The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of our dining hall, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set table.

Despite the previous night's chaos, everything had been meticulously prepared for this significant breakfast.

The air was thick with the mingling scents of freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and the lingering tension of the impending announcement.

I adjusted the hem of my dress, trying to calm my nerves.

Today was the day both our families would publicly announce my engagement to Lucien, solidifying the alliance between the French and Italian Mafias.

I glanced over at my father, the powerful capo of the Italian Mafia, who was speaking quietly with Lucien's father and the current head of the French Mafia.

Their expressions were serious, a testament to the weight of the decision we were about to make official.

The Italian side of the room was noticeably more reserved, their smiles forced, their congratulations tepid. It wasn't hard to guess why. 

The shadow of Allesandro Armani's death loomed large over this gathering, a ghost that refused to be laid to rest.

The dining hall slowly filled with people—heads of both Mafias, key allies, and other important figures. 

Lucien entered, his presence commanding attention as always. He caught my eye and gave a small nod, his face a mask of composure.

I couldn't help but think back to the heartbreak I witnessed. The memory of Lucien's pain made my heart ache.

As everyone settled into their seats, the room buzzed with hushed conversations and speculative glances. My mother, Maria Moretti, stood, raising a hand for silence. The room obeyed immediately, all eyes turning towards her.

"Thank you all for coming this morning," she began, her voice strong and steady. "We have gathered here to make an important announcement that will strengthen the bonds between our families and ensure the continued peace and prosperity of our alliances."

Lucien's mother, Madeline Beauchene, rose next, her expression solemn.

"As you all know, the recent attacks have shown us that unity is more crucial than ever. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the engagement of my son, Lucien Beauchene, and Serafina Moretti."

There was a collective gasp, followed by a flurry of whispers.

I felt a mixture of emotions—pride, anxiety, and a tinge of sadness.

The official announcement felt like a final nail in the coffin of any dreams I had of a love-driven relationship with him. 

I glanced at him, hoping to catch a glimpse of his true feelings, but his expression remained unreadable.

As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but take note of everyone present and their roles in this intricate web of power and loyalty.

My father, stood at the helm of our family, his presence a constant reminder of the power and influence we wielded. 

His decisions were always driven by a desire to strengthen our family's position, ensuring our dominance in the Mafia world, no matter what. No matter fucking what. 

My mother, embodied strength and elegance. She managed our household and social obligations with an iron fist in a velvet glove, always prepared to guide me through the complexities of our world. Her support was unwavering, and today, she stood beside me as my pillar of strength.

Charles Beauchene, Lucien's father, was a strategic thinker, always a few steps ahead in the game of power. His every move aimed to fortify his family's influence and secure their alliances. Today, his approval of our engagement spoke volumes about the significance of this union.

Madeleine Beauchene, was the epitome of grace and composure. Her poise was unmatched, and her support for our union highlighted the importance of our families coming together. She saw this marriage as a vital step towards peace and unity.

Even if this marriage was happening for an alliance, she was excited have me as her daughter- in- law

Lucien himself, my fiancé, was a man of duty. As the future leader of the French Mafia, he hid his true feelings behind a mask of composure. 

Despite the circumstances, he remained committed to our responsibilities, a constant reminder of the burden we both carried.

Michele , my stepbrother, stood nearby, his eyes scanning the room with vigilance. 

His loyalty was fierce, and his skills in combat unmatched. He was my silent guardian, always ready to protect our family from any threat.

Lilliana and Gabriella, my closest friends, were also present. 

Lilliana, the daughter of one of our top enforcers, had sharp instincts and unwavering loyalty. 

Gabriella, whose father owned several influential bars and clubs, was the heart of our trio.

Their husbands were there with me at Venezuela, serving me with their fierce combat skills and unwavering loyalties.

Their friendship was a source of comfort and strength, especially in times like these.

As the announcement concluded, the breakfast proceeded with cautious congratulations and polite conversation. 

I felt the weight of everyone's expectations on my shoulders, but I knew I had to stay strong.

Lilliana and Gabriella were seated at the far end of the table, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. I made my way over to them, needing the comfort of their presence.

"Congratulations, Sera," Lilliana said, her voice soft and hesitant.

"We're happy for you."

"Thanks," I replied, forcing a smile.

"It's a lot to take in, but I know it's for the best." Gabriella squeezed my hand under the table.

"We're here for you, no matter what. How are you holding up after last night?" I sighed, the events of the previous night still fresh in my mind.  

"It was intense. We managed to fend off the attackers, but it was a reminder of how dangerous our world is."

"And Lucien?" Lilliana asked gently. "How is he handling all of this?"

I glanced at him, surrounded by well-wishers and allies.

"He's doing what he has to. But I can see the strain. It's not easy for either of us."

Gabriella frowned. "You two are strong. You'll get through this."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with their support.

"Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Beside us, Lucien was having a chat with few of our Italian elders.

"I suppose we should be grateful he's willing to ally with us after killing one of our own," sneered Antonio Ricci, an old family associate who had never bothered to hide his disdain for the French.

"Ally or not," added Marco Grimaldi, another Italian elder, his tone dripping with contempt, "a man who killed one of our own should never be trusted, especially not with our Serafina."

The words were like a match to dry kindling, sparking a fury in me that I hadn't felt in a long time. I wasn't just angry—I was livid. 

How dare they question Lucien's integrity, his loyalty, after everything we'd been through? The audacity of these men, to sit in judgment when they knew nothing of the choices we had to make, the sacrifices we bore.

I excused myself from them and made my way towards the men, stomping my heels angrily. All eyes turned to me, and a hush fell over the room. 

I walked with purpose, my steps echoing in the silence, until I stood before Ricci and Grimaldi, my gaze unwavering.

"Do you have something to say, Marco?" I asked, my voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. "Because if you do, I'd appreciate it if you said it to my face."

Grimaldi's eyes widened in surprise, and he stammered, "I-I was just—"

"Just what?" I interrupted, my tone icy. "Just disrespecting the man who has done more for this family in the last year than you have in your entire life?"

He helped us with some deals a few times that were game changers for us.

The room was deathly still now, the tension so thick it was almost tangible. No one dared to speak, to even breathe too loudly, as I continued.

"Allesandro's death was unfortunate, yes," I said, my voice ringing with authority, "but Lucien did what needed to be done. He made a choice to protect my interests, to secure my future. And I, for one, am not going to stand here and let you or anyone else question that."

I could see the shock ripple through the crowd, could feel the weight of their disapproval pressing down on me. 

But I didn't care. I was done playing the obedient daughter, the demure fiancée. 

I was Serafina Moretti, and I would not let anyone, not even my own family, undermine the man I was about to marry. The man I love.

I turned to face the rest of the room, letting my gaze sweep over each and every one of them, daring anyone to meet my eyes. The silence that followed felt like an affirmation of everything I had just said.

"Lucien didn't just secure our future," I added, my voice rising, "he saved me. He saved me." I jabbed a finger into my chest, making sure they understood. "And I'll be damned if I let anyone in this room disrespect the man who put his life on the line for me. So if anyone still has an issue, now's the time to spit it out."

"And let me make one thing clear," I added, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "If anyone here thinks they can disrespect my fiancé and get away with it, they'll have to answer to me. Is that understood?"

"Serafina," Ricci started, his voice wavering as if unsure of his next words, "we...we only want what's best for the family. But, you have to understand, Lucien—"

I cut him off before he could finish. "No, you listen. Lucien is family. And if you can't accept that, maybe you're the one who doesn't belong here."

I took a deep breath, my eyes narrowing as I glared at the two men. "You seem to have forgotten," I began, my voice steady but cold, "that it wasn't Lucien who abandoned the family when things got hard. It wasn't Lucien who sold our secrets to the highest bidder when their pockets ran dry." My gaze shifted between them, sharp as daggers. "Perhaps you two should reflect on your own loyalty before daring to question his."

Ricci's face reddened with embarrassment, but I was just getting started.

"And Marco," I continued, stepping closer, so close that I could see the nervous flicker in his eyes, "before you ever speak Lucien's name again with that tone, remember this—you wouldn't have the luxury of questioning him if not for the deals he brokered that saved this family's skin. You talk about trust, but trust is earned through action, not empty words."

The words felt like a hammer striking a nail, and the ripple of unease through the room was unmistakable.

For a moment, no one moved. 

Then, slowly, reluctantly, the heads around me began to nod, the murmurs of agreement too low to be anything more than a grudging acknowledgment. 

"Allesandro's death was necessary," I pressed on, my voice unwavering. "Lucien didn't do it out of malice, but out of duty. Out of protection for me and for this family's future. A future that you," I shot a glance toward Grimaldi, "are supposed to care about. Imagine loosing me to a pedophile. Newsflash, no more miracles in the Italian Mafia, leading to all of you sucking the Italians dry, for survival. The power and the extravagance you name and legacy hold will be burnt into ashes, the very moment I am gone. 

I took a pause, walking away from them, to ensure that that the entire room was listening to me. "You guys are just peasants without me. Russians peasants! And if you think my disgracing fiancé, in fucking front of me is the wisest thing to do... Drown in the Hudson, because we don't entertain worn out brains here. "

The tension in the air thickened, and I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes in the room on me. 

This wasn't just about Lucien anymore; this was about my right to stand beside him, to command the respect I'd earned.

It was enough.

But just as I was about to turn and walk away, another voice cut through the silence—sharp, angry, and full of venom.

"This is a disgrace," spat Alessandro's younger brother, Lorenzo Armani, who had been brooding silently in the corner. "How can you stand there and defend the man who murdered my brother? You're a traitor to your blood!"

The accusation hit like a punch to the gut, and for a split second, I faltered. 

But before I could respond, Lucien was at my side, his hand resting lightly on my arm, grounding me, anchoring me.

"Lorenzo," Lucien began, his voice calm and measured, but with an undercurrent of steel, "I understand your grief, and I won't pretend that what happened was anything but a tragedy. But let's not forget the circumstances that led to Allesandro's death."

He paused, letting his words sink in, his gaze locked onto Lorenzo's. "Allesandro made a choice. Choice of marrying Serafina. And in this world, we both know what happens to those who make dangerous choices; the choices one should not made"

Lorenzo opened his mouth to retort, but Lucien cut him off with a look so cold, so lethal, that it froze the words on his lips.

"And let's not mistake what we're doing here today," Lucien's voice rose slightly, commanding attention. "This is about unity. Strengthening our families, ensuring our future. If anyone here has a problem with that, speak now."

He paused, eyes scanning the room, daring anyone to challenge him. No one spoke.

"And if you still feel the need to question us," Lucien added, his voice now carrying a razor-sharp edge, "then understand this—Serafina and I will protect what is ours. There will be no more second chances, no more forgiveness for betrayal."

Lorenzo's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisted with rage, but he stayed silent. Lucien's icy stare bore into him, a silent warning that crossing him—or me—would be a fatal mistake.

No one spoke. The silence was absolute, the room heavy with the weight of Lucien's words. 

Lorenzo, clearly outmatched, clenched his fists but remained silent, his rage simmering just beneath the surface.

"Good," Lucien said finally, his voice low and final. "Then let's move forward."

With that, he turned to me, offering a small, almost imperceptible nod. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, the tight knot of tension in my chest loosening just slightly. 

Together, we had faced them down, and together, we had emerged stronger.

As we returned to our seats, the room slowly began to hum with conversation once more, though the atmosphere was noticeably subdued. 

The Italians might not have liked it, but they had no choice but to accept it: Lucien was here to stay, and with him, so was I.

As the breakfast continued, I felt the magnitude of the situation sink in deeper. 

This marriage, this alliance, was bigger than my personal feelings. 

It was about our families, our future, and the fragile peace we were trying to maintain.

And no matter what, I had to be strong—for Lucien, for my family, and for myself. 

As the breakfast came to a close, my father and Charles approached me.

"Serafina, we need to discuss the preparations for the engagement party," my father said, his tone businesslike.

I nodded. "Of course, Father."

Charles placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're doing well, Serafina. This is just the beginning, but we have faith in you and Lucien."

"Thank you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. Lucien joined us, his expression still composed. 

"We'll make this work, Serafina," he said quietly. "For our families."

I met his gaze, feeling a surge of determination. "Yes, we have to."

As we discussed the upcoming events and responsibilities, I couldn't help but feel a sense of resolve. 

This was my life now, and I had to embrace it fully. 

There was no turning back, and despite the challenges, I was ready to face whatever came my way.