Lilly's POV:

Today as always I was in my room because my dad doesn't let me go out even step outside the mansion not because he protects me or anything but because he thinks that I don't deserve to be happy and he is right because since the day that he told me it was all because of me that my mother dead I hate myself and I can't forgive myself for that

I even tried to kill myself but one night when I slept I dreamt of my mom for the first time and I didn't see her face but I knew that she was my mother because I felt it I wanted to hug her and tell her that "mom I am coming with you "

But she shook her head and said "No dear you are not coming with me and I don't want you to think about what you wanted to do again " and I started to cry because I knew what she meant by that and then I promised her that I would never think about that again......

When I woke up I cried so much that my eyes were swollen and then I jumped to my feet when suddenly the door to my bedroom opened and I gasped when I saw my father he was so angry That I could tell

As I glanced up at the clock mounted on the wall, my breath caught in my throat. It was half past six in the morning. A wave of panic washed over me. 'There's no way! I was supposed to make breakfast for my father!' I thought frantically. I had lost track of time, and now I was facing the consequences. My heart raced as I turned to look at him, and I could see the fury etched across his face. His eyes were narrowed, and his jaw was clenched, but beneath the anger, there was something else—he looked tired and unwell, his complexion pale, as if he hadn't slept properly. Maybe he had been drinking again? My stomach twisted at the thought, knowing that this wasn't going to end well.

But that doesn't matter because he is going to beat me to death, I heard him say "Useless piece of shit didn't I say that you must wake up at 6 every morning to cook huh" he shouted angrily and I was so scared I didn't know what to do and then I said "I.I. I'm s..s.sorry "but then he said angrily "shut the fuck up bitch you can't even talk properly, I think you don't behave recently so I have to teach you a good lesson " and after that, he started to unlock his belt on his pants and I screamed In my mind 'no please I can't it hurts so much' but who listens to me

After he had done hit me he old my hair so strongly that I screamed and he said: "That's your punishment for today be grateful that I haven't killed you yet but if you ever disobey me again I will kill you mark my words, now go and prepare breakfast before I repeat myself, get it?" He asked I nodded and quickly got out of my room and headed downstairs to cook

As I made my way down the staircase, I caught sight of my aunt Jessica, my dad's sister, doubled over with laughter at my predicament. Her laughter rang through the living room, echoing off the walls and mingling with the morning light streaming through the windows. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance; her amusement was nothing new to me. I had faced countless challenges and embarrassing moments before, and this was just another chapter in my ongoing saga. I had grown accustomed to handling the worst of situations, so her reaction barely phased me. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I had seen far worse and could get through this, too.

..............

Every morning, I wake up early to prepare a hearty breakfast in the grand kitchen of the mansion. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as I whip up eggs, bacon, and toast, making sure everything is just right. After I've served the meal on the long, elegant dining table, I stay behind to wash the dishes, wipe down the counters, and tidy up the kitchen.

Once I've finished, I take a deep breath, knowing that my real work has just begun. With no maid to assist me, I tackle the vast rooms of the mansion all on my own. Dusting the ornate furniture, vacuuming the intricate rugs, and polishing the chandeliers become my tasks for the day. This is my routine, day in and day out, and I've grown accustomed to the rhythm of it all. The expansive nature of the mansion can feel daunting at times, but I take pride in my work, knowing that I keep this beautiful home in order.

.............

In the evening I prepared dinner for my father and my aunt and when I was done setting the table I tried to take my plate to my room and eat there because my father told me that he didn't want to see my face when he was eating but stopped when he called me "Lily come to the table I have to tell you something " he said coldly but I nodded and went to the table and when my father and aunt sit I sit down too I saw my aunt that glaring at me and looked at me with disgust and then my father instructed us to eat

As we finished our meal, an unsettling silence hung in the air, and I found myself anxiously awaiting my father to break it. When he finally spoke, his words struck me like a thunderbolt: "Lily, I have arranged your marriage to a mafia man. Tomorrow, you will become his wife." With that, he stood abruptly and left the table, leaving me in a state of shock.

My heart raced, and a whirlwind of emotions flooded my mind. Should I feel happy about this arrangement? Or terrified? The reality was that I had no say in the matter; my future felt like it had been decided without any consideration for my feelings.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and before I could process what had just happened, a single tear slipped down my cheek. When I finally dared to raise my head, I caught sight of my aunt, who had been silently observing from the corner of the room. She wore a smirk that was anything but kind, a look that sent a chill down my spine. At that moment, I understood that she had orchestrated this entire situation, her eyes glinting with a devilish satisfaction. It was clear that I was caught in a web of decisions and manipulations that had little to do with my hopes and dreams.

As I was lost in my thoughts, she unexpectedly broke the silence. "You know what?" she began, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm happy for you. You deserve that bitch who thinks can get away with anything. But don't get your hopes up too high about finding happiness when you leave this house. Life outside isn't as easy as it seems, and the challenges may surprise you." Her words lingered in the air, and I sensed a mix of concern and sincerity behind them.

"Hahaha surprise your soon-to-be husband is our enemy and wants to kill you by any chance

Oh I forgot to tell you congratulations dear I hope you die soon Hahaha" and then she left

She was laughing hysterically, her laughter echoing in the empty hallway like a wild storm. I couldn't quite grasp the reason behind her animosity towards me; it puzzled me to no end. Even now, as I reflect on the sting of her words, a shiver runs down my spine. The way she spoke felt like a dark cloud hanging over my head, casting shadows of doubt and fear that lingered long after our encounter.

Initially, when my dad announced that I was to marry someone, I felt a flicker of hope that perhaps this meant I would finally escape the confines of our house. However, everything changed when my aunt started to speak about my soon-to-be husband. Her words were laced with warnings and fear, painting him as a dangerous rival to my father. It suddenly became all too clear to me that I was caught in a web of conflict I couldn't escape.

Despite everything I had endured, from the beatings of my father to the oppressive atmosphere in our home, I always managed to survive. I clung to that hope, but this time, an overwhelming sense of dread consumed me. My impending marriage to my father's enemy filled me with terror. I knew the kind of men my father associated with, and I could only imagine the brutality that would unfold if they felt threatened by me or my decision.

In a moment of desperation, I recalled the promise I made to my mother in my dream —to stay strong and not join her too soon. I did not want to abandon that vow, but the fear of death was closing in on me. I could almost hear her whispering to me in the shadows, urging me to hold on. "Oh God, please help me," I pleaded silently, hoping for a miracle to either save me from this fate or give me the strength to face it. The walls of my world were closing in, and I could feel the weight of my choices pressing down on my chest.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Hi guys this is my first book what do you think about it? Please let me know, and thank you.

Ricardo's POV:

  I wake up every morning at 5 A.M. before heading to work. I like to work out because it helps me feel more relaxed. Right now, I'm living in one of my hotels, and I've been here for a month. It's been an adjustment to live alone, but I'm getting used to it.

  I used to live at my parent's house, but things took a turn for the worse after a heated argument with my dumb stepbrother. It all started over something trivial, but as the conversation escalated, his obnoxious attitude and constant provocations pushed me over the edge. Now, I find it hard to even think about being in the same space as him. Just the thought of seeing his smug face again makes my blood boil and fills me with frustration. It's become clear that I need some distance to regain my peace of mind.

  When I woke up I saw a woman next to me ' fuck I did it again' I thought,

  I have a really strong sexual desire especially when I am drunk, when I feel stressed or anxious I call one of my mistresses to pleasure me I only fuck them with no feeling no passion nothing

  When they were done I gave them the money and kicked them out that's how my life is till now I was thinking when suddenly someone hugged me from behind

  And I looked around and see that the slut is trying to seduce me I let go of her hand around me and faced her she was looking at me with lust I smirked and then pulled her hair down until she screamed with pain she still has no idea what I am trying to do and put my hands on her neck and squeezed so hard that she gasped and her face turned from red to white

  She was about to die

  And then I let her go she was breathing so fast and started to cry and then said "Please baby stop why are you doing this to me huh, " she said trying to be cute "Hahaha.....listen bitch if you ever try to disturb me again not that I will take you twice but I will kill you, do you get it bitch? And don't dare call me baby you whore, the money is on the table.....now fuck off" I can see that she is so scared so she immediately got up from the bed and leaves.....

  ...........

After an intense hour of workout at the gym, I showered, changed, and left for the office, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. As I settled into my chair at my desk, the familiar hum of the office faded into the background, and I began to sift through emails that had piled up since my arrival. Suddenly, my phone rang, jolting me from my concentration. I glanced at the screen and saw my father's name flashing back at me.

With a sigh, I hesitated before answering. Our conversations had become increasingly strained, and I braced myself for what I knew would be another difficult discussion. "Don't tell me that you want me back," I blurted out as I picked up the call, my voice steady yet edged with defiance. "Because I will not return until you agree to give me your property." The words hung in the air, a mix of ambition and resentment, as I acknowledged my true motive: to claim what I believed was rightfully mine and to ultimately take my place as the next don in our family legacy.

To my surprise, he didn't respond immediately. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone more serious than I expected. "Son, come back home. I want to discuss an important subject with you." The urgency in his voice sparked a flicker of curiosity within me, but just as quickly, I felt the familiar wall of skepticism rise. What could be so important that it warranted a return to the place I had been so eager to distance myself from?

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on me. "Dad, I told you I will not come back until...." I started, but before I could finish, he interrupted me with an urgency in his voice. "I know, that's why I'm telling you to come back." His words hung in the air like a sharp note, and before I could process his statement, he abruptly hung up the phone.

"Wait, what did he just say?" I muttered to myself, my heart racing. "No, no, that can't be it! I know you, Dad," I continued, frustration bubbling within me. "Leonardo del Romano, you're not one to offer something without strings attached. You're always up to something."

I shook my head, determination coursing through my veins. "But let's see what you're planning. Nothing—absolutely nothing—will stop me from pursuing my dream." The fire of ambition lit up inside me, pushing me forward despite my father's mysterious intentions.

....................

  In the evening I go to my parent's house 'fuck I have to see those bastards' faces again I swear if they try to piss me off I send them to where they came from

I step into the grand mansion, unhesitatingly pushing through the ornate doors. The security guards know me well; their nods of recognition affirm my familiarity with this place. It's a fortress of wealth, a vast estate that feels more like a small city rather than just a home. Inside its towering walls, around 20 families of relatives reside, sharing this opulent lifestyle that my father has meticulously built over the years.

You might find it hard to believe, but my father's fortune is staggering—it's as if all the wealth of the world is contained within the boundaries of this property. My heart races at the thought of one day reigning over it all, yet I understand the necessity of patience—a lesson my mother instilled in me. My father's promise hangs in the air: if I can prove myself to be a responsible and mature man, he will grant me ownership of this magnificent estate when the time is right, passing over my stepbrothers in the process.

This place is not just a mansion; it is a closely guarded secret, enveloped in layers of security. I remember conversations from my childhood, particularly one where my mother spoke of my father's relentless dedication. For twenty long years, he poured his heart and soul into building this empire, turning dreams into reality. Now, it stands as a testament to his unwavering work ethic and vision, shaping it into a sanctuary of wealth and family that I aspire to inherit.

As I stepped inside the house, a warm wave of familiarity washed over me. The rich aromas of a home-cooked meal filled the air, drawing me toward the hall where my family had gathered. They were all seated at the dining table, their faces lighting up as they spotted me. A sense of belonging enveloped me as I approached them.

First, I leaned down to kiss my mom on the forehead, feeling a rush of affection for the woman who had always been my guiding light. Then, I turned to my dad, gently kissing his hand in a gesture of respect and love, a cherished tradition deeply rooted in our family culture. It felt comforting to engage in this ritual, a simple yet profound way to connect with my parents before we shared the meal.

  Unfortunately, I saw those faces again I don't know why but they all looked like beggars to me especially this woman who looked at me with a smile but I knew it was fake her name was (Sarinah), I couldn't fathom what my dad saw in her. Yes, she was undeniably striking, with sharp features and an alluring charm, but something was unsettling about her demeanor. It reminded me of a snake, stealthily slithering through the grass, always on the lookout for the perfect opportunity to strike—ready to unleash her venom at the slightest provocation. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as I grappled with the unsettling thought that he might be captivated by her deceptive allure.

She has three children in total: two boys and one girl. Her older son is named Jack, and he is the one who always pisses me off. His twin sister, Zara, is also annoying and shameless because she is trying to seduce me; honestly, she just knows how to spend money just like her mom. They are both two years younger than me, making our age difference quite noticeable. The youngest sibling is a little boy named Aro. He is quite spoiled and tends to demand attention, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. Honestly, I find it tough to connect with them all.

  Anyway I sat on my chair in front of my father across the table

As soon as my father picked up his fork and began to eat, it was like a signal for the rest of us to dig in as well. The clinking of utensils and the chatter of family filled the dining room. We all enjoyed our meals, savoring the familiar tastes that reminded us of home.

Once we finished eating, my dad looked up from his plate, a twinkle of determination in his eye, and said, "Ricardo, when you're done eating, I want you to come to my office" I nodded, responding with an enthusiastic, "Okay, Dad." and then he left.

However, just as I was about to relax, I heard a mumble from the corner of the table. "He called his favorite son again," Jack said with a smirk. Fury bubbled up within me, and I shot back, "What did you just say, you idiot?"

Sarinah, sitting beside me, tried to diffuse the tension. "Oh, Ricardo, he didn't say anything. Believe me," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. But my irritation lingered, and I couldn't resist retorting, "If tomorrow someone tells me that there's no one honest in the world, I'd rather die than believe you!" I chuckled, though there was an edge of truth in my words.

At that moment, my mom erupted into laughter, the warm sound spreading through the room, easing the previous tension. Her laughter was contagious, and soon enough, I found myself cracking a smile too.

I noticed my stepbrother Jack sitting across the room, his face twisted in frustration. He clenched his fist tightly, clearly trying to suppress his anger. Just as he began to rise from his chair, his mother interjected, fear evident in her voice. Both she and Jack were acutely aware of the consequences of crossing me; they had learned from past experiences that challenging me rarely ended well for them.

In that moment, I relished my power over them, savoring the tension that filled the air. I could have stayed and continued to taunt them, basking in their discomfort, but just then, my dad called out to me. Curiosity piqued, I decided it was time to see what he was up to.

  So I immediately went upstairs to his office I knocked on the door and he said "Come in "

  And I went inside and he instructed me to sit down and I did......

  After a while, he said "Ricardo I don't want to beat around the bush I will tell you directly but you have to listen to me very carefully before losing your sense okay son? "

I could feel a knot tightening in my stomach as I glanced at him; his serious expression was a clear indication that something was troubling him. He rarely wore that somber look unless he had something significant to discuss, typically involving bad news. I took a deep breath to steady myself, trying to ward off the anxious thoughts racing through my mind. Finally, I nodded slowly, signaling to him that I was ready to hear what he had to say. "Okay, Dad," I said, my voice steady despite the unease I felt inside. "Go ahead and tell me what is going on." I braced myself for whatever he was about to reveal.

  He said "I want you to marry Albert's daughter "

  "What?????"I said

Ricardo's POV:

  "Dad what are you talking about do you even know what you're talking about? Me marrying Albert's daughter of all people seriously Dad did you forget what did that mother fucker do? Do I have to remind you that this bastard killed your son and we haven't even taken our revenge.... Why dad why??"

  I could see the anger bubbling in my dad's eyes as I spoke, my expression reflecting annoyance. Deep down, I knew I had crossed a line by raising my voice at him. If it had been anyone else taking that tone, they would have been in serious trouble, perhaps even facing consequences too harsh to imagine. This was the first time I had ever dared to raise my voice against him, a line I had always been careful not to cross.

  Yet, at that moment, I felt an overwhelming surge of frustration as his words rattled around in my head, making no sense at all. I struggled to keep my composure, desperately trying to calm the storm of emotions within me. My heart raced as I reminded myself that losing my temper would only escalate the situation. Breathing deeply, I focused on the need to express my feelings without letting my voice get out of control, hoping to bridge the gap between us instead of deepening it.

  And let him explain

  "Look, Ricardo," he said, his voice calm yet firm, "I don't appreciate the way you're speaking to me right now. Take a deep breath and try to relax, okay? I need you to listen to what I have to say and let me explain my perspective."

  "I'm sorry, Dad. I promise it won't happen again. I got a bit carried away by your words and lost track of my thoughts at the moment. I should have been more mindful of what you were saying."

  "Ricardo, I understand that you're feeling angry, and honestly, I can't blame you for that. However, I need you to hear me out. Yesterday, before I called you, Albert came over to my property. I specifically asked him to come because I wanted to discuss your brother with him.

  During our conversation, I made it clear that we were thinking about taking some sort of revenge, and I advised him that he should be prepared for the consequences. But as we talked, Albert became increasingly remorseful and ended up apologizing several times for the situation,

  But I said that it's all in vain but then he said if we make peace he will give us his daughter in return and also promised that he will never come back to Italy and will stay away from our business and also said that he will give us all his hotel and houses in Italy in addition to make peace and never see each other again and let him and his family live "he said

  I was shocked it was a good deal for peace but still, I couldn't believe my father,

  for fuck's sake he kill my brother how can I let him leave just like that although he didn't kill my brother on purpose because he was targeting someone else but my brother became a victim and died but it doesn't matter I was thinking when suddenly he spoke

  "And I agreed because you know that I don't like a war between two families and your brother was always against it, it is not because I am scared of him or anything I can finish him off just with one word

  At first, I was completely against it—after all, he had always been our enemy. But then he said something that turned my world upside down. He said Just one week before Aliso's death, he approached me and proposed an unexpected truce. "Let's make peace..." he urged, and at that moment, everything changed!

  As I felt a tear escape from my eye, I was transported back to a moment I would never forget. I vividly remember the gentle way he spoke to me, expressing his heartfelt desire for peace over conflict. He shared his vision of a world free from the struggles and turmoil of war, where people could coexist harmoniously and resolve their differences through understanding rather than violence. His words resonated deeply within me, leaving a lasting impression that remains etched in my memory.

  And I made a promise to him that as long as there is peace I won't make war and now I knew why he said that because he was scared of blood unlike me and my father

  'Aliso what should I do should I let that man be happy while you're dead? No I will not break my promise that I made to you I won't make war but I will make sure that his daughter will suffer until she dies' I said in my mind and I wiped my face with my hands and then looked at my father and said "okay dad I will marry her just because of my brother " I don't want to tell my father what is in my mind and then he nodded and said "that's my son I'm so proud of you you never made me disappointed tomorrow is your wedding there is no need for a party because of our enemies you will just go there the priest will marry you two and you bring the bride home and tomorrow I will make you the next don son congratulations from now "he said

  "Thank you, Dad," I said, my voice filled with sincerity as I grasped his hand and pressed a gentle kiss on his knuckles. His eyes twinkled with warmth as he smiled back at me, a mixture of pride and reassurance lighting up his face. "I know, son. I know you'll never let me down. I believe in you," he replied, his tone steady and encouraging. At that moment, I felt a surge of determination, knowing that his faith in me was unwavering and would inspire me to strive for my best....