sleeved and it fitted very well. She hadn't chosen it, It h

her hair into a simple bun and handed her a pair of plain earrings. The

was already accounted for. The corridor ended in a formal room with stone flooring and long windows. Rain hit the g

lder in his hand and nodded once as Aria approached. Leon was already there. He wore a blac

him, he didn't

and Aria Elizabeth Vale. This marriage is recognized by the court and observed by legal

s forward as her

ant placed a ring in his palm. He slid

hen the second rin

ded under Section 18 of the De Luca family register. The contract will remain se

der. "This procee

Leon turned and wa

at her side. "

ith a bed big enough for two, a sitting area, and a wardrobe filled with clothing she hadn't seen before. The light

ll be sent unless instructed otherwise. You're expected t

closed be

erly, It was slightly loose, as if no one had taken the time to size it. She

ing to change. The dress came off and was folded c

m Leon. There was no indication that the man she h

ling. The air was quiet as the rain outside had slowed.

, nothing

ted blouse. When breakfast arrived, it came on a tray placed

it was typed and printed on

at 7 p.m. Main

as no s

ughts circled the same facts, her father hadn't sent any messages or called, the marriage was of

llance cameras covered every hallway and entrance. She had already seen at least fou

d the main hall. She passed no one on her w

e seated already. She recognized Luca Moretti from earlier news articles; he was Leon's second-in-command.

end of the table

om him, though he didn't ackn

pment was intercepted yesterday morning. Three of his men were taken in

still. "Let

alliance..." he nodded toward Ar

Leon

o further e

aid no

delays, two unresolved threats from a rival family in New Jersey, and a

speak to her directly. Her presence was ac

ood and exited without comment. Le

but Leon's voice s

speak,"

ed. "Abo

r's on y

ware I was

u a

"Do you expect me to live

. "I expect y

t to

his l

life., this is

n't change. "Yo

otect my father. That does

calmly. "But you belong to this f

"You don't treat people cool a

e. "That's how t

again on the bed as she placed the ring back on her

ng but she knew that the silence in this pl

would require mor