Xylia’s emotions were in complete turmoil.
She couldn’t even begin to understand Aciel’s words.
Confusion filled her eyes as she stared at him, unsure of what to think.
Aciel didn’t even spare her a glance.
His attention remained fixed on his father, his gaze unwavering and fearless.
“You’re obsessed?” Luciano frowned.
“Have you lost your mind? She could become your weakness, Aciel.”
“She will never be my weakness,” Aciel replied without hesitation.
“You sound very confident. But if this is nothing more than an obsession, it won’t bring anything good to you or the clan.”
Aciel laughed coldly.
“Why? In this family, no one marries for love. Why are you suddenly so concerned about it now? You didn’t marry for love either.”
Luciano slammed both palms onto his desk.
The loud bang echoed throughout the room.
Xylia jumped in surprise, her eyes widening when the two men standing behind the Mafia boss immediately drew their guns and aimed them at Aciel.
Without thinking, she threw herself in front of him and wrapped her arms around him protectively.
“Stop, please!” she cried.
The two guards exchanged surprised looks.
Even Luciano looked slightly impressed.
“I-It’s my fault,” Xylia said, her voice trembling.
“I was the one who asked Aciel to save me from Ivan. This isn’t his fault. If you want to shoot someone, then shoot me instead.”
Luciano narrowed his eyes.
“And why did you ask him to save you?”
Xylia slowly released Aciel and turned to face Luciano.
Despite her fear, she stood her ground.
“B-Because I’m in love with him.”
The room fell silent.
“I’m the one who fell in love. I’m the one who begged for his help.”
She took a shaky breath before continuing.
“My mother has been in a coma for four years. They used to let me visit her once or twice a week, but after our family started losing money, my aunt suddenly said my mother would be transferred to another facility.”
Her voice cracked.
“I asked where she was being moved, but she refused to tell me. Then she said I should stop visiting my mother for a while. I couldn’t understand why. It had nothing to do with our financial problems.”
Tears gathered in her eyes.
“Then they told me I would only be allowed to see my mother again if I agreed to marry Ivan.”
She clenched her fists.
“I thought I could endure it. I thought I could obey them just so I could stay by my mother’s side.”
Her voice softened.
“But I felt trapped. I realized I couldn’t marry someone I didn’t love.”
She glanced at Aciel.
“So I asked him for help. I knew he was the only person strong enough to stand against my family. Maybe it looks like I’m using him…”
She swallowed hard.
“But I truly love him.”
A tear rolled down her cheek.
“I know it sounds crazy to ask for help from the Mafia, but please…”
She lowered her head.
“I’m begging you. Please approve of us.”
Luciano stared at her in silence.
She was beautiful, intelligent, and far braver than most people he had met.
But she was also an Antonov.
And her family was already on the brink of ruin.
The clan would gain nothing from such a marriage.
Yet he already knew the truth.
Even if he refused, Aciel would never give her up.
With a sigh, Luciano raised a hand. New chapters come out on g.com first.
The guards immediately lowered their weapons and returned them to their holsters.
Xylia quietly released the breath she had been holding.
Still, she refused to look away.
For her mother.
For her freedom.
And for Aciel.
She would not back down.
“Do you understand what it means to become part of the De Silva Clan?” Luciano asked.
His voice was calm but heavy.
“Your life with us would be far worse than your life with your family.”
He leaned back in his chair.
“You were raised among gold.”
His eyes darkened.
“We were raised in blood.”
The room became eerily silent.
“You will never be able to leave this clan. Once you step into our world, there is no turning back.”
His gaze sharpened.
“Only death can free you from this hell.”
Xylia glanced at Aciel.
She found him staring at her with amusement dancing in his silver eyes.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Before she could react, Aciel suddenly leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.
“Aciel,” Luciano growled.
The old man clicked his tongue, successfully drawing their attention back to him.
Xylia turned toward Luciano again.
This time, her voice was steady.
“I would rather experience hell with your son than spend my life in paradise with a man I cannot love.”
She smiled faintly.
“I am willing to stay by his side in this life… and the next.”
For a moment, Luciano simply stared at her.
Then he laughed.
A deep, genuine laugh echoed throughout the room.
“You found a gem, Aciel.”
His eyes remained on Xylia.
“Her courage impresses me.”
He smirked.
“I only hope it never changes.”
Aciel grinned.
“So we’re good?”
Luciano rubbed his forehead.
“You are impossible.”
Then his expression turned serious.
“The Antonov Clan still doesn’t know about your relationship. I managed to suppress the rumors spreading around your school.”
Xylia’s stomach tightened.
“A party will be held tonight at the Harlow estate.”
Luciano’s eyes narrowed.
“We’ve been invited.”
Xylia’s face paled.
“This is probably where they’ll announce your engagement to Ivan.”
“T-Tonight?” she whispered.
“But nobody told me anything.”
“I doubt they planned to.”
Luciano’s voice softened slightly.
He glanced at Aciel.
“My son will come for you.”
Then he smiled.
“And so will I.”
Xylia blinked.
“Thank you.”
She smiled gratefully.
“I know you rarely attend events like that.”
Luciano chuckled.
“I usually don’t.”
His gaze shifted to Aciel.
“But if it’s for my future daughter-in-law, I suppose I can make an exception.”
Xylia’s heart warmed.
For the first time in a long while, she felt hopeful.
Luciano dismissed them soon after and instructed Aciel to introduce her to the rest of the family.
As they stepped outside, Xylia thought everything was finally settled.
But the moment the door opened, she froze.
The hallway was packed.
Dozens of clan members stood waiting outside.
Apparently, they had been listening all along.
Or at least trying to.
Xylia immediately felt nervous.
“Relax.”
Aciel squeezed her hand.
“It’ll be quick.”
He glanced at the crowd.
“I’ll introduce you properly after we settle things with the Harlows and your family.”
She nodded.
Aciel led her straight into the center of the crowd.
The hallway instantly fell silent.
Everyone watched them.
Aciel stopped in the middle.
Then he looked around the room.
His voice was clear and authoritative.
“This is Xylia Lovelle Antonov.”
He tightened his hold on her hand.
“My girlfriend.”
The crowd exchanged stunned looks.
“And my future wife.”
The whispers grew louder.
Aciel’s expression darkened immediately.
“I know exactly what all of you are thinking.”
Silence followed.
“But I don’t care what the rules say.”
His silver eyes swept across the crowd.
“You all know me.”
A dangerous smile appeared on his face.
“Say whatever you want about me. I don’t care.”
His arm wrapped around Xylia’s waist.
“But if anyone dares to speak badly about my future wife…”
The warning in his voice was unmistakable.
“You will face the consequences.”
Before anyone could react, Aciel pulled Xylia closer and kissed her in front of everyone.
And for the first time since entering the De Silva Mansion, Xylia felt like she truly belonged at his side.