Chapter 2

The morning after the wedding, the sun filters through the curtains of the grand penthouse apartment that now belongs to Gianna and Luca. The stark white walls and modern furniture make it feel more like a luxurious corporate office than a home. Gianna stands by the window, her arms crossed over her chest, staring out at the city below. She's now a part of this world—a world she never wanted to be in.

She can't escape it.

Her father's words from last night echo in her mind: You made the right choice, Gianna. This will secure your future—and the future of the family.

Gianna scoffs under her breath. The family. The empire. But what about her future? What about her freedom?

The sound of footsteps behind her breaks her reverie. Luca enters the room, dressed in his usual impeccably tailored suit. His icy blue eyes meet hers, and despite the distance between them, there's a tangible force pulling them together. She turns slightly, refusing to let him see her vulnerability.

"Good morning," Luca says, his voice detached, the same cold tone he used last night during their brief conversation. It's as if nothing has changed, even though everything has.

Gianna doesn't respond immediately. She's too angry, too hurt. She's supposed to be part of this man's life now, but she has no idea what that even means. She's not even sure she cares to find out.

"Do you have any plans for today?" Luca asks, his voice breaking the silence again. He's speaking to her like she's an acquaintance, not his wife. The indifference in his tone stings more than it should.

Gianna turns to face him, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I don't need permission to make my own plans, Romano," she snaps. "But I'm sure you're busy with whatever business empire you've built."

Luca's lips twitch into something that could almost pass for a smile. He's not bothered by her sharpness—if anything, it amuses him. "I don't expect you to stay locked in this apartment all day, if that's what you're asking."

Her pride flares. "I'm not asking for permission, Luca. I'm not some housewife who needs your approval to breathe."

Luca's gaze hardens, but there's no anger in it—just a cold calculation. He steps closer, his presence filling the space between them. "Remember, Gianna," he says softly, "this marriage is not about what you want. It's about what's necessary."

After breakfast, the couple is expected at the Romano family estate for a meeting with several of Luca's most trusted allies. Gianna, still feeling the sting of Luca's indifference, puts on a mask of composure as they arrive at the estate.

Luca's men are a mix of old mafia hands and younger, more ambitious ones. All of them greet him with respect, but Gianna can see how they watch her, sizing her up, wondering if she's truly the one who will secure their loyalty or if she's just a pawn in a game she doesn't understand.

Luca's bodyguard, Marco, gives her a curt nod as she walks past. He's one of the few people who knows exactly who Gianna is now—a wife to the most powerful man in the mafia world. But there's no warmth in his gaze, only the cold acknowledgment of someone who's learned not to trust anyone, especially in this world.

Gianna stays close to Luca during the meeting, watching how effortlessly he takes control of the room. He speaks with authority, handling delicate negotiations with ease. His voice commands respect, and no one dares to question his decisions. For all his charm, there's a rawness beneath it—a ruthlessness that Gianna knows all too well, even if she refuses to accept it.

Later, in the quiet confines of their penthouse, Gianna can't hold back her anger anymore. She confronts Luca, her voice trembling with frustration.

"I hate this," she says, her words sharp like a blade. "I hate being here, I hate this place, I hate you." The words spill out of her, but there's no turning back now.

Luca looks at her, not with the fury she expects, but with a calm understanding, as if he's seen this coming. "You don't have to like it, Gianna. You just have to accept it."

Her hands curl into fists at her sides. "I didn't sign up for this. I didn't sign up to be your trophy wife or your business deal."

He steps closer, his gaze intense, a flash of something deeper behind his eyes. "This isn't about what you signed up for. This is about survival. For both of us."

Gianna's heart races. She wants to scream, to fight back, but there's something in Luca's presence that holds her in place. He's not shouting, he's not threatening her, but somehow his words weigh more than any ultimatum.

"I'm not a part of your empire, Luca," she says through clenched teeth. "I'll never be."

He doesn't respond immediately, but his expression softens just a fraction. "We'll see about that."