CHAPTER ONE

Smack.

A slap landed on Aurelia Russo's already reddened face.

“Whether or not you want to, you're getting married to Alfredo Medici.”

“After all we've done for you? I've tolerated you all these years because I felt you still have some use. This is the least you can do to repay the kindness of this family.” Leonardo Russo rambled on and on.

“Kindness?! Hahaha. If all this family has shown me is kindness, I wonder what your acts of wickedness would look like. I'd rather die a dignified death than be at his mercy!” Aurelia shrieked.

Life in the Russo family had never been easy for her.

She was the illegitimate daughter who was brought back to save face, but despised nonetheless.

She had tried to minimise her presence as much as possible because she felt guilty about her mother's interference in another's marriage.

Her stepmother, Francesca made her life a living hell whilst putting up a loving mother facade to the outside world.

Her sister, Stacey Russo wasn't any better.

A typical white lotus, green tea, all of the names in that category. She lived to, and loved to covet the little things Aurelia had going for her.

She would never pass up an opportunity to humiliate Aurelia.

Second Young master Alfredo Medici was well-known in Italy and its environs.

He was a powerful and influential figure, not to be messed with.

The Medici family was a century-long figure who had earned their wealth and status since the days of Roman rule.

No one dared to oppose them, at least not publicly.

Rumours had it that the first young master had severe anger issues, was brutal and ruthless, as he killed without a care in the world, and the second young master Alfredo was no better.

More than that, it was rumoured that he was probably into men as there hadn't ever been a woman taken seriously.

A few days ago, he had run into Aurelia and days later, declared his intention to engage and marry her.

Not only was Russo's father excited to sell off his daughter, he was ecstatic about the level of power and influence he would gain from the union.

This useless daughter of his would finally be useful.

Stacey itched with jealousy.

Who was Aurelia and why did Alfredo suddenly want to marry her?

No, that bitch must have used her fox-like appearance to deceive him.

The first thing she hated about Aurelia was how beautiful she is.

With her swan-like neck, slender figure, long legs, and snow white skin, it was almost impossible not to want to strangle her each time their eyes met.

She had such beautiful deep green eyes, protected by long curly lashes that seemed to flutter like a fan. She was curvy, hot and elegant; she didn't even need to try.

Her well-rounded butt and hips were far too sexy for words. Her mother was a French woman. Her mixed race beauty was so stunning, it was impossible to forget; she embodied it beautifully. She was simply stunning, like a sexy, but innocent looking fairy.

Each time Stacey heard compliments about the looks of this “sister” of hers, she had to grit her teeth and control her emotions.

It wasn't that she herself was bad-looking. It's that she paled in comparison.

Now she was about to get married to the Second young master. How arrogant would she be then?!

No! She had to stop this, no matter what.

“Dad, maybe you should give sister some time.

You know she has always been arrogant and spoiled. Besides, I can get married in her stead. It's better than forcing her. I'm sure Second young master Alfredo won't mind.”

She said in an attempt to sell her “generous” image.

“You think I want this skunk to get married into a family as powerful as the Medicis? It's only because he specifically asked for your sister.”

“You ingrate! After all I've done for you!!” Russo father ranted.

A mocking laughter rang out.

“Whether or not you've done good things for me, you know deep in your heart. Whether or not I agree to this marriage, is also my business... and you "sister"how nice of you to be willing to “sacrifice” yourself for me. If one didn't know better, they'd think you love me. Tsk tsk tsk.” Aurelia mocked.

Enough! Another slap rang out. This time it was Francesca who slapped Aurelia.

“How dare you! Do you know how much benefits we would gain from this alliance? It's time to repay all the food and clothing money!!”

““You are going to get married to the Second master of the Medici family and that cannot be changed.”

Francesca interjected. She would have loved for her own daughter to be married into such affluence instead, but she had to the to swallow her grievances because of the request. They would be dead meat if they tried to play smart.

She only hoped this dead girl would not get out of control.

She had always been pretentious, domineering and arrogant, always haughty, thinking she was better than her dear daughter. Hmph! Let's even wait to see if she survives that man's temper.

“From the day I set foot into this house, up until now, you've spent no more than 10,000 EUR; give or take. But you've done so much for me? You make my life a living hell, which was why I moved out. But I owe you? You have never cared for me like a father should. You give me peanuts for pocket money, meanwhile your darling daughter splurges on frivolities, but I am an ingrate!?!? Don't make me laugh, Mr. Russo. You have never been a father to me, nor have you Francesca been a mother… your family of three can eat shit!” Aurelia yelled hoarsely.

She had had it with this despicable family.

No one knew better than her their greed and ambition to climb the social ladder.

They hadn't contacted her in months before this.

She refuses to be their pawn.