Chapter 2

Esmeralda Rossi’s father was a low-level dealer in a family casino—a respectable position, but nowhere near high enough for his daughter to be standing in the Costello banquet hall on a day like this.

Her presence was tolerated for one reason only: she had the favor of the heir, Rocco.

As Rocco’s words faded, a ripple of whispers spread through the hall.

Esmeralda lowered her eyes, a delicate blush gracing her cheeks, the very picture of humility.

She stepped forward and knelt gracefully.

"Don Costello," she said, her voice trembling but clear, "the honor the heir has shown me is more than I deserve. I love him with all my heart. I ask for nothing more than to remain by his side—no title, no position, only the privilege of being near him."

Rocco turned to her and, without a second thought, took her hand, his chin raised defiantly as he faced the head table.

"Father, I will not allow Esmeralda to be wronged. I love her, and I will take no other wife. If I marry, it will be her."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"Rocco," Don Carlo said slowly, his voice hard with disappointment, "do you understand the weight of your words?"

Donna Isabella’s gaze shifted to Esmeralda, cold and sharp. The idea of a mere dealer's daughter aspiring to be the legitimate wife of the heir was absurd.

Don Carlo looked from his son to me, then spoke with deliberate restraint.

"Today is Riona's to choose," he said coolly. "As for this... arrangement you believe you've made, it can be discussed another time."

Rocco rose to his feet, his face burning with defiance.

"I will not marry Riona. I see her only as a sister. If she insists on this union, then let the entire family hear it now—I will never share her bed. My children will be born of Esmeralda, and Esmeralda alone."

He didn't stop there, his gaze turning to me, cold and unflinching.

"As for Riona," he continued cruelly, "she can remain in Chicago if she wishes. We can arrange an apartment for her outside the estate. It would suit her better than the role of a matriarch she can never truly fill."

A sharp intake of breath swept through the hall.

Don Carlo shot to his feet, his face a mask of fury.

I stepped forward before his temper could flare.

"Don Carlo," I said steadily, "there is no cause for alarm."

Without a flicker of hesitation, I slid the family ring onto Lucian's finger.

He blinked, the amused look still lingering on his face, but his features sharpened as I intertwined my fingers with his.

"I have made my choice," I announced coolly. "I choose to marry Lucian Costello."

For a moment, Rocco stared at us, shocked into silence.

Then, raw relief flooded his features as he pulled Esmeralda protectively to his side.

"You see," he murmured to her, just loud enough for everyone to hear, "now no one can stand in our way. I told you I would only ever marry you."

Don Carlo and Donna Isabella exchanged a look of profound regret.

"Rocco," Donna Isabella asked softly, "are you certain? The agreement is not yet signed. There is still time to reconsider."

"I'm sure," he answered without a shred of doubt. "I'm marrying Esmeralda."