Marco navigated the winding roads, the luxurious car's engine purring softly. Mia sat beside him in silence, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape
The scenery shifted from the urban sprawl to rolling hills and finally, towering iron gates swung open, revealing a breathtaking mansion
Mia's thoughts remained consumed by the horror of her situation. Alexander Cassano, the ruthless mafia lord, awaited her. Her new husband.
Marco's voice broke the silence. "We're arriving at Villa Cassano."
Mia's eyes flickered toward him, her expression unreadable. Marco's gaze lingered on her profile, his expression equally stoic.
As the car halted before the mansion's grand entrance, Mia's anxiety spiked. A liveried butler opened her door, and Marco stepped out, offering his hand.
With a deep breath, Mia accepted his assistance and stepped out of the car
"Welcome to your new home, Mia," he said, his voice low and measured.
Mia's response was a barely audible whisper. "Thank you"
The butler, impeccably dressed, gestured for Mia to follow him. "This way, Mrs. Cassano. Your room awaits."
Mia shuddered at the butler addressing her as Mrs Cassano.
She trailed behind the butler, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
As they climbed the grand staircase, Mia's anxiety grew. Where was Alexander Cassano? What would he expect of her?
The butler stopped before a door "Your chambers, ma'am"
Mia entered, and the butler followed, flipping a switch. Soft light illuminated the lavish space.
"Mr. Cassano will join you shortly," he announced. "He's currently attending to business matters."
Mia's gaze wandered, taking in the glamorous nature of the room and the massive four poster bed dominating the room.
The butler's voice broke the silence. "Can I fetch you anything, ma'am? Perhaps some refreshment?"
Mia shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, thank you."
With a bow, the butler departed, leaving Mia alone.
She wandered to the window, gazing out into the darkness. The stars twinkled like diamonds, a cruel reminder of her lost freedom.
As she waited, Mia's thoughts swirled with questions. What laid ahead? Would Alexander Cassano be cruel or kind?
Mia's heart skipped a beat as footsteps suddenly echoed outside her door. She smoothed her dress, bracing herself up to meet her new husband.
The door swung open, and Alexander Cassano strode in, his presence commanding attention. His tailored suit was slightly rumpled, hinting at a long, hectic day.
Mia's gaze locked onto his, and she felt her breath stop. He was even more imposing than she'd imagine, tall, broad shouldered, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into her soul.
His raven black hair, slightly disheveled, framed his chiseled features. A few stray strands fell across his forehead, softening his rugged edges.
For a moment, Mia forgot her fear, her anxiety, and simply stared. Alexander Cassano was breathtakingly handsome, exuding an aura of power and confidence.
As he approached, his eyes never left hers, their intensity making her skin prickle. Mia's thoughts raced, her pulse pounding in her throat.
"Your name?" He asked, his deep voice low and smooth
He does not even know the name of the wife that was married to him, Mia thought as she gulped hard
Her lips parted, but no words emerged. She was too scared, she felt like a small, captured bird, mesmerized by the predator before her.
Alexander's gaze roamed over her, lingering on her face, her neck, and her shoulders. Mia's cheeks flushed under his scrutiny.
He stopped before her, his proximity making her heart stutter.
"Do you not have a name or shall I just call you Wife" he said, his breath whispering against her skin.
Mia's instincts screamed warning, but her body betrayed her, responding to his presence with an unanticipated spark of attraction.
"Did Matteo dare to send me a mute girl as wife?" Alexander growled
Matteo is Mia's father
"I'm..... I can talk" Mia muttered, finally finding her voice
"Then when I ask you a question, you answer immediately, Wife"
"Y.....yes Sir"
"No no no, Husband" Alexander uttered as he cupped her tiny, fragile face with his palm "You'll call me husband"
"Husband" Mia mumbled
"Good girl" Alexander commended
He strode past Mia, his long strides eating up the distance, and settled onto the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. Mia stood frozen, her heart racing.
"Did Marco explain your duty and the purpose of this marriage?" Alexander asked, his voice low and commanding.
Mia nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes Si.... Husband. I am to give you an heir."
Alexander's gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable. "Right. So let's get down to business then"
His words sent a shiver down Mia's spine. She felt a surge of fear as Alexander's eyes seemed to bore right into her soul.
"Undress," he commanded, his voice firm
Mia's cheeks flushed, her hands trembling. She hesitated, unsure if she could comply.
Alexander's gaze narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Now, Wife."
With shaking fingers, Mia reached for the zipper of her dress, her eyes locked on Alexander's. His expression remained impassive, but his eyes burned with intensity.
As the dress slipped to the floor, Mia stood naked and vulnerable, her heart pounding in fear of what is to come
Alexander's gaze suddenly snapped to his phone as it buzzed.
He answered the call with a curt "Yes?" and listened, his expression darkening
Mia watched, frozen, as his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.
"What do you mean hijacked?" Alexander growled, his voice low and menacing.
He pause, then his face turned thunderous. "Find out who's responsible. I want heads rolling."
Alexander sprang up, his movements swift and deadly. "Don't move an inch," he commanded Mia, his eyes blazing with fury.
Mia stood statue still, her heart racing.
"I'll be back soon," Alexander stated
"And when I am, we'll finish what we started."
With that, he strode out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him.
Mia stood frozen, her heart racing, as the silence stretched out like an eternity. Fear crept in, chilling her to the bone. She began to shiver, her naked body vulnerable and exposed.
Alexander's command still echoed in her mind "Don't move an inch." Maybe it was fear, or maybe it was the powerful aura he exuded, but Mia knew better than to disobey.
Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours. Then, the door swung open, and Alexander strode back in.
His shirt was now stained with blood, his eyes burning with intensity. Mia's heart skipped as he began to unbutton his shirt.
"Shall we continue from where we left off, Wife" he said, his voice low and husky.
