MARRIED TO THE ENEMY DON

---

001

The dawn had barely broken over Lake Como, yet Alessia Romano's world was already unraveling. The polished marble beneath her feet was cold, but it paled in comparison to the chill curling in her chest.

From the balcony of the Romano estate, she watched the glittering water stretch endlessly, the speedboat slicing through its glassy surface with reckless freedom. Freedom-something she'd never truly known.

A soft knock broke her reverie. Maria, the housekeeper who had raised her almost as a second mother, stepped quietly into the room.

"Your dress has arrived, signorina. It's... exquisite."

Alessia didn't turn immediately, her gaze still fixed on the lake as if the horizon held answers. Finally, she faced Maria, her voice steady but laced with steel.

"I'll wear my father's bribe."

Maria's eyes flickered with worry. "It's not just a dress, Alessia. It's a chain."

Alessia's lips tightened. "Then I'll learn to break it."

Inside the grand hall, Don Vittorio Romano sat at the head of the family table, his expression carved from stone. His gaze swept over his children and his closest allies-the loyal men who had bled for the Romano name. Tonight, the war would pause. Tonight, an alliance would be forged in blood and gold.

Alessia's father was a man of ruthless conviction. The feud with the Moreau family had lasted too long-too many lives lost. It was time for peace, no matter the cost.

But Alessia wasn't convinced.

---

Across the Border: Monte Carlo

Lucien Moreau's penthouse overlooked the shimmering Mediterranean, but the view was little comfort. The dossier before him detailed Alessia Romano-beautiful, fierce, and dangerous.

"Twenty-four years old, fluent in four languages, trained in hand-to-hand combat, and diplomatic as a viper," André, his consigliere, said with a cynical smirk.

Lucien didn't smile.

"She's no prize to win," he murmured, eyes narrowing. "She's a threat."

"Then don't lose," André said softly.

Lucien's jaw clenched. The war between the Moreau and Romano families had lasted nearly a decade, but recent losses had weakened them both. The truce was fragile, held together by promises and threats.

The marriage proposal was Lucien's father's last desperate attempt to secure peace. To Lucien, it was a noose disguised as a wedding ring.

---

The Wedding: Villa Olivetti, Tuscany

The villa was a fortress wrapped in ivy, perched on a hill overlooking endless vineyards. Inside, crystal chandeliers cast fractured light on a crowd of the underworld's elite, each guest hiding weapons beneath their tailored suits.

Alessia's entrance silenced the room. Her red gown clung to her like a second skin, the silk shimmering as she moved with the grace of a cat ready to strike.

Lucien watched from across the room, his eyes cold and calculating. This woman was everything he despised-and yet, something in her fire called to the part of him that had long since turned to ash.

The ceremony was brief and formal. Neither spoke of love-only of allegiance.

When Lucien took Alessia's hand, the contact was electric and dangerous.

As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, the crowd erupted in applause, but Alessia's mind raced with one thought:

She was married to her enemy.

---

The Wedding Night

The suite was lavish but sterile. A bed draped in black velvet, walls adorned with cold art, the scent of expensive perfume masking the tension.

Lucien stood by the window, staring out at the dark sea.

Alessia stood near the door, refusing to sit.

Their eyes met-hard, unreadable.

Lucien broke the silence first, his voice low and threatening.

"This isn't a love story. This is war. And the truest weapon... is trust."

Alessia's lips curled into a bitter smile.

"Trust? From you? Don't flatter yourself."

Lucien stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper.

"If you betray me, Alessia... I won't kill you. I'll make you wish I had."

A cold shiver ran down her spine.

The battle lines had been drawn-and the real fight was only just beginning.

---