Damien 's POV
I entered the back of my car as my driver asked, "Where to, sir?"
"The Valmont Mansion."
"Yes, sir." He drove off, and I pulled out my phone, reading Alex's text: "The Castillo Clan wants a meeting, sir."
"Next Wednesday," I typed, shutting my phone off and leaning my elbow on the armrest. My thoughts wandered back to the auction. Aurora, the woman who would be my wife in two months. I never planned on attending the auction, but my father insisted, knowing she'd be there. A glimpse was all I needed.
Aurora was beautiful—long, wavy hair, siren emerald eyes, freckles stretching across her nose, full pink lips. A body that could bring a man to his fucking knees. But I didn't give a shit about that.
"We're here, sir."
"Wait here," I replied as I stepped out of the car.
Inside, I was greeted by a beautiful woman—her mother—and a man sitting next to her. Zane Valmont. A well-known figure in the mafia, the one my father despised. The reason I was marrying his daughter? Revenge.
I turned to face Aurora. She looked confused, glancing between me and her parents.
"I thought this was a family dinner?" she asked.
Her mother, Elizabeth Valmont, replied, "Well, now it's complete. He'll be marrying you."
I couldn't hide my disgust at the word "married." Zane spoke, "Aurora, meet Damien Cross, your new fiancé."
"You're the one from the auction?" she scoffed. Well, at least we didn't like each other—that was a start.
Elizabeth gestured, "Please, have a seat."
I sat, crossing my legs. Elizabeth continued, "Would you like something to eat?"
I nodded slightly.
Aurora shot back, angry, "You can't be serious. I'm getting married to a complete fucking stranger?"
Elizabeth responded cheerfully, "And guess the best part... You're moving in with him tonight!"
Her tone made it sound like something to celebrate.
"Excuse me," I muttered, already pissed. I stood and walked out, stepping into the garden. Lighting a cigarette, I took a long puff. This was going to be a long night.
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