Page 61 of The Don's Soulmate

"Tell me about your engagement to Ugo," I demand, voice low and menacing. My fists clench at the thought of his smug grin. "Why are you still with him? After today, you can’t be."

Carlotta shifts, searching for an escape. She hesitates, then meets my gaze with a trembling voice. "It's complicated, Ettore."

"Complicated" isn’t enough. I need answers now. "Explain it," I insist, tone clipped. "I don’t have all day."

She takes a moment to compose herself. "My father is in deep financial trouble. Ugo has agreed to invest in our businesses, on the condition that I marry him. "

Rage surges at the thought of Ugo exploiting her. My grip tightens on my arm to keep my anger in check.

"Is that the only way?" I ask, struggling to keep my voice steady. "There must be another solution. One that doesn’t involve you being with that snake."

Tears well up in her eyes. "I don’t know, Ettore. I couldn’t bear my father suffering. Ugo promised my father he’d take care of everything if I agreed to marry him, giving my father control of our companies, which Ugo now owns. Without protection, other dons would come for our family."

"Ugo controls your family's business?" My anger flares again. "And you didn’t think that was important to mention?"

Fear fills her eyes. "I didn’t think it would matter... I thought if I kept him happy, he wouldn’t cause more trouble."

"Trouble?" I’m incredulous. "Carlotta, do you know what Ugo is capable of?" My grip tightens as protectiveness wrestles with my anger.

"I know he’s not a good man," she whispers. "But I saw no other way to protect my father."

"Carlotta," I say softly, brushing away a tear, "You’re worth more than this. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself. If your family can stay safe, Ugo wouldn’t matter."

She steps back, angry. “All it comes down to protection? Our lives depend on it.”

“You misunderstand,” I bellow, stepping closer. "Let me help you," I offer, surprising myself. I’m starting to care more than I should. "I can protect you and your family."

She hesitates, unsure.

"Listen," I say with conviction. "I will protect your father from Ugo. We’ll find a way to get your family’s business back." The thought of going against my own family sends a shiver down my spine, but my feelings for Carlotta demand action.

She searches my face, gauging whether I’m telling the truth or not. "Why would you risk so much for me?"

"Because..." I struggle to find the words. "I can’t stand to watch you suffer. I believe there’s more to us than a forbidden attraction. We share the same mark by birth. Call me a fool, but I believe in fate."

Her eyes fill with hope and uncertainty, her lips slightly parted in surprise.

Chapter 27

Carlotta

I'm still reeling from his declaration of fate being the reason for his loyalty. Protection for my family, for me, seems like an impossibility, a dream too good to be true. Yet, the hope it brings me is undeniable. A chance to escape this twisted fate with Ugo, to break free from the suffocating grip he has on my life.

"Think about it, Carlotta," Ettore says, his cold blue eyes locked onto mine. "I can give you what you need."

Hope blossoms in my heart, so sweet it's almost painful.

But could I really trust it will all work out?

Ettore cocks his head, studying me. My courage wavers under that piercing stare, and I struggle to find the words. What would the consequences be of this decision? My family might be safe, but they will also be penniless.

Dare I ask for more? A loan to help them establish a new business? Ettore’s father wouldn’t allow it.

Besides, Ugo has more power than just the threat he poses to our livelihood, and consequently, security. He holds the history of the world in his dark basement.

Not to forget, how can I trust a stranger like Ettore? What if he betrays us?

But, another voice in my head screams at me to cast aside these fears. He might be a stranger in many ways, but in the most important, I feel like I know him in my bones. That mark we share, has to mean something.

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