The Unwanted Heiress

V I V I A N A

You know, most people feel at peace when they're at home.

It's a place they consider their refuge, a place that shields and protects them from the horrors of the outside world. Unfortunately, that's not the case for me. Not when the very thing you're hiding from lives under the same roof as you.

I guess it comes with the territory. Both in the literal and metaphorical sense. Being the daughter of a notorious Mafia leader. My father is Don Ettore Costanzo, Don of the Costanzo crime syndicate, one of many significant and old families born and bred in the heart of New York City. Everyone seems to have gotten it figured out. My father, is a successful businessman with companies all across the city and beyond. His wife, my step-mother, is the perfect woman, in his eyes at least. I'm the only one who seems to have my bullshit detector on red alert when I'm around her. My real mom died when I was very young, so young that I barely even remember what she was like. And before I could even cherish whatever memories I had of her, she was quickly replaced by the one and only Lucia. She made sure I knew that I was no longer the most important person in my father's life. She was. And boy, did she love reminding me of it.

It's like the house simply breaths without me, and it's always been that way. The walls, polished to a mirror's shine, echo with unfamiliarity despite me having lived here for 24 years. The mansion buzzes with servants, soldiers, my father's men. All of them serve a purpose, and that is to make sure that Costanzo Headquarters is running smoothly. People move past me, most of them with their heads lowered. I'm supposed to be the daughter of the Don, but it's clear these people don't respect me.

This estate is my prison. My curse. But it's also meant to be my inheritance, and that's the only thing that keeps me going. I'm supposed to be the one to take over from my father someday, whether he likes it or not. The laws of the Underground are very clear. I am his firstborn, therefore his rightful heir. So this legacy, will be passed on to me. And it's something I've been preparing my whole life for.

My father wanted me to be strong. So I was. He wanted me to be a killer, and unfortunately, I became one. A weapon fashioned perfectly for the rule of the Costanzo family.

I walk forward quietly, exhaling deeply as I prepare for the start of the day, having come from my training and a fresh shower. I stride through the hallways, my pitch black hair falling in large, bouncy curls on my back. My eyes are blue, not like my father's brown ones. No. I looked just like my mother. I'm average height, standing at about 5'6, and I'd consider myself pretty fit considering I kept healthy, worked out and trained every single day. I've had many suitors, many that have shown interest, but my father could never allow them to get close to me. He would either threaten to kill them, or they would simply be too scared to come close to me because of my family's status. And he claims it's because none of them were ever worthy of me, and if I were to find someone to be with, it should be someone within our community, one who would help build a powerful legacy.

I'm finally downstairs, and breakfast is already half over when I slip into the dining room. The long table stretches like a battlefield, and my father sits at the head. My stepmother Lucia is at his right hand, as well as Victor. My half-brother. He sits confidently in his seat, and as soon as he sees me, irritation appears on his face. The same resulting with mine. He is three years younger than me, but he looks at me the way a king looks at a beggar. It's obvious the two of us never got along. He is the favourite son, and I was a reminder of a life my father is trying so hard to forget.

I can already feel their eyes glaring at me as I approach the dining table. I meet their gaze finally, and all I feel is venom, especially that of Lucia.

"Good morning." I issue a greeting, one I'm not eager to give, just as I sit at the far end of the dining table, at the opposite head of the table, my usual seat.

"Viviana." My father lets out sternly, not even bothering to greet me back.

"You're late." Lucia's voice cuts through the air as soon as I sit down. I narrow my eyes at her, locking us in a deadly, unspoken exchange. It isn't true. The clock says I'm early, but in this house, truth bends to her will.

"By point 10 seconds? Sure, mother." I answer her distastefully just as I begin to serve myself food, reaching for the bacon, eggs, sausage, mushrooms and toasted-butter toast in front of me.

"Watch your disrespectful little mouth." She snaps at me, and I freeze before locking my eyes on her, remaining silent before I shift my gaze to my father, wondering if he will say anything, do anything, to defend me. But as usual, I expected too much of him, and so I remain completely silent, focusing on nothing but his food.

I scoff lightly before shaking my head and refocusing on my food. Hopefully, I don't lose my appetite.

"She probably overslept. Again." Victor speaks up, and I glance at him, watching him grin as he slices into his eggs. His tone is careless, but the look he flicks toward me is malicious. A reminder: he belongs here. I do not.

"I was training. Something you're clearly unfamiliar with." I answer him casually. My brother has always been lazy, and I'm the only one who seemed to be training hard to be a fighter, a mercenary, to protect myself and others. But him? People don't even expect him to lift a finger.

The room goes silent after my response, thank God, and I try my best to enjoy my food. The servants hover near the walls, waiting for the smallest command. When Victor asks for more coffee, two men rush to fill his cup. When I finish mine, no one notices.

This is how it has always been.

But today feels different. My father's gaze remains on me longer than usual, making me curious why he's staring so long... When he finally sets down his fork and signals the meal is over.

"Leave us. I wish to speak to Viviana alone." Is all he says, and Lucia and Victor glance at each other curiously, right before a ghost of a smile appears on her face, and she begins to stand, along with Victor, the two of them eventually leaving the room. I watch them leave before my eyes focus on my father.

"Dad." I let out quietly.

His response his calm as he briefly wipes his mouth and stands to his feet. "Walk with me."

I rise immediately, my heart pounding in my chest.

I follow my father out of the dining room, through the glass doors that lead into the garden. It's spring, the cool and fresh. It should calm me, but I don't feel it, and my nerves are on fire beneath my skin. He walks slowly, hands clasped behind his back. I match his pace, silent, waiting. Then finally, he speaks.

"It's time we talk about the future of the Constanzo family. And your inheritance, and title as Donna of the Constanzo family." He speaks, and my heart drops sharply. For twenty-four years, I've waited for this moment. For acknowledgement. For him to see me as more than a mistake left over from a marriage he's long buried...

V I V I A N A

"The announcement will happen this evening, and I need you to be ready."

My heart rate picks up as I process his words. It's all going to happen tonight. The day I've been preparing for all my life, is finally here.

I remain silent for a second, glancing down at the ground for a second, a small smile appearing on my lips briefly, right before it disappears.

"Are you sure, Dad? I mean, I always thought you'd remain the Don for a few more years." I shake my head at him. My father may be cold and ruthless, but he is good and what he does. A successful businessman who has amassed an insane amount of wealth. He knows how to remain one of the top names in the game, so without him, I'm not sure I'll be able to live up to everything his accomplished.

"Yes. I'm sure, and I've already made up my mind." He answers me, and I sigh before nodding my head at him.

"I'll be ready, Dad," I answer him, my heart rate spiking with anticipation. This could finally be my chance to change things around here, to change the way people look at me. As the Donna, they would have no choice but to respect me, and I can finally be treated with decency.

Not only that, but maybe I won't have to suffer at the hands of my stepmother either. It's a chance for freedom, and I'm more than ready to take it.

Though the news is a relief, I notice that my father hasn't even bothered to look me in the eye the entire time he's been talking to me. In fact, there is a coldness around him, colder than usual, and a dissatisfaction on his face that is too distinct to ignore. It makes me wonder what's on his mind, but I don't bother to question it... the last thing I need is upsetting him in any way.

"We begin at 6 PM. Do not be late." Is all he says to me, and finally, his eyes meet mine. He stares at me for a moment before exhaling deeply and walking right past me without another word. I am left stunned as I watch him walk away, having expected him to at least give me some sort of word of encouragement, some advice, or maybe even to let me know that he's proud of me... but I expected too much of him.

It leaves a hole in my heart, but I don't let it get to me. I remain standing in the same spot, taking a deep breath to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for what is to come. Even if he hasn't given me any words of encouragement, it doesn't take away from the fact that he is entrusting me with the future of this family. And maybe finally, he will be able to see how worthy and deserving I am to have the Costanzo name.

. . .

The rest of the day goes by quickly, and by the time I realise it, it's 5:30 PM, 30 minutes to the announcement. I am in my room, finishing up with the last of my look as my stylists buzz around me, ensuring I look perfect for the role. Once they are done and leave me to my lonesome, I step back and take a long look in the mirror, admiring how lovely I look. I am dressed in a long mermaid black dress with a slight stopping just at my knee, the dress being one that accentuates each and every curve. My wavy hair is big and bouncy, falling over my shoulders and stopping just above my lower back. My makeup is bold and sultry, a smoky eye and a red lip, while for jewellery I have on silver and diamonds, a favourite of mine.

"It all begins here," I say out loud as I let out a deep breath, continuing to mentally prepare myself to walk out that door. After tonight, all I know is that things are never going to be the same again.

After grabbing my purse and spraying on some Gucci perfume, I finally make my way downstairs, following the soft sound of jazz music that now echoes through the mansion.

I find myself in the ballroom, where multiple people are stationed, all people I'm familiar with; members of the family. As soon as I walk in, all the attention turns to me, and it's as if the room goes silent despite the music still playing. They are in awe, and they fail to hide it. It gives me a bit of a confidence boost as I stride forward, being sure to keep my head held high. Most people simply stare at me, some giving me a small nod of acknowledgement, others not bothering to say a word.

One thing I hated about living here is how

Isolated I was, my father somehow made sure of that. I had no real friends my age, no one I could count on, and I hated it. But as quickly as those thoughts come, I shake them away. I can't afford to think about how alone I've been, not now.

I glance around the room and soon take notice of Lucia and my brother Victor standing together. I find them already staring at me, nothing but distaste on their faces. And so, I decide to approach them.

"Mother, Victor." I greet them as soon as I reach them. Lucia immediately gives me a fake smile, and she steps closer to me.

"Viviana darling. You look... decent." She tells me, and I can still feel the venom slipping through her voice."

"So do you," I answer her with a smile and immediately watch as the smile disappears from her face completely, and she immediately gives me a look of pure rage.

"Hm." Is all she lets out before she turns on her heel on walks away, not bothering to give me a response. I remain with my brother and eye him from head to toe, being exactly his height as I eye him from head to toe.

"You seem excited, sister," he says smoothly, his chin tilted upward. His hands are clasped neatly behind his back, his posture the very image of a princeling rehearsed for his crown. "I wouldn't get ahead of myself if I were you." I narrow my eyes, letting silence answer him. He wants me to rise to the bait, to reveal just how desperately I've been waiting for this night. But I won't give him that. Not yet.

The air shifts then, and I know almost immediately that my father has just entered the room.

The hum of conversation falters, then dies completely. Soldiers, capos, lieutenants, they all straighten, their heads turning in unison as Ettore Costanzo strides into the hall. He is dressed in black, a silver pin gleaming on his lapel, his presence filling the cavernous room in a way no decoration ever could.

I feel my chest tighten as I watch him. For as long as I can remember, he has been untouchable, a fortress of discipline and fear. And tonight, he is more than that... tonight, he is the arbiter of destiny. My destiny.

I hold my hands together behind me to steady them, nails biting into my palms.

He makes his way to the centre of the room, and once he is there, the music in the room stops immediately; every single person now focuses their attention on him.

"Good evening, everyone. It is my honour to welcome you all tonight," my father declares, his voice resonant, echoing against the marble and chandeliers. "This shall be a momentous occasion. A night to remember."

No one breathes.

"Tonight, I shall be officially stepping down as Don of this family," he continues, "and appointing the next leader of this syndicate."

A rustle of murmurs runs through the crowd, quickly smothered. I stand taller, my pulse drumming. This is it. This is the moment.

"I cannot think of anyone more deserving," my father says, and his gaze sweeps across the room. My heart stutters. For the briefest second, it feels like his eyes catch mine, lingering and acknowledging. "Anyone more worthy. And I know the future of the Costanzo family will be safe in their hands."

My breath catches. My chest expands, air pressing hard against my ribs. It's happening. He's going to say my name. Finally.

"It is with great pleasure," he says, his tone ceremonial, heavy with finality, "that I announce the one who will usher us into a new era of power and prosperity."

I take a short step forward. My lungs burn as I drag in a deep breath, preparing myself, ready to meet the weight of the room, ready to claim what is mine-...

"My son, Victor Costanzo," my father pronounces, his voice like a thunderclap in the room, "as my successor, and new Don of the Costanzo famiglia."

The world slows down, and becomes still.

For a moment, I don't hear the cheers that erupt around me, or see Victor straighten with smug pride, his chest swelling as he accepts the crown I had been sharpening myself for my entire life. I don't even notice the satisfied gleam in Lucia's eyes.

All I hear is the sound of something tearing inside me...

V I V I A N A

My ears are ringing, and my body vibrates with rage, with shock, with betrayal. The applause for Victor is deafening, bouncing off and marble walls and rattling my skull. I am the only one frozen as the crowd surges around me, some moving forward to shake his hand, to kiss his cheek, to congratulate him as the new Don of the Costanzo famiglia.

My father's words hang thick like smoke, suffocating me, making my head spin, making me refuse to believe that this is real.

He's chosen Victor. My younger brother. Not me.

I feel the ground beneath me shifting, as if I am going to fall over. For years, I bled for this family. Trained until my muscles tore, till my knuckles bled, till my hands became calloused. I've killed at my father's command. Moulded myself into the perfect weapon he demanded I be. And now...? Now he hands everything to Victor, who has never lifted more than a wine glass in his life.

A bitter heat rises in my throat. My fists clench at my sides, digging into my palms, and finally, I speak up.

"Father." My voice cuts through the crowd, sharp and cold as ice. The applause slowly falters until the room is dead silent, every head now turned to me.

My father, still standing at the centre, swivels his gaze toward me, and for a second, his eyes are colder than the marble underfoot.

"This-... this must be some kind of mistake." My voice is shaky, but I stand straighter, forcing every ounce of control I can summon into my words. "I am your firstborn. I am your heir. You trained me for this. Everyone here knows it should be me." Gasps ripple through the crowd. No one speaks to Ettore Costanzo like this. But I can't stop. I won't stop.

I then narrow my eyes to my little brother, not being able to help the frown that forms on my face as I shake my head at him.

"Victor is weak," I say, my voice rising. "He has never earned anything. He hides behind your name, while I have fought for it. If anyone deserves to lead this family, it is me."

Victor's smug grin stretches wide, delighted by the spectacle. While his mother, Lucia, tilts her head, her eyes gleaming with poisonous satisfaction.

And my father.... he does not smile. In fact... he looks furious.

He steps forward, and the air grows heavier with every stride. The crowd parts like water, afraid to be too close to his fury. When he stops before me, his shadow swallows mine whole.

"You dare question me, girl?" His voice is low, deadly, carrying across the room. "You embarrass me. Tonight was meant to be a celebration, and you made it a circus."

"I'm only asking for what's mine!" My voice cracks, but I press on, desperation clawing out of me. "For what you promised me. For what I bled for."

His hand whips across my face before I see it coming. The crack reverberates through the silent hall. My cheek stings, hot, my ears ringing again. He just slapped me... in front of everyone...

"You are nothing," he spits. "Do you hear me? Nothing. Nothing but a liability. Did you truly believe I would hand over this family to you? A woman? A disappointment?"

Each word cuts deeper than the slap, and the weight of his disgust destroys me, squeezing the air from my lungs.

Victor laughs softly behind him, and the sound makes me want to tear my own skin off.

"You were never the heir," my father continues, his voice booming now, cruel enough to echo into every corner. "Victor was always destined for this. He carries the Costanzo blood with pride. He is strong. He is a man. He will lead this family into glory while you..." He pauses, eyes narrowing. "...you will be erased from it."

The crowd stirs, whispers hissing through the room. My stomach drops as I stare back at him with confusion.

"What... what are you saying?" My voice is barely more than a whisper.

His next words destroy me.

"From this moment on, you are no longer my daughter. You are stripped of the Costanzo name, the wealth, the title. You are nothing but a burden I am finally rid of."

It's like the floor vanishes beneath me.

The Costanzo name. My blood. My identity. Gone with just a sentence.

I stumble back, the room spinning, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. My whole life, I've carried the weight of being Costanzo, even when they treated me like an outcast; I bore it like armour. And now... stripped away in front of everyone, in front of men who once bowed at my presence and women who once whispered my name.

They will forget me. Worse, they will laugh at me.

Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them away. I won't give them the satisfaction.

"Don't look so broken, Viviana," my father says, his voice thick with contempt. "I have found a way for you to be useful, at last."

The silence is suffocating, and every eye is on us, every ear listening and waiting for the bomb my father is about to drop, and finally he does...

"You will be married off." He informs me.

My entire body locks. "What?"

"Yes," he says smoothly, like the decision was always this simple. "Your existence has been a stain on this family long enough. But your name still has value, even stripped of its honour. Your marriage will bind us to a power that exceeds even our own."

My nails dig into my palms until I feel the sting of blood. "You can't-..."

"I can. And I will. You will marry, and you will go quietly, or I will see you in the ground."

My breath comes shallow, my mind spiralling. Married. Sold. Shipped away like property. I thought losing the title was the end of me, but no-... this is the final nail.

Just when I think the humiliation can't get any worse, the double doors of the ballroom slam open.

The music has long since stopped, but the silence now is deafening. All heads swivel toward the entrance... all the attention landing on who has just walked in...

A man...

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Every step he takes is dangerously slow and lethal. His suit is pitch black, the cut sharp, the fabric clinging to a body built like steel. Behind him, an entourage of men in matching dark suits follows, their presence radiating nothing but danger.

But it is the man himself who commands the entire room. His aura is powerful, filling every corner of the ballroom with quiet menace. His eyes... dark, unblinking... sweep across the crowd before settling on me. For a moment, I feel stripped bare under his gaze, as though he can see every thought, every fracture in me.

My father smiles for the first time tonight.

"Viviana," he says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Allow me to introduce your future husband."

The man steps closer, his presence consuming the space between us.

"Don Dante Accardi."

The name crashes into me like ice water.

The Accardis... the family whispered about in boardrooms and back alleys alike, feared for their ruthlessness. A name that makes enemies vanish, fortunes crumble, and empires bow.

And this is their heir. Their Don.

The man I am to be chained to.

Dante stops only a few feet from me, and the silence thickens, becoming unbearable. His gaze does not shift, his expression carved from stone. Around him, his men stand like shadows, their hands clasped, their faces stern and focused.

I can't move. Can't think.

Stripped of my name, disowned, and now... sold to the devil himself.

The room seems to close in, the walls pressing tighter. My father's satisfaction, Victor's grin, Lucia's excitement, the crowd's whispers... they all fade into a blur. And now all I see is him.

Don Dante Accardi. The man I am supposed to marry...