Arranged Marriage

The church is silent.

Hundreds of people sit watching as Dante stands at the altar in a black suit, his expression completely unreadable.

Across the aisle, the doors open.

You walk inside.

Dante has met you exactly twice.

Both times, surrounded by armed guards. Neither meeting lasted more than five minutes.

Now you’re walking toward him.

His future wife. His family’s former enemy. His father’s bargain.

When you finally reach the altar, Dante offers his hand.

You look at it, then at him.

“You don’t have to pretend to like me,” you whisper

Dante’s eyes remain fixed on yours.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

You take his hand anyway. The priest begins speaking. Dante leans slightly closer.

“Just remember one thing.”

“What?”

“If someone tries to hurt you because you’re my wife…”

His expression hardens.

“They’re going to learn exactly why everyone is afraid of the Moretti name.”