--- Book 1 of Marriage of Ruins and Roses --- An arranged marriage ties Pete to Vegas, not for love but for power-a union born from business and the ruthless world of the mafia. For Pete, the vows mean more than a contract. He quietly loves the man who stands beside him, even as Vegas keeps him at arm's length. To Vegas, Pete is both a partner and a reminder of what he lost, the convenient scapegoat for the end of his past with Yim. Their fragile bond fractures under the weight of mistrust and unspoken feelings, yet fate binds them tighter when a child, Venice, is born. Vegas fulfills his role as a father, but his heart remains divided, unwilling to admit the depth of what Pete and their son truly mean to him. Between betrayal, power struggles, and wounds that refuse to heal, Pete learns that loving a man who cannot love him back may be the most dangerous gamble of all. Can Vegas learn to love them before it's too late? Or will the day come when Pete walks away, choosing to protect his child from further hurt-even if it means breaking his own heart? ---

--- Book 2 of Marriage of Ruins and Roses --- Pete and Vegas's marriage was built on stone rather than warmth-cold, fractured, and weighed down by unspoken truths. What bound them was not love, but circumstance, obligation, and a silence that slowly eroded whatever trust might have grown between them. When Venice is suddenly kidnapped, the fragile balance of their lives shatters. In the chaos that follows, Vegas begins to see the shadows that have always lingered at his side-shadows shaped like Pete. For years, Pete had loved Vegas quietly, fiercely, and without permission. He became his unseen shield, stepping into danger before Vegas could ever sense it, bleeding in silence, sacrificing without acknowledgment. Every threat diverted, every enemy misled, every wound hidden-Pete chose Vegas's safety over his own life again and again, asking for nothing in return. But the truth cannot stay buried forever. As Vegas uncovers the depth of Pete's devotion, the man he thought he knew begins to crumble, revealing something far more dangerous and tender beneath. Love, once unspoken, now stands exposed-raw, fragile, and trembling on the edge of hope. With secrets laid bare and wounds still unhealed, the question remains: Will their relationship finally bloom from the ruins of what they were-or will it remain a monument to everything they never dared to claim? ---

--- Book 3 of Marriage of Ruins and Roses --- Vegas and Pete have returned from their anniversary getaway, a trip that marked a new chapter in their lives. What began as an arranged marriage, once cold and distant, has transformed into a relationship full of love, warmth, and active devotion. Their bond is no longer defined by obligation or silence, but by the deep affection they now freely give each other every day. Their family thrives in this newfound happiness. Venice, their son, especially feels the difference, where once his father was physically present but emotionally distant, Vegas now showers him with love, care, and attention. The man who once feared showing affection, seeing it as a weakness, has completely changed. Love is now Vegas's strength, and his family is at the heart of everything he does. Happy days lie ahead, yet life is never without its challenges. Changes and obstacles will inevitably arise, and only Vegas and Pete can determine whether their joy endures or falters. Their story is one of choice, growth, and the ongoing journey of love-a journey that is theirs to shape. But will they be able to keep their happiness, no matter what comes their way? And if challenges test them again, will their love be strong enough to withstand it? ---