Tied By Power
Chap 1 : The Proposal They Can't Refuse
The golden chandelier of the Kingston Hotel ballroom glimmered like a sky full of diamonds, casting soft light on polished mahogany tables and crystal champagne flutes. The air smelled faintly of roses and expensive cologne — the kind of setting where everything looked perfect… until you realized every smile was hiding a knife.
Isabella had been sitting still for exactly three minutes before she started fidgeting with her bracelet. Her parents had dragged her here for what they called “a dinner with family friends.” She’d been expecting polite small talk and maybe a lecture about her future.
What she hadn’t expected was him.
Nicholas fucking Moretti.
The name alone carried weight — the kind of weight that could crush you if you weren’t careful. CEO of Moretti Industries, heir to one of the most influential business empires in the country… and if the rumors were true, not all of his wealth came from boardroom deals.
He was sitting at the other end of the table now, in an immaculate black suit, his sharp jawline catching the light. His dark eyes scanned the room lazily… until they landed on me. It wasn’t a friendly gaze — more like he was assessing the value of a painting he wasn’t sure he wanted to buy.
Joseph Massimo
"Ah, there they are." Said with a too-bright smile.
Salvatore Moretti
"Good Evening, Mr.Massimo". Handshakes with Isabella dad.
Joseph Massimo
"Good evening."
Vanessa Massimo
Smiles and hugs Jennifer.
Jennifer Moretti
Smiles and hugs Vanessa
Vanessa Massimo
"Isabella, you remember the Moretti's ?"
Isabella Rhea Moretti/ Massimo
"Of course. How would I forget ?" her voice carried a usual edge.
Nicholas's lips curved into a smirk - the kind that said "I ALREADY KNOW YOU DON'T LIKE ME, PRINCESS, AND I DON'T CARE."
They’d met once before at some charity gala, exchanged about ten words, and decided mutually that the other was insufferable. She thought he was arrogant. He thought she was spoiled. It was a match made in hell.
But apparently, hell was exactly what their parents wanted.
Dinner passed in a blur of formal conversation, but Isabella kept feeling Nicholas’s gaze flick toward her. Not the soft, curious glance of a man interested — no, his was a steady, calculated watch, like a lion studying a deer.
And then, just as dessert arrived, her father dropped the bomb.
Joseph Massimo
“We think it’s time to join our families officially,” he said casually, as if he wasn’t detonating my entire life.
Salvatore Moretti
“Isabella… we’d like you to marry Nicholas.”
Isabella Rhea Moretti/ Massimo
My fork froze halfway to my mouth. " I'm sorry, what ?"
On the other hand, Nicholas leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered.
Nicholas Angelo Moretti
"Interesting proposal". He said smoothly. His eyes didn't leave my face "But I'm not sure she's my type."
Isabella Rhea Moretti/ Massimo
How dare he...."Don't flatter yourself. I wouldn't marry you even if you're the last man on earth." My blood boiled by looking straight at his stupid face.
A dangerous glint passed through his eyes - the kind that made me wonder what he'd look if he actually got angry.
Nicholas Angelo Moretti
"Careful, sweetheart, I might take that as a challenge." I spoke through my gritted teeth.
Our parents ignored the growing tension like it was the background music at the ballroom.
Jennifer Moretti
"This marriage would benefit both families. Business alliance, political influence.......
Vanessa Massimo
"It's the smart thing to do". My mom chirped in.
Isabella Rhea Moretti/ Massimo
"Smart ? This is insane." I crossed my arms.
Just then, a warm hand touched my shoulder.
I turned and found John, my best friend, standing there in his usual easy-going style — messy brown hair, casual button-down, the kind of smile that made me instantly relax. .
He’d been invited by her parents under the pretense of “helping her feel comfortable,” but she suspected they’d underestimated just how protective he could be.
Nicholas’s gaze shifted to John like a knife turning in slow motion.
Nicholas Angelo Moretti
“And you are?” He asked, voice silky but laced with something darker.
John Dio
"John Dio,” my friend replied, holding out a hand that Nicholas didn’t immediately take. “Isabella’s best friend.”
There was a pause. Nicholas finally shook his hand, his grip lingering just a little too long. His eyes flicked back to Isabella, unreadable but sharper than before.
The rest of the night was a blur of raised voices, forced smiles, and the unmistakable crackle of hostility between me and Nicholas. But as I stormed out of the ballroom later, I felt his gaze burning into my back.
And for some reason, I had the unsettling feeling… that he’d just decided something.
TADAA 🎉......SO HERE ENDS THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MY STORY. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT IT.
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