Bound By Power

10

The summer sun cast a golden glow over Naples, enveloping the city in warmth as the Cortellis arrived, the air thick with anticipation. It was a momentous occasion—Elena Moretti’s eighteenth birthday, a celebration that would soon lead to her wedding day. The Moretti family, dressed in their finest attire, greeted the Cortellis at the entrance of their grand estate, their polite smiles barely concealing the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

Giovanni Moretti, the family patriarch, moved with practiced grace, personally escorting the guests to their elegantly appointed rooms, ensuring every detail was attended to for the festivities ahead. The Cortellis were powerful allies, and this alliance—born out of necessity rather than affection—held monumental implications for both families.

Elena stood off to the side, her heart racing and palms slightly clammy as she twisted the delicate bracelet around her wrist. A mix of excitement and trepidation churned within her. It had been three long years since she last laid eyes on Damien, her betrothed. Memories of their childhood encounters flickered in her mind, but the boy she once knew felt like a distant stranger now. She could hardly remember his voice, let alone the man he had become. The anxious flutter in her stomach twisted tighter as she glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Damien, for his part, stood with a carefully composed exterior, his arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed the room. A practiced mask of indifference covered his face, yet his clenched jaw and the slight tension in his shoulders betrayed a whirlwind of emotions he struggled to contain. He caught Elena's eye and felt a rush of memories and unspoken words flood back, but he quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to let his vulnerability show.

From the balcony above the grand hall, another pair of eyes observed the scene with growing anxiety. Julian, Elena's younger brother, shifted his weight from foot to foot, scanning the crowd until his gaze locked onto one familiar figure—Lorenzo Cortelli. With his tall frame, mischievous smile, and unforgettable blue eyes, Lorenzo had captivated Julian’s heart years ago. Taking a steadying breath, he felt a flutter of hope mixed with dread as Giovanni called for his children to come down and greet their guests.

Elena, Julian, Enzo, and Mia descended the grand staircase, each step measured and composed. As Elena moved to greet her future in-laws, her heart raced; the weight of the moment pressed down on her. Her gaze inadvertently locked onto Damien. A shiver coursed through her; his intense green eyes pierced through the crowded room, leaving her momentarily breathless. Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit, he exuded an aura of confidence and power that both intimidated and intrigued her. She quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks burning as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Meanwhile, Julian’s heart sank as he searched in vain for Lorenzo. Not spotting him among the crowd, disappointment washed over him, tightening in his chest. He felt his shoulders slump, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. Enzo, ever the observant brother, nudged him playfully, an eyebrow raised. “What’s wrong, Julian?” he asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

“Nothing,” Julian replied, forcing a nonchalant shrug, though his eyes continued to dart around the room, betraying his distraction. Just then, Lorenzo strolled in from the backyard, his phone call finished. With his signature grin lighting up his face, he approached Elena, his energy infectious.

"Ah, my little sister-in-law!" he exclaimed, his tone warm and playful, his posture relaxed as he leaned slightly towards her.

Elena managed a shy smile, her voice barely a whisper. “Hello.”

Lorenzo chuckled, his gaze flicking between her and Damien. “You’ve grown even prettier, haven’t you, brother?” He shot a cheeky glance at Damien, whose brow furrowed, the warning glare he shot Lorenzo making the air crackle with tension. Elena shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of her simple beige jumpsuit and ponytail, feeling suddenly out of place.