The Forbidden Princess

Aleena - POV

Hatred simmered beneath my calm expression as I sat at the dinner table. My designer dress clung tightly to my body while the scent of expensive food filled the room. I could feel everyone watching me.

"Aleena Caruso will marry your son, Nico Bellini," my father announced to Mr. Angelo Bellini.

Angelo nodded in approval. His bald head gleamed beneath the chandelier, gold rings covered nearly every finger, and the gaps between his teeth somehow made him look even more intimidating. Everything about him screamed wealth and power.

My eyes shifted to Nico Bellini. At least he didn't resemble his father.

Nico was handsome, with sharp features, dark hair slicked back perfectly, and piercing green eyes but none of that mattered. He was still not the man I wanted to marry.

"Aleena agrees to this arrangement, Mr. Luciano?" Nico asked coldly, glancing at me for only a second.

"Yes," my father answered before I could speak. "My daughter respects my wishes and will follow through."

The anger burning inside me only grew stronger. I didn't want this marriage.

I wanted to build my tech company, create something for myself, something outside the violent world I'd been born into. But being the eldest daughter in a mafia family came with responsibilities. In this life, children rarely got to choose their own futures.

"Aleena."

I looked up at Nico.

"You're happy with this arrangement?" he asked.

The tension beside me sharpened instantly. I could practically feel my father's warning glare without even turning toward him.

Don't you dare embarrass me. You know the consequences.

"Yes," I muttered quietly. "I agree to the arrangement."

"Good," Angelo Bellini said. "Now that everything is settled, we can discuss the deal and who will take over your smuggling business. I assume your daughters won't be involved. Nico should handle it."

The greed in his voice was impossible to miss.

My father remained silent for a moment. In the mafia world, misogyny ran deep. Men like Angelo believed women were too weak to lead businesses like this. Part of me wanted to prove them wrong.But years ago, I promised my mother I would never become part of the blood and dirt that came with this life.

"We'll discuss leadership of the business soon," my father replied firmly.

Angelo clearly didn't like that answer, but my father continued before he could argue.

"I suggest we move the engagement ceremony to this week."

"Next Saturday works fine," Angelo replied.

"Yes," my father said. "The arrangement will be finalized then."

I glanced at Nico again. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable. When the painfully awkward dinner finally ended, Nico spoke again.

"I need to speak with Aleena alone."

My father's sharp gaze immediately shifted toward him.

"Just a few minutes," Nico said.

My father looked at me, and I stood from the table without a word. Nico followed me to the rooftop, the only place I knew no one would be watching.

"You're not happy with this arrangement, are you?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter," I said.

"This marriage is a business deal," he replied. "I want you to understand something. This arrangement is only for show. I have someone I care about."

He paused, studying me.

"Are you okay with that?"

"Yes," I said. "How about this? We stay in this arrangement for six months, then find a way to end it."

He didn't answer. His expression shifted into deep thought. Noticing my gaze on him.

"How have you been since the accident?" he asked.

No one knew about my accident.

"Did you regain your memories?" he asked.

No, I hadn't. I barely remembered anything, only one painful memory that refused to leave me alone.

"Never mind," he said. "I'll take my leave."