Chapter 1 Sebastian's Proposition

~Sebastian~

“And that’s why we have come to the decision that you’re getting married to Tobias Sherian’s daughter, Larisa Sherian.” Serena, my mother, and our mafia queen declare with the confidence of a seasoned investor.

I flex my hands and stare at the bloodied knuckles, smirking at the thought that I had roughed up the prick at the warehouse pretty hard. He probably died en route to the hospital.

“Sebastian?”

I directed my attention towards my father, resting my hand on my lap.

“Alliance through marriage, huh? It’s hard to fathom that we still have faith in the concept of arranged marriages.” My voice cut through the silence of the living room and I glance at my father, Anton Genovese.

Embedded in our heritage, the Italian mafia families have faithfully abided by a strict code of conduct, shaping our traditions and values over time. As the next in line Mafia King, I bear the weight of carrying on the tradition that is bestowed upon me by my adored parents.

Despite their occasional overwhelming presence, the allure of the Mafia King title is rooted in the power to enforce dominance, instill fear, and demand obedience from others. I crave its intimidating, commanding, and perilous nature.

But at the opportune moment, so that I have no remorse.

“Well, this is how Italian mafia families operate throughout generations. You know it!” my father stated calmly. “If you have any girl in mind….” My mother cut him off before he could even finish his sentence, and my gaze immediately shifted to her.

“Anton, no! We have given words to Sherians, and Genovese never goes back on their commitment.”

Squinting my eyes and crossing my legs over the other, I confront them with unwavering determination. “You’ve given words already? Without asking me?” I could sense my anger growing stronger within me, and I realized I couldn’t hold it back for much longer.

“Sebastian, get your thoughts clear. As your parents, we have the final say in choosing your bride. Larisa has all the ability to stand by you and hold the responsibilities of the Mafia queen.” My mother glares at me.

“The cops showed up at the warehouse of our legitimate business, acting on a tip. What made them challenge the Cosa Nostra?” She raises her eyebrow. “We have a snitch among us tipping off to the police. Our current situation is fraught with enemies on all sides, and this wedding holds the key to resolving the crises we are currently grappling with.”

“Are we talking about Larisa Sherian? Didn’t she recently celebrate her eighteenth birthday, if I’m not mistaken? The Sherians invited us for her birthday, didn’t they?”

“Yes,”

“Are you seriously suggesting that an eighteen-year-old kid is eligible enough to be my wife?” A chuckle escaped me as I met the gaze of my mother, who sat across from me.

Rage causes her nostrils to flare up. “Larisa is the daughter of a powerful Cammora Italian mobster from the North. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but she also possesses the grace and poise of a true lady. What sets her apart, however, is her deep understanding of how to navigate the complicated and dangerous world of the mafia. Also, let’s not forget the power and connections she will bring through this alliance!”

“You guys are so funny! Anyway, what do I stand to gain if I agree to your demand?” As I raise a quizzical brow, my mother is momentarily stunned by my response.

“Sebastian, this is not a commercial venture. Don’t make it sound like a transaction!”

The room fell silent as she glared at me, and I pressed my lips together, trying to keep my composure. I gently pour a measure of wine into my glass and take a moment to unwind. “Well, when my life is a business for you, it is wise to treat it like a transaction.”

Right before she could respond, my dad intervened and quieted her.

“Sebastian, if you have someone in your life, we don’t mind reconsidering our decision.” A comforting smile spread across his face. “You know I love you and Nina the most. And I would never pester my kids to do something against their wish.”

“Anton, what are you saying?” My mother’s unexpected sharp tone surprises me as I see her lash out at my dad. “This could create a rift between Sherians and us. This alliance is important to us!”

“Save it, Dad. You wouldn’t have proposed this marriage in the first place without asking me.” Trying to mask my disappointment, I take a sip of my drink. “When are we meeting them?”

“Coming Sunday!” My mother answers for my father and I assent with a nod.

“Well, I have a condition.” I sensed their stares as I set down my empty glass on the table and confidently met their gaze.

“What condition?”

Her gaze bore into me, and I could physically feel the weight of my mother’s disapproving stare. “The wedding would not take place until I’m done with my studies. I plan on returning to finish what was left unfinished and I need three years.”

“We aren’t letting you step out of this territory again, especially now that we have a crisis. Let alone going back to Australia!”

I closely watched as my father paused to contemplate, while my mother stood her ground firmly.

“Yeah?” I give her a questioning look, raising an eyebrow and staring. “Well then, the wedding is off.” I take my jacket and stand up to leave. “You shouldn’t have given your commitment without consulting me first. You’re in a fix now! If you value your reputation, it’s in your best interest to accept my demand.”

“Sebastian!” As I walk past my older sister Nina on my way out, her loud voice echoes through the hall.

I felt a growing rage as I paced on the balcony, taking deep drags from my cigarette. Since I was very young, I was taught to believe that death was the only escape from this world. Consequently, I resolved to rule my life on my terms if this was to be my destiny.

“It appears that the blood of the Mafia King is finally surfacing!”

Nina’s voice caught my attention, causing me to turn towards her. She is two years older than me and is set to marry Alexander Davis, the notorious Italian mafia, in an alliance to bolster the mafia families.

I find it incredibly frustrating that she kept her true feelings hidden from our parents. She should have spoken up about her unwillingness to marry him and pop out his babies. She’s got some dreams, and she’s itching to make them happen. She wanted to do something selfish for once.

Unfortunately, it seems that our deepest desires will remain hidden within us forever. It has been said that we often desire things that are out of reach. And for us, it was freedom.

“Did you hear them?” I couldn’t help but snap at her, my frustration boiling over. “She is a kiddo!”

Nina rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Kiddo? You’re talking as if you are forty or something. You are just twenty-two!”

“Exactly! I’m just twenty-two. And they’re fucking forcing me to marry!”

“I know you’re mad at Mom and Dad. But they have already given word and stepping back only means war with Sherians.” She said, and the words hung in the air, leaving a void between us.

“Sebastian, this has always been a part of our world,” her voice laced with resignation.

“We are expected to do our duty!” I cringe at her words and avert my gaze.

I hear her footsteps approaching and feel her head on my shoulder. “You’ve always been the black sheep of the family, and you long to experience life before taking up our father’s role. But we are not ordinary people. Freedom is not the word for us. We are born to rule. This is our reality and we must embrace it. From time to time, forming alliances is necessary to establish our dominance and deter others from opposing us. Expanding our reign is necessary to protect our family. Our people.”

“Nina is correct!”

The sound of our father’s voice reaches us, and we swiftly pivot to witness his approach. His contagious smile illuminates his entire face, filling us with warmth.

“Nina is always correct because she does whatever you ask her. She would happily sacrifice herself if you ask her to die!” I lash out at him, and he retorts with a smirk.

“Dear, can I have a word with Sebastian in private?”

“Sure,” Nina replied with a fleeting smile, before striding away. As she left, I inhaled deeply, taking in the moment.

“Dad, I will never agree….”

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

“What?” My eyebrows arched in disbelief. “Of course not! Do you think I disagree with this arrangement because of a girl? I can’t believe it!” I slam my hands against the balustrade, feeling the rough texture beneath my fingertips, while my father’s watchful eyes never leave me.

“What is it then? It can’t be Larisa because you haven’t seen her yet.”

The air between us became silent as my father waited with patience for my answer. “I need a break! I want to relish the freedom I have before I’m bound to the responsibility that comes with the vow ‘till death do us part.’“

I turn to face him, our eyes locking with a tense stare. “Let me go if you don’t want me to hate you!”

His intense gaze bore into mine, searching for even the slightest hint of my thoughts. “Alright. Let’s just meet the Sherians and Larisa. End of the discussion.”

“You all are incredibly obstinate.” With my spirits defeated, I turn and walk away from him.

***

Sunday Afternoon,

Sebastian heaved a sigh as the car crossed the territory which was dominated by Sherians and then glanced at his sister, who was sitting next to him in the backseat of the car.

“I can’t believe I agreed to this!”

A chuckle escaped Nina as she looked up from her phone. “I assure you, this decision will yield the greatest benefits of your life. Have you seen her picture?” Sebastian shook his head in response to her question. “God! She’s stunning. She’ll steal your heart at first sight.”

With a hint of irritation, Sebastian rolled his eyes and looked away. “You wish!”

“I’m just being honest with you. Green eyes, black hair just like the color of your eyes. She would be an impeccable match for you.”

“Let me be honest with you, too. I am coerced into doing this. And under no circumstances would I succumb to her charm. I am merely fulfilling my obligations.” Sebastian spoke with a resonant voice and fixed his gaze ahead.

"If Dad had allowed me to take control, I wouldn’t have had to agree to this madness."

Nina’s eyes remained fixed on him, his voice carrying a sense of finality that made her heart sink. It was clear that he was done with it even before it began.

She desperately wanted to do something for him, but she understood that breaking the alliance would only make things worse and the Sherians would become their biggest nemesis.

“What is she like?” Sebastian’s question pulled her out of her trance. He turned his head and locked eyes with her. “A bratty Italian princess I would need to tame?”

“Well, so far, I’ve heard she is the firstborn of Tobias Sherian from his first wife, Darla Sampson. She mysteriously died, and it is believed Tobias was behind it.”

Sebastian arched an eyebrow. “Why would he kill his wife?”

“Darla was a young, aspiring actress when Tobias forced her to marry him. She endeavored to acclimate herself to the ways of the mafia but fell short. As per mom, she was involved romantically with her bodyguard and planned to abscond, but Tobias caught them. Upon learning of her pregnancy, he confined her to the house and shortly after Larisa was born, she was found dead in her room. Tobias claimed she committed suicide. However, some believe that he actually gave her poison and later married one of his mistresses.”

Sebastian nodded his head as she further added. “Larisa has never left this place. She is restricted within the boundaries of the territory. She bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased mother, which is why Tobias despises her.”

“And is that a reason he wants to marry her off as soon as she turns eighteen?” Sebastian interrupted.

Nina let out a sigh. “I believe so. Also, who would miss the chance to form an alliance with the Cosa Nostra? I don’t know much about Larisa.”

“And how do you know so much about her mother?”

“Mom has all the gossip, you know.” With a reaction tinged with amusement, Sebastian redirected his attention towards the window.

There was a moment of prolonged silence that ensued between them, while the car made its way through the black metal gates. Nina paused briefly, collecting her thoughts before speaking again.

“Sebastian, may I make a request of you?”

“Yup!”

“You know how things went between Alexander and me,” she said, a hint of bitterness in her tone. “Don’t be harsh to Larisa. Treat her with patience and love.”

“I cannot promise you that,” he said, as they arrived at their destination.