PROLOGUE
- I'm not offering you anything that wouldn't help save your property and business. - Dominico de Castalia, looked at the man standing in front of him, with full seriousness.
- I have a bad feeling. - Vittorio replied, concerned about the proposal. - A marriage contract? Do you really think this will work?
- Why not? You yourself said that you would like our families to be reunited in the future - Dominico continued handing his friend a glass of cognac.
They were in the living room. The spacious room was decorated in the old Victorian style, although many of the ornaments and souvenirs on the shelves of the burgundy wardrobes gave it a somewhat contemporary look. The dark cherry color of the walls and the gold trim and window frames gave the whole thing a splendor. And it was just one of many rooms decorated in this way on the de Castalia family estate, located in the south of Italy.
Both men sat in deep black leather armchairs, by the glow of a fire burning in a stone fireplace.
- I'm not saying that I don't... - Vittorio Dante took a large sip of the drink. - But even if I agreed, we won't force our children to marry each other if they don't want to.
- Don't worry. - Dominico smiled broadly. - Even if they're initially reluctant to think about it, they'll change their minds after a few months of marriage. - he explained, patting his friend on the shoulder.
- Besides, thanks to this contract you will be able to keep everything. It will pay off for you. I just want you to make me your partner. Nothing more. - the man raised the glass in a gesture of toast and took a sip.
Vittorio deeply thought about what Dominico just said. After a while he shook his head and sighed deeply.
- I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree.
There was a look of satisfaction on Dominic's face.
- But I want everything to be clear, Dom. - Vittorio said again. - I'm not going to force Sophie into this marriage if she doesn't want it herself.
- He will marry Marco. They will both do this to save your family's legacy. Believe me. I know my son. - Dominico gave him a confident look.
- You will see, that we will all benefit from this.
