BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY

(MARIANNA'S POV)

I froze in the doorway of the ballroom, unable to process what I'm seeing.

Tyler, my Tyler, is down on one knee in front of my sister, holding out a diamond ring that catches the light from the chandelier.

"Sophia Kingwicke," he says, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent room, "will you marry me?"

My sister's hands flew to her mouth in a practiced surprise. The guests which included our family friends, business associates, the eight families are all watching with bated breath.

This can't be happening.

Before I realize what I'm doing, I'm striding across the polished floor, my heels echoing in the silence.

"What the hell is this?" My voice cracks like a whip.

Tyler's head whips around, his expression shifting from adoration to annoyance in an instant. "Marianna. This is not the time."

"Not the time?" I laugh, the sound brittle and harsh. "When exactly would be the right time to tell me you're proposing to my sister?"

Sophia steps forward, placing a protective hand on Tyler's shoulder. "Marianna, please. You're making a scene."

"A scene?" I move closer, trembling with rage. "Six years, Tyler. Six years I gave you everything you ever wanted. I helped you start your company. I paid off your family's debts. I sacrificed my reputation to be with you when everyone said you were just using me for my connections." I sobbed "Only to get this from you. Betraying me"

Tyler stands, slipping the ring into his pocket. "That's enough, Marianna."

"Did our relationship mean nothing to you? Was it all just a way to get close to my family? To Sophia?"

The room is deathly quiet now, everyone watching our drama unfold.

"We grew apart," Tyler says stiffly. "These things happen."

"Grew apart?" I laugh again. "I saw you three days ago! You told me you loved me!"

"Marianna," Sophia interjects, her voice honeyed with fake concern, "you've been so busy with work. Tyler and I... it just happened. We didn't mean to hurt you."

The betrayal is so profound I can barely breathe. My hand moves before I can think, slapping Sophia hard across her perfect cheek.

Gasps echo through the ballroom.

The sting in my palm is satisfying for exactly two seconds before Tyler's hand connects with my face, sending me stumbling backward.

"Don't you ever touch her again," he growls.

I hold my burning cheek, staring at him in disbelief. "You hit me."

"You hit my fiancée."

"Your fiancée is my sister!" I scream. "My sister who knew exactly what she was doing!"

I turn to my parents, standing at the edge of the crowd. "Mom? Dad? Are you just going to stand there?"

My father steps forward, but not to defend me. "Marianna, you need to leave. Now."

"Me? I need to leave?" I asked "This is my birthday. They're the ones-"

"This behavior is unacceptable," my mother says, her voice cold. "Sophia and Tyler have our blessing."

The room spins around me. "Your blessing? You knew about this?"

No one answered, but their silence is confirmation enough.

Sophia, emboldened by our parents' support, approaches me.

"It's not just Tyler, Marianna." Her voice is low, meant only for me, but carrying just enough to be heard by those nearby. "The eight families and the company have shifted their support."

There are actually ten families that were our exclusive partners. Eight of those families kept supporting us, me especially, unlike the remaining two. Who would have thought they had ulterior motives.

"I think the vote of confidence has already started." she uttered, smirking" So soon, everything you ever held dear will be mine. Luckily, grandpa isn't here to save you."

I stared at her, uncomprehending at first, then with growing horror. "I have done everything for the company. Sacrificed so much to make the company what it is today"

"And I thank you for helping me with that," she corrected, her smile vicious. With a sudden shove, she pushed me, and I stumbled backwards, losing my balance and fell hard to the floor.

Looking up at her from the ground, I saw a stranger wearing my sister's face.

"Did you really think you deserved that CEO position?" she asked. "Everyone knows I've always been the smarter one. The beautiful one that should have been the face of the company. You just had Grandpa's favor."

She is only talking like this because I trained her personally when she started as an intern. She followed me to meetings, stayed at my office to see how I operate and even helped with errands just to incorporate herself with the daily tasks.

Her first time closing the deal was because I was beside her. Everything she did first, I was beside her to guide and direct her. It was only recently she began doing things on her own.

"Get out, Marianna," my father says, stepping forward. "Don't embarrass us further."

I rose unsteadily to my feet, dignity in tatters but still intact enough to walk rather than crawl from the room.

The sea of faces parts for me, some pitying, others carefully blank, a few openly smug.

"Fine" I thought, as I stomped out of the hall "I'll just have to handle it on my own like I used to"

The executive floor of Kingwickes was eerily quiet when I arrived. My key card still worked, at least. I headed straight for the boardroom, drawn by the voices I heard inside.

Through the glass walls, I saw the board members and the eight families' representatives. They turned at once when I push open the door.

"Miss Marianna," Albert Chen, my supposed mentor, has the decency to look uncomfortable. "We didn't expect you."

"Clearly," I said, spotting the papers spread across the table. "What's this about fraud allegations?"

Silence fell.

"You don't need to concern yourself with this anymore," James Kostas finally said. "The board has voted. Your services as CEO are no longer required."

"On what grounds?"

"Financial impropriety. Misappropriation of funds. Unauthorized transactions." He slided a folder toward me. "The evidence is quite damning."

I flipped through the pages, my blood running cold. Account numbers I recognized. Transactions I never authorized. My signature, forged but convincing.

"This is Tyler's work," I realized aloud. "He had access to my accounts. My passwords."

Pity flickered across a few faces, but not enough.

"The decision is made," the COO stated from the head of the table. "Clean out your office by the end of the day."

I battled to drop a tear "You are all going to hear from my lawyer" as I gathered the false evidences and shredded them before storming out of the room

An hour later, I'm at the offices of Sullivan & Brooks, my personal attorneys. The receptionist looked up in surprise when I enter.

"Ms. Kingwicke! We weren't expecting you."

"I need to see John or Patricia immediately."

"I'm sorry, they're both out of the country."

"when did they leave?" I asked

"Few days ago" she replied

"Thank you," I said mechanically, turning to leave.

Everything clicked into place as I walked back to my car. Tyler gaining my trust. My sister's sudden interest in my division.

The eight families drew me into their confidence, then pulled away without explanation. My parents' increasing criticism of my leadership.

They didn't just betray me. They orchestrated my downfall.

The streets blurred past as I drove aimlessly with no destination in mind. It's only when I noticed the same black sedan made three consecutive turns with me that I realized I'm being followed.

I accelerated, taking a sharp right into an alley I know connects to a busier street. The sedan followed.

I cut across two lanes of traffic, earning angry honks. The sedan stayed with me.

Panic rose in my throat as I took another turn, this one too fast. My car skidded, tires screeching, and slammed into a concrete barrier.

The airbag deployed, stunning me momentarily.

By the time I unbuckled my seatbelt and stumbled out of the car, the black sedan had pulled up behind me.

I ran, abandoning my heels as I heard a car door followed with a pair of footsteps.

A dead end. A brick wall loomed before me. I spun around, panting, cornered.

A figure approached, face shadowed as hand emerged from a coat pocket with something metallic.

A gun.

"Please," I gasped. "Don't shoot-"

The shot is deafeningly loud in the enclosed space. Fire exploded in my abdomen. I looked down in disbelief at the spreading stain on my blouse.

Sirens wailed in the distance. The figure cursed, retreating quickly to the sedan, which peeled away.

I slided down the wall, pressing my hands to the wound as I was losing so much blood.

My vision dimmed around the edges. Through the haze, I saw someone running toward me. A stranger.

I couldn't hear anything.

"I wished I wouldn't experience this in my next life" and then darkness claimed me.

(MARIANNA'S POV)

I jolted awake, heart hammered against my ribs. Sunlight streamed through familiar curtains. My old bedroom. The one from the family estate.

"Impossible," I whispered.

My fingers traced the silk sheets I haven't slept in for years. I touched my stomach, expecting to feel the excruciating pain. Nothing.

I lifted my sleepwear and faced the mirror to check for any wounds. Nothing. It's still smooth, flat and finely toned. Have I always been like this?

A knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

"Miss Marianna? Your grandfather requests your presence for breakfast. He's quite eager to discuss something with you."

Rita, the old housekeeper, said. Her voice is exactly as I remembered.

"I'll... I'll be right down," I managed to say.

When she left, I stumbled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. The mirror reflects a younger version of myself, fewer lines around the eyes, hair still thick and vibrant.

"This can't be real."

My gaze drifted to the calendar hanging by the vanity. The date made my knees buckled.

June 3rd, 2019.

Five years in the past. Before everything fell apart.

I went downstairs and saw that they all gathered around the breakfast table like nothing ever happened. Like they never destroyed me.

Mother with her perfect posture, father hiding behind his newspaper, Sophia texting at the table.

And at the head sat Grandfather. Grandfather who died five years ago. How much I have missed him.

"There she is!" he boomed, looking remarkably alive for a dead man. "The genius behind the Sapru Deal!"

"The... what?" I managed to say. I had totally forgotten some events that took place.

Mother's smile tightens. "Marianna, darling, don't be modest. Everyone's talking about how you closed the impossible deal."

I slided into my seat, watching them all carefully. Are these really the same people who orchestrated my downfall? They look identical-mother's calculating eyes, father's weak chin, Rebecca's false smile.

"Sorry, I'm just... tired."

"Well, perk up," Grandfather said, passing me a folder. "We're meeting the Lombardos tomorrow."

The Lombardos. The name crashes through my confusion like a wrecking ball. In my timeline, our collaboration with the Lombardos was the beginning of the end. The catalyst that led to my family's betrayal five years from now.

"Tomorrow?" I echo.

"Yes, tomorrow." Grandfather scrutinizes me. "Is that a problem?"

I met his gaze, the same steely gray eyes I inherited. Is this really happening? Have I actually traveled back in time? Or is this some elaborate dream as I lie dying somewhere?

"No," I decided, a plan already forming. "No problem at all. In fact, I have some... ideas about the Lombardo partnership."

"That's my girl," Grandfather says, squeezing my shoulder.

His touch feels real. Too real for a dream.

"Excuse me," I say, rising from the table. "I need to prepare for tomorrow's meeting."

As I leave, I catch Mother and Father exchanging glances. The same look they shared right before they betrayed me. But this time, I see it coming.

This time, I'll be ready.

This time, I'll change everything.

I strode through the glass doors of Kingwicke Enterprises to an unexpected chorus of applause.

Employees lined the hallway, clapping and smiling as I made my way toward my corner office, each step punctuated by confused glances at the faces beaming at me.

"What's going on here?" I asked, clutching my leather portfolio tighter against my chest "Was that Sapru really a big deal?"

A familiar figure in a crisp black blazer bumped my shoulder. Sandra Salton, with her signature jet-black bob that framed her angular face, handed me a steaming cup of coffee.

"Are you seriously pretending you don't know, or are you just that good at acting modest?" Sandra's ruby lips curled into a knowing smile. The scent of her expensive perfume mingled with the coffee aroma.

I unlocked my office door, still bewildered by the reception. Sandra followed, her burgundy stilettos matching the determined look in her eyes. She gripped her file board with one hand while I settled into my plush leather chair.

"Since you have zero friends besides me-" Sandra rolled her eyes dramatically, "-I guess I have to be the one to tell you."

Before I could respond, she pulled out a small paper slip from her blazer pocket and slid it across my polished mahogany desk.

I stared at the handwritten phone number, raising an eyebrow. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"That," Sandra leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "is your blind date. I'm not letting you waste another minute on Tyler the non-billionaire." She straightened up, smoothing her pencil skirt. "I will not take no for an answer this time."

I scoffed. I remembered Sandra hated Tyler so much she made sure I wasn't with him.

"I agree," I nodded, tucking the paper into my blazer pocket. "I'll reach out to him later."

Sandra's eyes widened as she leaned across my desk, studying my face. "Did you hit your head somewhere? Or am I hallucinating? You, Marianna Kingwicke, agreeing to a blind date without a fight?"

"Maybe I'm the one hallucinating," I murmured, running my fingers along the edge of my desk. "This feels like a dream I don't want to wake up from."

"What are you mumbling about?" Sandra asked, flipping through her files.

"Nothing. Tell me about this mystery man."

Sandra's eyes lit up. "All I know is he's filthy rich, extremely good-looking, and has connections."

"Fascinating. Does this paragon have a name?"

She tilted her head, thinking. "Vin, I believe"

A sharp knock interrupted us. My secretary, Emma, poked her head through the doorway.

"Ms. Kingwicke, someone's here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment."

I glanced at Sandra, who shrugged. "Let them in."

The door swung open, and Tyler strode in as if he owned the place. He couldn't hide the desperation in his eyes as he crossed the room, leaning down for a kiss. I turned my head, his lips grazing my cheek instead.

"What do you want, Tyler?" My voice was ice.

Confusion flickered across his face. "Can't I kiss my girlfriend anymore?" He sounded wounded, his hand lingering on my shoulder.

I shook it off.

"You can't just waltz in without notice and expect me to allow it." I spat.

Sandra jumped in, flipping pages in her binder with exaggerated focus. "Your next appointment is in less than five minutes, Marianna"

She moved toward Tyler, gently but firmly guiding him toward the door.

"Wait, hold on!" He twisted away from her grip. "Can you at least promise me you'll come to the reunion as my plus one?" His eyes held genuine panic.

My stomach clenched. The reunion. Awful memories I buried flashed through my mind.

"I'm sorry," I said, leaning back in my chair. "But I won't be attending."

Tyler's face drained of color, a reaction that seemed extreme for a simple social event. What wasn't he telling me?

Sandra's patience visibly evaporated as she physically maneuvered him toward the exit. Once the door closed behind him, she leaned against it, blowing a strand of hair from her face.

"He's such a pain in the ass," she muttered. "How did you put up with that for so long?"

That was the question I'd been asking myself. How had I endured not just Tyler, but everything else? And why did I suddenly feel like I'd stepped into someone else's life?

Sandra clapped her hands together. "You know what? Let's celebrate after work. Your quarterly success deserves champagne, and I think we both need to decompress."

I gestured at the stack of reports covering my desk. "I still have to get through these."

"After," she insisted, her tone brooking no argument.

She dragged me to an upscale bar in the central district after work, a sleek establishment with low lighting and private booths. She ordered top-shelf tequila shots without consulting the menu.

"This one is for your incredible success," she declared, raising the first glass before downing it. "This is for finally breaking up with that insufferable man." She took the second shot. Pausing with the third glass halfway to her lips, she grinned. "And this one-well, because we came to drink."

I laughed, a sound that felt both foreign and familiar, and matched her shot for shot.

By the fourth round, the room had begun to spin pleasantly. "I think we should head up to our room," I mumbled, trying to maintain my composure.

Sandra's attention drifted past me, towards a stranger

"You go ahead. I'll catch up with you soon."

I groaned but left her to her conquest. I found my way to our room and collapsed onto the king-side bed where I fell asleep

I had the strangest dream, unfamiliar hands slid across my waist, pulling me against a solid chest. The scent wasn't Sandra's perfume, but something darker, masculine.

And by the time I woke up, I found myself in the arms of a stranger

(VINCENZO'S POV)

I woke to the sound of rustling. Through half-opened eyes, I saw a woman frantically gathering clothes from the floor.

She's beautiful even in this panicked state. Dark brown hair tumbling over bare shoulders as she struggled into her dress. I should say something before she disappears.

"Morning," I offered, my voice rough with sleep.

She froze like a startled deer, clutching her dress to her chest. "Hi," she says tightly. "I was just...leaving."

I sat up, trying to look less intimidating. "Without saying goodbye?"

Her eyes narrow slightly. I must have said something wrong, though I'm not sure what.

"I have somewhere to be," she said, fumbling with her zipper.

"I didn't catch your name last night," I admitted.

"Marianna," she says, not meeting my eyes.

"Vin," I reply, though she didn't ask. "Can I make you some coffee, Marianna?"

Something shifts in her expression. She reached into her clutch, pulled out her wallet, and before I understood what's happening, she tossed two hundred-dollar bills onto the bed.

"That won't be necessary," she said coldly. "This should cover everything."

The bills land on my chest. For a moment, I can't process what's happening. Then it hits me.

"What the hell is this?" I demanded, holding up the money.

"For your services," she replied, zipping her dress. "Isn't that how this works?"

I'm out of bed instantly, not caring about my nakedness. "I'm not a goddamn escort!"

"Could have fooled me," she snapped, grabbing her purse. "Thanks for the night. Let's not do it again."

Before I can respond, she's gone, the door slamming behind her. I stood there, naked and furious, the crumpled bills in my fist. Did she really think I was some kind of... hired companion?

I wanted to chase after her, set this ridiculous misunderstanding straight, but what would be the point? She clearly made up her mind about what happened here.

As I turned to head for the shower, something caught my eye beneath the bed. A delicate silver bracelet with a sapphire charm. Must be hers.

I picked it up, the metal cool against my palm. Probably means something to her.

My phone rang from the nightstand. Scott's calling.

"What?" I seethed.

"Reminding you about the Poldstone meeting in one hour. Your father specifically asked me to ensure you'll be there." he replied, unfazed

Shit. Missing it would be corporate suicide, especially with the merger negotiations underway.

"I'll be there," I promised, already calculating how fast I can shower and dress.

I ended the call and looked again at the bracelet in my hand. I should throw it away after how she treated me.

Instead, I tucked it carefully in my pocket before heading to the shower. My family doesn't tolerate tardiness, especially my father.

But even as hot water pounded against my back, my mind kept returning to the woman who thought I had to be paid for. Marianna with no last name.

By the time I arrived the Poldstone investors were already seated in the conference room. It's three minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin.

My father noticed my entrance with the barest flicker of acknowledgment, which, for Victor Lombardo, is practically a warm welcome.

I took my seat at his right hand, as tradition dictates. The next in line after the heir apparent.

I looked around for my elder brother, he wasn't even in this meeting.

I nodded respectfully to Mr. Oswald and his associates before opening my portfolio.

The meeting proceeded with the usual dance of numbers, projections, and veiled threats disguised as business concerns.

Two hours later, contracts got signed and the Poldstone delegation filed out. My father remains seated, his expression unreadable as he reviews the signed documents.

"Your tie is crooked," he says without looking up.

I adjusted it silently, waiting for the real criticism.

"You were nearly late."

"I arrived with time to spare," I countered carefully.

"Three minutes is not 'time to spare,' Vincent. It's cutting it close." He finally looked at me, icy blue eyes identical to my own. "The Kingwicke meeting is tonight. I expect you to be better prepared."

My stomach tightened. "The Kingwickes? I thought that was next month."

"They moved it up." He closed his portfolio with a snap. "My office. Now."

I followed my father closely behind him as we headed to his office.

When I enter, he's not alone. A stocky man with salt-and-pepper hair stands by the window, drinking my father's private-reserve scotch.

"Vincent," my father called me, "you remember Don Santino."

I do. The head of the Santino crime family, our oldest allies in a city carved up by rival organizations.

"Don Santino," I greeted him with appropriate respect, shaking his hand firmly.

"The boy has grown into a man," Santino observes, clapping my shoulder. "Last time I saw you, you were graduating business school."

"Over a decade ago," I confirmed. "A lot has changed."

"Not enough," my father interjected. "Vincent, we have a situation. All rival families have doubled their territories in the last six months."

I absorbed this information silently. Our family may operate legitimate businesses now, but our roots are deep in the underworld.

We've maintained our position through strategic alliances rather than street warfare, but things are clearly shifting.

"The old agreements are breaking down," Santino adds, swirling his scotch. "Everyone is restless."

The eight families-the oldest, most powerful organizations in the city. Mine included.

"What does this have to do with the Kingwickes?" I asked, though I'm beginning to suspect the answer.

My father exchanged a glance with Santino. "The Kingwickes has the upper hand in our grand plan. A partnership with them would solidify our position for the next decade."

"And by partnership, you mean...?"

"Their daughter, Sophia, is of marriageable age," my father said bluntly. "A union between our families would be beneficial to all parties."

I stared at him, ice forming in my veins. "You're arranging a marriage for me?"

"I'm creating an opportunity," he corrected. "The meeting tomorrow is to discuss business initially, but Edward Kingwicke is bringing his daughter. She'll be taking over their European operations soon. You will make a good impression."

"And if I don't want to marry a stranger for business?"

My father's expression hardens. "This isn't about what you want. It's about everything we've built. Don't blow this for us, Vincent."

Santino watched this exchange with the detached interest of a man observing pieces being moved on a chessboard.

"The Kingwicke girl is beautiful," he offered, as if that made a difference. "Educated at Oxford. Speaks four languages. You could do worse."

I wanted to argue, to refuse, but I know the rules of our world. Family comes first. Always.

"I'll be there," I said finally. "Properly prepared."

My father nodded, satisfied. "Good. Don't disappoint me again."

As I left his office, the weight of family expectations heavy on my shoulders. I'm not going to completely take control of everything but somehow, I'm always the one at the receiving end.

My first love and fiancée went after my elder brother when she found out he was the next don and not me. The other encounters? Can't remember

I found myself thinking inexplicably of the woman from last night.

Marianna.

A brief escape from the reality of who I am and what's expected of me.

I touched the sapphire bracelet in my pocket, wondering if I'll ever see her again.

I prepared for tonight's meeting like I promised my father and we arrived at the private dining room in the Kingwickes hotel that has been reserved exclusively for tonight's meeting.

"Vincent," my father beckons me over. "Meet Edward Kingwicke."

I shook his hand firmly. "A pleasure, Mr. Kingwicke."

"The pleasure is mine. May I introduce my son, Joseph, my daughter-in-law, Martha , and their daughters, Sophia and Marianna."

"Please, call me Joe" his son chipped in

Martha Kingwicke is elegant in that old-money way, pearls at her throat, silver-streaked hair in a perfect chignon.

Sophia is classically beautiful, blonde and poised, with calculating eyes that assessed me as thoroughly as I assessed her.

"Sisters?" I thought. They are two?

I turned, prepared to offer another practiced greeting, and froze.

Standing there, looking equally stunned, is Marianna.

Her eyes widened in recognition, color draining from her face before a flush replaced it.

She's transformed from the disheveled woman of this morning, now wrapped in emerald silk, hair elegantly styled, diamond drops at her ears.

She's a Kingwicke.

"Vincenzo Lombardo," I managed to say, extending my hand mechanically.

Her fingers were cold as they briefly touched mine. "Mr. Lombardo," she greeted, her voice controlled but strained.

My father watched this exchange with narrow-eyed interest. Don Santino looked amused, though he couldn't possibly understand the magnitude of this disaster.

The woman my family wanted me to charm tonight is Sophia Kingwicke. But the woman standing before me is her sister, Marianna Kingwicke.

And I'm still carrying her sapphire bracelet in my pocket.