Chapter 2 The Deal is Sealed

The next morning, the Russo estate felt cold and uninviting as Alessa prepared to leave her home. Each step down the grand staircase felt like a march toward her own captivity, a life she'd never chosen. She was no stranger to the necessity of sacrifices in the world of power, but the fact that she had been reduced to a mere bargaining chip gnawed at her.

The car was waiting outside and her bags had been packed for her-no one had thought to consult her, as though her preferences no longer mattered. The driver gave her a curt nod, and as she stepped into the car, she felt a stab of resentment. Her fate had been sealed, and she hadn't been given a say.

As the vehicle pulled away from her family's estate, Alessa's gaze lingered on the home she was leaving behind. I'll be back, she vowed silently, her hands clenched into fists. One way or another, this isn't the end.

The journey to the DeLuca mansion was a long and silent. Outside the windows, New York's bustling streets gave way to the quieter outskirts, where the DeLuca estate sat like a fortress on the edge of the city. Alessa could feel her heart pounding with anger and anxiety. She'd met Luca DeLuca a handful of times-each encounter colder and more dismissive than the last. He was ruthless, calculating, and well-known for his own brutal methods of keeping order.

A wave of unease washed over her as they arrived, but she steeled herself. She was a Russo, and even though she'd been betrayed, she would not let herself appear weak.

As she stepped out, the front doors opened, and there stood Luca. He was tall, his dark hair neatly combed back, his expression impassive as he watched her approach. She forced herself to meet his gaze, her own eyes narrowed with defiance.

"Welcome, Alessa," he said, his tone as cool as his gaze.

"Charming as ever," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Luca's lips quirked up slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Let's get one thing straight, Alessa. This marriage isn't about charm or pleasantries. You and I both know what this is."

"An alliance, right?" She folded her arms, refusing to cower. "A deal between men that I had no say in."

Luca gave her a scrutinizing look. "Careful, Alessa. You might find that not everyone here will tolerate your... opinions."

She scoffed, holding his gaze. "Then you'd better get used to hearing them."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by his usual detached expression. "You'll have a room prepared for you," he said, dismissing her. "Dinner is at seven. I suggest you don't make a habit of being late."

Dinner was a tense affair. The dining hall was filled with stoic DeLuca family members and a few close associates, all of whom eyed her with disdain and suspicion. She could feel their judgment heavy in the air, and she realized just how isolated she was. No allies, no friends. Just enemies disguised as family.

Luca sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable as he watched her. She ignored him, focusing instead on her meal. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.

Halfway through dinner, Luca's mother turned to Alessa. "I assume you're aware of the responsibilities this marriage entails," she said, her tone devoid of warmth.

Alessa met her gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "I'm well aware of what's expected of me, Mrs. DeLuca."

"Good," she replied, her tone dismissive. "This family has no room for... weakness."

Alessa clenched her teeth, biting back a retort. She had never been weak, and she wasn't about to start now. But her anger simmered beneath the surface, fueling her determination.

After dinner, Luca motioned for her to follow him. They walked down a dimly lit corridor, the silence between them heavy and charged. Finally, he stopped and turned to face her.

"I think it's time we discuss the terms of our arrangement," he said, his voice low and serious.

Alessa raised an eyebrow. "Terms? I wasn't aware I had a choice."

Luca's eyes darkened. "Don't mistake this marriage as a free pass to do as you please. You may have been the heir in your family, but here, you answer to me."

She stepped closer, meeting his gaze fearlessly. "You may have forced me into this marriage, but don't think for a second that I'm your puppet."

Luca's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. For a moment, she thought she saw something flash in his gaze-admiration, perhaps? But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

"Very well," he said finally. "Just remember, Alessa, you're in my world now. Play your part, and you'll have no problems."

"And if I don't?" she challenged, unable to resist pushing him.

Luca's smile was cold. "Then I suggest you start making allies, fast. This is a dangerous game, Alessa. I'd hate to see you lose."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the dimly lit hallway. Alessa watched him go and scoffed. He thought he could control her, mold her into the obedient wife he wanted. But she was no one's pawn. If he wanted a game, then she'd show him exactly who he was dealing with.

Later that night, as Alessa lay in her unfamiliar room, staring up at the ceiling, her mind raced. She thought about her father's words, the lessons he'd taught her. He'd trained her to lead, to be ruthless when necessary. And now, she would need every ounce of that training if she was going to survive in this house.

They think they can control me. They think I'm here to be silent, obedient.

But in the quiet of her room, Alessa made a vow. She would find a way to turn this marriage to her advantage. She would uncover every secret, every weakness within this family, and when the time was right, she would make her move.

As the night deepened, a shadow moved outside her door. Alessa sat up, her instincts on high alert. The handle turned slowly, and the door creaked open, revealing a figure cloaked in darkness.

She tensed, ready to defend herself, but the figure merely stepped forward, closing the door behind him.

"Alessa," a familiar voice whispered, sending a chill down her spine. It was Enzo.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice low and edged with suspicion.

Enzo smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Just checking on my dear niece. You didn't think I'd abandon you entirely, did you?"

She crossed her arms, meeting his gaze with defiance. "I don't need your concern."

"Oh, but you will," he replied, his voice dripping with menace. "You're in the lion's den now, Alessa. And trust me, there are things in this family far worse than you can imagine."

With that, he turned and slipped back into the shadows, leaving her alone, a new sense of unease settling over her.