Aria
The voice was older. Rougher. Commanding.
The doors to the private study swung open.
Vittorio Moretti sat behind an oak desk, the room dimly lit by golden chandeliers and daylight filtering through thick curtains. His presence was overwhelming—gray-haired, broad-shouldered, with a gaze like steel. Two rings glinted on his fingers as he gestured for her to come forward.
He just looked at her.
"Aria Salvi," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit."
Her legs barely worked. "Are you... Alessio?"
The man gave a dry laugh. "Do I look like a lovesick heir to you?"
He leaned back. "I'm Vittorio Moretti. Alessio's father. And possibly your salvation."
Aria's breath caught.
She sat.
"I assume you're here because you're desperate," Vittorio said, opening a file on his desk. Her photo was clipped to the front.
"You know about my dad," she whispered.
"I know everything about you, even things you may not know yourself. Your grades. Your scholarship. Your hospital debt. And the fact that the only reason your father isn't already buried is because that clinic still believes a miracle is coming."
Tears burned her eyes. "If you know this, why did you invite me here? I have nothing to offer you, and I know we owe noone any debt."
"You might not owe me, but like I said earlier, I'm your salvation." he cut in. "I'm offering you a deal."
Her voice cracked. "What kind of deal?"
Vittorio leaned forward, steepling his fingers.
"You're going to marry my son."
The words hit her like a slap. "What?"
"I want an heir. Alessio refuses to cooperate. He claims he doesn't need a wife. But he does. The condition for my company's inheritance requires marriage. And I'm tired of waiting."
"Does he remember ...?" Aria stammered, with hope burning through her chest
"No" Vittorio said coldly. "You'll marry him, stay married long enough for him to inherit, and then you can leave. With a very generous payoff. And, of course... full medical coverage for your father. Immediately."
Aria stared at him.
It was insane.
Cruel.
He was never like this, but people changed.
But... the hospital bills. Her father's failing lungs.
"What if your son refuses?" she asked quietly.
Vittorio smiled, slow and menacing.
"That is your job to figure. I just need the both of you to get married before the end of this year ."
Aria swallowed. "But, why me? You know I'm no mafia princess. I'm not rich."
His smile vanished.
"Because once, many years ago, you mattered to him. Even if he doesn't remember, I do. Your presence calms the monster in him. And I'm willing to do anything to keep that monster under control."
Aria didn't understand. What monster?
"If you try to run," he said, eyes narrowing, "there will be consequences. For you… and for your family."
Terror swept through her. She was being used. A pawn. But why did a mafia don care about her so much?
"I thought he didn't remember me."
"He doesn't. Not clearly. But I do. You saved him once. Maybe you'll do it again."
"How? I've not seen him in over twenty years"
"You don't have to know the specifics. You will be my son's salvation. Or his destruction. Either way, you're marrying him."
It was a trap dressed like salvation.
She nodded, barely.
"Good," Vittorio said, standing. " I suggest you say nothing about this conversation."
"Why?"
He smirked.
"Because my son has a temper. And secrets you can't imagine. If he finds out I chose you, he'll never agree."