Chapter 4: The Pressure of Family

The morning sun had barely risen over the horizon when Elena Moretti found herself sitting at the large oak table in the family meeting room. The room, normally reserved for strategic decisions and business matters, was now filled with tension. Her father, Vittorio, sat at the head of the table, his cold eyes surveying the room as if he were sizing up his most valuable assets.

Today was another reminder of the unavoidable path she had been set on. Her life wasn't hers to control. It never had been. And no matter how much she fought, no matter how much she desired a different life, she was bound by a family legacy that demanded obedience.

"Elena," her father's voice broke through her thoughts, sharp and commanding. He never called her "daughter," never used affectionate terms. To him, she was a tool, an asset to further their empire. "Have you considered Luca's proposal seriously? It's for the good of the family, you know that."

She glanced up at him, her father's gaze as hard as ever. The weight of his expectations was a constant presence, pressing down on her chest, suffocating her.

"I have, Father," Elena replied, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside. "And I know it's important for the family. I'm ready to take on the responsibility."

Vittorio's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good. This union will strengthen the Moretti family, solidifying our position in the underworld. We will never be questioned again." He turned to the side, addressing the other members of the family present—trusted allies and business partners. "Luca Santoro is a strong ally. We need this marriage to ensure the stability of everything we've built."

The world of business, alliances, and betrayal was his domain, and Elena was just another part of his chess game. Her personal desires were secondary to the family's survival.

As her father spoke, Elena's mind wandered, but it wasn't to the family's future she was thinking about. Her thoughts had drifted back to Nate—his soft smile, his genuine words, the way he made her feel like she could be something more than just a pawn in the game her father had set for her.

But no matter how much she wished for a life with him, she couldn't escape the reality of her world. Duty was her only path, and there was no escaping the chains her father had wrapped around her since birth.

"Elena," Luca's voice cut through her thoughts, "We can make this work. I know your family needs this, but so do we. Our marriage will solidify everything." He smiled, but there was an edge to his words—an expectation in his tone that made her nervous.

Elena forced a smile. "I know, Luca. I've always known."

But her heart wasn't in it. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, but the guilt that rose from the thought of marrying someone she didn't love made her stomach churn.

Later that day, after the meeting had ended and the family dispersed, Elena retreated to her private study. The mansion was silent, a contrast to the chaos of the family meeting room. She sank into the chair by the window, staring out at the sprawling grounds below, lost in her thoughts.

She could still hear her father's voice, his words echoing in her ears. Duty, loyalty, family legacy. These were the pillars of her existence, but as each day passed, she realized more and more that they weren't enough to fill the emptiness inside her.

She rubbed her temple, trying to stave off the headache that was building. Luca, with his charming smile and tactical mind, was an ally, yes. But was he the man she wanted to spend her life with? Was he the man who could make her feel alive?

No. The answer came quickly, but the reality felt like a heavy stone pressing on her chest.

Her phone buzzed, a message from Nate. She had been trying to push him out of her mind, trying to focus on her family obligations, but there he was, impossible to ignore. His name blinked on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.

"I hope you're doing okay. I was thinking about our conversation yesterday. If you ever need to talk, I'm here. You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Elena stared at the message for a long time. She wanted to respond, to tell him how much his words meant to her. But she didn't. Her life wasn't hers to share. It was part of the Moretti empire, and right now, the empire demanded her loyalty. Her duty to Luca was already sealed, and there was no room for another man in her life—no matter how right he felt.

Just as she was about to set the phone down, there was a knock at the door. Her assistant entered, a man she had known since childhood, someone who was loyal to the Moretti family.

"Elena," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Your father wishes to speak with you."

Elena felt a pang of dread. She nodded curtly, standing up from her chair. "I'll be right there."

The walk to her father's office felt longer than it was. Her footsteps echoed in the empty hallway as her heart raced in her chest. She had no idea what her father wanted to discuss this time, but she knew it wouldn't be anything good. Vittorio's expectations were always clear, and today, he seemed more insistent than ever.

She reached the door to his office and knocked softly. "Enter," came his voice from inside.

She stepped in, immediately sensing the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold. Her father was standing by the window, his broad shoulders squared as he looked out over the estate.

"Elena," he began without turning to face her, his tone uncharacteristically cold. "Luca and I have discussed the wedding arrangements. It's time for you to make a choice."

The words hit her like a punch in the gut. Make a choice? What choice? The one she had already made? The choice to sacrifice her heart for the family?

As her father turned to face her, his cold eyes searching hers, Elena knew there was no turning back. The pressure from her family had never been so suffocating, and now, more than ever, she felt like there was no escape.