SURRENDER

rface. She couldn't believe her father's audacity, forcing her into a marriage with a m

ker. Alison, her half-sister, stood in the hallway, a smug look plastered on her face. Alison's designer d

, I'm just looking out for your well-being, dear sister. After all, you're going to need all the help you can ge

ky to have snagged him, Alessia."Alessia's fists clenched at her sides. "I didn't snag him, Alison. I was forced into this marriage." Alison'

dea what you're talking about, Alison. You've always had everything handed to you on a sil

a pawn in our father's game. And pawns are meant to be sacrificed." Alessia's eyes narrowed, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that Ali

l and storming into her room.She slammed the door shut behind her, leaning against it to c

familiar figure. Her maid, Maria, was sitting on

nd a tattoo of a sun on her ankle, which she'd gotten on a secret trip to the beach with Alessia. But M

side. Alessia took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "It's just Alison being her usual

ong. You can tell me."Alessia hesitated for a moment, then let it all spill out. "My fathe

w who Leonardo Reigns was. Maria's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, Alessia," she said, pulling her into

d back, Alessia's expression turned determined. "I'm not going to let my father get away with this,

, together."And with that, Alessia felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in hours. She knew that she

, her heart sinking as she read the message."What's wrong?" Maria asked, noticing Alessia's expression.Alessia's eyes

nse of trepidation wash over her. "Yes," she said. "My father's arranged for us to meet tonight."Maria's expression turned determined. "

, Maria," she said. "I don't know what I'd do without you."Maria smiled ba

hite locks. He combed and styled her hair with precision, crafting a sleek, elegant updo that showcased he

alked in, carrying a large, exquisite box. "Okay, Alessia, it's time to get you dressed," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

thed, her eyes fixed on the dress. "This is beautiful." Maria smiled. "It was sent by Mr. Reigns," she said. "He wa

y future wife," Alessia's eyes widened as she read the message, a shiver running down her spine. There was something unse

how perfectly it fit her. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her slender waist and graceful physique. As she tu

ch of edginess to the overall look.Alessia's gaze lingered on the tattoo, a delicate snake coiled around her thigh. She'd gotten it on a rebe

Maybe, just maybe, she could get through this meeting with Leonardo Reig

idence faltered. Who was she kidding? She was about to meet the infamous devil, a man rumored to be

took in her appearance. Victoria, her stepmother, looked like she'd swallowed a lemon, her face pinched in disapproval.

on cue, the room erupted into a chorus of gasps and whispers. Alessia's father cleared his throat, his expres

us. "That dress is...obscene. "Alessia's eyes narrowed, her temper flaring

obvious that they couldn't own something like this, that they couldn't pull off a

d, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew that Alessia looked stun

utler, Jenkins, appeared, escorting a guest into the foyer.Alessia's family tensed, expecting to see Leonardo walking through

n down her spine. Alison and Rebecca exchanged disappointed glances, their faces

comment, Victoria's eyes flashed with warning, and she hissed at them to shut their mouths. "You'

ia's father. "Dominic," he said, his voice low and gravelly with a thick a. "Good evening." Dominic's expre

ense of unease settle over her. Who was this m

face before finally coming to rest on Alessia. "This must

made her feel like he could see right through her.Enzo's eyes roamed over her face, taking in every detail. He reached out, his

t her". "Alessia's eyes flashed with anger, but she bit back her retort. She didn't want to antagonize Enzo,

ough," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "I sometimes forget that not everyone is

al with him a lot more in the future. Seeing her expression and her slightly chattering t

. Then, seemingly satisfied, he nodded to himself."I'll take her to him," he said, his

ld, his eyes glinting with a hint of menace. "I always ensure things go smoothly, Dominic. Th

ce dripping with politeness, as he offered Alessia his arm.Alessia hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But th

ut Alessia knew her well enough to detect the subtlest hint of emotion.With one last look at Maria, Alessia allowed Enzo to lead her outside. The cool evening air enveloped her as they stepped out of the mansion, and she felt a slight chill run down her spine.A black Bentley was parked in fr

with sarcasm. Alessia hesitated for a moment, unsure of what lay ahead. But with Enzo's expectant gaze upon her, s

e her window. Enzo, on the other hand, continued to watch her, his eyes narrowing as he studied her every move.After

n't be easy for you," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Off to meet the man you're being forced to marry. It's not exactly a fairy tale,

ld we're about to enter isn't exactly full of happily ever afters. It's a world of power and money, where the strong survi

an who was rumored to be ruthless and cunning. And now, Enzo was warning her about

, Enzo," she said, her voice firm and commanding. "Does Leonardo even want

car. He took a long drag on his cigarette, the smoke curling out of his mout

rocess the enormity of her situation. Enzo, too, seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on som

facade gleaming in the fading light. Enzo turned to her, his eyes gli

're