Veins Of Vengeance

y recall the time between the engagement party and the moment she stood before her father in his study, trying her b

lickering fireplace and the soft glow of a single desk lamp. Her father's gaze never left her, sharp and calculating, his fingers drumming ligh

w and measured. "I trust everything w

ue without hesitation, but the truth gnawed at her. Matteo's presence had done nothing to ease

this union strengthens the family. I expect you to show t

d a sigh. "Of

ch for something hidden beneath her composed exterior. Zara hated the way he could read her, as if he could sense even t

r duties are no longer just about your desires. This marriage is the nex

those words more times than she could count, but the meaning be

her voice steady despite t

of him that still saw her as his daughter, rather than a tool to further his ambitions. But the moment pas

he arrangement," he continued. "I expect you to make an impression. Show them the stre

of his gaze, the way he seemed to watch her from across the room-it was as if he could see straight through her, into the very core of who she wa

else about him, someth

gh her thoughts. "I trust you understand th

nt, meeting her father's gaze.

t of her father's expectations pressed down on her shoulders as she made her way to her room. Her tho

ngthen her family's position, and that was all that mattered. But somewhere deep in

ce in their world. But as her father's words echoed in her mind, she couldn't help

of gold and crimson, was a stark contrast to the chaos brewing inside her. She moved toward the lar

, Zara let herself imagine a life outside the walls of the Moretti estate. A life wh

that she was trapped in a world of her father's m

nock on the door. She turned, her heart s

came through the door

ng the room to open the door. Matteo stood on the other si

his eyes scanning her face

who knew exactly what he wanted, and she couldn't help but feel a flicker of resentment. There was no warmth in his gaze

omorrow," he said, his voice low as h

ver been one for small talk, and she knew better than to

will be beneficial for both our families. I expect you

to show any sign of weakness. "I u

yes. "Good. I trust you'll learn to embrace it. Once

orcing a polite smile on

her for a moment longer than neces

already set on a course she had no control over, but somewhere, hidden deep inside her, was a

ant, or why it was there,

Zara made a silent vow to hers