Capture My Fiancé (A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance)

07

EMILIA

I woke up from a nap, feeling groggy and disoriented.

My body felt heavy, as if I'd been asleep for hours, but it couldn't have been that long. The past week had drained me—mentally and physically. It's been four days since Papà dropped the bomb about marrying Valentino, two days since the engagement party, and just yesterday, when Valentino had trapped me between his arms and the cold metal railing on the balcony.

If it wasn't obvious, yes, I'm keeping track of everything. Ever since he walked into my life, everything feels like it's spiraling out of control. I hate it. I hate him for it.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and noticed it was already dark outside. I'd been lying in bed, obsessing over ways to cancel this wedding on my own. I groaned internally as images of Valentino flashed through my mind, his presence lingering like a shadow I couldn't escape.

He'd been in and out of the house since that day. I tried my best to avoid him. I knew he was constantly meeting with Papà in his study, probably discussing business, legacy, or whatever nonsense I didn't care about. His touch still lingered on my skin, and the thought of it made my stomach twist.

Nothing about this engagement made sense. But then again, nothing about him made sense.

A sudden thirst pulled me from my thoughts. I needed water, something to clear my head. Pushing myself out of bed, I made my way downstairs.

In the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of water and took a long sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my dry throat. As I stood there, I heard footsteps behind me.

I turned, and there he was—Valentino. Of course.

He looked surprised to see me but quickly masked it with that calm, unreadable expression he always wore.

What the hell is he still doing here? It's already dark.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Don't you have a house? I mean... a mansion?" I teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

Valentino's expression remained calm, his voice as smooth as ever. "Your Papà wanted to discuss some business with me," he replied, unfazed. "But I was just about to leave."

I nodded, my mind racing. I expected him to snap back or at least tease me in return, but his response caught me off guard. He didn't engage—he didn't even seem bothered.

What's his deal?

Then, like a lightbulb flicking on, an idea hit me.

Maybe I could use this to my advantage. If I got him alone—away from the house, away from my Papà—I might finally have the chance to set my plan in motion.

"Do you want to get some fresh air before you go?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, nonchalant. "Maybe take a short drive? I could use a break from all the wedding talk."

Valentino raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my sudden suggestion. "You really don't want to be in the same car with me right now, Emilia," he said after a pause, his words laced with a warning I couldn't decipher. "But sure... why not?"

My brows furrowed. What did he mean by that? Once again, nothing he said made sense, but I chose to ignore it. I brushed past him, heading for the garage, and I could feel his presence following closely behind me.

We walked together in silence, the unspoken tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.