The Mafia and The Billionaire

Serene's POV

"Serene, you need to keep in mind that you hold the future of our organization, so you'd better make wise decisions at all times," said Grandma. We were in the living room of our mansion in Portico, discussing my departure. I looked at my Grandpa sitting beside her, waiting for him to say anything, but he just shrugged his shoulders.

I knew how worried my grandparents were since my father called me to discuss my inheritance. So, I needed to return to Ling City immediately, where I had spent six years of my life. "Serene, do you understand me?" Grandma asked in a monotone yet strict voice. I looked at her, took a deep breath, and answered,

"Yes, Grandma."

"By the way..." She paused for a long moment, and my forehead began to sweat, feeling uneasy. "My dear Serene, you're already an adult, which means you are of age to get married and have your own family. Took this time to find someone who will be there for you, but I also want you to choose someone you're attracted to if not love."

I don't know about the "attracted" part, but I don't think there will be any man who will attract me. After what have I experienced with my own father? I didn't want to argue with Grandma, so I sipped on the cup of tea my ever-attentive Grandpa had prepared, hoping it would calm my trembling nerves. "It's not that I'm rushing you, Serene, but you must choose a suitable husband who understands the intricacies of our family and can support our business endeavors," Granny emphasized, her voice carrying a mix of concern and expectation. "You must claim what is rightfully yours, but be mindful not to squander the wealth that your mother has painstakingly built."

I gathered my courage to speak up despite the tremors coursing through my body. "Grandma, do I need to go to such lengths?" I questioned, my voice wavering slightly. "Besides Grandpa and my friends, I don't know any man who exceeds their characters."

"You are right about that, dear." My old man chimed in, making me roll my eyes at him because I had been waiting for him to say something, and yet, he only did it now when I was talking about being a good man.

With grace and exuding an air of authority, she replied, "Your mother worked tirelessly for that company, and you, my dear, possess her intelligence and resilience. But it would be best if you did not repeat her mistakes. I trust you understand what I mean," Grandma said firmly, as she clutched my Grandpa's arm.

Though I had intended to remain silent, my tongue betrayed me, and I found myself unable to hold back any longer. "Grandma, you have reiterated this countless times since I came here. I have embraced the path you set for me, and I want you to know that I willingly chose it. However, I want you to relax and not worry about me. I will find my husband and look for someone opposite my father. Another thing is, I plan to bring Enzo and Patt," I informed her, watching her react. She nodded in acknowledgment.

Turning my attention to Grandpa, I couldn't help but wonder if he would allow Grandma to continue dominating the conversation. "And Grandpa, will you just allow Grandma to do all the talking?" I inquired, hoping for a different perspective.

"Your grandma is always right," Grandpa replied, again accompanied by a playful eye roll from me. It was hard to imagine him as the former leader of a mafia. In Portico, our family was renowned for our kindness and generosity, and we were always ready to lend a helping hand to those around us. However, beneath that benevolent facade lay an undeniable ruthlessness. While we didn't flaunt it openly, the civilians knew better than to cross our path.

My father, Lorenzo, had betrayed my mother, inflicting immeasurable pain on me. He would have to face the consequences of his actions. As for his mistress, she would not achieve what she wanted, nor would their illegitimate child. Lorenzo did nothing to protect Mom when she was harmed and ultimately murdered, and those memories remain painfully fresh in my mind.

*** Flashback ***

When I was six, my parents and I visited the amusement park. A mysterious man approached us while I was still tightly holding onto my mother's hand. It struck me as odd that he wore a hat and sunglasses despite the absence of sunlight, and the way he covered half his face sent a chill down my spine.

Dressed in a long trench coat that reached his knees, the man asked my mother with an ominously twisted smile: "You're happy, right?" Fear gripped me in that moment, not for myself but for her.

My father, seemingly irritated, said, "What is it, Marissa?" It was at that moment that I despised him. While I was already frightened by our circumstances, he appeared unfazed. Sensing the danger, my mother shielded me with her body, and I could only catch a glimpse of the man pulling out a knife from behind him.

"M-Mom," I called out, desperately seeking her attention. She held my hand tightly, but I sensed her efforts to protect me from harm. When I called out to her again, I tugged at her hand, my concern for her overwhelming. And then, I watched in horror as I saw the man aggressively stab my mother. And my eyes widened when she fell to the ground.

"MOM!!!" I screamed, joining her on the ground. "Hold on, Mom. We will bring you to the hospital." My tears streamed down my face as I kneeled beside her, holding her close.

My father, seemingly indifferent to my mother's condition, tried to calm me, attempting to stifle my cries. It was as if he didn't care that my mother was lying, unconscious. Thankfully, the people around us saw our distress and rushed to our aid, helping to transport my mom to the hospital. But despite their efforts, she didn't make it. She was gone, and I would never see her again.

In my grief, my father unexpectedly brought a woman named Daisy and a girl nearly my age named Mavie into our home. At first, I found solace in having a playmate-a distraction from the pain of my mother's sudden death. However, it soon became apparent that Mavie was anything but a playmate. And the worst part is that my father always seemed to side with her, making me feel small and insignificant in his eyes.

While I was playing in our room, Dad barged in with Daisy. I was confused when Mavie began to cry, but instead of asking her what was wrong, I couldn't help but cry, too. Because the weight of missing my mother was overwhelming, and I sought solace in the comfort of my room, tears flowed uncontrollably.

In a fit of anger, Dad snarled, accusing me of hurting her. I glanced at Daisy and then at Mavie, who looked smug as if they knew something I didn't. As a young child, I couldn't comprehend their intentions, but I knew they weren't being kind. And so, I decided to stand up for myself against them.

"I haven't left my room since last night, so I don't know what you're talking about," I responded, my voice trembling with confusion. Dad's hand met my cheek at that moment with a stinging slap. That was the first time he had ever hurt me physically, and I was shocked that he would do so for that woman and the other child. It became clear that only my mother had genuinely cared for me.

As an only child, I always believed I had the best of both worlds. With my mother by my side, my father, who harbored little affection for me, would put on an extra show of love. I often wondered why, but as a young child, I couldn't comprehend that my father's love for my mother wasn't as strong as I had imagined.

He retorted, taking Daisy and Mavie away as his words cut deep. "I will send you to your grandma's, and you will stay there for the rest of your life, never to return. Did you understand?" In my young mind, I knew that he didn't love me. And so I followed his instructions and went to my grandparents' home.

As I grew up under their care, my grandparents shared many stories about our family, particularly about my father, Daisy, and Mavie. They were part of his family, and it became evident that he had been unfaithful to my mother. My grandparents held a deep disdain for him, which is why they never visited us to see my mother, even after her passing. They had tried to prevent her from marrying my father, but as they often said, she was stubborn.

I received training under their guidance to become the next leader of our powerful family, which had a well-known reputation as the strongest in the region by which Lorenzo knew nothing about. My grandparents believed that our adversaries were responsible for my mother's death and feared that they would come after me next, seeking to end our lineage. However, I am not going to let them succeed.

Unlike my mother, I vowed to make decisions based on logic rather than emotions. No man would ever be able to abuse and deceive me as my father had done to my mother. When the time came for me to return, I would leave nothing for Lorenzo and his mistress. And that day would come soon.

*** End of Flashback ***

"My dear," Grandma said gently, bringing me back to my trance, "always use your head before your heart. Emotions can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. Stay focused on your goals and never underestimate your opponent, even if they are your father."

Her words struck a chord, reminding me of the importance of rationality and resilience. I couldn't help but reflect on the countless nights I had spent crying, questioning why my father had never shown me the love I so desperately craved. Why had he only been kind to me when my mother was around? And why had he chosen to give me away to my grandparents, favoring Daisy and her daughter over his flesh and blood?

"I do understand, Grandma," I replied, my voice tinged with sadness and determination. The wounds inflicted by my father's actions still lingered, and I struggled to detach myself from the emotional turmoil fully.

Despite my resentment toward him, a part of me longed for his love and acceptance, which a father should provide. But I knew I had to let go of that longing and focus on the path ahead. "He will no longer have the power to hurt me," I said, making Grandma nod, and a smile played on her lips.

She may have been concerned about my return to my old house, but I was determined to prove that I had grown stronger and wiser. I was no longer the six-year-old Serendipity Dylan but Serene Portico, the leader and head of the Portico Region, bearing the weight of our family's name.

Through me, I would ensure that our legacy would remain. My grandparents' support and guidance led me to what I am now. I trained every day to be physically and mentally strong, and I would not let all my efforts go to waste.

Portico Region is already mine; anyone who tries to take it from me will suffer consequences. My inheritance from my mother is another thing; it's the Serendipity Jewelry, and claiming it would not be easy. I'm sure that Lorenzo will not give it to me willingly. But armed with the lessons learned from Grandma and fueled by my desire to protect my mom's legacy, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Serene's POV:

Impatience gnawed at me as I confronted Lorenzo at the dining table. I couldn't understand why he had yet to give me my rightful inheritance, though I already expected this to happen. I had been staying in their house for what felt like an eternity, surrounded by his mistress and their bastard, both of whom showed nothing but fake concern for me.

"When are you going to give me what's mine?" I demanded, my voice laced with frustration. Lorenzo avoided meeting my gaze, a sign that he was hiding something. Growing up, people would always look me in the eye when they spoke to me, a way for me to gauge their honesty. But Lorenzo was different now, and I knew he was lying.

"The attorney is already working on it," he replied dismissively, his words lacking conviction. I had grown accustomed to people's empty promises, but coming from my father, it stung even more.

Daisy, Lorenzo's mistress, couldn't resist adding her side comment. "Serene, why are you in such a rush? Haven't you been well taken care of in the countryside? Or are you just eager to get your hands on your money?"

I couldn't help but scoff at her audacity. How dare she speak to me in such a disrespectful manner, completely oblivious to the irony of her own words? I wanted to maintain an angelic image in their eyes. Still, ever since I arrived in Ling City, my angelic wings had transformed into thorns in my head.

"What do you take me for? A mere pig, waiting to be fed?" I retorted, smirking at Daisy, reveling in the power of my words.

"Well, I never mentioned you were a pig until now, considering how much weight you've gained," she shot back, her confidence unwavering. I laughed and rolled my eyes, refusing to let her get under my skin. It's not true that I have gained weight, but I'm sure I have gained something far more valuable: the courage to speak my mind.

Mavie, the bastard, chimed in, attempting to defend her mother's insult. "Mom, you don't have to say it like that. We have guests." But I saw through her feeble attempt to deceive me.

Realizing her mistake, Daisy quickly apologized to our guests, Ryan and Reynold, feigning concern for my lack of manners. I couldn't help but chuckle, knowing her apology was insincere. Everyone at the table turned their attention to me, curious about my reaction.

"If you refuse to give me what is rightfully mine, then I will take matters into my own hands," I declared, my voice dripping with determination. I had no intention of staying in their presence any longer. The sight of how Lorenzo treated Mavie ignited a burning rage within me.

A month had passed since my arrival, and I had expected Lorenzo to simply hand over my inheritance. But it wasn't going as smoothly as I had hoped. He would give the same excuse whenever I asked: "The attorney is still working on it."

During this month, I discovered that Mavie was Lorenzo's daughter before he married my mother. Although I had already learned about this from my grandparents, a part of me still clung to the hope that my father could redeem himself because my weak heart still loved him as a daughter.

Lorenzo was insistent on arranging a marriage for me. If I hadn't known him better, I might have believed his claims that the man he had in mind was good and kind and would take care of me.

But no way! I stood my ground and objected to his matchmaking shenanigans. I mean, seriously, the guys he wanted me to consider were someone any wealthy parents wouldn't want to marry their daughters off to. We're talking about company drivers, sons of his friend's maids, and other folks that even the most lenient parents would think twice about marrying off their kids unless the girl wanted it. I am not looking down on that kind of person; they work hard. But I am talking about Lorenzo, and I'm sure he wouldn't let Mavie marry those men he was pushing to me.

Desperate to uncover the truth about my mother's will, I sought out the attorney my dad had mentioned. Let me tell you, this old geezer looked like he could scare the living daylights out of anyone but not me, not Serene Portico. He revealed the details of the will, and I couldn't help but clench my fist when I finally understood what Lorenzo had been up to. The details of the rest shall remain under lock and key. Bless his heart, the attorney thought it was only fair to let me in on that part, considering Lorenzo had gotten his hands on it, too.

Naturally, I wasted no time telling Enzo about the whole ordeal to investigate. It turns out that Reynold wanted me for his son, and Lorenzo struck a shady deal with him to arrange a marriage for me and render the will null and void.

After another three months, everything was settled, and I decided to marry Ryan for a simple reason: he was easy to handle. After getting married, I planned to leave the mansion to proceed with my plan and continue my leadership in Portico. I would secure my inheritance and send Lorenzo back to where he came from.

As I was about to leave my bedroom, Mavie, in a low and almost sobbing voice, pleaded, "Can't you just choose someone else? Does it have to be Ryan?" Her victim act didn't easily fool me, even though I had no idea what she was plotting. Just as I was about to leave, she tried to stop me.

I raised an eyebrow at her and asked, "So, are you suggesting I accept someone Dad has chosen for me?"

"Serene, you're new to the city; you can't gauge whether Ryan genuinely likes you. But I know he likes me. We grew up together and were already dating," she claimed, showcasing her impressive acting skills. If anyone witnessed our exchange, they might assume I was overreacting or had stolen her boyfriend.

"Well, then you'll have to talk to him," I replied, returning to walk away. I had chosen Ryan because he had approached me first. He would be easy to manipulate due to his ignorance, and I thought I could have him wrapped around my finger. But this conniving woman wanted him for herself.

"Please, Serene. You can choose anyone but Ryan," she pleaded, grabbing my arm tightly. Her grip indicated her intention to harm me. I pushed her away, not wanting to cause her any real harm. However, the actress took over and dramatically fell to the floor, pretending to hit her head on the corner of the door frame. She cried as if she had cracked her skull.

"I didn't expect you to do this much–" I muttered before a sudden push interrupted my words.

"What did you do to her? How could you hurt her?" Ryan exclaimed, rushing to Mavie's side with concern. I knew he was gullible and easily swayed, so it wasn't surprising to see him come to her aid.

"I didn't do anything to her," I replied, cringing at their display while Ryan continued to support the drama queen.

"How is she on the floor?" Ryan responded, his suspicion directed towards me.

"Because she laid herself there?" I casually replied, taking a step closer to them. "It's not my fault that she's weak and foolish." I casually remarked, watching Ryan help Mavie regain her footing. I knew it was all an act, but I was curious to see where this charade would lead.

"How dare you hurt my daughter? We welcomed you into our family, which is how you repay us." Daisy suddenly appeared out of nowhere, her voice filled with anger.

"You were just standing there and didn't do anything to stop your daughter?" I incredulously asked. Daisy's eyes widened, and she glanced at Ryan.

"I apologize for her behavior. That's precisely why I wanted you to marry Mavie instead of her! She's far too unladylike and unworthy of you," Daisy declared, emphasizing her words with exaggerated hand gestures, causing me to roll my eyes.

"I don't think you have the luxury of putting on an act right now. Aren't you concerned about your daughter's well-being?" I retorted, causing Daisy to avert her gaze towards Mavie, whom Ryan was now cradling.

"I must commend you for enduring the pain. Shouldn't you be losing consciousness by now?" I asked mockingly, knowing that the blow to her head must have been painful. As I reminded her of the scene she was acting on, she glared at me in response.

"What's going on here?" The one and only Lorenzo arrived, his expression filled with worry as he looked at Mavie. A pang of sadness and pain struck me, surprising even my stone and cold heart. How could I feel this way when he was nothing more than a disgusting scumbag who wasn't deserving of the title of father. "Who did this to you?" he demanded, his anger directed towards me. I waited for Mavie to answer, but Daisy beat her to it.

"It was Serene; she hurt our daughter, Lorenzo," Daisy interjected. He glared at me with fury and stepped closer before delivering a slap across my face. Time seemed to slow down at that moment as I witnessed Daisy and Mavie's lips curl into triumphant smiles. But my training had prepared me for more than that. Did they think I would cringe?

"So this is what you've become after living with your grandparents? Is this what they taught you? To steal someone else's boyfriend?" Lorenzo snarled.

"Is that what your bastard told you? That I was stealing him away from your precious daughter? If he wanted a bitch for a girlfriend, then so be it. I wouldn't stop him. He's all yours," I replied, looking at Mavie and Ryan, whose mouths hung open in shock.

"He was a fool, an idiot, and, above all, a weakling. I thought he would be easy to handle, but it turns out he was even worse than I expected," I added, bursting into laughter.

"You're saying that because you couldn't have him, and now you realize he loves Mavie," Lorenzo countered, making me laugh harder.

"Love my ass!" I exclaimed. "He wanted Mavie because his dad told him to, thinking she would inherit my mother's wealth. Sorry to burst your bubble, Ryan, but your father's plan won't work. I know he and Lorenzo made that agreement," I revealed, causing Lorenzo's eyes to widen. He hadn't anticipated that I would uncover their secret.

"Believe whatever you want, but you still need to pay for what you did to Mavie," Lorenzo finally managed to utter before retreating to Mavie's side.

"Dad, it wasn't Serene's fault. She didn't do this on purpose." Mavie spoke up in a soft voice, deliberately appearing weak. I was certain she was doing it to impress Ryan.

"Don't be too kind, Mavie. Why are you still taking her side? You're such a good girl," Daisy said, attempting to sugarcoat Mavie's defense of me.

"Enough with the theatrics. Whatever you do to yourself, I couldn't care less," I declared, then turned my gaze to Lorenzo. "You better give me what is rightfully mine. Because if you don't, I will make sure that there's nothing left for you and your mistress when I fight for it, especially for your illegitimate child," I added, delivering the final blow.

I remembered something as I stood on the stairs, ready to step down. I turned to face them with a mischievous smile and uttered, "Oh, even if you were to hand it over willingly, rest assured, you'll receive nothing in return. You'll be tossed back into the trash where you belong, along with your mistress and your illegitimate daughter." With those cutting words, I left the scene and gracefully made my way to the waiting car, where Enzo, my trusted right-hand man, was already waiting for me.

At that moment, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands and find a suitable husband. I couldn't rely on Ryan anymore after everything that had transpired. He had proven to be quite malleable, a perfect pawn in my game, but my plans had been thwarted.

"You might want to try your luck at the Royale Club," Enzo suggested, his voice laced with a hint of excitement. I nodded, appreciating his suggestion, and replied, "Tell Nadine to dig into the CCTV footage of my mother's mansion. I'm sure they put it there to monitor my movements and see that we got a copy before they decided to take it down." Enzo nodded, fully understanding my intentions. Nadine is our organization and the world's top hacker. I'm confident that she will be able to get everything I need because Lorenzo will do everything to take me out of the picture.

Alex's POV

I'm Alexander McGregor, but you can call me Alex. I'm 27 years old and the CEO of the biggest group of companies in the country. Despite the rumor that I am quite the catch, I have no intention of settling down until I turn 35.

Yep, 35 is my magic number. Right now, I want to focus on my business and avoid distractions like girlfriends or a nagging wife. My parents want me to tie the knot because the board of directors thinks it'll make me more responsible. But honestly, most of those board members are married and not exactly a good role model for a family man. They give me marriage advice while fooling around with other women. Hypocrites, right?

I grabbed my phone to check my emails. I asked my assistant, Von, to make a list of potential candidates for a wife for me. But as I read through the profiles, none of them seemed like the right fit. They were all too friendly and outgoing, which isn't my thing. So, I told Von to come up with a new list of candidates.

Then, out of the blue, Von suggested, "Why not check out the Royale Club, sir? You'll find all sorts of women there-maybe someone who will catch your eye." he texted.

Now, that got me thinking. The idea of meeting different women, each with their unique charm, sounded intriguing. Maybe the Royale Club was key to finding someone who could match my style and ignite a spark.

With a confident grin, I replied to Von, "Book me a reservation at the Royale Club. Let's see if fate has something special in store for me. Meet me at eight later; make sure to book a private room," I replied.

"Copy, sir," Von responded. I loved how he was always ready and prepared for anything I asked him to do. He was intelligent and witty and never failed to impress me with his work.

I arrived at the Royale Club, a well-known establishment in the country. However, not just anyone could enter. It was a place for the wealthy and elite, with membership categories like VIP and VVIP. And, of course, being a successful businessman both locally and internationally, I qualified for the VVIP category.

The club was bustling with party people when we arrived, and I was grateful that Von managed to secure us a private room. "This way, sir," he said, leading me to a room on the second floor with a one-sided mirror. He knew me so well, anticipating my preferences effortlessly.

As I glanced around the club, my eyes landed on a captivating woman sitting alone in a corner. She exuded confidence as she sipped her drink. Confidence was one of the traits I desired in a partner. One of the qualifications my wife must have.

She scanned the room, and it felt like her gaze met mine for a moment, even though she couldn't see me due to its design. It stirred something within me-a feeling I had never experienced before. I'm on the second floor of the club, and even though it has a wall-to-ceiling glass wall, it is a one-way mirror.

"Sir, here's the list of women who are present tonight. Please take a look," Von said, handing me his iPad. I'm sure he took it from the club's security system, where he had a connection. I looked at it, hoping to find information about the woman who had caught my attention. To my disappointment, she wasn't on the list.

I scanned the profiles of the other candidates, but none of them captured my interest. Feeling disheartened, I ordered a drink and stayed a little longer. As I rose from the couch and looked at the woman again, my heart sank, finding her gone.

Feeling like my search was fruitless, I decided it was time to leave. "Sir, are you sure? I thought you were determined to find a wife," Von asked as we stepped out of the private room.

"Yes, but I can't settle for just anyone. I need a wife who can be my business partner, and none of the candidates fit that criteria," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

"How about the board members?" Von suggested.

"I can still handle them. But of course, I'll continue searching for the perfect wife," I responded.

"Perfect," a voice chimed in from behind. I turned around, and there she was-the woman I had admired on the ground floor. She had come closer, allowing me to better look at her.

She looked effortlessly elegant with her black shoulder-length hair, red slacks, and white long-sleeved blouse rolled up to her elbows, paired with red stilettos. Her face was almost bare, except for the touch of red lipstick that enhanced her natural beauty. She didn't need hair accessories or jewelry to shine; her confidence alone made her stand out.

"Have you finished assessing me? Did I meet your standards?" She inquired, her confident tone snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Excuse me?" I replied, slightly taken aback.

"Let's get married," she declared, her confidence palpable. I studied her face, searching for sincerity, but found it impassive. I was certain we would have a good rapport. When I introduce her to the board, she'll undoubtedly make them look foolish. She was stunning, alluring, and self-assured. I was sure she was also intelligent. Perfect wife material. With that thought, I made my decision.

"Follow me; let's discuss the details," I responded. Von's eyes widened, but he followed us nonetheless.

In the car, she stared out the window. "Tell me your terms for this marriage," she demanded, turning to meet my gaze.

Von choked in surprise as I responded, "You'll receive generous compensation, and we'll be married for life."

"I don't need compensation. I stand to gain plenty from this marriage as well. Do you have a lover or child that would complicate this arrangement?" She retorted.

"I don't," I responded confidently, which seemed to surprise her.

"I don't have time for such things; I'm too occupied managing my businesses. However, I won't deny I've had my fair share of women," I added.

"That's good because if you did, I would make sure to kill them," she warned, causing Von's eyes to widen further. "As for those women you've been with, ensure they're out of the picture," she added.

"Likewise, make sure you don't have anyone either. I could do the same to any man in your life," I countered, and she nodded in agreement.

"Understood. But I want you to know that I'm not your average woman. I won't submit to anyone," she stated as she locked eyes with me.

"Fulfill your duties as my wife, and we'll have no issues," I replied. "And by every wife's duty, I mean every wife's duty," I emphasized.

She was silent for a moment, staring at me. "You don't intend to marry me now, only to leave me once you've gotten what you wanted, do you?" I asked. Her sudden fluttering eyelashes told me I was right. "I believe in the sanctity of marriage, so I won't agree to a divorce. If that was my intention, I could have chosen anyone. So, think carefully," I warned. "We'll share a room, a bed, meals-everything a married couple does. We can go on dates if you wish; just let me know," I continued.

"I run my own business, and I don't want you meddling in it," she declared as she nervously caressed her nails.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with me," I agreed.

"There will be times when I won't be able to come home," she warned.

"Only if you tell me where you are," I responded, and she looked at me intently. "You don't expect me to neglect my wife, do you? You'll fulfill your duties as a wife, and I intend to do the same," I added.

"No physical touch," she stated firmly.

"I thought we agreed on every wife's duty?" I asked while smiling, knowing she knew what I meant.

"Not this early," she clarified, and I smirked. I took a moment to admire her beauty, but when I looked into her eyes, they held a story I wanted to uncover.

"Hey, did you hear me?!" she said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I glanced at Von, who was trying to suppress his laughter.

"Of course. I've never forced a woman, and I won't start now," I assured her.

"Sounds fair," she replied.

"We're doing this for personal reasons, but we have to make it work. I've told you my terms and given you time to think and make your demands," I said, adjusting my sleeves.

She was silent for a moment before reaching for the car door handle. "Let's meet at the civil registry tomorrow at 9 a.m.," she said, exiting the car.

I watched as she was approached by three men who bowed to her. One of them opened the back seat door of another car, and she climbed in. Five cars, including hers, exited the parking lot. 'How did she end up alone earlier?' I wondered.

"Sir, are you sure about marrying her?" Von asked, and there was an evident concern in his voice.

She was different from the other women we met, which made her more appealing to me. I felt no threat from her.

"Yes. Ensure everything is ready for tomorrow's wedding," I instructed. "Let's go; I need to be early," I added, leaving the place with a smile on my face.

The following day, I arrived a little earlier and found my bride scolding a man. "Why did you make me wear this kind of clothes?" she asked angrily.

It was a white sleeveless dress that reached halfway down her legs. For me, it looked pretty good and fit her perfectly, so I wondered what she didn't like about it.

"Boss, you said it was your wedding, so that's what I bought for you. I even asked the sales lady."

"I told you that it would only be held here. No other ceremonies or whatever," my wife-to-be replied.

"Yes, boss. That's what everyone wears at a civil wedding. Boss, it looks good on you," the man replied, and she hit him on the leg with her foot.

"When did you learn to know what looks good? Huh?" she asked, and she hit the man again. The two other men watching were trying to control their laughter.

"Get me another set of clothes," she said, and the man nodded.

"No need, we're going to be late; you look good, and that's all that matters," I interrupted and walked ahead, followed by Von.

She followed me, and I smiled internally. She may be a tough woman, but I know how to manage people, especially her, I think. We went straight to the civil registry office because Von had already scheduled an appointment for us to finish everything quickly. We only had to sign a few documents and have our pictures taken, and we were done. We are married.