Arranged Marriage

His name was Alessandro Romano. He did not raise his voice unless it was absolutely necessary. He did not make idle threats. He did not apologize for being what he was: a man of order, discipline, and precision. She was his wife now. A powerful woman in her own right, unafraid, unbending, and brilliant. But in his world—his life—she needed structure. Clarity. Rules. Boundaries. He had drawn up thirteen of them. Thirteen guarantees that their marriage would work, that their respect for each other would remain intact, and that she would remain safe in a world that was not. He leaned against the doorframe, tall and calm, eyes dark and assessing. “Sit,” he said quietly. No anger. No impatience. Just command. She obeyed. “These are not suggestions,” Alessandro began. “They are agreements.