1.1. Sofia Romano's Morning

Sofia Romano’s alarm blared at 6 AM, pulling her from a restless sleep. She groaned, slapping at her phone until the noise ceased. With a sigh, she threw off her covers and rolled out of bed, her mind already buzzing with the day's challenges. She had court at 9 AM, and a mountain of paperwork awaited her at the office.

Sofia’s one-bedroom apartment was modest, reflecting her struggle to make ends meet as a junior attorney at a law firm known more for its demands than its pay. She quickly got dressed in a navy blue pantsuit, pulled her dark hair into a tight bun, and grabbed a piece of toast before heading out the door.

The subway ride was uneventful, filled with the usual crowd of commuters. Sofia stared at her reflection in the window, her dark eyes clouded with worry. Her younger brother, Marco, had gotten into trouble again. The mafia had extended their reach into his life, and she had no idea how to save him this time.

1.2. The Unexpected Meeting

As Sofia stepped into the courthouse, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the message from an unknown number: “Meet me at La Scala Restaurant at 7 PM. Come alone. It’s about your brother.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She knew better than to ignore a message like this. The name "La Scala" was enough to send a chill down her spine. It was a known hangout for the city’s most notorious criminals.

The rest of her day passed in a blur. She couldn’t focus during her court appearance, and her paperwork was a mess of crossed-out notes and scribbles. By the time the clock struck six, she was a bundle of nerves.

1.3. The Proposition

Sofia arrived at La Scala precisely at seven. The restaurant was dimly lit, exuding an air of opulence and danger. She was shown to a private booth in the back, where a man sat waiting. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp features and a presence that exuded power and control.

“Miss Romano, I’m Luca DeLuca,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “Please, sit.”

Sofia took a seat, her mind racing. Luca DeLuca was the CEO of DeLuca Enterprises, a name synonymous with wealth and influence. But beneath the surface, she knew there were darker connections.

“I understand you have a problem,” Luca began, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her uncomfortable. “Your brother owes a significant debt to some very dangerous people.”

Sofia nodded, unable to speak. The weight of the situation pressed down on her like a vice.

“I have a proposition for you,” Luca continued, his gaze unwavering. “Marry me. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more. In return, I’ll settle your brother’s debt and ensure his safety.”

Sofia’s mind reeled. A contract marriage? With a man like Luca? It was unthinkable, yet the alternative was far worse. Marco’s life hung in the balance, and this might be her only chance to save him.

“Why me?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Luca leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I have my reasons. But you must decide quickly. This offer won’t be on the table for long.”

Sofia’s heart pounded in her chest as she considered his words. She had no choice. With a deep breath, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

“Excellent,” Luca said, his smile widening. “We’ll discuss the details tomorrow. For now, enjoy your dinner.”

As Sofia forced herself to eat, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just made a deal with the devil.