Lia’s POV

"Lia, you are going to get engaged to Dante in place of Elena. I can't let my daughter marry him."

My eyes widened at Mr. Romano's words. I tried to find the appropriate words to say but couldn't.

Didn't he say I am also his daughter? Why else is he making me marry Dante of all people? Besides, he wants Elena and not me!

"Lia, my dear, I know it would be too hard for you to accept this as you weren't planning for this," my mother began, not giving me the chance to talk.

She walked up to the couch I sat on before sitting next to me. She took my hands into hers before she continued. "We can't think of anyone who could replace Elena without getting caught except you. Please."

My throat suddenly went dry at her words. It was obvious they both planned this. And the last thing I wanted was to get entangled with the Mafia Lords.

I'd rather live my life as an ordinary lady-Romano's adopted naive daughter!

"Dad. Mom. I am sorry, I can't marry that man," I informed them, my voice cracking.

My father's gaze darkened at my response; disappointment was evident on his face, but I care less.

I am grateful to this family for raising me and would do anything for them, but ruining my life for them? That would be the last thing I imagine myself doing!

"Lia, this marriage means a lot to our family. Without this marriage, our family would be ruined. Please, think of marrying Dante as repaying us for our kindness in raising you for ten years," my father said, sounding desperate and serious.

This time, I knew I had no choice aside from doing his bid all in the name of repaying his kindness!

I straightened my back, my gaze on him before I finally gave in. "Fine. I am going to get married to him, but what if he finds out I am not Elena-"

"He won't find out," he interrupted me with certainty laced in his voice. "All you have to do is make sure he doesn't suspect you because he only saw Elena once, which was years ago."

I only nodded my head before standing up to leave the room, many thoughts clouded in my mind.

What would happen if Dante found out I was not Elena? How would my life be as Dante's wife?

"Go get prepared; Dante will come pick you up," my mother's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, making me realize I had been standing all this while.

"But mom-"

"Don't worry. Dante Moretti has a lot at hand. That is why he is trying to get the engagement done tonight and the wedding the day after," she interrupted me.

My lips parted, and a soft gasp escaped at her words. So, this isn't just getting engaged but becoming his wife? Becoming part of Moretti's family?

That is the least an ordinary lady like me could imagine.

"Sure... I would try my best," I smiled faintly, knowing it was of no use disagreeing at this point. I had no dime to pay them back for feeding me, clothing me, my hospital bills, a roof over my head, and my school fees. I have no choice but to do this.

I left for my room, my heart heavy at each step I took.

I changed into my bathrobe before entering my bathroom. Knowing I have no say in this decision, I let my tears pour freely.

I thought everything was going to get better after I graduated, but it only turned out to be worse. I have to act like someone else just because I was abandoned by my parents in the streets.

The loud knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts. I finished up before leaving to answer whoever it was.

"What is it?" I asked coldly after opening the door, schooling my expression.

"Miss, Madam Sarah instructed me to give you this dress. She said you should be snappy in order not to keep the guest waiting," the maid relayed before stretching over the gown to me.

It is a red satin gown, barely reaching my knees with an opening on the side. "Hmm," I nodded before collecting the dress from her along with the silver-colored stiletto heels.

After putting on the dress, I left for the living room without bothering to apply makeup.

Tonight is usually one of the most memorable days in a lady's life, but for me, tonight would be the beginning of my mysterious life. Getting married to a stranger who I had only heard evil things about wasn't what I bargained for.

"After the marriage, I would reconsider your proposal."

My steps faltered upon hearing Dante's voice, which was deep and dark.

I heaved deeply, hiding my nervousness with a fake smile before joining them in the living room.

"Elena, this is Dante Moretti," my father introduced with a bright smile on his face.

"I am Elena," I introduced myself with my voice shaky.

Instead of reacting to my words, he stood up before stretching his hands forward, his gaze glued to my body with a smirk playing on his lip. "Let's go," he voiced out in a commanding tone.

I wanted to ignore him and run away, but my conscience didn't allow me to. Even though I knew how dangerous it was to deceive Dante Moretti, I couldn't watch my family get ruined because of this. Not when I can help.

"Let's go!" His voice echoed; this time it was fierce.

I didn't hesitate before taking his hand, my body trembling. I don't know why, but I am scared. I just hope I won't ruin this or give a hint that I am not Elena.