Beneath the Blood & Roses
Introduction
Lucien Romano, a ruthless billionaire and the hidden kingpin of one of the most powerful underground mafia syndicates in Europe, lives by three rules: trust no one, love no one, and never break a deal. At 29, he has everything—money, power, control—but behind it all, his life is ruled by dark secrets, blood oaths, and a cursed legacy.
To protect his empire from rising enemies and fulfill a dying promise to his late grandfather, he’s forced into an arranged marriage with a girl he’s never met. It’s a strategic move—a contract marriage—forged with an old ally’s family. His only condition? The girl must never interfere in his life.
Elena Moreau, 23, is a bright, soft-hearted girl from a middle-class background, studying literature while working part-time to support her family. She has dreams of becoming a writer, not a mafia bride. But when her father—burdened by debt and threatened by the shadows he once escaped—secretly agrees to the marriage to save their family, she’s thrown into a world she doesn’t understand.
She meets Licien on their wedding day—cold, intimidating, and emotionally unreachable. He makes it clear: “This is just a contract. We don’t fall in love. Ever.”
But Elena, with her fierce kindness and quiet strength, begins to chip away at the walls Lucien has built for years.
As they live under one roof, Elena discovers that Lucien is more than just a dangerous man—he’s a broken one, haunted by past betrayals, and desperate to protect those he loves in his own twisted way. Their fake marriage slowly turns real… but love in his world is a crime. And falling for her could cost him everything.
When enemies close in, and secrets unravel—including the truth behind why she was chosen—Elena must decide:
Will she run from the darkness that surrounds him?
Or will she fight beside him, even if it means becoming a part of his dangerous world?
[Incoming Call: Unknown Number]
Elena Moreau
Who is this? (typing)
Unknown
You’ll find out soon enough. Be ready at 6. (typing)
Elena Moreau
Ready for what? Hello? (typing)
[Group Chat: Moreau Family]
mom
Elena, wear something presentable. We’re visiting someone tonight.
dad
Don’t ask questions. Just do as we say.
Elena Moreau
Is something wrong?
dad
Please, ma chérie. Just trust us.
[Private Chat: Elena & Bestie - Ava]
Elena Moreau
Something’s up. My parents are acting strange.
Elena Moreau
They’re taking me to some rich family’s estate. Not telling me why.
Ava
Wait… could this be about your dad’s business debt?
Ava
Oh god. You didn’t know…
[Later - 6:45 PM | Romano Estate | Scene View]
The gates were taller than any building on our street.
Every part of him screamed danger and power.
Lucien Romano
So… this is her? (sips whiskey)
Elena Moreau
Who are you? (whispering)
Lucien Romano
Your future husband. (coldy)
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this is our face for our male lead
i don’t claim any of the pictures
The Devil in Silk
The gates opened by themselves
There are security cameras everywhere.
And the guy who opened the door legit looked like he eats people for breakfast.
The air inside smelled like leather, smoke, and something dangerous.
The silence was loud. Too loud.
And then—
**Footsteps. Slow. Sharp. Measured.**
Eyes that looked like sin dressed in silk.
My dad finally broke the silence
dad
good evening, we are the moreau family.
Lucien Romano
yall are late
mom
we are extremely sorry… we confused our way to here
Lucien Romano
So… this is her?
dangerously close, i could smell his cologne
it was dark, musky and woody type
He reached out, his fingers brushing against a loose strand of my hair
Gently, he tucked it behind my ear, his touch lingering just a moment too long
His voice, low and velvety, slipped into the air between us like smoke
Lucien Romano
What’s your name?
he whispered, so close I could feel the heat of his breath on my cheek
I swallowed, unsure if it was fear or defiance burning in my chest
I took a step back instinctively, putting distance between us
I didn’t like how close he was—
how his presence felt like gravity, pulling me in whether I wanted it or not
But before I could move further, he reached out and gripped my wrist firmly
drawing me back to where I had been, right in front of him
With a sharp glance around the room, he raised his voice slightly.
The command was simple, and yet it held the weight of power
The others obeyed without hesitation, exiting the room silently, one by one, until it was just the two of us
The door clicked shut, sealing me in with him—Lucien Romano
The name itself was enough to make men tremble, yet here he was, standing before me with a cruel smirk playing on his lips.
He tilted his head, eyes scanning me from head to toe like I was a puzzle that didn’t quite fit.
Lucien Romano
You’re smaller than I expected.
I held his gaze, refusing to flinch.
Elena Moreau
You’re not what I expected to see tonight
I replied, my voice calm but laced with challenge.
His expression darkened slightly, amused.
Lucien Romano
So you know why you’re sent here?
he asked, stepping closer once again.
Elena Moreau
Sent? I’m not a parcel
The smirk returned, colder this time.
Lucien Romano
You’re here to sign. Not speak.
I asked, my voice wavering despite myself.
Lucien turned, walking past me with slow, deliberate steps.
Every movement he made was measured—controlled, like a predator circling prey.
I could feel his eyes on my back even when I couldn’t see him.
His presence wrapped around me like smoke, suffocating but oddly intoxicating
Lucien Romano
I don’t do gentle, Elena
the words slicing through the air.
Lucien Romano
You’re here to play a role. Nothing more.
Elena Moreau
Then why am I even here?
He stopped in front of a grand mahogany desk, his hands resting on its polished surface as he turned to face me.
Lucien Romano
Because your father owes me
Lucien Romano
And because I want to see what happens when a lamb marries a wolf.
The words hit me like a slap. My breath caught.
I asked, my voice cracking slightly
Lucien’s eyes were cold, emotionless.
Lucien Romano
Because your father sold your name to clear his sins
He opened a drawer, pulled out a document, and slid it across the desk toward me.
The paper was thick, heavy, and gold-embossed.
The seal on it was blood-red wax—crimson and threatening
I didn’t have to open it to know what it was.
Lucien Romano
Be my wife. Stay out of my way. And you get your family’s peace.
I stared at the document, heart pounding.
Elena Moreau
And if I don’t?
Lucien’s gaze locked on mine, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
Lucien Romano
Then your father’s debt won’t be the only thing buried.
A chill ran down my spine. My knees felt weak, but I stood my ground.
Elena Moreau
You don’t even know me.
My voice was barely audible.
He smiled, and for the first time, it wasn’t cruel—it was unreadable
like he was keeping a secret only he understood.
Lucien Romano
That’s what you think
he murmured, eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t name.
His words left me frozen.
What did he mean? What did he know?
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