Chapter-12

In an audacious attempt to solidify the ties of commerce, my father envisioned a union between myself and his nemesis' son. At first glance, Stefan did not possess the same stoic demeanour as his father, but who's to say? Men were notorious for transforming unpredictably, just like the capricious weather. The evening became a haze as I found myself betrothed to a stranger within a single hour, leaving my head pulsating with a throbbing ache. Despite the paralyzing reality of the situation, I resigned myself to the fact that I was powerless to alter my destiny.

Antonio Romano was not a man who would believe in love—and I surmise Stefan emulated him perfectly. Entwining myself with him would merely make me a pawn in his game of reputation. Neither spouse nor offspring would stir a flicker of concern within him. This harsh reality stoked the flames of disillusionment within me.

Over the course of the following five days, my focus was solely on reconciling with the har