2: What could be the odds?

Adrian Pov

Ding!

An alarm sounded.

(Engagement dinner at the Mancini's)

When I saw the alarm, I clenched my fist for a moment. My lungs felt as though there was a clog, blocking air from passing through. 

What was worse than getting married to the daughter of the family who tried to kill me? 

As if living as the son of a man who only belittles and insults me at every chance he got was not enough, I had to marry into the enemy's household.

When I woke up from a coma four months ago, my father didn't even let me regain consciousness when he told me the Mancini's had tried to have me killed.

Their quest for power and control over every business in the city was alarming. The only family that competed against them was no other than the Moretti.

But in mass, in wealth, in strength, Mancini's was far greater.

Since the Moretti's and the Mancini's were in the same line of business, a feud is something that was unavoidable, at least, that's what my father explained.

It's been only a few months since he went public with my identity, even though I was an illegitimate son, I was already a victim of a failed assassination.

It was either the other submits, or there was going to be a continuous bloodshed. 

As a Moretti and the only descendant of the Moretti family, there was only one solution my father could think of-

An alliance through marriage.

I couldn't think of any other kind of torture but I had to do it, after all, how possibly could I get my revenge?

“Mr Adrian, your father is waiting for you downstairs.” The maidservant quickly announced. 

Only after her words, did I realize, ‘Being wary, was all I've ever been for the past ten years.’

I heaved a deep breath as I made my way downstairs. Leonardo Moretti was standing by the window with his right hand man, George. 

When he laid eyes on me, his brows furrowed instantly in disgust. “Even a minute late shows incompetence. Adrian, you never learn.” 

I mellowed my eyes, like I've always done all these years. 

It's been ten years since Leonardo Moretti took me into his home. I was nothing but his illegitimate son, if he hadn't lost his family, I probably would still be stealing food on the street after my mother's death.

There have never been a moment when I thought that I was safe, or perhaps much better than in my early years. 

My father's disapproval of me had crushed every bit of hope, and expectations I had. Living to gain his approval, was the only thing I've lived for during these past years.

“Hmm…” He grunted, as if seeing me this quiet and lost for words was how I should be.

The cool atmosphere became quite tense, as the sound of high heels clicking against the tile floor got closer, until my father's young wife appeared.

“Leonardo sweetheart.” She smiled.

A stranger would probably mistake her for an innocent woman, who was stupidly kind. Her gorgeous face, slender body, and her puppy eyes could make one easily give in to her.

Perhaps, that was why even my tyrant father fell prey to her seductiveness. 

But unlike her face, her heart was like the devil itself. 

She stood beside Leonardo and naturally, she latched into his arms.

When she noticed me, she rolled her eyes and said, “I wonder if he can pull this off, he lacks potential.”

I never expected less, after all, my existence was a threat to her.

Leonardo frowned, “I know you are incompetent Adrian, you have the blood of that slut of a mother.” He grunted, “If you are able to pull this off, and bring every information about the Macini, your contributions will be rewarded.”

It would be better if he insulted just me, not my mother.

“You speak as if I don't want them gone as well. It was me they tried to kill.” I grunted.

“Then prove yourself, after marriage to Isabel, treat her well, while spying on the family and bringing me information about them. I will take care of the rest.” 

“Adrian, I believe you are not totally useless, right?”

He said those words without blinking as if that's what he has always looked forward to. He then trudge towards me slowly and said-

“There is no telling what I would do to you, if you fail this simple mission.” 

Once again, my chest felt like it was crushed. I clenched my fist right, trying to subdue the rage that was threatening to explode. 

All those years of accumulated insults were piled up, so much that I could feel the muscles of my heart twisting, I could barely breathe but I managed to keep my expressions unreadable. 

After a two hour long ride, we arrived at Mancini's estate.

Immediately we were seated, Gabriel and Liliana Mancini walked over and sat by the couch in the opposite direction.

“Adrian is such a fine young man, Leonardo.” Gabriel's smile was short and instantly the skin of his face wrinkled in a frown.

“He takes after me.” Leonardo complimented which came as a shock to me. 

There was an inexplicable irritation that crawled through my body. 

Never once had he complimented me, but here he was pretending to be the father of the year. One would mistake the alliance for a happy ceremony when both families are aware it was to prevent anymore bloodshed.

I could see a smile struggling on Liliana’s lips, until her eyes suddenly glimmered as she called, “Isabelle, over here.” 

I turned, only to meet eyes with a blue eyed brunette. She smiled and she looked like the most gentle woman on earth.

She took her seat beside her mother and then Liliana introduced her, “This is Isabel my daughter.” Then she turned to Isabel, “That's Adrian, what do you think?”

Her lips slowly curled into a smile as she said, “He is good looking, mom. I couldn't have hope for the best.” She chuckled slightly.

“I guess that settles it…Adrian…” 

Before Gabriel could finish, sturdy steps echoed and instantly the smell of Indian agarwood mixed with sandalwood, musk, and Turkish rose filled the air.

They were expensive ingredients used to make luxurious perfume that sell at almost a million and half dollars for a small bottle.

The scent brought a hint of familiarity that had me thinking where I could have met such a man. 

I waited until he appeared, and holy heavens, he was nothing I expected him to be. 

He had dark shoulder length hair that was slick and smooth. Chiseled jawline and high cheekbones, with piercing grey eyes. 

The man was exceedingly charming until he opened his mouth to speak.

“This wedding will not take place.”