Chapter 49
My fingers toyed with the edge of my dress, twisting the soft fabric between them as I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. My throat felt dry, my pulse drumming an anxious rhythm against my skin.
I exhaled slowly, trying to steady my breathing. Why the hell was I so nervous? It was just a party, a room full of well–dressed criminals, fake smiles. and calculated conversations. Nothing I hadn’t seen before. And yet, my palms were clammy and my heartbeat was too erratic.
I shifted in my seat, crossing and uncrossing my legs, my heel tapping lightly against the floor. The car felt too warm despite the cold air conditioning. Or maybe it was just me.
I caught my reflection in the glass, my lips pressed into a tight line, and my brows slightly furrowed. Stop it, Elara. Stop acting like a linde girl and be confident.
But my body wasn’t listening. What if I made a fool of myself? What if I wasn’t good enough to be Dante Romano’s wife and Next queen of Romano? What if-
“Young Madam” Mark’s voice pulled me from my spiralling thoughts. I turned my head slightly to find him watching me through the rearview mirror. amusement dancing in his eyes. If I may, there is no need for you to be this tense and nervous. It is only a gathering
I swallowed. “I’m not “1 lied.
Mark gave a curt nod. “Of course.” He paused, before speaking again, “But should you require reassurance, I can guaranice your safety. No harm will come to you tonight.
I frowned, shaking my head.
Tm not scared, Mark”
“Understood, Young Madam,” he replied without missing a beat. But something in his gaze told me he saw right through me.
I exhaled sharply, pressing my fingers to my temple. “I don’t need a bodyguard to hold my hand, Mark. I can handle myself”
“Without question,” he affirmed. “You are the boss’s lady. You are capable,” the way he said like, it was matter–of–fact. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath before looking at Mark sharply.
*Tell me Mark what kind of business party is this F
“A high–profile gathering. Young Madam,” he answered smoothly. “Strictly business. The most influential names in the underworld will be present, partners, allies, and… those who require reminders of their place.”
I shifted in my seat a little. So it wasn’t just a party. It was a power play.
“Teminders?” I asked, my voice quieter now.
Mark’s jaw tightened slightly. “Yes. Some need to be reminded why the Romano`name holds absolute authority. These events are not just for appearances. They are a statement, Young Madam.”
Mark hesitated for a brief second before answering. “You will be introduced as the next queen in line. There will be people who will challenge your position as Dante Romano’s wife. Some will try to provoke you, test you, measure you, wait for you to make a mistake so they can humiliate you… or bring him down Romano’s name.”
A sharp chill ran down my spine.
“Why?” Lasked.
“Because you are Dante Romano’s wife,” Mark said simply. “And to the world he owns, that makes you either untouchable…. or the weakest link” My | fist tighters.
Mark continued “If you allow me to suggest. You will need to carry yourself with the grace and confidence of a queen. Some will try to undermine you. Others will test your limits. And there will be those who are waiting for an opportunity to see if you are worthy of standing beside him.”
A pit formed in my stomach.
Mark’s eyes remain on the road as he continues “Also, Young Master is going to crack a very big deal through this event. It’s crucial for the Romano family, and the mata”
“Deal? How big are we talking?”
“Hig enough that every pair of eyes in that room will be watching him and you. A deal that will shift power, strengthen alliances, and determine who
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Chapter 49
Something clicked in my mind listening to his words. “Am I going as Wife of Dante Romano or the only heir of the Russian mafia””
Mark’s silence spoke louder than any answer he could’ve given me
A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat, but I swallowed it down, my fingers curling into a fist on my lap. “Right. Of course.”
Not a wife. A pawn
The disgusting feeling of being used crawled down my spine like a sickness, but I pushed it away. This wasn’t the time for emotions. Not when I was about to walk into a room filled with people waiting for me to make a mistake.
I turned to Mark, my voice sharper now. “And what happens if I fail tonight?”
“You won’t.”
Iscoffed. “And if Ta
Mark’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Then they won’t show any mercy.”
A shiver ran down my spine, but I masked it with a smirk. “Good. Let’s give them a show then.”
Mark slowed the car as we approached a grand estate, the building practically dripping in wealth. The long driveway was lined with expensive cars, And men in dark suits loitered near the entrance, their sharp eyes scanning every guest.
It’s a showtime
Mark stepped out first, swiftly moving to open my door. I inhaled sharply, straightening my back, I placed my hand in his.
And then, I stepped out of the car.
As we approached the entrance, guards.
Is stood rigid, meticulously checking each guest’s identity. But the moment their eyes landed on Mark beside me, their demeanour shifted. Without a second’s hesitation, they bowed and stepped aside, pushing open the grand doors.
Young Madam, this way” Mark said, his voice steady and formal as he guided me through the opulent ballroom.
I followed him toward a table where several familiar faces sat, draped in expensive suits and dripping with power. The air was thick with the scent of whiskey, and cigars
Luca, my husband’s closest friend and most trusted right hand leaned back in his seat with his usual lazy smirk. His sharp green eyes glittered with mischief as they landed on me.
“Mrs. Romano, looking gorgeous as ever.
He winked, his voice mocking, playful, and far too observant for my liking.
Beside him, there was a stunning woman, all long legs and sultry curves sitting twirling the stem of her martini glass, utterly unfazed by Luca’s hand sliding higher on her thigh. She didn’t even blink as his fingers teased the slit of her dress
I raised a brow. Lura, ever the shameless bastard. I was about to say something when I heard a voice which sent a shiver down my spine. “I see my daughter has been living like a queen without her father‘
My heam stopped.
Oh no
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