As the chill of autumn settled over the city, Kira Han pushed through the heavy wooden door of the bakery, inhaling the comforting scent of freshly baked bread and pastries. She had always loved this place—its cluttered warmth and the harmonious sound of lively chatter—but today, the joy it usually brought her felt distant. Her father’s illness had turned their lives into a financial nightmare, and now, her family was on the brink of losing everything.
In the cramped apartment they called home, Kira's mother paced nervously, wringing her hands. “Kira, I should have told you sooner,” she started, her voice trembling. “We have serious trouble with the Moretti mafia.”
Kira’s heart dropped. The Morettis were known for their ruthlessness, and the mere mention of their name sent a chill down her spine. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Your father’s medical bills… we fell behind on payments. They’re coming to collect, and…” Her mother faltered, the weight of their predicament heavy in the air. “They’re not just going to take our home. They want to settle the debt in their own way.”
Before Kira could process the terrifying implication, a knock echoed through the apartment. Her mother’s eyes went wide with fear, and she grabbed Kira’s hand. “Promise me you’ll stay calm.”
But calmness was a luxury Kira couldn’t afford. With each step to the door, she felt the world around her blur, the reality of their situation closing in. When she opened the door, two imposing men stood before her, their intimidating presence making her heart race. One of them, clad in a tailored suit, introduced himself as Luca, a well-known enforcer for Dante Moretti.
“Miss Han,” he said smoothly, “We need to discuss your family’s debt. The Moretti family is not known for patience.”
Just as she thought the walls would close in completely, another voice interrupted. A man stepped forward, his aura commanding and fierce. It was Dante Moretti himself, the notorious heir of the mafia dynasty. His dark hair fell perfectly over his forehead, his piercing gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made Kira’s breath hitch.
“I understand the situation you’re in, Kira,” he began, his voice deep and measured, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. “I’m here to offer a solution. You marry me, and your family’s debt is erased.”
Kira’s heart raced with disbelief and anger. “You can’t be serious! Marry a stranger just to clear a debt?” she shot back.
Dante’s expression turned serious as he leaned closer, his voice low and firm. “This isn’t a choice, Kira. It’s a deal. Your family has a long history with us. Your ancestors served us, and your father has owed debts for years. This is how it’s done.”
He straightened up, his dark eyes piercing into hers. “You can refuse, but your family will suffer the consequences. Think about what that means for your mother and your father. You may think you can fight this, but it will only bring more trouble.”
Kira felt a knot tighten in her stomach. “So, I either marry you, or you destroy my family?” she said, her anger rising despite her fear.
Dante’s lips curled into a small, unsettling smile. “It’s not just about ruining your family. It's about continuing a legacy. Marry me, and we can end this cycle of debt. You can choose to accept your family’s history or let them fall apart. The choice is yours, Kira.”