The city was shrouded in a thick, dark fog, typical of winter nights. The lights from the streetlamps barely managed to penetrate the curtain of fog, creating a mysterious and almost ethereal atmosphere. In the middle of this scene stood the two most imposing mansions in the city, belonging to the Moretti and DeLuca families.

Luca Moretti watched the horizon from his window, lost in his thoughts. At just 25 years old, he was already considered the natural heir of his family, a responsibility that had weighed on his shoulders from a very young age. His father, Alessandro Moretti, was known for his iron fist and his shrewdness in business. Luca knew that one day he would have to follow in his footsteps, but deep down, he wished he could escape that fate.

Meanwhile, at the DeLuca mansion, Adrian was preparing to attend a social event organized by his family. Although outwardly he showed a relaxed and confident attitude, inside he felt a constant pressure to prove his worth. At 24, Adrian had a reputation for being charismatic and daring, traits that often got him into trouble. But tonight, he would have to maintain a facade of control and elegance.

Tonight's event was a charity gala hosted by the two families to improve their public image and keep up appearances. The event hall was elegantly decorated, filled with bright lights and soft music that created an atmosphere of sophistication. The guests, dressed in their finest, chatted animatedly, unaware of the tensions lurking beneath the smiles and toasts.

Luca arrived at the event accompanied by his mother, Sofia, an elegant and reserved woman who always supported her son. As they walked through the hall, Luca could feel the respectful and curious glances of the guests. He knew that everyone saw him as the future leader of the Moretti family, and though he tried to ignore the expectations, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.

On the other hand, Adrian arrived with his father, Vittorio DeLuca, an imposing man whose presence filled any room. Adrian greeted the guests with his typical charming smile, although in his mind he only thought about surviving the night without making mistakes that could embarrass his family.

It was then that their paths crossed. Luca and Adrian found themselves face to face near the appetizer table. For an instant, time seemed to stop. They both stared at each other, as if trying to decipher the other's thoughts. To Luca, Adrian was an enigma, a man who seemed to be completely sure of himself, but whose eyes reflected an internal struggle. To Adrian, Luca represented everything he wanted to be: calm, reserved and respected.

—Luca Moretti, right? Adrian said, extending his hand with a sly smile.

Luca nodded and shook his hand, noticing the firmness in Adrian's grip.

“Adrian DeLuca,” Luca replied, unable to hide a tone of distrust in his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

"The pleasure is mine," Adrian replied, still smiling. “It seems that our families keep us busy.”

"That's right," Luca said, without looking away. “Would you like to join our table?”

Adrian nodded and together they went to one of the tables in the room, where the guests were surprised to see the heirs of the rival families chatting amicably. As the night progressed, Luca and Adrian found common ground and began to understand that, beyond their differences and family rivalries, they both shared the same concerns and dreams.

That night, without knowing it, they had taken the first step towards a destiny that would change their lives forever.

It's my first novel in English, I hope you like it 😅 and sorry if the English is a little bad 😅

The moonlight dimly illuminated the living room of the Moretti mansion. Luca was sitting on the couch, going through some important documents related to his family's business. Despite the apparent calm in the room, his mind was agitated. He couldn't stop thinking about the encounter with Adrian DeLuca at the charity gala. There was something in Adrian's gaze that had left him intrigued, a mix of boldness and vulnerability that disconcerted him.

Meanwhile, at the DeLuca mansion, Adrian was in his room, looking out the window. The night had been a whirlwind of emotions for him. The encounter with Luca had awakened within him a series of feelings that he could not fully understand. Since he was little, he had been raised to see the Morettis as enemies, but there was something about Luca that made him question that teaching. His mind traveled back to the conversation they had had, to the words exchanged and the furtive glances they had shared.

That night, both young people realized that, despite their family rivalries, they shared something deeper: a feeling of isolation and the need to find their own way.

The next morning, Luca woke up early and decided to take a walk in the mansion's garden. The fresh morning air helped him clear his mind and reflect on recent events. As he walked among the flowers and trees, he met his mother, Sofia, who had also come out to enjoy the morning air.

“Good morning, Luca,” Sofia said with a smile. “It seems that you have a lot to think about.”

“Good morning, Mom,” Luca replied. “Yes, the truth is that I have been thinking about a lot of things lately.”

Sofia watched him closely, noticing the concern in her son's eyes.

“You know you can always talk to me, right?” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Luca nodded and sighed.

“Yes, I know.” It’s just that… I’ve been thinking about our encounter with the DeLucas last night. I met Adrian, and despite everything we’ve been taught about his family, I couldn’t help but feel like there’s more than meets the eye.

Sofia looked at him with understanding.

“Sometimes, things aren’t as simple as they seem. But remember that our families have a long and complicated history. You must be cautious, Luca.”

Luca nodded, grateful for his mother’s advice. He knew he should remain cautious, but he couldn’t ignore what he felt.

Meanwhile, Adrian decided to pay a visit to a small coffee shop in the center of town. It was one of the few places where he could relax and escape the pressures of his family, at least for a little while. He sat down at a table near the window and ordered a coffee. While he waited, he took out his notebook and began to write some notes about his thoughts and feelings. Writing had always been a way to free his mind.

Unwittingly, fate seemed to be playing tricks on them, as Luca had also decided to visit the same coffee shop. As he walked in, his gaze met Adrian's, who looked at him in surprise.

“Luca…” Adrian murmured, unable to hide his astonishment.

Luca smiled slightly and walked over to Adrian's table.

“Hey, Adrian. Mind if I sit with you?”

Adrian shook his head and smiled.

“Sure, go ahead. What brings you here?”

Luca sat down and took a sip of his coffee before answering.

“I needed a change of scenery. Things at home can be overwhelming sometimes.”

Adrian nodded, fully understanding what Luca meant.

“I understand you. Sometimes, I need to get away from it all, too.”

As they chatted, they both began to share more about their lives, their dreams, and their fears. The connection between them grew stronger with each word, and even though they knew their families wouldn’t approve of their friendship, neither of them could deny what they felt.

The conversation went on for hours, and when it was time to say goodbye, they both felt reluctant to part. They had found in each other a refuge, a place where they could be themselves without fear of judgment.

“I’m glad I talked to you, Luca,” Adrian said, with a genuine smile. “I hope we can do it again.”

“I hope so too, Adrian,” Luca replied. “Take care.”

As they walked away, they both knew their friendship was meant to be a secret. But in their hearts, a spark of hope and love had begun to burn.

The air in Luca’s room was thick with tension. The Morettis had gathered to discuss important matters, and Luca knew something big was about to be revealed. Sitting next to his father, he listened intently as Alessandro Moretti spoke about the current situation of his family and their business. The room was silent, only interrupted by the occasional creak of wood underfoot.

“We have reached a critical point in our relationship with the DeLucas,” Alessandro said, his voice firm and authoritative. “It has been years of clashes and mistrust, but now, a unique opportunity presents itself to turn things around.”

Luca frowned, not quite understanding what his father meant. Alessandro turned to him, looking him straight in the eyes.

“Luca, we have agreed to an alliance with the DeLucas. As part of this agreement, it has been decided that you and Adrian DeLuca must marry. This marriage will cement our alliance and strengthen both families.”

The impact of his father’s words hit Luca like a wave. He was speechless, trying to process what he had just heard. He knew his life was destined to follow the dictates of his family, but he had never imagined it would be through an arranged marriage to the son of his greatest rival.

Meanwhile, at the DeLuca mansion, Adrian was in the middle of a similar conversation with his father, Vittorio. The news of the arranged marriage had also taken him by surprise.

“An arranged marriage with Luca Moretti?” Adrian asked, incredulous. “What if neither of us wants to do it?”

“This isn’t about what we want, Adrian,” Vittorio replied seriously. “It’s about what our families need. This alliance is crucial to our survival. You must do what is expected of you.”

Adrian clenched his fists, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. He knew that defying his father would not be a viable option, but he also knew that accepting this marriage without question would be a betrayal of himself.

The next day, a meeting was arranged between the two families to discuss the details of the marriage. Luca and Adrian met face to face once again, this time under much more tense circumstances. Their parents were present, along with other important members of their families. The atmosphere in the room was thick and charged with expectations.

“Luca, Adrian,” Alessandro said, breaking the silence. “We know this may be difficult for you, but it is a decision that will benefit both families. We hope that you can accept this marriage and work together for the common good.”

Adrian looked at Luca, searching for some sign of his thoughts. Although they had not had much time together, he felt a connection with him that he could not ignore. Luca, for his part, knew that he should accept this alliance, but he also felt a growing unease within himself.

“We understand the importance of this alliance,” Luca said finally, trying to remain calm. I will do whatever it takes for the well-being of our family.

Adrian nodded, though in his mind he was still struggling with his own feelings.

“We will do what is expected of us,” Adrian said, his voice firm, but with a spark of defiance in his eyes.

After the meeting, Luca and Adrian were left alone for a moment. The silence between them was awkward, but they both knew they had to talk.

“I didn’t expect this,” Adrian said, breaking the silence. “But if we are going to do this, we need to be honest with each other. I don’t want this marriage to be just an empty agreement.”

Luca nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief.

“I agree,” he said. “If we are going to go through this together, we need to support each other. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am willing to try.”

Adrian smiled slightly, feeling that, despite the circumstances, he had found an ally in Luca.

“Then, let’s start from scratch,” Adrian said. Let's put rivalries behind us and try to build something new.

Luca nodded, feeling a spark of hope inside him. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he also knew that, with Adrian by his side, maybe they could find a way to overcome the obstacles together.