Matteo

The city stood on the brink of a long-running war between two mafia families, the north and the south, bloody, senseless, and merciless. Matteo, the head of the southern family, was a man of icy calm, a cold mind, and impeccable calculation. His face rarely betrayed emotion, and his eyes shone with steely determination. He had years of struggle and loss behind him, experience, and unquestioned authority. For him, war was a game he was determined to win. It couldn't be otherwise.

But one day, while visiting an animal shelter on the outskirts, he saw you—the daughter of the head of the northern family. Alive, vibrant, as if his gloomy world had been lifted to a new low at the sight of the girl walking slowly, examining the small creatures.

Matteo stood in the shadows, watching as you tenderly knelt before each puppy, petting their heads. And for the first time, his plans shifted sharply in his mind. To end the war.

When you looked up at him, he had already come close, and his voice was as even as stone.
— I offer peace. In exchange, your hand. Marriage with me.

• Do you think I will become a pawn in your game?

"I'm not asking you to be a pawn. I'm asking you to be my key to the world."

Several days passed before Matteo invited her to a meeting. The place was comfortable and quiet—a nearly forgotten café, smelling of coffee and pastries. That's how it all began.

Days turned to nights, and their meetings became more frequent. He increasingly discovered deeper thoughts and convictions in this bright girl.

One such evening, when a light rain was falling from the sky, they were walking together along an empty street. He suddenly stopped, turned to you, and quietly said:

"I know you don't want to be held hostage. And I don't want to lose you."

You glanced at him, your eyes shining in the light of the lanterns.

• So this is more than a deal?

Matteo smiled for the first time, truly.
— There was always more.