Page 6 of Forsaken Promises
My father rises from his chair, extending his hand to Don Marino. “We have a deal, then.”
Don Marino nods, shaking his hand firmly. “Indeed, we do. This union will bring great prosperity to both our Families.”
I step forward numbly, shaking Don Marino’s hand as well, sealing my fate, and Sofia’s, with a single gesture.
As soon as Don Marino leaves, I turn to my father, my anger boiling over. “What the hell, Father? How could you agree to this without even talking to me first?”
My father sighs, settling back into his chair. “Dominico, sit down. We need to have a serious discussion.”
I bristle at his tone, but I drop into the chair across from him, my jaw clenched tightly.
“This alliance with the Marinos is crucial for our Family,” he says, his voice stern. “And your marriage to Sofia is the key to making it work. It’s time for you to grow up and take your responsibilities seriously.”
“But Sofia—” I start, but he cuts me off with a sharp look.
“Sofia is a beautiful girl from a powerful Family. You should be thanking me for arranging such an advantageous match.”
I bark out a humorless laugh. “Thanking you? For forcing me into a marriage with a woman who hates my guts? Yeah, I don’t think so.”
My father’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Watch your tone, Dominico. Youwillgo through with this marriage, and youwillmake it work. If you want to see a single penny of your inheritance, you’ll do as I say.”
I feel like I’ve been slapped. My inheritance, the wealth and power I’ve been groomed for since birth… he’s threatening to take it all away if I don’t play along.
“This is bullshit,” I snarl, surging to my feet. “You can’t just control my life like this!”
“I can, and I will,” he says coldly. “I am the head of this Family, and my word is law. Youwillmarry Sofia Marino, and you will be the dutiful husband she and our family deserve. End of discussion.”
I stare at him, my hands balled into fists at my sides. I want to argue, to fight back against this arbitrary decree that’s going to ruin my life. But I know it’s futile. My father’s mind is made up, and nothing I say will change it.
“Fine,” I spit out through gritted teeth. “I’ll marry her. But don’t expect me to be happy about it.”
“Your happiness is not my concern,” my father says dismissively. “Securing our Family’s future is. And this marriage will do just that.”
I let out a growl of frustration, spinning on my heel and storming out of the room. I slam the door behind me, the sound echoing through the hallway.
I’m trapped, well and truly trapped, forced into a marriage with a woman who despises me, all for the sake of my family’s power and greed.
But even as anger and resentment churn in my gut, a small, traitorous part of me whispers that maybe, just maybe… this is my chance to make things right with Sofia. To prove to her that I’m not the selfish, heartless bastard she thinks I am.
It’s a long shot, I know. She has every reason to hate me, to want nothing to do with me. But I have to try. I have to find a way to earn her forgiveness, her trust… and maybe, someday, her love.
Because the truth is, no matter how much I’ve tried to deny it… I’ve never stopped loving her. She’s the only woman who ever touched my heart, the only one I’ve ever wanted to be better for.
But deep down, I know it won't be easy. I’ve made my bed, and now I have to lie in it.
For better or for worse… till death do us part.
God help us both.
3
SOFIA
Itake a deep breath before knocking on the heavy wooden door of my father’s study. My heart is pounding in my chest, a sense of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.
I know what this is about.
It’s been a few days since the devastating news of Papa’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and my sisters and I have been waiting anxiously to hear about his plans for our futures.
