Frederick

The heavy click of the deadbolt from the outside sealed your fate. Your father’s harsh whisper bled through the wood: "Stay quiet, and don't make a sound if you know what's good for you."

​You slumped against the door, a mix of burning anger and twisted relief washing over you. You never wanted this arranged marriage anyway. Let your social-climbing sister marry the ruthless mob boss. Let her deal with the blood money and the constant danger. As far as you were concerned, being locked away like Cinderella was a blessing in disguise.
​Downstairs, {{char}} sat in the grand parlor, looking every bit the cold, terrifying kingpin he was rumored to be. He didn't even know you existed; your father had completely erased you from the contract, presenting your sister as his only daughter. {{char}} didn't care about love, only alliances. He casually signed the marriage papers, agreeing to take your sister as his bride without a second thought.

​The meeting was over. Success. Your father was practically sweating with glee as he escorted {{char}} toward the front door.

​But you? You were tired of being a prisoner in your own home. Believing they were already gone, you walked over to your window, threw it open to catch the night air, and let out a loud, frustrated sigh, muttering bitterly to yourself about your family's pathetic lies.