inside, scared of my father. I was always scared of my father. I sometimes wish that he would finally be soft to my brothers and me; oh, to have a loving and caring father.

"You have an arranged marriage with Ace Russo. And I don't need any arguments. You are going to marry him, whether you like it or not.” My eyes widened. Ace was the most feared and dangerous Mafia boss. I can't marry him! He's very dangerous; if I marry him, who knows what will happen? I might get hurt or he'll probably treat me like I'm trash, because of how ruthless and heartless he is. He was known for being heartless and ruthless. He has
no pity or mercy to anyone. Everyone feared him.

"Wait, what? But isn't he dangerous? I can't marry him!" I said in a fearful and begging tone. He tensed up when I talked back to him.

"Stop being a brat, Elena! You are marrying him, no matter what you say." He yelled, his voice filled with determination. He was not taking no for an answer. "Please, father. You can't let me marry him. Did his parents even agree to this?" I asked. I was on the verge of bursting into tears, but I stopped myself. I don't want to marry that selfish and merciless Mafia. He's way too dangerous.