Married to a Ruthless Mafia Lord

eep breath, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her, of the decision she hadn't made for herself. Today wasn't supposed to feel like this. It was supposed to be

istine public image masking the infamous underworld ties whispered about in shadowy circles. And Rafael DeLuca, her s

roke into her thoughts, grounding her. Her best friend s

shaky smile. "I w

arms. "You're sc

spered. "I don't even know him, Clara. And he-he thinks I'm just

Isabella. "Then show him who you are. Make him see past his ass

, just as quickly, she felt it wane under the crushing weight of real

ned, and Isabella's breath hitched as she caught sight of Rafael standing in the

chable man she'd heard rumors about, his tailored suit molding to his lean frame. There was a subtle tension

e low and unyielding. "A mome

room, leaving them in tense silence. Isabella could feel her pul

inical. His eyes flicked to the dress, then back to her, as if

could muster. "I think that's understandable, given that I'm marr

ic smile. "A stranger with a cons

about your money, Rafael. I agreed to this marriage because it was m

o?" he murmured, taking a step closer. She could feel the intensity of his gaze bearing down on

convey the truth without making her vulnerable. Bu

s expression hardening

tions you've made about me," she replied, the words

s scrutiny, the way he seemed to probe for weaknesses, for anything that might confirm his suspicions.

. This marriage is a formality. My grandfather wished for it, and I

y in his tone, but she fought to k

f you ever try to interfere with my life or make demands, this arrange

o maintain her calm. "I don't intend to interfere with anything,

cking smile. "Good. Then

disappointment. She took a steadying breath, her gaze hardening. She wouldn't let him break h

inger. The weight of the vows felt hollow, their words spoken in a language foreign to the emotions they were supposed to hold. And

. She could feel the curious stares from guests, the whispered speculations about their match, the subtle glances

him, her expression guarded but determined. "Ra

is brow arching in

ld talk," she said, feeling

e asked, his to

t pounding. "About us.

d back at her, his expression unreadable. "There's nothing to discus

a spark of anger igniting. "Is t

w what you expected, Isabella. A fairytale? Love at f

rise to her cheeks. "I don't expect lo

Respect? For what? For being my grandf

nt and anger, and she glared up at

angerous murmur. "And I hav

d-on. "Then perhaps you'll regret that one day," she said

respect, but it vanished as quickly as it had come. He straightened, his expre

Isabella standing there, feeling as tho

nt in private. Rafael spent most of his nights away from home, either in his office or out at events. Isabel

ed history evident in every glance, every word exchanged between them. Isabella felt like an intruder, a

d home, she mustered the courage to conf

at her, shrugging

ple are starting to talk, Rafael," sh

cold. "What they talk abo

her frustration boiling over. "I'm

ingly dismissive expres