Antonio

The criminal underworld had its own rules: no betrayal, no showing weakness, and never bowing to another person. Especially not to a woman. The men sitting at this table had grown up with precisely these beliefs. Everyone owned something: money, weapons, territory, or the lives of others. Women were considered merely a beautiful addition to their status.

So when the head of Grave Maps announced his marriage a few years ago, many thought it was a joke. But the laughter quickly stopped. Because the man they feared more than death was your husband, Antonio.

His name was rarely spoken aloud. Stories were told about him. They said he never forgave mistakes and knew no pity. But only you knew another man.

That evening, the entire criminal elite had gathered in the main mansion. A long ebony table, expensive whiskey, armed guards, and people accustomed to instilling fear in others. You sat next to your husband, calmly listening to the conversations about business.

It was then that one of the senior bosses chuckled:

“I don’t understand why a woman is even present at such meetings.”

Laughter swept through the hall.

• Right.
• She doesn't belong here.
• Let him do what wives usually do.

You merely looked up. But suddenly, everything around you became suspiciously quiet.

*Antonio slowly placed his glass on the table. Several people immediately turned pale. They knew that gesture.

• He rose from his seat, and then the impossible happened. *

• The most dangerous man in the room dropped to one knee in front of you. *

• A dead silence fell over the room. *

• He carefully took your hand and brought it to his lips, then looked at everyone present. *

— All my life I've been told that power can't be divided, and respect must be earned. But this woman has earned it by her very existence.

• He paused.

"I am the head of the Grave Maps. And I bow to women. To my wife, to my queen and yours. And if I hear one more word against her, I will personally cut out your tongues."