Fated to the Enemy.

The moon gleams high and bright in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the city of New York. Busy streets adorned with vintage lampposts and narrow alleys whispered of the crime that lingered during the day, and thrived at night. Mostly, by the hands of the Romano family... My family. We viciously ruled the North eastern side of Staten Island, and the syndicate is led by my father, Don Giovanni Romano. He was terrifying, menacing... he walked with an air of confidence around him that demanded respect from all that crossed his path. The man has over 30 years of experience in this business, he'd become the best in the game... but even I knew that he couldn't become the best without making a few enemies on the way... He ruled with my mother at his side, Donna Carmela Romano, an elegant woman that exudes nothing but grace and nobility. She taught me to be graceful, respectful, kind, and gentle... as opposed to my father's ruthless nature. The two are polar opposites, but they are perfect for each other... Together they built an empire that is the Romano crime family. With business sprawling all across the country and even the world with my family focusing specifically on luxurious hotels and resorts. We have everything... everything we could've ever dreamed off... but it had not always been like this... Each of their great grand parents had to fight and struggle to survive, beginning a life of crime and drug smuggling. Eventually they were able turn it into an entire organisation with a series of networks in places you would've even think of. Our family was built on their blood sweat and tears, and that's something I will never take for granted. Of course this isn't the life I'd want for myself forever... Eventually, I'd want for both my parents to leave this life behind... but I know there is no chance of that happening in the near future, and so this is unfortunately my reality... Inside our house, the grand Romano Manor, my father had summoned me to his office. The mansion, one my parents built from scratch, served as the Headquarters for all our operations. With over 20+ rooms, it isn't just us that lives here, but a few of my father's most trusted subordinates and soldiers. He needed to make sure we were protected, 24/7. The mansion, decorated by my mother, is adorned with exquisite art and furniture collected over generations of our family's rule. My parents came from nothing, and so they had to make sure that their wealth, was on full display. My mother, had an art eye for art, which I mostly inherited. As a result I pursued it as a degree in university and graduated with an honours. My parents made it clear that just cause they've built a life for me that beyond comfortable, I still have to prove my intellect, skill and creativity in one way or another. And I'm thankfully they were able to hand me that opportunity. The last thing I want is to feel useless... I am their only daughter and though I'm treated like a princess, I know deep down my Father had always wanted a son. Someone to carry on the family name. I won't be able to so. I am meant to lead this family one day, they've been preparing me for it all my life, and it's a responsibility I'm ready to take on... I just wish things were different. I take one last look in the mirror before leaving my room, staring back at my brown eyes and blinking a few times as I take in my own self-reflection. My dark brown, naturally wavy hair is down today. It fell just below my bust and I’ve always loved how long my hair would grow. I had become used to only wearing dresses, it’s something my mom encouraged me to do. She thought “that’s how a lady should dress” so I’ve just become used to it. Today I’ve got on a white lace dress which a flared bottom, stopping just above my knees. After being satisfied enough with my appearance to leave my room, I finally step out and proceed with the plans I have today. As I stroll through the corridors of the mansion, all that occupies my mind are thoughts of my upcoming birthday celebration. It's my favourite time of the year because my parents usually go all out for me. Last year for my 22nd birthday, they went as far as flying out a world renowned painter to paint my portrait, as well as have him give his work, and a few other pieces to me for my birthday. Pieces that were worth a fortune. But it wasn't the money that made the gifts special, but it was how thoughtful they were, and it's something I've always appreciated. I approach her parents' study and she notice the door slightly ajar, and on the other side I can hear them whispering to each other. Knowing I have to respect their privacy despite the door being open, I knock on it a few times. I hear both of them go silent as soon as they hear me. It makes me frown as I stare at the door, wondering why they are taking so long to answer me. "Come in..." I hear the commanding voice of my father and hesitate slightly before proceeding to open the door. I'm not sure why but anxiety invades my body as I enter my father's office, leading me to believe that something bad is about to happen, and my intuition is usually never wrong... I step into the office and find my parents, Don Giovanni and Donna Carmela Romano, staring back at their expressions serious and focused. My father had dark serious brown eyes, his hair being dark brown and combed straight and carefully. He had on a dark brown suit, his favourite colour of suits to wear, with a white button shirt, golden accessories to match. He sat in his office chair while my mother stood beside him, her rich long dark hair has been tied in a low bun, and her light brown eyes are covered with brown and golden makeup. She has on a white light beige dress, with a golden necklace and earrings that match the golden heels she is wearing. If you hadn't guessed it already. My mother loves gold. "Mamma... papa..." I greet them as I shut the door behind me and carefully make my way further into the office. My mother's expression changes suddenly and she is now smiling at me, her reaction almost too delayed which leads me to believe that she must be faking it... "Isabella... come in, come in..." She encourages me to walk forward, but I find my eyes back on my father. Seeing him leaning back on his chair, his eyes furrowed with concern. I know that look all too well, and something clearly seems to be bothering him. "Is everything alright? You called for me..." I ask them and for some reason the air feels heavy. I know my father, and the look he currently has on his face, only tells me that something serious is going on... "Yes, everything is fine, my dear. We were discussing some family matters, that's all." My mother answers me, and my father turns his attention to her before speaking. "We can not prolong the truth any longer my love..." He says to her before his attention returns to me. "Isabella, we need to talk about something important," My father begins, his voice measured, but his tone offers no help to soothe my anxiety. I can't hold back any longer, and as a result, I immediately speak out. "What's going on? What is it you need to tell me?" I ask them, trying as much as possible not to sound too demanding of my parents... but my frustration and fear is evident in her tone, so hopefully they don't take it the wrong way. My mother sighs softly and motions with her hands for me to come closer. I suck in a soft breath to help me remain calm, walking to my mother as she's requested just as she reaches out to hold my hand. "We had hoped to find the right time and way to discuss this with you... and I'm looking for the right way for us to say this," My mother beats around the bush, and at this point, I can practically feel my heart beating in my throat... what the hell is going on? What is she taking so long to tell me? "We have arranged a marriage for you," My father then cuts in abruptly once he sees that his wife had taken too long to deliver the news...