The Mafia Prince's obsession (MM)

Elijah

I was half burried in a book when I head the soft knock on the door. I sighed, marking my page with a finger before calling out, "Come in"

Maya stepped inside, her expression unreadable, she was dressed up, her hair swept back in soff curls, with a faint hint of makeup-subtle, but noticable. She looked beautiful, composed, like the perfect picture of a mafia bride-to-be.

But I could see it in her eyes. The faint edge of something else, something that didn't match the poised image she was presenting.

"Elijah," She began, closing the door behind her. "I just wanted to let you know about tonight. Father expects us to be at the Markov's function by eight"

I sat up, raising my eyebrow. "Oh, another one of those gatherings, " I say, my tone tinged with sarcasm. "Lucky you. You get to play the future Mrs Markov. "

She let's out a short laugh, but it sounded almost hallow. "Yeah, lucky me," she matture, running a hand over her dress absentmindedly.

I watched her, noting the flicker of tension in her face. " You don't sound thrilled."

Maya hesitated, her eyes avoiding mine. "It's not that Dante's....unpleasant, or anything," she said carefully. "He's everything they said he would be—polite, respectful, loyal to his family, a good match. "

"But...?" I pressed gently.

She met my gaze, and for a moment, I saw the vulnerability she kept so well hidden. "But that's just it, Eli. It's all so perfect on the surface. I barely know him, and we're supposed to...." she trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "I don't want to be just another piece on a chess board, you know?"

I nodded, understanding. "So you don't the marriage, or you don't want the life that comes with it?"

Maya paused, biting her lip. "I think...mybe it's both. I know our family will benefit from this alliance. But sometimes, I wonder if that's all I'll ever be–an asset, not a person.

My heart softened. "Maya, you're more that that. You know it, I know it. It's just....they don't see it that way."

She sighed, brushing a strand of hair back. "I know it could be worse. I could be marrying someone cruel or careless. Dante's none of those things. Buf he's so...distant. Guarded, even with me. I don't if I can live my life like that, pretending everything's perfect just because it's what's expected."

I reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "So, tell them. Tell father, tell Mr Markov. Mybe they'll—"

She shook her head, cutting me off. "You know that's impossible, Eli. I can't back out. This is bigger than just me."

There was silence for a moment, the weight of reality pressing down of both of us. I wish I had the right words to comfort her, but I know that in our world, some things are unavoidable. Some paths are chosen for us long before we ever get a say.

"So," Maya finally said, straightening her shoulders, "We'll go, we'll smile, and we'll do what we're supposed to"

I nodded offering her a small smile. "And if you need an escape tonight, just find me. We'll sneak out the back door like old times."

A flicker of a genuine smile crossed her face. "Thanks, Eli. It helps, knowing I've got you here."

After some time I get ready and we head to the Markov's mansion.