The First Glimpse

The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of golden chandeliers, filled with the hum of aristocrats and business tycoons mingling over champagne.

Leonardo De Luca.

The 28-year-old CEO of De Luca Enterprises and the feared mafia kingpin, stood near the balcony, his towering 6’4” frame exuding authority. His sharp jawline and piercing emerald eyes made him the center of attention wherever he went. But tonight, amidst all the grandeur, his attention was drawn to a girl standing nervously in a corner.

Aria Evans.

She was only 17, petite with a height of 5’4”, her innocent doe eyes scanning the room with uncertainty. A soft pink gown hugged her delicate figure, but she seemed out of place, overwhelmed by the crowd. Orphaned at a young age, she had been thrust into a world she barely understood when her scholarship granted her access to one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Tonight, she was here on the recommendation of her professor, unaware that she had walked into the lion’s den.

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Leonardo's eyes narrowed as he watched her fidget with the hem of her dress, her naivety radiating like a beacon. Something about her tugged at a place deep within him—a place he had thought was cold and unyielding. The world around him faded as a single thought consumed his mind: She’s mine.

He handed his glass to a passing waiter and made his way toward her, each step calculated, like a predator approaching its prey. As he stood before her, towering over her small frame, Aria looked up, her breath catching in her throat.

“Y-you must be Mr. De Luca,” she stammered, recognizing him from the introduction earlier. “I... I didn’t mean to disturb your event. I was just—”

“Aria, isn’t it?” His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He leaned in slightly, his emerald eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. “You’re not disturbing anything. In fact, I find your presence quite... refreshing.”

Aria swallowed hard, feeling both flattered and intimidated. There was something about the way he looked at her, as though he could see straight into her soul.

Over the course of the evening, Leonardo stayed close to her, brushing off any attempt she made to retreat. His possessive nature had already taken root, and he didn’t care who noticed. By the end of the night, Aria felt a strange mix of fear and intrigue toward the enigmatic man who had taken such a keen interest in her.

As the event drew to a close, Leonardo leaned in closer, his voice low and commanding. “I’ll make sure you get home safely,” he said, his words leaving her heart racing. Aria opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced her.

His presence felt overwhelming, yet comforting, as though he would protect her from anything. As the limousine door closed behind her, Aria caught a glimpse of his watchful eyes from the window. His silent promise lingered in the air—a promise that would haunt her every step from that moment onward.

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