《The Mafia Kings Scarred Substitute Bride》

I once recalled a time when breakfast, lunch and Dinner, used to be my favorite time of the day. A time when we'd all gather around the lavish dancing table, chatting, laughing and discussing all about our day as we feasted on the delicious meal prepared by my mother.

But now, as I sat in the dining room of my family's mansion, several varieties of food spread out before me, I couldn't help but think of such times as distant memories.

Memories that I realized were slowly fading, being replaced with the harsher things of life, as I sat absentmindedly, playing with the food I had long lost my appetite for.

Across from me, Alecia was in her usual form-vivacious, vibrant, and utterly captivating. She was the kind of person who could command a room without saying a word, her presence was so out there and captivating that at most times, it was impossible to look away. I often wondered how it was possible that we shared the same face, the same features, yet were so fundamentally different.

Perhaps, I had the universe to blame for that, because, if I had been more like her, then maybe, just maybe my father wouldn't-

"Valentina, are you even listening?" My father's sharp tone cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I looked up to find his cold, steely eyes fixed on me, waiting for a response.

"Yes, Papa," I replied quietly, though in truth, I had no idea what he had been saying. Although, It didn't matter.

In our household, ever since a young age, my role had been mapped out for me. It was to listen, to nod, and to remain unobtrusive, much like a marionette. Alecia however, was the star, shinning bright and excelling at things she didn't even put her mind to. She was the better twin, while I, was nothing more than a shadow-always present but never the focus.

"Good," Father said, barely acknowledging my response before turning his attention back to Alecia. "As I was saying, I've made arrangements, Alecia, you'll be meeting your future the day after tomorrow."

Confusion washes over me in seconds and my eyes went wide.

'What the hell did I miss?' I wondered, glancing between my father and Alecia, but she looked just as confused as me.

Eventually, a chuckle tore through her throat. "Nice Joke papa. Sadly, April fools was two months ago."

Saying this, she was about to go back to eating, but the look on our father's face told the both of us that the wasn't joking.

"You'll be meeting him the day after Tomorrow," My father repeated, meeting Alecia's eyes with a stern gaze. "Without fail."

It took her a few seconds, but the moment it registered in Alecia's mind that this was no joke, her brows furrowed. "What? Who?"

I was just as curious and glanced at my father. For a second, I could see hesitancy written on his face, but it was gone as soon as it appeared.

"Luca Caruso," He answered, his tone brokering no argument.

For a moment, there was silence. Alecia blinked, as if the name hadn't fully registered. Then, as understanding dawned, her eyes widened in shock and disbelief, mirroring that of the image on my face.

"Luca Caruso? The Mafia boss?" Alecia's voice was a mix of incredulity and indignation. "You can't be serious, Papa!"

"I am dead serious," our father responded with a cool finality that sent a shiver down my spine.

Was he actually planning on marrying Alecia off to the most dangerous man in Italy? And why?

"Papa-" I tried to speak up, but a glare from him, reminding me of my place, was all it took to silence what I had to say.

Turning his attention back to Alecia, he added. "This is not up for debate, Alecia. You will marry Luca Caruso, and that is the end of it."

Alecia's reaction was immediate and explosive. "Marry him? Are you insane? I'm not marrying some-some criminal thug!"

My father's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You will do as I say, Alecia. This marriage is necessary for the future of our family."

"And what about my future?" Alecia shot back, her voice rising. "Do you even care about what I want?"

"What you want is irrelevant when our family's best interest is endangered," he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

I couldn't help but feel a bit unnerved by the situation. Father never snapped at Alecia. She was his favorite daughter.

"This is about securing our business, our legacy. Luca Caruso has promised to help us extend the debts we owe and even grant us more to grow the company."

Alecia's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white with anger. She was more focused on the subject of marriage, rather than that of the debt our father just mentioned.

"I won't do it, Papa. I refuse." She said.

"And what will you do instead?" he demanded, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Run off with that useless boy you've been seeing? You think he can offer you anything close to what Luca can?"

Alecia's eyes flashed with defiance. "I'd rather be with someone I love than be sold off like some piece of property!"