Prologue
Gianna Ammassari
The evening felt like a dream. As I stepped out of the sleek black car, I caught my reflection and paused. My emerald green Valentino dress hugged me in all the right places. It made me feel like I belonged beside Nico Baldocchi—the leader of one of Sicily’s most powerful mafia families and soon to be my husband.
Nico emerged behind me, and the sight of him made my breath hitch. He was dressed in a sharp black suit that fit him perfectly, accentuating his tall, broad frame. Every inch of him reflected his power and dominance.
“Gianna,” he said, holding out his hand, his voice smooth and commanding, sending a shiver down my spine.
I took his arm, my fingers lightly brushing against his as we walked inside the chic restaurant. This was our first official date since our marriage was announced. It was an arrangement to bring together our families and end decades of rivalry.
The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on Nico’s face, making him look even more handsome. For a moment, I could just stare at him.
“This place is beautiful,” I murmured. Anything to break the silence. His dark eyes met mine, sending a flurry of butterflies through my stomach as he pinned me with his intense gaze.
“Gianna,” he began, and there was something about his voice that made my heart skip. “There’s something I need to tell you.” My smile faltered.
“What is it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Nico squared his broad shoulders and leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing into my f*****g soul.
“I will give you everything a wife deserves—protection, loyalty, power. But I can't love you. Don't ever expect that from me.”
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. His words hung in the air like a dark cloud, suffocating me.
“What?” I managed to croak out, my voice barely audible.
“There’s someone else. Has been for eighteen years. And I’m still not over her.”
It felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. I tried to steady myself as the room spun around me. My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe. I clutched the edge of the table, hoping it would hold me up.
“Who?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, my voice trembling. I hated how small I sounded.
“That doesn’t matter,” Nico said, his voice cold and distant. “What matters is that you understand why this is happening. This marriage isn’t about you or me, Gianna. This is about our families and the peace treaty that could end decades of war between our families. This is just a business arrangement.”
Business arrangement. The words were like a knife to the heart. I knew what this marriage was about. But I still hoped that there would be something more to it. But those hopes were gone now, shattered by his brutal honesty.
“Yes, my mother told me what this marriage was about,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I struggled to meet his gaze.
“And you’re okay with that?” Nico demanded. I finally found the courage to gaze up at him, my heart pounding in my chest.
“I love my family, Nico,” I said softly. “I’ll do what I must to keep them safe. Even this.” Nico watched me in silence, his face impassive, eyes darker than the cloudless sky.
“I admire your decision, Gianna,” he said and reaching into his pocket, pulled out a small velvet box holding a stunning diamond ring. He reached out, took my hand, and worldlessly slipped the ring onto my finger.
For a brief moment, our eyes met. I searched for something—anything—that would show he felt more than just duty. But there was nothing. He rose to his feet.
“Thank you, Gianna,” he said quietly.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone.