Mia's father, his face red with rage, towered over her, his voice thundering through the room. "You'll do as I say, Mia! You'll marry the Mafia King, Alexander Cassano and secure our family's future. You have no choice!"
Mia trembled, her eyes welling up with tears. "But Father, please... I don't want to. I've heard rumors of the mafia lord, he is a monster and I do not love him."
Her father's expression turned uglier, his anger boiling over. "Love? You foolish girl! This isn't about love, it's about survival. The Cassano family will pay all our debt and also protect us, so you must do your duty."
Mia felt a lump form in her throat as her father's words cut deep. She pleaded, "But what about my happiness?"
His face contorted in disgust. "Happiness? You'll learn to be happy with what you're given. Now, stop this nonsense!"
With a final, scathing glance, Mia's father stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Mia collapsed onto her bed, tears streaming down her face as she buried her head in her pillow. The weight of her father's words crushed her, she was nothing more than a pawn to be used to settle his debts.
"Ten years" she whispered, her voice shaking. "Ten years since Mom passed away, leaving me with him."
Memories flooded her mind, her mother's warm smile, her comforting hugs, and her reassuring presence. If only she were still alive, Mia thought, none of this would be happening.
Her father's addiction had consumed him after her mother's passing. The Cassano Casino had become his second home, and now, Mia was the price he had to pay for his recklessness.
Alexander Cassano. The name sent shivers down her spine. Ruthless, cunning, and feared by all, he was the last person she wanted to spend her life with.
"Why did you do this, Father?" Mia sobbed, her heart heavy with despair. "Why did you gamble away my future?"
She thought of all the times her father had promised to change, to quit, to be a better parent. But the casino had always won, taking everything from them, including her mother's memory.
Mia's tears soaked her pillow as she mourned the loss of her childhood, her happiness, and now, her freedom.
Mia's room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to shut out the world. She sat on her bed, staring blankly at the wall as Sarah, her best friend since childhood, tried to coax her into trying on her wedding gown.
"Mia, come on. Just put it on for me," Sarah said gently, holding up the elegant white dress.
Mia shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I can't, Sarah. I feel like I'm drowning."
Sarah set the dress aside and sat beside Mia, wrapping her in a warm hug. "You're not alone, Mia. I'm here for you"
Mia pulled back, her voice barely above a whisper
"You don't understand. I'm being sold to a monster. Alexander Cassano... he's ruthless"
Sarah's expression turned determined. "We'll find a way out, Mia. We'll figure something out."
Mia's laugh was bitter. "There's no way out. My father's debts finally succeeded in ruining my life. This is going to be the end of me."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with tears. "No, you will rise above all these obstacles because you are a strong lady and thats what you do. We are going make the most of today Mia, so try on the dress, for me, if not for yourself."
Mia hesitated, but Sarah's persistence wore her down. She stood up, and Sarah helped her into the gown.
As Mia gazed at her reflection, Sarah adjusted the lace and smoothed out the silk. The dress was stunning, but Mia's eyes remained empty
"You look beautiful," Sarah whispered
Mia's voice cracked. "I feel like a prisoner"
Sarah's hug was fierce. "You're not alone, Mia. Never forget that".
The sun-drenched garden, once a haven of happy memories, now felt like a prison yard. Mia stood numbly, her white wedding dress a cruel irony. This wasn't a celebration of love, but a transaction.
Guests mingled, laughing and chatting, oblivious to the truth. Mia's heart sank as she scanned the crowd, her eyes searching for a familiar face, Sarah, her sole ally, stood at the back, tears brimming in her eyes.
The Mafia Lord, Alexander Cassano, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his right-hand man, Marco, stood tall and imposing, his gaze cold and unyielding.
Mia's father, beaming with forced joy, grasped her hand, his grip tightening as he led her to Marco.
"My dear daughter, Mia," he announced, his voice trembling. "I hereby give you to Marco, representing the esteemed Alexander Cassano."
Marco's expression remained stoic as he accepted Mia's hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
The ceremony continued, a hollow ritual. Mia's responses were mechanical, her mind racing with desperation.
As the "I dos" were exchanged, Mia felt a piece of her soul wither away. Her father's debts were settled, but at what cost?
Marco's eyes locked onto hers, a fleeting glint of something, pity, perhaps?, before he turned to her father.
"Is she fertile?" he asked bluntly.
Mia's father nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, my daughter is pure and untouched. You won't find any defects."
Mia was confused
"What is going on?" she demanded, but her father ignored her
Marco's expression remained impassive. "Good. Your debt is nullified, effective immediately."
Her father's face lit up with relief. "Thank you, Marco. Thank you, Alexander Cassano."
Marco's voice dropped to a low growl. "The rest of your money will be sent to you when Mia conceives an heir for the Don."
Mia's eyes widened in horror. "Heir?" she repeated, her voice trembling.
Marco's gaze locked onto hers, cold and unyielding. "Yes Mia. You're now a property of the Cassano family and your sole duty is to birth an heir for our mafia lord, Alexander Cassano"
Her father's smile twisted. "You'll do your duty, Mia. You'll make me proud."
Mia felt a chill run down her spine as Marco's grip tightened around her hand pulling her away.
She was being sold off to the ruthless mafia lord to breed his heir.
