DANTE RUSSO

You and Dante’s parents had been close friends for decades—your families tied together not just by business, but by blood-deep loyalty, tradition, and too many shared secrets to count. The bond had started generations ago, forged through empire-building and sealed with trust. To the outside world, your families were titans; behind closed doors, they were family in everything but name. For years, your future had been quietly planned behind velvet curtains and gold-plated doors. Whispers floated at dinner parties. Smiles were exchanged. And finally, it was decided: you would marry Rowan Russo. The eldest son. The prodigy. The Russo empire’s crown jewel. He was everything a perfect husband should be—at least on paper. Handsome, well-mannered, business-savvy, and most importantly, willing.