AURORA
My father’s words echoed in my mind long after I left his room. You’re the only one who can save us.
It felt like a verdict, a burden heavier than the gilded walls of this mansion. The Herrera estate, with its sprawling grounds and decadent halls, was no sanctuary—it was a battlefield dressed in silk and gold. And now, it was my prison.
I stood on the balcony, the cold night air biting my skin as I stared into the darkness. Somewhere out there, Matteo was plotting my family’s downfall, dismantling the Herrera legacy piece by piece. My fists clenched at the thought of his betrayal, his lies, his audacity to think I’d let him win.
A sharp buzz from my phone broke my spiraling thoughts. Gabriel’s message lit up the screen:
[We need to discuss the next steps. Meet me in the study in ten minutes.]
I exhaled slowly, letting the cold steel of resolve settle in my veins. There was no room for doubt anymore. I had to be stronger than my grief, smarter than Matteo, and far more ruthless.
The study smelled like power and history—dark wood polished to perfection, the faint scent of cigars clinging to the air. Gabriel sat behind the massive desk; his sharp features illuminated by the dim glow of the chandelier.
“Aurora,” he said, gesturing for me to sit.
I sank into the chair across from him, my hands resting in my lap to steady their trembling.
“Your father’s condition is worsening,” Gabriel began, his voice measured but grave. “He doesn’t have much time left. When he’s gone, the Herrera Clan will need a leader. That leader must be you.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he raised a hand to stop me.
“Don’t say you’re not ready,” he said firmly. “You’ve been ready since the day you were born. The blood of Ricardo Herrera flows through you. This is your empire, your destiny, whether you want it or not. If Matteo succeeds, everything your father built—everything your mother died to protect—will crumble.”
“Do you think I don’t know that?” I shot back, my voice rising. “But how am I supposed to lead a clan I haven’t been part of for over a decade? I’m not the same girl who left this world. I don’t know if I can…”
“You can,” Gabriel interrupted, his tone softer now. “And you won’t be alone. Your father anticipated this. He had someone to guide you.”
Before I could ask what he meant, the heavy oak door creaked open. My breath caught as a tall, commanding figure strode into the room. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence exuding a quiet authority that made the air crackle. Dark hair slicked back, piercing green eyes that seemed to see straight through me—he was impossible to ignore.
Gabriel stood, a faint smile curving his lips. “Aurora, meet Vincenzo Donovan. Vince has been acting as your father’s right hand in your absence, keeping the clan intact. And now, he’s here for you.”
Vincent Donovan, his name alone sent a shiver down my spine.
Vince stepped closer, his voice smooth but edged with steel. “Aurora Herrera. It’s been a while. Nice to see you here.” He extended his hand, and I hesitated before taking it, his grip firm and unyielding.
“Why are you here?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them, laced with suspicion.
A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “They haven’t told you yet, have they?” His eyes locked on mine, unflinching. “I’m here to help you claim your empire, Aurora. And to marry you.”
The room spun. “What?” I stammered, pulling my hand back as if his touch burned.
Gabriel stepped in, his expression unreadable. “Your father’s condition has forced us to act quickly. Vince is here to guide you and protect you, but more importantly, to solidify the clan’s future. That begins with marriage.”
“Marriage?” My voice rose, disbelief crashing over me. “You’re joking. I can’t marry him! He’s my ex-boyfriend’s uncle! Matteo’s uncle for God’s sake!”
“Aurora, this isn’t about your past with Matteo,” Gabriel said, his voice low but firm. “This is about survival. The clan is vulnerable, Aurora. Your father’s near-death left us exposed. Matteo’s clan is closing in, and the only way to strengthen our position is through a powerful alliance. Vince offers that.”
I turned to Vince, my heart pounding. “And you? What do you get out of this?”
He leaned in, his gaze steady and unrelenting. “The satisfaction of watching Matteo Romano together with his clan burn into ashes.”
His words sent a chill down my spine, but there was no denying the fire in his eyes matched my own.
“This is insane,” I whispered, shaking my head.
“No,” Vince said, his tone deadly serious. “This is war. And if you don’t fight, Aurora, you’ll lose everything. Are you ready to let Matteo win?”
The question hung in the air like a dagger poised to strike. My jaw tightened, and I forced myself to meet his gaze.
“I won’t let him win,” I said, my voice trembling but resolute.
Vince nodded, satisfaction flickering across his face. “It's a deal, then.”
