"An arranged marriage has been set for you." Dario's words echoed through the room, each syllable heavy and final, sending a chill down Rosetta's spine.
She gripped her teacup so tightly her knuckles whitened, her heart pounding as the weight of her brother's statement settled in. Carefully, she set the cup down on the side table beside her bed and fixed her gaze on him, her face stiffening with a forced calm that barely hid her shock.
"Marriage?" she repeated, hoping he'd explain or maybe even laugh at the absurdity of his words. But Dario's expression was sober, his gaze sad. He had always understood her better than anyone, even her parents, and he knew how desperately she had wanted to marry for love rather than for the family's interests.
"Yes, Rose. You'll be married by next month," he said, his voice steady but his eyes filled with regret. She could feel him watching her, assessing every crack in her expression as his words shattered her.
For a moment, she couldn't breathe. It was as if someone had driven a knife into her heart. Growing up, she had believed she would be different from the other girls in their world. She had hoped her family, the DeLuca would never barter her for alliances or favors. Now, all those naive hopes crumbled, and she could feel the foundations of her world cracking.
Swallowing back her rising emotions, Rosetta managed a small, strained smile. "Who am I to marry?"
Dario hesitated, averting his gaze. He knew exactly how she felt about the man in question, and he knew her well enough to realize that, upon hearing his name, she might act on impulse. Why am I the one chosen to deliver this? he thought. Why does she have to go through this?
"Antonio Moretti," he whispered, as if saying the name more softly would lessen the blow.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Moretti?" she repeated, her voice wavering. The name settled in her mind like a stone sinking in water.
"I'm to marry Antonio?" she echoed in disbelief, anger lacing her words as her shock turned to fury. "You of all people know how much I despise him. He's arrogant, selfish, and ruthless. He thinks the world owes him whatever he wants. And now you want me to marry him?" Her words grew sharper, her voice rising with each syllable, her shock hardening into anger.
"Rose, I know how you feel, but you must understand. We want what's best for you, and you need someone who can protect you." Dario's voice softened, as if he were trying to console her, but his words only added to her frustration.
Rosetta scoffed, glaring at him. "And what's best for me is Antonio?" She shook her head. "Dario, what about Enzo? You know how much I want to be with him." Her voice softened as she spoke his name, her thoughts drifting to the only man she had ever loved. Enzo had been a constant presence in her life since childhood, a steady source of comfort and strength. She had always believed her family approved of him, given they had never intervened. But now, she realized how foolish she had been, lulled into a false sense of security.
A flicker of sadness crossed Dario's face, and he looked down, unable to meet her gaze. He wished he could help her, to spare her this fate, but he had grown up in this life long enough to know that duty came first. The DeLuca's were a powerful mafia family, and they all had roles to play, sacrifices to make. Rosetta, however, had never fully accepted that.
"Rose, you need to let Enzo go," he said gently. "I know how much he means to you, but you're getting married. You have to let him go." Dario tried to reason with her, but Rosetta's stubbornness flared, her resolve strengthening.
"No!" She shot to her feet, her voice filled with conviction. "I'd rather die than marry Antonio, Dario. It's Enzo I love, and it's Enzo I'll marry." Her voice rose with each word, her desperation fueling her anger. Dario clenched his fists, his patience thinning.
"You will marry Antonio, and there's nothing you or anyone else can do to change that. Understand, Rose? So stop throwing these tantrums." His voice was cold, his face a hardened mask as he turned and left her room.
As soon as he was gone, Rosetta's strong facade broke. She crumpled to the floor, tears spilling down her cheeks as the reality sank in. She felt as if her heart was being torn apart, knowing she would have to give up the man who had been her light, her dream, and her hope. She would be forced to marry a man she could only see as a monster. Antonio was everything she despised—a ruthless man who ruled through fear and control, much like her own family. With Enzo, things had always been different. He was gentle, caring, supportive of her dreams. Though his family was also tied to the mafia, they had given him the freedom to pursue his own path.
Her family had never allowed her the same luxury, but she had once believed they would at least let her choose her own husband. She couldn't help but wonder what the Moretti's had offered to make her family so willing to sell her off. The thought made her stomach churn. She could feel her desperation clawing at her, the urge to escape building within her. But running away with Enzo wasn't an option—she knew her family would find her. There had to be another way.
A faint glimmer of hope sparked in her mind: her mother, Claudia. If anyone might understand, it would be her mother. She just hoped Claudia hadn't agreed to this marriage without considering her feelings. Rosetta wiped her tears, took a steadying breath, and hurried downstairs, clinging to the small chance that her mother would listen.
Claudia sat in the parlor, her expression calm as she sipped tea. She was aware of her daughter's unease, but Claudia saw the marriage to Antonio as a benefit, something that would strengthen both families. Antonio was her best friend's son, and perhaps because of that, she was somewhat biased. She believed that Rosetta, with her spirit and charm, could bring warmth into Antonio's life.
"Mother," Rosetta said, approaching her cautiously.
"Yes, darling?" Claudia turned to her, her expression as serene as ever.
"Did you know about the arranged marriage?" Rosetta asked, though she already knew the answer.
"If you're asking about your marriage to Antonio, yes. You were betrothed to him as a child," Claudia replied calmly, as if discussing the weather.
Rosetta's heart sank. Betrothed since childhood, she thought, the words heavy with betrayal. "Why did nobody tell me?" Her voice cracked, her hands shaking. "Why did you deceive me all these years? You knew how much I despised men like Antonio, and yet you let me fall in love with someone I can never have. Do you hate me that much?" Her voice rose, the pain and anger raw in every word.
"Do not raise your voice at me, young lady," Claudia snapped, her tone sharp. "No one deceived you. The arrangement was forgotten after Antonio's parents passed, but he chose to honor it. If you have an issue, take it up with him, not me. Nothing can be done now." Her voice turned cold as she stood, brushing off Rosetta's words as if they were childish complaints.
Rosetta stood frozen, unable to believe her mother's indifference. Her heart ached with a raw, piercing pain, and her mind spun with desperation. Upstairs, Claudia had already taken precautions, instructing the guards to ensure Rosetta didn't try anything rash. Claudia knew her daughter's rebellious spirit, and she was prepared to do whatever was necessary to see the marriage through.
Rosetta felt trapped, her mind racing. If she couldn't change her family's mind, she would have to face Antonio himself. He was her only hope. If she could convince him to call off the marriage, perhaps she could save herself—and her future. She gathered her strength, steeling herself for the challenge. There was still a sliver of hope, and she would cling to it with everything she had.