#####Chapter 4

The faint aroma of Auntie Emilia’s herbal tea lingered in the air, mixing with the scent of lavender she always kept in her vases. It was almost soothing, almost. But as soon as the front door slammed open, I knew tranquility wasn’t on the agenda.

“Francesca! Francesca! Where are you?” Auntie Emilia’s voice boomed through the apartment like a tidal wave.

I scrambled off the couch, nearly tripping over my own feet. “Yes, Auntie, I’m coming!”

Her stormy presence filled the room before I could fully stand. Her eyes scanned me, sharp as ever, before she spoke. “What happened between you and Marco? I saw you both in the hospital lobby as I was leaving. You better not be in trouble with that family!” Her voice carried the weight of worry, frustration, and something else like disappointment.

I winced. “No trouble, Auntie. Just a conversation.”

“That family!” she muttered, pacing in front of me. “The embarrassment from Gianni was enough. And to add to it, your father… leaving no remaining shame for this family!”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, though I knew her words came from a place of love. Her exaggerated motions, hand on her hips, even holding her ears as if warding off further disaster, made her look more like a dramatic stage performer than my formidable aunt.

She caught me laughing and waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t laugh! What happened?”

“Okay, okay.” I sat down on the couch, pulling her to sit beside me. “Marco paid Daddy’s bills and left an open cheque for his treatment.”

Auntie Emilia froze for a split second before launching into a loud exclamation.

“This is the best news ever!” She clapped her hands, her eyes shining like I’d just won the lottery. I smiled weakly, nodding. But I couldn’t hide the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

Her excitement faded as her gaze narrowed on me. “What is it, my child?”

“He asked me to marry him.”

Her reaction was immediate, her jaw dropping as she gasped loudly. “Wait, Francesca. Do you mean to tell me that you did not say yes immediately? Why?”

I hesitated, unsure how to explain what I didn’t fully understand myself. “Auntie, I....”

But she didn’t let me finish. “Francesca, listen to me.” She gripped my hands tightly. “Do you know who Marco is? That man cannot inherit his father’s wealth, Don Luciaio’s empire, unless he marries. Do you understand what this means for you? For us?”

Her words came fast and hard, each syllable landing like a stone in my chest.

“No... No, Yes, I understand, but ...”

“But what, Francesca? This is an opportunity! You wouldn’t just be his wife, you’d be the Luna of one of the most powerful Lycan families in the entire territory. And he already respects you enough to ask for marriage, not some scandalous arrangement like that disgraceful Gianni.”

I flinched at the mention of Gianni, the memories of his betrayal still fresh and raw.

“You must accept, Francesca.” Auntie Emilia’s voice softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. “This isn’t just about Marco. It’s about us. Your father, your future. And think of the pack! With Marco’s resources, we could finally rebuild the Colman name.”

“I don’t want family fights or disapproval, Auntie,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her frustration boiled over. She grabbed her bag and stormed toward her room, muttering complaints under her breath. The slam of her door echoed through the apartment, leaving me standing in the middle of the parlor, lost and alone with my thoughts.

******************************

For two days, Auntie Emilia’s words replayed in my mind like a broken record. Every time I tried to think of a way out, her arguments circled back, pinning me in place.

The weight of my father’s coma, the hospital bills, and the shame Gianni had left me with bore down on me. By the third morning, I gave in.

It was early, the kind of stillness in the air that only existed before the city woke up. I stared at Marco’s number on my phone screen, my finger hovering over the call button.

I pressed it.

The dial tone felt like an eternity, but finally, his deep voice cut through the silence. “Francesca.”

“I’ll do it,” I said, my words tumbling out quickly before I could second-guess myself. “I’ll marry you.”

There was a pause, just long enough for doubt to creep back in.

“See you later,” he said, and the call ended.

**********************************************

Later came sooner than I expected. Marco arrived at our apartment that evening, his towering frame filling the doorway. His presence was as commanding as ever, his golden eyes flickering like a firelight.

“Let’s talk,” he said simply, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Auntie Emilia, who had been pretending not to hover, quickly ushered herself out of the room with a knowing smirk.

Marco sat on the edge of the couch, his piercing gaze fixed on me. “You’ve made your decision.”

“Yes.”

“Good.” His voice carried the weight of finality, but there was an edge to it, something unreadable.

I swallowed hard. “But I need to know, why me? Why not someone else from your world? A Luna from a prominent pack?”

He leaned back, his lips curling into a slight smirk. “Because you’re not like them.You’ve beenthrough hell and back, Francesca. You’ve seen the worst life has to offer, yet you’re still standing. You’re strong, even if you don’t see it.”

His words caught me off guard, but I didn’t let it show. “And this isn’t just about your inheritance?”

“Of course it is,” he said, unapologetic. “But that doesn’t mean you’re not the right choice.”Silence hung between us like a dense fog, heavy and suffocating.

“What’s the catch?” I finally asked.

His smirk widened. “Smart girl. The catch is simple: you marry me, you play the part of my Luna, and in return, your father’s hospital bills disappear. Your family’s shame? Gone. The Colman name will rise again.”

“And what do you get?”

“A wife. An heir.” He said it as matter-of-fact like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“And if I say no?”

“You’ve already said yes,” he reminded me, his voice dipping into a low growl. “But if you back out now, the deal’s off. All of it.”

I stared at him, searching his face for any sign of softness, any crack in his armor. There was none.

“Fine,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

“Good.” He stood, his movements fluid and precise, like a predator on the hunt. “We’ll announce the engagement at the Full Moon Gathering next week.”