Chapter 5

Riccardo

The room was filled with the rich aroma of leather and paper, and the heavy contract in front of me felt almost like a weight on my chest.

I traced my fingers along the thick edges of the document, its pages crisp and every word meticulously selected. The ink was still wet, but I could already sense the gravity of the choice that had been made.

Seated at my grand mahogany desk, a piece of furniture that had been in the De Lucca family for generations, I reflected on my upbringing. This was where I learned about responsibility, influence, and the intricacies of life. This desk had been the backdrop for my journey, and now, staring at the marriage contract, I felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together.

My thoughts were broken by the soft click of the door. Bento walked in, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a more serious tone, though the mischievous spark in his eyes was still there.

"Are you really going through with this?" he asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.

I didn’t look up as I flipped through the contract, taking in the details.

"It’s not really a choice, Bento. This marriage is essential. The Parker family isn’t just a powerful ally; they’re vital for the future of this business, especially with the new lead I have on Madelyne’s death. I’ll make sure everyone involved feels my wrath."

Bento scoffed, pushing off the doorframe. "I get it, but it feels a bit... old-fashioned, don’t you think? Marrying someone just to seal a deal? You’re treating it like a business arrangement before you’re even married. And honestly, I don’t think Ava had anything to do with her sister’s death. She’s innocent.”

He had a point, but it didn’t change anything. This wasn’t about love or emotions; it was about my quest for revenge against the Parker family and everyone connected to it. I wouldn’t stop until I uncovered the truth. Plus, this was about survival—ensuring that the De Lucca family’s power remained intact.

I shot a look at Bento, my expression hardening. "You really think this is personal?" I asked, finally locking eyes with him. "This is all about business. It’s always been about business."

Bento shrugged, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Sure, but you’ve never been one for these arranged deals. You always said you wouldn’t let anyone dictate who you marry."

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "That was before I had a family to think about."

The room went quiet for a moment, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Bento understood better than anyone what my situation entailed. We were both tied to the same responsibilities, even if he didn’t take them as seriously as I did.

Eventually, Bento broke the silence, his tone a bit lighter. "Well, at least you’ll be with a gorgeous woman. I’m sure you’ll figure it out."

I didn’t reply right away. My thoughts drifted to Ava Parker—her striking blue eyes, her fiery spirit. She was undeniably beautiful, but there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way. She has changed. It seems like she was trying to be like Madeline except she will never be her.  There was something else in her eyes, almost like she was dead inside. I wonder what happened to the Ava I met years ago—the shy one who always found herself in trouble.

I had seen that same defiance in her at the gala, the way she stood there after I said all those hurtful words. She didn’t say anything. Most girls would have ran away crying but not Ava. I admit the shock on her face stirred something inside me. It was a small thing, but it got under my skin.

I shifted my focus back to the contract. "I’ve made my choice. The Parker family will make us stronger. Marriage is unavoidable."

Bento didn’t push it any further, sensing I wasn’t in the mood to chat. Instead, he crossed the room and flopped down in the chair across from me, his usual energy dialed down for once.

I looked over the contract again, my fingers gliding along the text as I went through the terms once more. The ink was set, but my thoughts were racing. There were rules—strict ones—laid out for Ava.

She was meant to be not just my wife but also the public face of our power. She’d have to adhere to our family’s customs and traditions, with no room for any weakness.

I skimmed through the main points:

1: As the Don's wife, she must stay loyal and back every decision I make. Disobedience is off the table, no matter what.

2: She needs to keep a spotless reputation in public, representing the De Lucca family with grace and respect.

3: No talking about business outside our home. She should remain unaware of the details of our operations but support the family’s choices without question.

4: Her main job is to care for our children, if we have any. She must be ready to uphold the De Lucca values in front of them and others.

5: As the Don's wife, she has to attend all important events and social gatherings that benefit the family. No excuses allowed.

I could almost hear her objections already. Just the thought of these rules would infuriate her. But she had no choice. This was the life she was stepping into.

The creak of the door pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see my father in the doorway, his presence commanding.

"Riccardo, it’s time,” he said, his tone flat.

I glanced at Bento, then back at the contract one last time. The weight of it all settled heavily in my chest. "It’s about to get real."

I stood up and walked toward the door, the contract in hand as I stepped into the hallway. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this marriage—this alliance—would change everything. Despite all my preparations, I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for what was coming.

But there was no way out now.