TW: physical and mental abuse, murders, violence, etc.

Sofia's POV:

My heart raced as I walked down the hall, leading to my father's office, my footsteps were heavy and loud to let him know I was coming his way.

I placed my hand on the doorknob and turned it slowly, hesitant to walk in. But I did so anyway.

I stood confidently in front of my father, determined not to let him see my fear. “Yes, father?” I questioned strongly, standing in front of his wooden desk that filled half of the room. It had papers that were wet from him previously spilling his beer bottle, which was now empty on his desk along with the others. The room was dim, and his curtains were closed, not letting the sunlight through.

The intimidation was seeping out of him, yet his back was to me as he spoke.

“You are my youngest child, and only daughter” he declared with a careless but demanding tone. “You are going to get married to Ace Hernandez” My father put out his cigarette as he turned his chair around to see my heartbeat froze from just hearing the name. Ace Hernandez as in the Ace Hernandez. “They own one of the biggest Mafia's father” I responded with fear in my voice. I didn't want to marry someone because of their power, I wanted to marry someone who l loved and trusted. Someone who will respect me and care for me.

“Exactly, you will meet him in a week, you will make a good impression or else there will be consequences, do you understand?” my father spoke demandingly, gritting his teeth in anger.

The stench of alcohol filled the room. He was drunk as usual, I shouldn't be surprised as he has always been this way. “Yes, father” I stated, attempting to hide my anger and frustration. “Get out of my office” He grumbled, turning his chair away from me. A tear rolled down my cheek as I shut the door quietly.

I strutted down the hallway, feeling stunned about what he had just announced to me.

I headed straight for my room, shutting the door behind me. I lay on my bed, feeling overwhelmed by hopelessness and shock. I had mixed emotions; I didn't know this man. Ace could be abusive, aggressive, violent, loud, and even worse, a drunk like my own father. Not to mention, Ace does not have the best reputation in the Mafia. I could be stuck with a man who's exactly like my father and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard a light knock on my door. “Sofia?” my mother uttered softly before entering my room. “Mamá” I responded sadly as I frowned, finally letting the sadness consume me. My mom wrapped her arms around me, trying to comfort me the best she could.

I was upset, but I couldn't change the situation, so I'll just have to accept it.

She rubbed my back soothingly, trying to console me. “Your father told me today what he's planning, I wouldn't have let him, if I'd of known sooner” she tried to hold back the emotion in her voice. “I know” I sighed, hugging my mom tighter than before. “Your brothers are not going to be happy about this, especially Raul” My mom shook her head disappointed, not able to make eye contact with me.

Raul was my oldest brother, and surprisingly I get along with him the best. I have 4 other brothers, so 5 in total. Raul, Stefano, Marco, Javi and the youngest boy Diego. We're all only a year apart.

We are all Spanish, but my father had forbidden us from learning even a word of the language because he uses it to talk to his friends and Mafia alliances so that we can't listen to the conversation and know his idea's unless he wanted us to.

“Anyway, come down and eat with your family, dinner is ready” My mom spoke calmly as she stroked a strand of my loose hair behind my ear. She stood up and walked out; I followed my mom downstairs shortly after.

“Heyyyy Sof” Raul cheered, hugging me before noticing that I seemed upset. “What's wrong?” Raul asked worriedly, making all my other brothers stare at me. “Nothing, just a long day” I smiled reassuringly, sitting down at the table. I watched my father walk in with not a care in the world.

We all ate and everyone was talking about their day. “So, Sofia, how was your day?” Diego questioned me. My father stared at me sternly while he cut his steak, his harsh look warning me not to tell them. “Boring” I replied with a small smile before cutting into my own steak awkwardly. They all blinked at me a couple of times, but I shrugged it off before going back to talking.

“I have an announcement” my father's deep voice boomed from the top of the table, grabbing our attention immediately. All my brothers immediately stopped talking instantly, since it was one of my father's many rules.

If I talk, stop what you are doing immediately and listen.

“Your sister is getting married soon” He declared, standing his ground. I saw Raul's face drop and suddenly become flooded with rage. “Surely you can't be allowing this?!” Raul jumped up angrily. “Sit down boy, I haven't finished speaking” My father spat at Raul, causing him to slowly sit back down in fear.

Don't disobey my rules or question them.

“It was my decision” My father's voice echoed through the room. “She's only 18!” Marco slammed his fist on the table in anger. “How can you allow this?” Diego yelled, disgusted at Mamá. “She's the youngest of us all, you can't do this!” Raul pointed furiously at me while my mother tried to calm him down. I sat at the table quietly, unable to eat my food.

The table was chaotic with the noise of my brothers, as I stayed silent, not wanting to add to the commotion.

“STOP” my father roared, scaring us all. “I have a headache and I don't have time for this arguing, it's happening whether you boys agree with it or not” My father spat through his gritted teeth, before walking out of the kitchen. My father never called my brothers men, I think he does it to belittle them.

Raul left the table and stormed out of the room; He was more upset about this than I was.

“You be careful” Stefano warned me, pointing his knife at me. “Yes, I will be” I nodded reassuringly, trying to finally put this argument to rest. I knew no one could change my father's mind, he has always preferred the boys anyway.

“We have to go train Sof, we'll be back soon” Javi got up from the table and patted my head as he walked by, making me smile slightly. Diego, Marco, and Stefano following close behind Javi. My hair was a mess by the time they had all finished patting my head.

I smiled and shook my head while fixing my hair.

They still treat me like a child.

“Your brothers adore you” My mamá spoke up, staring at the food on her plate with regret. “Raul couldn't even look at me, he was so disgusted” my mother mumbled as a tear ran down her cheek. “Mamá, it's okay, it's not. Your fault” I reassured her as I washed my plate at the sink.

“He told me just before he told you, I was so angry, but it was out of my power; I just hope you understand” My mom strolled over to me.

She brushed my hair out of my face with her hand. “I love you, my baby” She grabbed my face gently, planting a kiss on my cheek. “I love you too, Mamá” I responded with a soft tone. “You will be okay, do you understand?” My mom raised her eyebrows at me questionably. I nodded slightly before she pulled me into her arms once again.

“I don't want to go” I finally admitted as she held me close. “You can't be stuck in this house forever” My mamá muttered to me.

“What about school?” I panicked as I stared worriedly at her. “You will still go to school, well, that's if Ace allows you” my mom froze thinking of him.

Ace had a cruel and merciless reputation that has not been broken to this day. Although I haven't heard anything in particular about him. It's like everyone in the Mafia knows who he is, but he's still mysterious in a sense.

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Exactly a week had passed.

Today was the day, I was going to be introduced to Ace.

I am supposedly going to greet him at a party where all the men and women dress up, so hopefully another woman will catch his eye. We dress up so dramatically to show off our money, not to mention you want to be the most attractive person in the room. Anyway, my father said it's arranged so even if Ace did find another girl attractive, he couldn't have her.

I had my dress on.

I had done my makeup and my mom had finished doing my hair.

“You look beautiful, my princess” my mom said as she held my hand in hers. “Thank you mamá” I replied with a small smirk before Raul knocked on my door.

Raul escorted me down to the front door as we waited for the limousine.

My father finally came out of his office\, minutes before we had to leave. **“The limo is on its way” **He rolled his eyes with no sign of emotion in his voice; He couldn't wait to get rid of me. I didn't look at my father\, purely because I didn't have to.

“I'm not happy about this!” Raul stated furiously to my father, letting his opinion on the situation be known. “Raul, stop it” My mother hissed at him.” You do not get a say in this, none of you do” My father spat viciously. I could see his breath from the air being so cold. “Take that jacket off immediately, once we get inside, understood?” My father growled at me. I nodded repeatedly.

The limo finally pulled up, my brothers and I got into the car. My mom helped get my dress into the limo as my father sat impatiently. “Faster” he snarled at my mom. “It was you who wanted this dress” I glared at him angrily, reminding him that I would've been perfectly happy wearing sweatpants and t-shirt to the ball. My father's stare snapped towards me.

I had forgotten my manners for a moment.

I felt like shrinking up into a ball while his cold, intense glare was glued to me. “Do not speak to me like that” He hissed at me, showing his 'dominance'. I didn't dare to stare in his direction; He grabbed my chin roughly and forced me to look at him. “Understand?” He growled, inches away from my face. “Yes” Tattered quickly and quietly due to the pain of him squeezing my chin. He released his grip on my face before scoffing at his own thoughts.

My mom stared at my father in shock while Raul took my hand and held it tight. I sat in silence as I tried not seem nervous. “You're bringing her to another man, the least you could do is give her a good memory of you or at least a decent one” My mom folded her arms sternly as she ignored my father. All my brothers stared at me, but I couldn't work up the courage to look at them.

My arm interlinked with Raul's as we walked into the ball. I shivered in the massive hall due to the dropping temperature, where people were gathering slowly. It had just started to snow outside for the first time in a few years. “Take that fucking shawl off you immediately!” my father gripped the rim of my shawl and ripped it from my freezing body. “But father….” I voiced with concern. “Don't speak unless I tell you to, I'm this close to beating you” He hissed into my ear so that no one else could hear, making shivers run down my spine. He showed me the tiniest gap between his thumb and finger. Why can't I keep my mouth shut?.

I saw a lot of people standing around, and some were just staring at me; Don't they know that it's rude to stare?. But sadly, it's one of the many downsides to being in one of the biggest mafia's in the world; if they're able, they will watch you.

“Everyone always watches us” I muttered under my breath to Raul as we stared at the crowds of people. “They stare at me because they're afraid, they stare at you simply because you are beautiful yet powerful; like a rose” Raul smiled gently at me. “I'm sorry I can't stop this arrangement, I wanted you to find love on your own” Raul grumbled disappointed as he shook his head, staring at the floor.

“Maybe it won't be so bad” I shrugged, trying to look on the bright side when suddenly the doors opened and the room fell silent.

“It's Ace”

“Ace…. Hernandez”,

“I've heard he's ruthless, merciless”

“He shows no remorse for anything he does”

So many whispers were flying around the room. I watched a few guards come in and there he was, Ace Hernandez. The man I was arranged to marry.

His foots steps echoed through the room, filling the crowds with immense.fear. I had a bad feeling about him, yet I couldn't help but watch his every move.

I finally got to see his face and he was very attractive. Not a single flaw on his face, but he had to go and ruin it by being a murderer. I noticed the skull tattoo on the side of his neck. It was the symbol of his mafia, but in way more detail.

His attractiveness was intimidating, so I couldn't imagine how insecure the guys felt when he walked in.

Ace slowly scanned the room, girls practically drooling over him as he glanced their direction. But then he spotted me. He stopped turning as he stood a few feet in front of me. He gazed at me from across the big hall, not breaking eye contact. Not only that, but he looked at me up and down before noticing my father.

My father approached Ace very quickly, barely giving the man a chance to breathe.

“Mr. Hernandez, it's nice to see you again” my dad blurted out, reminding him that they had met. I had never witnessed my father so unprofessional; I could see him trying to bury his fear.

“Yes, and your daughter, what is her name?” Ace uttered urgently, not paying the slightest bit of attention to my father. “Daughter” my dad shouted at me.

Raul wish me luck before I strolled reluctantly towards my fathers. My other brothers couldn't even watch. Diego was facing the window. I don't blame them. Watching your sibling being given away, who would want to watch that.

I saw a smirk appear on Ace's face as I approached them. “Father” I nodded obediently.

“This is Ace, Ace Hernandez” my father introduced him proudly; He seemed more proud of Ace than any of his own sons. “Ace, this is my daughter” my father stopped speaking at daughter. Ace turned his attention to my father. “So she doesn't have a name?” Ace questioned my father with a hint of anger in his tone. “She does, not that she deserves it” My father laughed, expecting him to chuckle along, but Ace's facial expression seemed unamused.

“What is your name?” Ace raised his eyebrow at me. “I'm Sofia Diaz” I spoke confidently with a polite tone. Ace held out his hand and I flinched slightly. He frowned his eyebrows in confusion, before I shook off my momentary weakness and continued to shake his hand.

“I assume this is who I'm marrying?” Ace announced to my father. “Yes, you will be marrying Sofia” my father nodded, confirming Ace's thoughts.

“Okay, we're leaving now” Ace demanded as he wrapped an arm around my waist, forcing me to walk with him. “Can I say goodbye to my brothers?” I pleaded with Ace as I glanced back, every single one of my brothers in shock. “No you can't” Ace continued to walk and forced me to walk with him. Ace opened the limo door and I climbed in; Purely because I didn't have a choice.

Yes, Ace was devilishly handsome, but he gave off a cold vibe. He looked quite young, definitely not as old as I had previously imagined him to be.

Ace sat next to me in the limo. The silence was deafening. I didn't want to speak, or look at Ace. I knew that if I had made a big deal, he probably would've punished me like my father.

“Wayne will have your room ready when we get back to the house” Ace's deep husky voice spoke.

I nodded in response. “I'd prefer a thank you” Ace hissed at me, rolling his eyes. “Thank you” I mumbled, not feeling thankful.

It didn't make sense?. Those galas are usually held mainly for business and to build alliances, so why didn't Ace try to align with people? I was probably asking a stupid question, he does control the biggest Mafia in the world, so why would he need allies; Allies need him.

The limo arrived at Ace's mansion. “Ace you're back” A woman who was small and frail greeted him at the door with a cheerful tone. “Mamá, I told you to get some rest” I heard Ace say.

“Ahh I'm okay, just a little sick, so let me see, who is she?” His mom asked eagerly.

Ace opened the car door for me and I stepped out. “Hi” I smiled politely as I held my hand out for her to shake it. “Ahh she's beautiful” His mom embraced me in her arms.

“Where's father?” Ace asked his mom. I tensed up at the word father. “He is in his office” she scoffed, rolling her eyes at the thoughts of him which wasn't a good sign.

“Of course” Ace grumbled angrily while rolling his eyes.

“Let me show you to your room” Ace's mom offered while she beamed happily.

Ace was very handsome. He had light-brown hair that was good to a length, bright blue eyes, tanned skin, tattoos that stretched up his left arm, muscular, but he lacked a personality. It's like he was empty; It's like he was a robot.

Ace strutted into the mansion and walked up the stairs. His mom lead me to my room. “Ace picked out the clothes and furniture himself which is rare, I must admit” His mom explained as we walked into the room.

The room itself was beautiful. It was dark yet cozy at the same time.

“Your clothes are in this closet here and if you need anything feel free to ask Ace” His mom smiled welcoming after pointing her finger at the wardrobe. “Thank you” I nodded as I sat on the bed, not sure what to think about the whole situation. “Oh, I almost forgot, my name is Denice” she snickered after shaking her head at her forgetfulness.

“Dinner will be ready soon, dear” Denice uttered before leaving the room.

I decided to change out of my dress as it was uncomfortable and flashy.