PROLOGUE…KIRA’S POVThe morning sun spilled its light through the stained-glass windows of the wedding hall,The air was thick with the scent of roses and lilies, and the soft hum of a string quartet filled the space with a romantic melody.I stood at the back of the hall, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't tell if it was due to my nervousness or the overwhelming excitement of finally being able to get married to Dylan. My hands trembled slightly as the large double doors slowly opened. Today, I would marry Dylan, the man I had loved even before I knew what love was.My father stood in front of me, his hands akimbo, waiting for me to take his arm. I couldn't help the shiver that ran through my body as our skin made contact.“Stop shaking like a fool and smile,” he instructed, his tone sounding more like a warning than encouragement.The veil over my eyes blurred my sight, but the sound of the orchestra playing was enough to make me giddy and momentarily forget my fath
Four weeks earlier…Kira's Pov"Are you ready?" Aunt Linda asked and my eyes widened with excitement. It seemed like she had found a way out."Yes," I replied, dragging the sun dress down my thighs."Okay, you're set to go. Just remember to come back on time," she instructed. I nod, too excited to reply.The corridors were empty, allowing me to walk out without being seen. To an outsider, it might seem like a mischievous teenager trying to sneak out of the house with Aunt Linda as my accomplice. But my life was far more complicated than that. My name is Kira Neel. I am the first daughter of the Neel Family.My family held immense power in the country and my father was the Don of the American mafia. Being the eldest daughter of this family, one might expect that I would be a pampered princess living a life of luxury and privilege.However, my reality had always been more similar to that of an abandoned princess.My mother's death during my birth was the breaking point of my father's
KIRA’S POV“Give me your word and I'll make it look like an accident boss.” the guard growled, his gun still aimed at Dylan.Adrain waved a dismissive hand, a smirk playing on his lips. “There is no need for all that Romaro. Sadly, he's family,” he replied and the guard, Romaro retracted his gun and stepped back behind Adrian.I gulped nervously, my hands trembling under the table. Just how powerful was Adrain to have a guard so ready to do his bidding?Adrain only spared a glance at Dylan before returning his gaze to me. Dylan narrowed his eyes, a death glare fixed on Adrian. Unfazed, Adrain dragged the documents toward him, taking the pen Dylan had offered earlier. Without so much as glancing at the contents, he signed them.Dylan was about to say something else but Aidan stood up to leave. "Next time you might want to try sending a singing telegram, might get my attention quicker," he said before stepping out the door.Dylan scoffed slightly after Adrian's departure, "I don't under
THIRD PERSON’S POV…The engagement party…The guests arrived, wine glasses in hand, comfortably discussing with one another. Dylan’s eyes roamed over the hall, searching for one person—the reason for the occasion. He was about to go and look for her when he heard the clink of a spoon against a glass, drawing everyone’s attention. It was Kira’s father, Tius."Ladies and gentlemen, Tonight, we celebrate the age-long union of our two families. As you all know, centuries ago, my great-great-grandfather Julius Neel was on the verge of ruin, all the other families abandoned us except the great Romano Vasillios. And with his help, we overcame our enemies and In gratitude, Julius agreed to a marriage alliance between our families. This blood alliance has allowed our families to coexist peacefully for generations. And tonight, we honor this legacy through the marriage of my beautiful daughter Kira and Dylan Vasillios." he paused, looking around."So here's to love and family. Let's all raise o
KIRA’S POV.THE PRESENT…"You move an inch more, and a bullet goes through her skull." my father's voice rang in my head.I watched as Aunt Linda shut her eyes, her body trembling with fear. I couldn't bear to see her suffer because of me again. She still has the scars from last time. But I also couldn't let my father blackmail me into marrying a criminal."You can't force me into this, Father," I stated, maintaining a stoic expression. I couldn't let him see he had me."Or maybe I can." he dragged her hair, making her open her mouth in a scream. Seeing this, he held her closer, forcing the gun into her mouth."Father!" I cried, my eyes widened in shock. "Please don't do this. You can't make me marry someone I don't love. He's a criminal, father." “Don’t be dramatic, Kira. We’re all criminals—it’s our line of work. I’ll give you ten seconds to decide, and you know better than anyone that I don’t bluff.”I felt everyone's eyes on me, trying to predict what my answer would be. Will I c
KIRA’S POVI looked at myself in the mirror, for the second time that day, all glamoured up, but this time I wasn't clad in a white wedding dress. A blue gown hugged my curves, accentuating my figure beautifully.A smile tugged at my lips as I noticed how my eyes sparkled, perfectly matching the colour of the dress. But then my conversation with Adrian crept back into my mind. And Suddenly, the urge to tear the dress off overwhelmed me, and the smile faded, my expression mirroring the emptiness I felt inside.***"You'll be going," he had said with authority, his eyes holding a stern glare similar to mine.“What makes you think I’ll listen to you? I thought I was just your brother’s sloppy seconds. So why are you so eager to show me off?” I challenged him.He looked at me, his face expressionless, making one think he wasn't affected by my words, but the way his fist tightened beside him hinted otherwise. It was enough for me to know I had gotten to him.“I couldn’t care less if you we
KIRA’S POV"Did I stutter?" Adrian's voice cut through the air, sharp as a blade. "I said," his tone dropped to a menacing growl, "hit her back."I stared at him in confusion. "B-But-" I began, but he cut me off."No buts. Either you hit her back, or I hit you." His gaze bore into me, cold and unforgiving. "And trust me, I've killed millions. My palm on your face wouldn't exactly be gentle." He emphasized the last word, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.The room erupted in murmurs. Kayla looked at me in shock, while Dylan stared at the ground, clearly too scared to defy Adrian.I glanced around hoping someone might come to my rescue. But who was I kidding, everyone knew Adrian's reputation. None would dare challenge him. "Adrian, please," I whispered, my hands trembling at my sides."Patience," Adrian snarled, "is not one of my virtues. And I'm sure our guests here would prefer to get back to their festivities," he added, his voice rising so that everyone could hear. “Now, d
KIRA’S POVI sat at the table, my untouched breakfast in front of me. Aunt Linda had practically dragged me out of my room, insisting I eat something. The sound of a chair scraping across the floor caught my attention. I looked up to see Adrian settling in opposite me, dressed sharply in a black suit.“Good morning” I grumbled but he continued to stare at the newspaper in front of him. It had been exactly a week since his release party and three days since I found him fucking a whore. This was the first time we’d shared a meal at the dining table since, but I doubted he was here to bond."Prepare yourself for tonight," he finally said, his voice breaking the silence. I looked up at him, the food in front of me still untouched."For what? Another porn series starring you?" I snapped, the memory playing on an endless loop in my mind.He smiled—a twisted, almost genuine expression. "I didn’t realize you enjoyed such things," he replied coolly. "I bet you walked away with your panties so
KIRA’S POV“Instead of pointing guns, maybe you should focus on controlling your wife, Azrael,” Fabrizio sneered, his eyes drilling into me. “She was the one throwing herself at me. Knowing you, I’d think you’d warn her about men like me. So, let’s not pretend I’m the one to blame here.”My heart dropped. “No… I didn’t—he’s lying.” I stammered, glancing at Adrian, his expression was frigid and unreadable. My gaze flicked to Paulo, standing nearby, his face barely masking the storm brewing beneath.The man Adrian had called Caruso earlier, spoke up, his voice as icy as the atmosphere around us. “Let Mancini go, and we’ll release your girl. There’s no need to turn your inauguration into a bloodbath.”Adrian released Fabrizio’s collar, sending him stumbling backward. Everyone still had their guns up and that just made the sickening feeling in my stomach grow with each passing second. Almost immediately, Romano pushed from between the crowd, making his way to me, “Did he harm you in any
KIRA’S POV My breath hitched in my throat as I felt all eyes on me. I could hear the whispers increase as I moved down the stairs. Were they talking about me? I kept my head high, willing to stay strong. This wasn’t the time to be sentimental. I made my way to the stage where Adrian stood, trying hard not to trip in this absurdly expensive dress, and took my place beside him.“Father,” I whispered, slightly bowing to acknowledge Paulo’s presence. My heart thumped wildly as I felt the heavy weight of the necklace pulling me back to reality. My hand instinctively darted up to touch the exquisite jewelry. Thank God I’d found it; otherwise, Adrian’s mother would have probably skinned me alive—assuming she got to me before Adrian did.“Welcome my dear.” He replied, humming with dismissiveness. I guess I was right on time!“You’re late.” Adrian hissed under his breath, his cold eyes boring into my soul. “I had some minor dress issues to attend to, I’m sorry.” I averted my gaze, unwillin
ADRIAN’S POVI stood by the window of my penthouse, sipping a glass of fine scotch and gazing out at the city's twinkling lights. After leaving Kira at lunch yesterday I had holed myself up in here, the weight of responsibility settling heavy on my shoulders.Tonight, I will officially become the Don.My thoughts drifted to my father, the man who had built our empire on bloodshed and deceit. I spat on his legacy.That monster had sacrificed everything and everyone for power. Including me.I remembered the day I was sentenced to prison, taking the fall for one of his deals gone sour, we had a deal. I would take over once I got out; but after the final hearing, as I was being led away. He looked at me like he would never see me again like I wouldn’t make it out.But I survived.Inside those walls, I had encountered countless attempts in my life. I was convinced my father had sent them, hoping to eliminate the one person wh
KIRA’S POV“You look stunning!” My stylist Emma squealed once I came out of the changing room. She had offered to come to the house for the fitting but I declined because I wanted to leave the house. No, I needed to leave the house!All week Adrian has been on my ass, I was taking shooting lessons and Ralph my new personal trainer was grilling me in the gym. Adrian said and I quote, ‘Weak people are a liability, physical strength is just as important as mental toughness’Whatever that means!Romano was always there, even during my gym sessions. At first, I was uncomfortable, but I had grown used to the gigantic robot man always lurking in the corner.I am almost certain he isn't human.“What do you think,” Emma asked looking up at me.‘What do I think? I think I need to rest, I need to eat. I’m so freaking sore all over!’ I screamed in my head. God, I see what that sounds like.“It’s beautifu
KIRA’S POVMy first task was to hit ten consecutive targets at the shooting range. When I asked Adrian to help me become stronger, this wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned. I had hoped he would teach me how to be emotionless and reserved like him, but it seemed Adrian had other plans. The next day, he sent Romano to escort me to the mansion’s shooting range."Ever fired a gun before?" Adrian asked, handing me a sleek pistol."I've practiced,” I replied, "but never actually shot at targets.”My father made sure we learned how to shoot, he said we needed to be able to protect ourselves from any form of danger if the day ever came. However, I never took it seriously because I was never allowed within ten feet of the outside world beyond the mansion. Until now that is.Adrian's smirk hinted at doubt, “Go off," he said walking out of the pit.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my hands, as I focused. The first few shots
KIRA’S POV“Mrs Vasillos?” Someone called out, knocking on my door. I groaned, pulling the duvet higher to my chin. The knocking stopped and I sighed in relief, closing my eyes.“Mrs Vasillos!” The voice called out again.For fuck’s sake! It’s Saturday! Can’t I get a fucking break?I reluctantly sat up and rubbed my eyes, “Just a sec!” I groaned and got up, grabbing my robe from the nightstand and wrapping it around me. I yanked the door open to see Romano standing in front of the door.“Yes?” I asked, annoyed.“Your stylist is here, the Don wants you downstairs in ten minutes,” he said, before walking away.I stood there with the door open, confused. What stylist?I shut the door and sighed in anger; I wanted to sleep in today. After the talk with Adrian yesterday, I was up all night thinking about ways to prove to Adrian that I needed his help.I packed my hair up and walked into the shower. After my shower, I put on a T-shirt and some shorts before heading downstairs. A stylish wo
KIRA'S POVAdrian's father, Paulo walked further into the room alongside Dylan, a stern expression on his face. Their entrance drew attention from the already seated guests, and they all stood up to shake hands. Adrian's father's gaze swept the room, his displeasure evident. He cleared his throat taking a seat, "Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry we're late,” he said, his eyes narrowed at his son’s plate before looking up at him "I didn't expect you to start without us."Adrian unfazed, shrugged and started to eat. I could feel Dylan’s eyes on me as he slipped into the seat beside his father, directly across from me. My hands fidgeted in my lap nervously.“Kira,” Adrian called, and I looked up at him. His expression remained impassive, but his voice took on a hint of annoyance. "Eat.”I grabbed a spoon and started to put food on my plate. Only the sound of cutlery was heard in the room as everyone ate in silence. After the meal, the maids brought Panna Cotta but Adrian rejected his.The
KIRA’S POVClick.Silence.My breath caught in my throat.No bullet.My eyes flickered to my husband as he laughed crazily."For someone who tried to kill herself, you sure are afraid to die." Adrian sneered.He rotated the gun, and a new magazine clicked into place.My terror reignited and my heart raced. Adrian’s finger wrapped around the trigger again and I shut my eyes tightly as I braced for impact.“Kira dear?” Maria's voice came suddenly from the door breaking the tension.My eyes shot open and I looked towards the door in hope while Adrian glared at it looking annoyed. He wouldn’t kill me with a witness around, would he? I thought trembling.Maria knocked again “Kira darling, are you okay in there? I brought you food.” I struggled against the ropes again, not daring to shout. Adrian sighed and walked towards the door opening it just the slightest.“My wife is a bit… occupied,” he said, glancing back at me with a sinister smirk forming on his lips. He pressed a finger to his m
KIRA’S POVFor a brief moment, there was silence—a huge emptiness. The wind screamed in my ears as I jumped, but I didn't move, something held me back. My breath hitched “Dylan?" I whispered, my heart leaping at the thought that he'd run after me. Relief flooded my chest for a split second until l turned back and realized it wasn't him. My dress had hooked on a metal bar sticking out from the ledge."Ugh!" I groaned, feeling frustrated. "Does the universe hate me so much that It won't even let me commit suicide in peace?"I yanked my dress free, the fabric ripping as I stumbled backward. I cursed under my breath and turned back toward the edge of the roof, feeling more determined.“There’s nothing left for me here,” I whispered to no one. The world spun around me as I stepped forward. This time, there was no hesitation, no stupid rod to hold me back. The air whipped past my face, time seeming to stretch. The noise of the city below dulled into an eerie silence.For a moment, I felt w