Aesn_kenny123

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Synopsis:

Raven Castillo has always been determined to carve out her own path, balancing her engineering studies and a fiercely independent life. But when the unexpected truth about her long-forgotten arranged marriage to the powerful Kai Valenti resurfaces, everything she thought she knew about her future is turned upside down. Raven is thrust into a life bound by family expectations, a world far from the one she’s worked so hard to create.

Kai Valenti, heir to a mafia empire, has secretly been in love with Raven for years, though she doesn’t remember him. Cold, calculating, and emotionally guarded, Kai’s heart burns for her in ways he’s reluctant to show. As they are drawn together by fate and their parents’ plans, the connection between them becomes undeniable—and dangerous.

As Raven begins to navigate this new chapter of her life, she’s faced with a whirlwind of challenges, each one more unexpected than the last. Her friends, Sophie, Val, and Jules, stand by her side, ready to support her through this chaotic journey. But Raven will have to decide if she’s willing to let go of her carefully planned future and embrace the raw, intense world of love, revenge, and power that Kai brings into her life.

With each new twist, Raven’s life becomes an adventure of passion, betrayal, and self-discovery. The stakes rise as secrets are revealed, leaving her to question everything she thought she knew. Can she trust the man who holds her future in his hands? Or will her journey lead her down a darker, more dangerous path?

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Kai & Raven

The past three months had been a whirlwind of chaos, tradition, and a whole lot of unwanted attention. Raven had tried everything in her power to stop the wedding, but no amount of arguments, threats, or negotiations could change the ironclad arrangement set by their families. It was a mafia marriage—one that carried power, responsibility, and a legacy she had never wanted.

She sighed as she stared at her packed bags. Today was the day she would leave her family home and move into Kai Valenti's estate. It felt surreal, almost like a dream she couldn't wake up from.

Her five brothers stood at the entrance, arms crossed, fuming.

"I still don't understand why you have to go through with this," Alessandro, her eldest brother, grumbled.

"It's the family," Victor, another brother, added, shaking his head. "We're the Castillos. We don't bend for anyone."

Raven exhaled sharply. "I know, but it's done. I don't have a choice."

Mateo, the second youngest, pulled her into a hug. "If he does anything to you, we'll burn his house down. Just say the word."

She chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

Her best friends, Julian and Valentina, burst into her room, dressed in wedding-planning chaos.

"Come on, Raven! You have to at least pretend to be excited. You're about to be the Mafia Queen!" Valentina smirked, tossing a white silk robe at her.

Julian grinned. "And you get to live in a mansion, get spoiled, and have a ridiculously attractive husband."

Raven groaned, throwing a pillow at him. "Not helping."

The estate was grand, intimidating, and, most importantly, no longer hers to escape from. She walked into the massive house, servants lined up at attention.

Kai leaned against the staircase, watching her with amusement. "Took you long enough."

She rolled her eyes. "Let's get one thing straight, Valenti. We may be married, but I have rules."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Rules?"

"No unnecessary touching, no interfering with my business, and most importantly, stay out of my way."

Kai smirked. "Oh, Raven. You're making this too fun already."

The grand Castello was filled with hundreds of guests—mafia bosses, business tycoons, and the most powerful families in the underworld. The air buzzed with excitement as Raven stood in the dressing room, staring at herself in the mirror.

Her wedding dress was breathtaking—elegant, powerful, with intricate lace and a long, flowing train. But all she could think about was how much she wanted to run.

Valentina adjusted her veil. "You look like a queen, Rav."

Julian grinned. "And if you ever change your mind, I have an escape plan ready."

The doors opened, and her brothers entered, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness.

"You're really doing this," Alessandro said, shaking his head.

When it was time, the grand doors swung open, and Raven walked down the aisle, her head held high.

Kai stood at the altar, watching her with an unreadable expression. He looked devastatingly handsome in his black suit, his usual cold demeanor softened just slightly.

As she reached him, he leaned down, his voice teasing. "Run away now if you want to, Mrs. Valenti."

She narrowed her eyes. "In your dreams."

The ceremony went smoothly, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of hundreds of people as Kai leaned in, whispering just before the kiss.

"You do realize this means we'll be sharing a bed now?"

And just like that, she was now Raven Valenti.

Chapter 9: The Wedding