To save her family from financial ruin, Elena Romano is forced into an arranged marriage with the most feared man in New York's underworld-Luca Moretti, a ruthless mafia boss. What begins as a cold, loveless union soon transforms as Elena discovers...
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It felt surreal, like a scene I'd imagined over and over but never thought would happen. We were heading back to our parents' house—me, Matteo, and Elena. It wasn't just about reintroducing Matteo after years of captivity; it was also about facing the past. Since our wedding, Elena and I had barely spoken to my parents. Now, I was taking her back to them, not just as my wife in name, but as someone I had come to truly care about.
But first, we had to deal with the practical matters, like getting Matteo some proper clothes. He looked like a shadow of his former self—thin, pale, dressed in clothes that weren't even his. It was a reminder of everything he'd lost in the last four years.
"Matteo," I called to him from across the room, breaking the silence. He was sitting on the couch, staring blankly out the window. "We need to get you some clothes for tomorrow."
He blinked slowly, almost as if he hadn't heard me, then glanced down at the worn-out black shirt and jeans he was wearing. He sighed. "Yeah, I can't show up like this."
I tried to keep the mood light. "Want to come with me to the mall? Pick out some new clothes?"
His mouth twitched slightly, something like a smirk. "You know I hate shopping."
"Yeah, I remember," I said, grinning, trying to ignore the sadness lingering in his eyes. "But you're coming anyway."
Elena stood up from where she'd been working at the dining table, catching my eye. "I'll come too. Matteo could use a second opinion."
As we pulled up to the mall, I could see Matteo's discomfort already. He scanned the bustling parking lot, the bustling storefronts, and the bustling crowds, feeling as if time hadn't stood still for him four years ago. I wondered how overwhelming it must feel to step back into normal life after everything he had been through.
He sighed as he unbuckled his seatbelt, glancing over at me with a wry smile. "I can't believe I'm doing this. I hate malls."
I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Consider it an essential part of your recovery. You can't exactly go see Mom and Dad looking like a ghost from the past."
Matteo rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement there. "Yeah, because I'm sure they care about what I'm wearing."
Elena, sitting in the backseat, chimed in with a teasing smile. "I care. Plus, I think it'll help if you don't look like you've just escaped from a dungeon."
Matteo gave a short laugh, the sound foreign and rusty, like he wasn't used to laughing anymore. "Fair point."
We stepped out of the car and headed into the mall. As soon as we walked in, the atmosphere shifted. The bright lights, the thrumming energy of the crowds, and the distant echoes of conversations and music—it was a lot, even for me, and I could see Matteo stiffen beside me. His eyes flicked around the space like he was waiting for something to jump out at him.
