In the perilous world of the Italian mafia, power and passion are intertwined, and secrets can be as deadly as bullets. Elena Moretti has always lived in the shadow of her older sister, the beautiful and poised Isabella. When Isabella is arranged to marry Luca DeLuca, the feared and powerful head of the Italian mafia, Elena braces herself for a life of quiet support and solitude. But fate has other plans. On the eve of the wedding, Isabella vanishes, leaving only a cryptic note behind. Desperate to avoid a scandal and maintain their family's honor, Elena is thrust into her sister's place as the bride of the formidable Luca. Little does she know, Luca is not a stranger to this turn of events. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Where do you think you're going, Elena?" His voice was low and menacing, sending shivers down her spine. "I... I just needed some air," she stammered, taking a step back. But there was no escape; Luca's presence filled the room, leaving no corner untouched by his dominance. Luca's hand shot out, gripping her wrist with a possessive strength that bordered on painful. "You belong to me now," he hissed, pulling her closer. "There is no running, no hiding. You are mine, Elena. From the moment I saw you, you were destined to be mine." Tears welled up in her eyes, a mix of fear and a strange, undeniable attraction. "But I didn't choose this. I didn't choose you," she whispered, her voice trembling. Luca's expression softened for a fleeting moment, a glimpse of vulnerability behind his hardened exterior. "Perhaps not," he admitted, his grip loosening slightly. "But I chose you. And I will protect you, no matter the cost."