•|Chapter Three|•: The secret alliance

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.

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