Chapter 1 A Sudden Husband

Vanessa POV’s My heart was brimming with joy as I walked towards my father, his hands resting on the well decorated staff carved out of an expensive piece of wood that showcased his power and wealth. "Happy birthday, my Nessa," he whispered, placing a tender kiss on my cheek. His warmth filled me with joy, the kind only a father's love can bring. "I have a surprise for you," and despite the joy in my heart and on my face, I couldn't help but feel a slight wave of unsettlement. I didn't know why but somehow I felt that there was more than the celebration for my twenty-Fourth birthday. Being the only daughter of Emilio De la Cruz, one of Italy's most powerful men, I was no stranger to surprises. His wealth and influence followed me everywhere, casting a long shadow over my life. Even though I was legally his first child, my father treated me as his cherished last, something I never questioned—until now. He led me away from the party, where a group of unfamiliar men in black suits waited. Their stern expressions and silent demeanor would have frightened anyone else, but I was accustomed to my father's world—a world where men in black meant business. As the first child to my father, I was his biological heir which meant I was about to make history. The unease I was feeling was having a tug of war with the excitement that swelled within me. I have waited for this day for years, prayed and fought and my father has always reminded me that certain things were not meant for women which was what brought the question — Why were we here? I shook my head, remembering that today was a day of joy as I was on the verge of breaking those outdated beliefs. My father held my hand and helped me into his Rolls Royce, and I couldn't help but exhale, the uneasiness was still there but I was trusting that my long-awaited dream was about to come true. We pulled up to the airport and the first thing I noticed was the empty lot, I wasn't worried. Daddy owned alot of places. But as we pulled up, that unease from earlier bloomed into full-blown worry. I noticed another car pulling up behind us, and my heart sank when I recognized it as one of my three step-brothers'. Antonio, my immediate younger brother, stepped out, flanked by our siblings, their faces twisted into identical smirks. What were they doing here? My father helped me out of the car, but my attention was on Antonio, whose grin made my skin crawl. "Father?" I questioned, but before I could press him, Antonio cut in with that infuriating smirk. "I have gathered you all today because it’s a special day, and as such, I have special news," my father said, taking my hand and guiding me toward a private jet. The unfamiliar badge on the jet only deepened my suspicion. My brothers' knowing grins told me they were in on whatever was happening. We stopped at the base of the jet, and my father handed me a key that looked unlike any car key I had ever seen. "For you, my Nessa," he said, his voice soft yet heavy with meaning. My eyes widened in disbelief as I snatched the key. "Yo—u got me a private jet?!" I shrieked, unable to contain my excitement. I threw myself into his arms, tears of joy streaming down my face as I kissed his bald head, laughing in both Spanish and English. "Your husband did," Antonio's voice sliced through my happiness, freezing me in place. My joy turned to ice as I whirled around to face him, my voice trembling with anger. "Are you such a brat that you can't go a day without trying to ruin my life? This is my birthday, for God's sake!" Antonio stepped closer, his amusement only deepening my rage. "You mean, your wedding day." A chill ran down my spine as I looked at my father, silently pleading for him to deny it. But his eyes avoided mine, his guilt unmistakable. "Dad?" My voice cracked, my thick Italian accent betraying the fear creeping into my heart. "I was going to tell you," he started, but the words felt like a knife twisting in my gut. "You said it was a surprise," I stammered, trying to rationalize his betrayal. "I can't be mad because you didn't tell me about the jet before—" But he had already stepped back, and Antonio’s mocking grin remained fixed. "What's going on?" I asked, dread filling every fiber of my being. Antonio sighed, exasperated. "What part of 'it's your wedding day' do you not understand, chica?" "Enough!" My father barked, cutting him off. "Go and watch the car." For the first time that day, Antonio’s smile faltered. "Yes, Papa," he muttered before leaving, but the damage was done. I was alone, surrounded by unfamiliar men who now inched closer, their intent clear. Panic seized me. "Dad?" I pleaded, but he grasped my hands, forcing me to focus on him instead of the looming threat. "Our families have been at war for far too long, Nessa," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "This marriage is the only way to stop the bloodshed. The Gneros are a powerful ally, and they are a perfect match for you." I gasped, the reality of his words crashing down on me. "What?" "Forgive me. My Nessa. I'll see you very soon, before you even know it," he said, his voice breaking as he stepped away, leaving me to the mercy of the men who now closed in. "No. no!" I screamed, my mind battling with disbelief. How could he do this to me? How could he sell me off like a pawn in his mafia game? But it was too late. The men grabbed me, their grip firm but not unkind as they pushed me toward the jet. I fought back, but one of them lost patience and threw me over his shoulder, sprinting up the stairs while I kicked and screamed, calling out for my father. As I was carried away, I caught a final glimpse of Antonio, his eyes gleaming with victory as he took everything from me in one cruel stroke. My mind was at war with itself, each thought spiraling as it became clearer and clearer than we were flying toward an unknown future. I had to be calm and If there was one thing I had learned from my father, it was that composure was power. I would not let them see me break. We arrived shortly after and I couldn't help but realize how much wealth was poured into the structure, it beat the mansion I grew up in as a child. The Gneros were clearly wealthy beyond measure. The men handed me off to a group of stern-faced women, who led me through the mansion with the efficiency of those used to taking orders. But as we walked, I heard voices—male voices—coming from somewhere deeper in the house. My heart pounded as I realized this might be my chance. If I could meet this Gnero, maybe I could convince him that this marriage was a mistake. I bolted, ignoring the shouts of the maids. My dress hiked up as I ran, and my heels clicked furiously on the marble floors. I reached a grand door where the voices were loudest and flung it open. My eyes widened in shock, a gasp escaped my lips immediately drawing attention of everyone in the room as I felt the blood drain from my face. “Ah. I see, my wife has arrived,” he said, his voice smooth but his eyes holding something sinister, it made my skin crawl.