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Chapter 1

At this moment, I'm getting ready for my engagement. Unfortunately, I was chosen to be the future wife of that wretched DOM Morgan Bélier. He was so evil that he made the devil himself seem like a saint next to him. Despite that, he was also a handsome and seductive man; as much as he had beauty, he also had wickedness. Ever since I was 12 years old, the bastard has developed some kind of obsession with me. In his twisted mind, he had already decreed that when I turned 18, I would be his. At first, any man who approached me would mysteriously end up brutally and cruelly dead. Over time, things got worse. If any man or woman thought they could look at me in any other way, he made them suffer. I never forgot a particular incident. I always loved to dance. At 15 years old, I joined a dance class. The teacher was my best friend's father at the time. His wife was pregnant with twins, and happiness radiated from him. He saw potential in me and was helping me get a lead role in "Swan Lake." I trained day and night because it was the only time I felt free from this chaotic world, and I was happy doing something I truly loved. On a tiring day, we practiced late to correct a step in my performance, and he accidentally touched my buttocks. I didn't see any problem with it.

I was friends with his daughter, and he saw me as a daughter too. He apologized, we resumed rehearsals, and then we went home. The next morning, the teacher was found dead in the ballet studio. His two hands were severed, and beside him was written: "Family is untouchable." Tears streamed down my face when I saw him like that. DOM Morgan always found a way to let me know he was watching me. I was scared. I was just a defenseless girl. My brothers were capable of killing our father to take control of the business, and they agreed with my fate because, for them, it was an opportunity to get closer to the Bélier Mafia. That day, DOM Morgan called me as if everything was normal, and I listened to him whisper on the phone about what he did to that poor man. He said, "You're mine, and no one dares to touch you." So my life went on for years, fearing the day I would have to marry the Devil himself.

I walk up to the mirror to finish getting ready as my brother enters the room. As usual, he has nothing good to say. He says, "You look like a goddess; you'll drive DOM Morgan crazy." Staring into his eyes with hatred and fury, I can't bring myself to respond. It's not worth it. I'm wearing a long red dress with straight and loose hair. I have a provocative neckline and light makeup that emphasizes only my lips.

Arriving at the so-called engagement funeral, I feel completely suffocated by all of it. After a few shots of tequila and gin, I decided to make a speech.

"What do you think you're doing, Laura?" Jack says, surprised.

"The sacrifice," I say in an ironic tone.

"But what sacrifice?"

"Don't we have to do everything for the family? So, I'll make a speech to make my engagement more interesting."

"I hope you don't do anything foolish; do you hear me?" I leave him talking to himself and walk away.

I believed that at 18, I would be living an exciting adventure, following my desires, and building my own story. But fate's misfortune and a sick obsession brought me here. So, guess what? Here I am, "unfortunately" engaged against my will. (Everyone looks astonished.)

Wow, what luck I have, right? Not! Look at that poor guy down there who dares to call himself my "dear fiancé." Does he already consider himself the luckiest man in the world? Hahaha!

There were some influential people at the party who couldn't understand how DOM allowed his future wife to dishonor him in such a way.

But the fun doesn't stop there, my friends. Let's make this show complete! You there, oh, yes, you, come up here on the stage, dear fiancé. Don't be shy! Yes, it's time for my speech. Get ready to hear some truths, my dear. (DOM awkwardly goes up on the stage, hoping to stop me, but I continue.)

"A toast to this jerk who thinks he won me over through persistence. Oh, I'm so moved! Seriously, how did you manage to make me give this nonsense a chance? It's a masterpiece, a performance worthy of an Oscar! And you, my 'dear fiancé'... Ah, this family arrangement, this arranged marriage—what kindness on your part to offer me this cage in the form of a ring. I should bow to your noble heart, shouldn't I? Or should I be worried since you killed everyone who came close to me? Maybe I'm next; who knows?" (I say sarcastically.)

(Everyone becomes uncomfortable.)

Your brothers come up to try to take me off the stage.

"Let me go; I can walk alone!" (Turning to the fiancé, she raises her glass.)

"I raise my glass to toast to you, my 'love,' and to say that your hell is just beginning." Looking at my brothers, I say,

"You guys should also brace yourselves!"

Morgan looks at me, glaring with his eyes. He's irritated by the little speech I gave.

"Friend, look at DOM Morgan's face."

"That's how I like it; I expected nothing less."

"Aren't you afraid? He can simply hurt you."

"There are two types of people in the world: those who like peace and those who practice chaos."

She smiles.

"We're the second, right?"

"Exactly," I reply with a smile on my face.

We proceed to the table with DOM Morgan's piercing gaze on me. As we sit down, I feel his intense stare. His eyebrows slightly furrow, showing his dissatisfaction with my speech and the challenging attitude I've displayed so far. His normally cold demeanor appears even harder, and I can sense a spark of anger in his eyes.

As the dinner progresses, DOM Morgan tries to maintain an imposing and controlled appearance, as he always does. He is respected by everyone in the room, and his presence is intimidating. However, I notice small signs of tension in his subtle movements. His fingers grip the wine glass tightly, and his jaw clenches occasionally. It's evident that my challenging attitude deeply bothers him.

Now and then, our gazes meet, and a shiver runs down my spine. There's a mix of fascination and fear in his eyes—an intensity that's hard to ignore. DOM Morgan has always wielded power and control over everyone around him, but perhaps this is the first time he encounters someone who refuses to completely submit to him.

As I observe his expression, I can identify a mix of frustration and curiosity. It seems that my challenging attitude intrigues him in some way, perhaps igniting a desire for a real challenge. However, I can also see a shadow of threat in his eyes, as if he is determined to subjugate me and demonstrate his absolute power.

With each passing moment, the tension between us escalates. It's as if we are locked in a dangerous dance, testing each other's limits. As the night progresses, the atmosphere becomes more intensely charged with electricity.

DOM Morgan raises his wine glass in a toast, his gaze penetrating and challenging. He is issuing a subtle challenge, wishing for me to acknowledge his authority and accept my fate by his side.

However, I remain steadfast. I stare back at him, unyielding. I refuse to show fear or submission. If he wants to conquer me, he'll have to do much more than make threats and use power plays. I am not easy prey.

As the night draws to a close, I notice there's something beyond anger in his expression. There's a hint of fascination, an unexpected curiosity. DOM Morgan may be a powerful and ruthless man, but there might be something deeper within him, something that goes beyond appearances.

As I retreat from the table, giving him one last defiant look, I smile inwardly. I know I've stirred something inside him, something that cannot be easily controlled. The game is just beginning, and I'm willing to play it until the end.

DOM Morgan may wear a dark and imposing expression, but the flicker of challenge in my eyes is a clear sign that I won't surrender easily. I am determined to fight for my freedom, even if it means facing one of Italy's most dangerous Mafiosi.

The time had come for Laura to formalize her engagement with DOM by signing a contract that would seal her fate. Her thoughts wandered amidst sadness and uncertainty when her brother's shout interrupted her musings.

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