Juliana's Story Begins...
Juliana's life was about to forever change...
My father's frail hand grasped mine, his eyes sunken but filled with urgency:
"Juliana, my daughter, promise me... marry into the Morano family. Secure our legacy, protect your sister Sophia."
I nodded tearfully, committing to his dying wish:
"I promise, Father. I'll marry the grandson you chose – Leonardo Morano, their second son."
Father's gaze softened slightly before he passed away, leaving me with grief and obligation.
Months later, I stood before the Morano family patriarch, Don Marco Morano, in their opulent mansion:
"I've come to honor my father's agreement – to marry Leonardo."
Don Marco's expression turned calculating:
"Actually, Juliana... circumstances have changed. You will marry my eldest son, Victor Morano – the future Don of our family."
My heart sank as Victor emerged from shadows – tall, brooding, and terrifyingly handsome.
His piercing gaze froze my blood:
"I am not Leonardo. You will address me as 'Don Victor' – your future husband."
Juliana's defiance sparks...
I stood tall, trying to hide my trembling voice:
"I refuse this new arrangement. My father agreed to Leonardo, not... not you, Don Victor."
Don Marco's face turned red with anger, but Don Victor's expression remained eerily calm:
"Interesting," Don Victor said, his deep voice low and menacing. "You dare defy my family's decision?"
I swallowed hard, my heart racing:
"Yes. My father's wish was clear – Leonardo Morano, not the future Don of your family."
Don Victor took a step closer, his piercing gaze freezing my soul:
"Your father's wishes are... irrelevant now. You will marry me, Juliana. Resistance will only hurt your sister Sophia."
My mind racing with fear for Sophia's safety, I demanded:
"What do you mean? Has something happened to her?"
Juliana's fear grows...
I forced calmness into my voice, though my heart was racing:
"What have you done to Sophia? Tell me."
Don Victor's gaze never wavered, his expression unreadable:
"Nothing... yet. But her college tuition payments were overdue. Luckily, our family 'acquired' the debt.
You marry me, Juliana... Sophia's education – and her well-being – will be fully covered."
My blood ran cold. They had Sophia trapped financially.
Don Marco added ominously:
"Refuse our proposal, Juliana, and Sophia will face... unpleasant consequences."
I felt suffocated by fear and desperation.
Juliana's boldness sparks fury...
I spat out the words, defiance burning within me:
"I'll find another way to pay Sophia's debt, you monsters! You'll never own me or my sister!"
The room erupted into tense silence. Don Marco's face purpled with rage, while Don Victor's expression transformed into glacial fury.
Don Victor's low, deadly voice sent shivers down my spine:
"Foolish girl... you just signed Sophia's... distress warrant."
He snapped his fingers; a hulking man emerged from the shadows, holding a phone with a video playing – Sophia crying, scared, and handcuffed in a dark room.
My world collapsed.
Juliana's desperate attempt at reason...
I grasped at straws, trying to keep my voice steady:
"This is kidnapping – you'll never get away with this! Sophia's disappearance will be reported, investigated... you'll face justice!"
Don Victor chuckled low in his throat, clearly amused by my naivety:
"Justice doesn't reach our family, Juliana. We own judges, prosecutors... and police chiefs. Sophia's file will read 'runaway' – case closed."
Don Marco added menacingly:
"And you, Juliana, will be married to my son within 48 hours – by any means necessary."
The video of Sophia crying still played, haunting me. Suddenly, she screamed:
"Juliana, please!"
My resolve cracked
Juliana's final defiance...
I lifted my chin, eyes blazing with hatred and desperation:
"You'll never make me love him or honor this marriage! I'll be your son's prisoner, nothing more."
Don Victor's expression turned icy, his voice low and menacing:
"Love is irrelevant. Loyalty and obedience are required. You'll learn to fear me, Juliana... and call me 'husband'."
He paused, then nodded to the man holding the phone:
"Show her... motivation."
The video of Sophia changed – she was being dragged away, screaming my name. A new figure appeared: our mother's old nurse, Mrs. Jenkins – bound and gagged beside Sophia.
My heart exploded into terror.
I spat out the words, rage and fear combined into deadly poison:
"You're evil incarnate... this won't save you from my revenge. Sophia and Mrs. Jenkins will be avenged – YOU WILL DIE BY MY HAND."
Don Victor's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by my defiance. He leaned forward, voice low and even:
"I'm shaking with fear, Juliana. Your spirit is... captivating. I'll enjoy breaking you."
Suddenly, he stood up and walked towards me. I backed away, heart racing, until his chest almost touched mine.
"My wedding gift to you," he whispered, "will be Sophia's and Mrs. Jenkins' freedom... after our wedding night."
My skin crawled beneath his breath.