I woke up with the worst headache of my life in a bed that wasn’t mine wearing a white silk nightgown I’d never seen before with a massive diamond ring on my left hand panic hit immediately I set up too fast making the room spin and tried to piece together last night my best friend’s bachelorette party in Vegas drinks lots of drinks a club with a name I couldn’t remember dancing more drinks and then dot dot dot nothing complete blackout the ring caught the morning light emerald cut diamond at least 4 carats.

surrounded by smaller stones in an intricate platinum setting this wasn’t costume jewelry this was the kind of ring that cost more than my annual salary as a high school teacher the bedroom was equally intimidating massive with floor to ceiling windows overlooking what appeared to be the Vegas Strip furniture that screamed money art on the walls that looked museum quality this wasn’t a hotel room this was someone’s home someone very wealthy I stumbled out of bed still wearing the nightgown where were my clothes from last night.

and tried the door unlocked the hallway beyond was even more impressive marble floors crystal chandelier the kind of luxury that made me feel like I’d accidentally wandered into a movie set hello my voice came out scratchy throat dry from too much alcohol is anyone here good morning Mrs Russo a woman appeared older professionally dressed with the air of a housekeeper Mr Russo asked me to ensure you had everything you needed when you woke up how are you feeling Missus Russo no there’s been a mistake I’m not.

I’m Zoe Zoe Mitchell I don’t know who Mrs Russo is but it’s not me the housekeeper’s expression didn’t change perhaps you should speak with Mr Russo he’s been waiting for you to wake up I’ll let him know you’re ready ready for what I don’t know any Mr Russo I need to find my friends find my phone figure out what happened last night your phone is charging in the sitting room your friends have been notified that you’re safe and Mr Russo will explain everything she gestured down the hallway please follow me I followed because I didn’t know what else to do

my head was pounding my memory was Swiss cheese and I was apparently in a stranger’s mansion being called Mrs Russo this had to be some elaborate mistake or prank maybe one of my friends had set this up as a joke though that seemed excessive even for Vegas the sitting room was as luxurious as the rest of the house and sitting by the window reading a newspaper with morning coffee was a man who looked like he’d stepped out of a Mafia movie dark hair sharp features expensive suit despite the early hour

and an air of controlled danger that made me stop in the doorway he looked up and his dark eyes assessed me with an intensity that made my skin prickle Zoe good you’re awake how’s your head how do you know my name who are you why am I here I stayed near the door ready to run if necessary and why is your housekeeper calling me Mrs Russo because that’s your name now at least legally he set down his newspaper and stood tall powerfully built moving with the Grace of someone comfortable with violence I’m Luca Russo and according to the state of Nevada

we got married last night you don’t remember the room tilted that’s not funny I didn’t get married I was at my friend’s bachelorette party we went to clubs had drinks but I wouldn’t I would never let me show you something he pulled out his phone brought up a video and turned the screen toward me this is from the chapel last night around 2:00am the video showed me definitely me wearing a short white dress I didn’t recognize standing next to this man at what was clearly a Vegas wedding chapel I was laughing stumbling slightly

clinging to his arm the efficient was saying something about marriage and commitment and then video me was kissing him enthusiastically while someone cheered in the background no no that’s not I wouldn’t but it was clearly me drunk happy completely unaware of what I was doing you were very enthusiastic about the whole thing kept saying you’d always wanted a Vegas wedding that this was romantic that I was the most handsome man you’d ever met he said it matter of factly no humor in his tone you also insisted on the expensive ring

said if you were getting married in Vegas you wanted a ring that proved it was real I looked at the ring on my finger the ring I’d apparently demanded while blackout drunk this isn’t real I don’t remember any of this we can just get it annulled it’s not legal if I was too drunk to consent actually Nevada law is quite permissive about drunk marriages as long as you could stand and repeat the words which you clearly could in the video the marriage is legal and binding he crossed his arms but you’re right that we could get it annulled that’s actually why I brought you here we need to discuss terms terms

what terms I just want to undo this mistake and go home not a mistake at least not entirely his expression remained neutral I needed to get married quickly for business reasons a legitimate marriage to someone outside my world you were drunk willing and perfect for my purposes so I took advantage of the opportunity the casual admission made my blood run cold you’re saying you deliberately married a drunk stranger for business reasons that’s not taking advantage of an opportunity that’s predatory call it what you want the marriage is legal and now

I need you to stay married to me for the next six months publicly convincingly in exchange I’ll compensate you generously and ensure the annulment happens smoothly once I no longer need the arrangement you’re insane I’m not staying married to you I don’t even know you you know my name you know I’m wealthy that’s all you need to know for now he pulled out a folder from his briefcase this is the prenuptial agreement I had my lawyers draw it up this morning while you were sleeping it outlines the terms you stay married to me for six months make public appearances as my wife convince anyone watching that we’re a genuine couple

in return you receive $25,000 a month full access to a credit card for expenses and guaranteed an annulment with no financial obligations on your part afterward 25,000 a month 150,000 for six months more money than I made in two years of teaching why why do you need a fake wife what kind of business requires a sham marriage the kind that’s none of your concern your job is to be my wife publicly ask no questions about my business and collect your compensation simple straightforward mutually beneficial except I don’t benefit

I get dragged into whatever sketchy business you’re involved in risk my reputation lie to everyone I know and essentially become a prostitute being paid to pretend to be your wife you’re not prostituting yourself we’re not having sex this is purely a business arrangement he pushed the folder across the table read the contract it’s all spelled out clearly no physical intimacy required or expected separate bedrooms you’re simply playing a role I stared at the folder then at him then at the ring on my finger and if I refuse if I just walk out of here

go to the nearest courthouse and file for a nomad myself then you’ll spend the next several months dealing with lawyers court dates and my legal team making the process as difficult as possible you’ll also lose out on a significant amount of money that could change your life your choice that’s coercion you’re basically holding me hostage I prefer to think of it as negotiation you have something I need legitimacy a public face of normal marriage I have something you need money and eventually freedom from this situation his dark eyes held mine six months Zoe

that’s all I’m asking play the role take the money and then we go our separate ways is that really so terrible compared to the alternative I wanted to say yes it was terrible that being forced into a fake marriage with a stranger was basically kidnapping but the truth was more complicated I was a teacher drowning in student loans living paycheck to paycheck watching my friends buy houses and start families while I scraped by $150,000 would change everything pay off my loans give me savings let me actually breathe financially and what was the alternative fight this in court for months

spend money I didn’t have on lawyers and probably lose anyway since the marriage was technically legal I need to think about this take your time you have 24 hours to decide he stood clearly ending the conversation your clothes from last night are being cleaned I’ve had appropriate attire brought in for you they’re in your room feel free to explore the house order any food you want just don’t leave the property until you’ve made your decision so I am a prisoner you’re a guest who needs time to think clearly there’s a difference

he moved toward the door then paused for what it’s worth Zoe I’m not trying to ruin your life I’m offering you an opportunity most people would kill for this kind of money for six months of pretending try to see it as the business arrangement it is not a personal violation after he left I collapsed onto the sofa staring at the ring on my finger how had my life gone from teaching high school English to being the fake wife of a man who is clearly involved in something illegal because you don’t need a sham marriage for legitimate business you need it for covering up crimes

laundering money gaining citizenship all the things crime dramas taught me my phone which the housekeeper had mentioned was indeed charging on a side table 14 missed calls from my friends 37 texts all variations of where are you and are you OK and increasingly panicked call me now I called Emma my best friend the bachelorette party honoree Zoe oh my God where the hell have you been we’ve been losing our minds you disappeared from the club last night and we couldn’t find you anywhere I’m OK I’m this is going to sound insane but I think I got married last night to a stranger

while blackout drunk silence then what there’s a ring on my finger a marriage certificate apparently and a very intense man claiming we got married at 2:00am I don’t remember any of it Zoe that’s not funny I’m not joking I woke up in his mansion Emma it’s a literal mansion and he’s saying we’re legally married and he wants me to stay married to him for six months for business reasons and he’ll pay me $150,000 more silence then okay I’m coming to get you where are you I don’t actually know somewhere in Vegas

big house overlooking the strip he says I can’t leave until I decide if I’m taking his deal that’s kidnapping call the police and tell them what that I got drunk married and now my legal husband won’t let me leave his house until I sign a contract I don’t think that’s actually illegal it should be Zoe this is insane you can’t seriously be considering this $150,000 m that’s my student loans paid off that’s savings that’s financial security I’ve never had it’s also six months of lying to everyone being married to a stranger getting involved in god knows what kind of illegal business

you’re a teacher you can’t risk your career on something like this she was right of course she was right this was insane dangerous potentially career ending if anyone found out but that ring on my finger was so beautiful and the idea of being debt free was so tempting I have 24 hours to decide can I call you back Zoe I know I know it’s crazy just dot dot dot let me think about it I’ll call you soon I promise I hung up before she could argue more and spent the rest of the day exploring my temporary prison the mansion was as impressive as I’d initially thought

six bedrooms home theater wine cellar pool gym the kind of wealth I’d only seen in movies dot and in one of the guest rooms I found an entire wardrobe of women’s clothes in my exact size designer labels expensive fabrics everything from casual wear to evening gowns Luca had clearly prepared for this had planned to trap some drunk woman into marriage and had the infrastructure ready that should have terrified me instead I found myself trying on a dress looking at myself in the mirror imagining what six months of living like this would feel like that evening Luca joined me for dinner

an elaborate meal prepared by a private chef served in a dining room that could seat 20 but currently only held the two of us at opposite ends of a ridiculously long table this is absurd I said gesturing at the distance between us we’re married apparently can’t we at least eat in the same zip code a slight smile crossed his face the first real expression I’d seen from him fair point he moved to the seat across from me close enough to have an actual conversation have you made your decision I have questions first starting with

what kind of business requires a fake wife the kind that involves family expectations and traditional values my family is Dot dot old fashioned they expect certain milestones by certain ages marriage is one of them without a wife I’m not taken seriously in family business discussions so this is about inheritance impressing your family something like that he cut into a steak with precision the specific details aren’t relevant what matters is that I need a wife for six months you need money and we can both get what we want out of this arrangement

you said legitimate business but people with legitimate businesses don’t generally need sham marriages are you a criminal that’s a loaded question with a complicated answer he met my eyes I operate in grey areas some of what I do is legal some is questionable some crosses lines but Zoe you’re not involved in any of that you’re simply my wife in public the business is separate can you promise I won’t be implicated if something goes wrong that I won’t end up arrested or targeted because of your activities

I can promise that you’ll be kept completely separate from operations as far as anyone outside my inner circle knows you’re exactly what you appear to be a school teacher who had a whirlwind romance with a businessman and got married impulsively in Vegas that’s the story that’s all anyone will ever know what about my job I have to be back at work in a week teaching in California not Vegas you’ll quit I’ll compensate you for lost wages part of the agreement he said it so casually like my career was nothing

you can’t maintain both lives teacher by day mob wife by night it doesn’t work mob wife so you are I didn’t say that but hypothetically if I were involved in organized business you couldn’t exactly tell your principal you’re married to me while also teaching high school the background check alone would raise flags my appetite vanished you want me to quit my job the career I spent four years in college and two years in credentialing for just give it up for six months of playing pretend I want you to take a sabbatical tell them it’s for personal reasons

which is true you got married need time to settle into your new life after six months you get divorced cite irreconcilable differences and return to teaching with $150,000 in the bank your career isn’t ruined it’s just dot dot dot paused teachers don’t get sabbaticals I’d have to resign and getting rehired isn’t guaranteed then I’ll increase the compensation 200,000 for six months enough that even if you can’t get your exact job back you have time to find something else without financial pressure he leaned forward Zoe I’m trying to be fair here to make this worth your while

but I need you to understand this marriage is happening whether you agree to the terms or not the only question is whether you benefit financially from it or fight it expensively in court that’s not fairness that’s manipulation call it what you want but make a decision tonight I need to know if you’re in or if we’re doing this the hard way I pushed my plate away too agitated to eat if I agree and I’m not saying I am what exactly does being your wife entail you said no sex separate bedrooms but what about public appearances what am I expected to do attend events with me

family dinners business functions occasional social gatherings act affectionate but not overtly sexual hold my hand let me put my arm around you smile when people ask about our whirlwind romance essentially sell the story that we fell madly in love and couldn’t wait to get married and in private in private we’re roommates polite cordial but maintaining distance you have your space I have mine we coordinate our public story but otherwise live separate lives within the same house for 6 months for 6 months then divorce settlement

and you never have to see me again I stood needing to pace this is insane everything about this is insane I don’t even know you I don’t know what you’re involved in who your family is what I’d be getting into then ask right now before you decide ask me anything you want to know I stopped pacing turned to face him are you dangerous will I be in danger because of you I’m very dangerous but not to you you’ll be protected secured kept safe from anything related to my business that’s non negotiable have you killed people

that’s not a question you want answered yes it is if I’m going to be your fake wife I need to know what I’m dealing with have you killed people he was quiet for a long moment then yes in self defense in Protection of my family in situations where it was necessary I’m not a serial killer but I’m not a saint either I do what needs to be done in my world the admission should have sent me running instead I found it oddly honest at least he wasn’t lying why me you’re clearly wealthy enough to find someone willing to do this

why trap a drunk stranger into marriage because you were convenient uncomplicated and perfect for what I needed someone with no connections to my world no knowledge of my business no complications a random drunk girl in Vegas who wanted a wedding was exactly what I was looking for he stood moving closer and because you seem genuine even drunk you were sweet funny enthusiastic those qualities are useful for selling a love story so you took advantage of a drunk woman and now you’re trying to make it sound romantic I took advantage of an opportunity

I’m not claiming it’s romantic just practical he was close enough now that I could smell his Cologne expensive subtle Zoe I need an answer are you doing this or am I calling my lawyers I looked at him this dangerous complicated man who trapped me in an impossible situation then I looked at the ring on my finger thought about my student loans my struggling bank account my friends who were all moving forward in life while I was stuck 250,000 I heard myself say that’s my price 250,000 for six months and I want it in writing that after the divorce

you’ll provide a reference for any job I apply to say I was your personal assistant or something so the gap in my resume doesn’t look like unemployment 250,000 is steep you’re asking me to quit my career lie to everyone I know and marry a man who just admitted to killing people I think that’s worth 250,000 he studied me for a moment then nodded deal I’ll have the contract amended tonight you’ll sign tomorrow morning and then we begin the performance just like that I agreed to an insane arrangement and we just move forward just like that

welcome to your new life Mrs Russo The next morning I signed the contract with shaking hands 23 pages of legal jargon that basically said I was selling six months of my life to a stranger for a quarter million dollars when it was done Lucas lawyer a stern woman named Patricia who looked like she’d seen everything witnessed the signature and packed up the documents congratulations on your marriage Patricia said drily I’ve prepared the statement you’ll give if anyone asks about the quick wedding review it memorize it the story needs to be consistent the story was surprisingly detailed

we’d met two months ago at a charity event in Los Angeles he’d been immediately taken with me pursued me despite my initial hesitation swept me off my feet with his charm and romantic gestures the Vegas wedding was impulsive yes but felt right because we were so deeply in love we were planning a bigger Celebration for family and friends once we settled into married life this is a novel not a cover story I said reading through the pages do people actually believe stuff like this they believe what they want to believe

most people want to believe in whirlwind romance they’ll accept this story because it’s appealing Patricia closed her briefcase your job is to sell it convincingly can you do that I’m a teacher I act enthusiastic about semicolons and Shakespeare to teenagers who’d rather be on TikTok I can fake enthusiasm for a fake marriage good because the first test is tonight Luca’s brother is having a family dinner you’ll be introduced as the new wife these people are not stupid they’ll be looking for cracks in your story don’t give them any after Patricia left

I found Luca in his office a room I hadn’t been allowed to enter until now it was exactly what I’d expected dark wood leather furniture multiple computer screens and an air of serious business being conducted your family doesn’t know do they about the arrangement I asked from the doorway they know I got married they don’t know the circumstances or the terms as far as they’re concerned you’re exactly what the story says a woman I fell in love with and married impulsively what if they don’t believe it what if they think I’m some gold digger or con artist

then I’ll defend you convince them otherwise that’s part of the arrangement I make this believable to my family and business associates you just have to show up and play along what are they like what like your family he leaned back in his chair considering my brother Marco is suspicious of everything and everyone he’ll interrogate you try to find inconsistencies my sister Gianna is romantic she want details about our love story will probably cry at how beautiful it is my mother is traditional Italian she judge you on your cooking your dress your ability to fit into our family

and my father he paused my father is the reason I needed to get married he doesn’t approve of bachelors in leadership positions thinks they’re unstable irresponsible I needed a wife to satisfy his requirements for taking over certain business operations so this is about a promotion a criminal promotion I prefer to think of it as a leadership transition but yes essentially he stood moving to a closet in his office and pulling out a garment bag I had this made for you for tonight my mother is old fashioned about these things

wives should dress appropriately represent the family well inside the garment bag was a dress that was somehow both modest and stunning deep green silk elegant cut the kind of thing that said money without screaming it and with it jewelry real jewelry not costume pieces emerald earrings and necklace that probably cost more than my car I’m supposed to wear someone else’s fortune around my neck you’re supposed to wear your husband’s gift to his wife that’s how my family sees it rejecting the jewelry would be insulting this is insane all of this

I should have run yesterday but you didn’t you took the deal now you have to live with it he moved closer adjusting the necklace in its box Zoe I need you to understand something tonight my family will be watching everything how we interact how comfortable you seem whether the marriage looks genuine if they suspect this is fake it ruins everything so for tonight you need to forget that this is an arrangement you need to actually be my wife can you do that I can try try isn’t good enough you need to succeed

his dark eyes held mine I’m not trying to scare you I’m trying to prepare you my family isn’t like regular families they’re complicated dangerous and extremely perceptive failing to convince them isn’t just embarrassing it’s potentially dangerous for both of us what happens if they don’t believe me if I mess up the story then we deal with consequences I’d rather not detail just Dot dot don’t mess up stick to the script follow my lead and we’ll get through this that evening getting ready in my designated bedroom

which was almost as large as my entire apartment back home I practiced the story in the mirror we met at a charity event he pursued me we fell in love Vegas wedding was impulsive but right I’m so happy he’s amazing this is real dot the lies felt clumsy in my mouth but the dress fit perfectly the jewelry sparkled beautifully and when I looked at myself in the mirror I saw someone who could possibly be a mob wife polished elegant expensive you look beautiful Luca’s voice from the doorway made me jump he changed into a suit

that probably cost more than my monthly salary charcoal gray perfectly tailored making him look every inch the dangerous businessman he was thank you you look dot dot dot intimidating good that’s the goal he crossed the room pulling out a small box one more thing for tonight inside was a wedding band simple platinum elegant clearly meant to match my engagement ring we didn’t exchange rings at the chapel I asked as he slid it onto my finger you were too drunk to notice we skip that part I’m correcting the oversight now

his hands were warm touch surprisingly gentle there now you look properly married I feel like I’m wearing a costume playing dress up in someone else’s life that’s exactly what you’re doing just remember for the next six months this isn’t a costume this is your life the sooner you accept that the easier this will be the drive to his parents’house was silent tension building with each mile when we pulled up to an estate that made Luca’s mansion look modest my anxiety spiked this is where your parents live this is where my father conducts business

they have a smaller house for actual living this is for entertaining meetings family gatherings he helped me out of the car his hand warm on my lower back a gesture that looked affectionate but felt controlling remember the story follow my lead don’t offer information they don’t ask for and Zoe smile you’re supposed to be in love with me I pasted on a smile as we approached the front door how’s this terrifying try softer more genuine think about something that makes you happy I thought about the quarter million dollars I was earning

the smile came more naturally better keep that the door opened and suddenly we were surrounded by Rusos Lucas mother descended on us immediately a small but formidable woman with sharp eyes and an embrace that felt more like an evaluation than a greeting so this is the girl who stole my son’s heart so quickly we didn’t even get to meet her before the wedding she said in accented English pulling back to study my face Luca showed us pictures but you’re even prettier in person I’m Carmela and you must call me Mama we’re family now thank you Mama

it’s wonderful to meet you the word felt strange on my tongue calling the stranger Mama but she smiled approvingly come inside everyone is waiting to meet you she linked her arm through mine separating me from Luca with practiced efficiency you must tell me everything how did you meet when did you know he was the one was the wedding beautiful Luca’s sister Gianna intercepted us in the foyer younger than Luca maybe late 20s with his same dark features but warmer expression Mama don’t interrogate her the moment she walks in let her breathe

she hugged me warmly I’m Gianna welcome to the family though I have to say I’m hurt my big brother got married without inviting his favorite sister it was very impulsive I said sticking to the script we were in Vegas for my best friend’s bachelorette party and Luca surprised me by flying in to join me one thing LED to another and we just couldn’t wait it felt right how romantic Gianna clutched her chest dramatically Mama see true love doesn’t wait for proper planning and guest list it just happens true love should still involve family

Carmela said firmly but she was smiling but what’s done is done come meet everyone else the dining room was already full at least 15 people all of them turning to stare as we entered Luca appeared at my side immediately his hand finding mine fingers intertwining in a gesture that looked natural but felt strategic everyone this is Zoe my wife his voice carried authority daring anyone to question or challenge Zoe this is everyone the introductions blurred together brothers cousins uncles business associates all of them studying me with varying degrees of curiosity

suspicion and assessment I smiled until my face hurt repeated the cover story so many times it started to feel almost true and let Luca guide me through the social minefield his brother Marco was exactly as described suspicious calculating asking questions designed to trip me up so you’re a teacher he said during cocktails his tone making it sound like an accusation high school English that’s quite different from our family’s business interests how did you even end up at a charity event where Luca was present those aren’t usually attended by public school teachers

my friend Emma works in event planning she had an extra ticket invited me along the lie came smoothly we practiced the specific question I almost didn’t go but Emma convinced me said I needed to get out more and she was right that night changed my life convenient my brother attends one charity events something he rarely does and happens to meet the woman he’ll marry two months later Marco’s skepticism was palpable quite the coincidence some people call it fate Luca interjected smoothly his arm sliding around my waist pulling me closer I call it the best decision I never planned to make

Zoe walked into that event and I couldn’t take my eyes off her sometimes you just know you’ve never been the sometimes you just know type Marco countered you’re calculated strategic this whole whirlwind romance feels out of character maybe I was tired of being calculated maybe I wanted something spontaneous for once in my life Luca’s voice had an edge now is that so hard to believe Marco that I could fall in love like a normal person yes actually it is the tension was broken by Luca’s father entering the room ah man in his 70s who commanded attention without saying a word

everyone went quiet even Marco the patriarch had arrived so this is the girl he said in heavily accented English approaching us with slow deliberate steps the one who convinced my son to finally settle down let me look at you he circled me like I was livestock being evaluated for purchase I held my ground kept my smile in place and tried not to show how intimidated I was you’re young he said finally younger than I expected what are you 25 27 sir sir I like that respectful he turned to Luca she’s pretty

seems smart but can she handle this family can she handle you she can handle me just fine papa better than fine actually she keeps me grounded reminds me there’s more to life than business Luca’s hand on my waist tightened slightly a signal I’d Learned meant play along she’s exactly what I needed what we need is to know if she understands what she married into the patriarch said bluntly this isn’t a normal family girl we have expectations traditions ways of doing things can you adapt can you fit in or are you going to cause problems this wasn’t in the script

Luca had warned me his father was traditional but not that he’d be this direct this challenging I felt everyone watching waiting to see how I’d respond I’m a quick learner sir and I love your son that means I’ll do whatever it takes to be part of this family to support him to fit in I met the old man’s eyes directly I know I’m not what you expected I know this marriage was fast and unconventional but I’m committed to Luca to this family to making this work that’s all I can promise the patriarch studied me for a long moment then surprisingly he smiled

she’s got spine I like that too many women these days are weak afraid you look afraid but you’re standing your ground anyway that’s good he clapped Luca on the shoulder you did well son keep her as you walked away I felt Luca’s entire body relax slightly you just passed the hardest test he murmured in my ear my father’s approval is almost impossible to get you impressed him I was terrified I know he knew too but you didn’t back down that’s what he respects dinner was an elaborate affair course after course of Italian food wine flowing freely conversation mixing English and Italian

in ways that sometimes left me lost but Luca stayed close translating when necessary steering conversation away from dangerous topics playing the attentive new husband so convincingly I almost believed it myself you two are sweet together Gianna observed during dessert the way he looks at you Zoe I’ve never seen my brother look at anyone like that because he’s acting I wanted to say this is all performance but I just smiled and squeezed Lucas hand I’m a lucky woman we’re both lucky Luca corrected bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it gently

the gesture was pure performance but it made several women at the table sigh after dinner Carmela cornered me in the powder room I need to tell you something woman to woman my son is complicated difficult his business is dangerous though we don’t speak of it directly you’re young sweet probably unprepared for what this life really means I know it won’t be easy you don’t know anything yet but you will learn she touched my cheek gently I see how you look at him maybe you love him maybe you’re still figuring it out but Zoe if you’re going to be part of this family

you need to be strong the women in our world we have to be stronger than the men we have to protect them from themselves raise children in chaos and smile through it all can you do that I can try try isn’t good enough you need to commit completely or you need to leave now before it’s too late before you’re in too deep her eyes were kind but unflinching I like you I don’t want to see you destroyed by this world so decide now are you all in or are you running the irony of her words not knowing this was already an arrangement with an expiration date

made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously I’m all in I chose Luca knowing his life was complicated I’m not running good then we’ll teach you what you need to know how to be a Russo wife how to survive this family she hugged me tightly welcome daughter you’re one of us now the drive home was quiet both of us exhausted from the performance when we finally got back to the mansion I kicked off the expensive heels and collapsed on the sofa in the sitting room that was the most stressful dinner of my life I said and I once had dinner with my ex boyfriend’s parents

who spent two hours explaining why I wasn’t good enough for their son Luca loosened his tie pour two glasses of whiskey and handed me one you did well better than well you convinced them even Marco seemed to believe it by the end your mother cornered me in the bathroom told me I need to be strong that this family will destroy me if I’m not careful it was very ominous and very sweet simultaneously that’s my mother brutally honest wrapped in maternal concern he sat beside me close but not touching she likes you that’s important if she’d hated you the next six months would have been hell

so now what I’ve met the family passed the tests what happens next now we settle into the routine you’ll attend more family functions some business events we’ll be seen together publicly sell the story to everyone outside the family and in between you’ll live here do whatever you want with your time and collect your payments sounds boring six months of playing dress up and attending dinners you could take up a hobby learn Italian read all those books you’ve been meaning to read this is essentially a paid vacation

with occasional performance requirements he swirled his whiskey most people would consider that a good deal most people aren’t living a complete lie to people who could probably kill them if they found out the truth no one’s killing you Zoe stop being dramatic your father literally said I need to understand what I married into your mother warned me this world destroys people your brother thinks I’m a con artist forgive me for being a little dramatic about my safety fair point he finished his whiskey but for what it’s worth you’re under my Protection now

that means something in my world no one touches you no one threatens you you’re safer now than you’ve ever been because I’m your fake wife because you’re my wife fake or not the label provides Protection regardless of authenticity he stood offered me his hand come on I wanna show you something he LED me to a part of the house I hadn’t explored a library that was stunning floor to ceiling books leather furniture the kind of space that invited hours of reading I had this put together for you Luca said gesturing to a section of newer looking books you mentioned you’re an English teacher

I figured you’d appreciate good literature and this he opened a laptop on the desk is yours for personal use email your friends stay in touch with family do whatever you want just don’t mention anything about our arrangement or my business the thoughtfulness surprised me you didn’t have to do this I need you to be comfortable here comfortable people are convincing people if you’re miserable it shows if you’re content it sells the story better he moved to the door use this space however you want it’s yours now along with everything else in this house

after he left I sat in the library surrounded by books and tried to process my new reality a week ago I was a teacher living paycheck to paycheck in a cramped apartment now I was a mob wife living in a mansion wearing jewelry worth more than my car playing a role in someone else’s complicated life and I had five months and three weeks left to play it over the next few weeks I settled into a routine that was surreal in its normalcy mornings I spent in the library reading or emailing my friends carefully edited versions of my new life afternoons I’d swim or work out in the gym or explore the neighborhood with Marco

one of Luca’s security team who’d been assigned to watch me whenever Luca was working am I a prisoner or a wife I asked Marco one afternoon when he insisted on accompanying me to a coffee shop three blocks away you’re protected boss’s orders anywhere you go I go he was about 30 built like a tank and surprisingly good company despite his intimidating appearance what if I wanted to go shopping see a movie have lunch with a friend then I’d come with you discreetly you wouldn’t even know I was there most of the time

that’s creepy that’s Protection this isn’t a normal marriage but the threats are real people knowing your Luca’s wife makes you valuable kidnapping blackmail worse these are real risks boss isn’t being paranoid he’s being smart it was a reminder that this world Luca’s world came with dangers I couldn’t fully comprehend the expensive clothes and mansion were one thing the need for constant security was another Luca himself was surprisingly considerate we maintained separate bedrooms ate breakfast together most mornings and he’d check in throughout the day via text

in public at the family dinners that happened weekly at business functions I was required to attend he played the devoted husband perfectly affectionate without being possessive attentive without being smothering it was all performance but it was good performance you’re getting better at this he commented one evening after we’d attended a charity gala you barely hesitated when that woman asked about our honeymoon plans your answer was immediate and convincing I’m an English teacher I tell stories about dead authors to teenagers who don’t care

this is just a different kind of storytelling is that all this is to you a story what else would it be you paid me to play a role I’m playing it that’s the arrangement I slipped off the elegant heels I’d been wearing all evening why did you expect me to actually fall for you develop real feelings because you’re so charming and generous no but I expected some level of dot Dot dot connection we’re living together spending significant time together most people would at least develop a friendship most people aren’t paying each other for fake marriages I stood suddenly tired of the conversation

good night Luca thank you for a lovely evening of lies and performance I left him standing in the foyer something like hurt or disappointment crossing his face but that was his problem not mine I was here for six months and a quarter million dollars not friendship not connection definitely not feelings three months into the arrangement something shifted I couldn’t pinpoint exactly when it happened but I started noticing things about Luca I’d missed before the way he always made sure my coffee was perfect

in the morning how he text me during the day just to check in no business reason just asking how I was the small gifts that would appear in my room books he thought I’d like flowers because he’d noticed I’d admired them at a shop you’re being weird I told him one morning over breakfast attentive more than the arrangement requires am I not allowed to be considerate to the person living in my house you’re allowed it’s just dot dot dot different we’re supposed to be business partners not actual friends can’t we be both

he set down his newspaper giving me his full attention Zoe we have three more months together seems wasteful to spend the maintaining this cold distance why not make it pleasant because pleasant leads to complicated complicated makes the ending harder or maybe pleasant just makes the present more bearable he reached across the table his hand covering mine I’m not asking you to fall in love with me just to stop treating me like I’m only a paycheck his hand was warm strong and I realized I’d stopped pulling away from his casual touches

somewhere in the past three months I’d gotten used to him comfortable maybe even started to like him fine we can be friends but just friends when this is over in three months we go our separate ways as planned as planned he agreed but something in his expression suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced that’s how this would end out the friendship if that’s what it was made the next few weeks easier we’d watch movies together in the evening debate books we both read cook dinner together on nights when the chef was off

it felt dangerously close to real relationship which should have terrified me but instead felt nice tell me about before I said one evening we were in the library both reading but not really reading just existing comfortably in the same space before all this what was your life like busy lonely focused entirely on business and family obligations he closed his book I was being groomed to take over operations from my father that meant learning everything about the business legal and illegal it meant sacrificing personal wants for family needs

romance wasn’t part of the plan relationships were distractions so you’ve never been in love I thought I was once college girlfriend before I was fully immersed in family business but she couldn’t handle what my life became left before things got too serious he studied me carefully what about you ever been in love once he was another teacher we dated for two years talked about marriage the whole future planned out then he got offered a job in New York and I was going to stay in California we tried long distance for about three months

before he admitted he’d met someone else the memory stung less than it used to I thought I’d never trust anyone again after that and here I am in a fake marriage with a criminal life is funny I’m not just a criminal no you’re also a really good cook and you have excellent taste in books multifaceted criminal he threw a pillow at me and I threw it back and suddenly we were laughing like actual friends instead of business partners it was the most genuine moment we’d shared since this whole thing started the shift didn’t go unnoticed by Luca’s family at the next family dinner

Gianna pulled me aside with a knowing smile so you and my brother you’re actually falling for each other aren’t you what no we’re just we get along that’s all Zoe I’ve known Luca my entire life I’ve never seen him look at someone the way he looks at you and you light up when he enters a room that’s not just getting along that’s something more you’re imagining things this marriage is still new we’re still figuring each other out keep telling yourself that but I know what I see she hugged me and I’m happy about it you’re good for him you make him more human

less robot businessman the conversation bothered me more than it should have because she was right I did light up when Luca entered a room I did look forward to our evenings together our conversations the easy comfort we developed and that was dangerous because in two and a/2 months this ended he’d pay me we’d divorce and I’d go back to my real life getting attached was not part of the plan I tried to pull back reestablish distance but Luca seemed determined to do the opposite he started coming home earlier spending more time with me

initiating conversations about everything from politics to favorite movies it felt like he was actively pursuing me which made no sense given our arrangement why are you doing this I finally asked one evening the attention the time together acting like we’re actually in a relationship our contract doesn’t require this level of commitment maybe I’m tired of pretending we’re just business partners when we’re clearly more than that now he set down his wine glass Zoe somewhere in the past three months you became my friend possibly my best friend

the person I wanna talk to about my day share meals with just exist around that’s not part of any contract that’s just what happened friendship has an expiration date two and a/2 months from now we’re done unless we decide we’re not the suggestion hung in the air between us what are you saying I’m saying maybe we don’t get divorced maybe we make this real continue what we started you paid me to marry you that’s not a foundation for a real relationship no but the three months we spent actually getting to know each other could be Zoe

I didn’t expect this didn’t plan for it but I’ve developed feelings for you real feelings and I think maybe you have too he was right that was the terrifying part somewhere between the fake smiles and performed affection I’d started actually caring about him looking forward to seeing him missing him when he was gone too long all the signs of feelings I hadn’t authorized myself to have this is a terrible idea I said we’re terrible together I’m a teacher you’re a criminal I believe in rules and laws you break them professionally we make no sense we make perfect sense

opposites attract balance each other out make each other better you’ve made me better Zoe made me question things I never questioned before made me want to be more than just my father’s successor Luca just think about it that’s all I’m asking think about whether ending this is really what you want or if maybe just maybe we’ve stumbled into something worth keeping he left me alone with that impossible suggestion and I spent the next several days wrestling with feelings I tried so hard not to develop the problem was complicated by the fact that his world kept intruding into our bubble there were nights he came home late

blood on his shirt darkness in his eyes that suggested he’d done things I didn’t want to know about those nights reminded me what he really was not my friend not my maybe boyfriend but a criminal involved in operations I couldn’t support where were you tonight I asked one of those nights finding him in his study at 2:00am whiskey in hand looking haunted handling business nothing you need to worry about that’s not an answer and the blood on your sleeve suggests it was violent business he looked down at his shirt like he hadn’t noticed

a negotiation went wrong I had to remind someone why they shouldn’t cross me it’s handled now you hurt someone I did what was necessary to protect my family’s interests that’s my job Zoe that’s what I do and I’m supposed to just accept that love someone who hurts people I’m not asking you to love me I’m asking you to understand me this is my world I can’t change that but I can try to keep it separate from you from us there is no there’s there’s an arrangement that’s expiring in two months that’s all I left him there angry and confused and hating that my feelings were real

while his life remained impossible the next morning everything changed I woke up to find Luca already dressed packed bags by the door his expression serious we need to leave now no questions just trust me what’s happening someone from a rival family knows about you about us they’re planning to use you to get to me it’s not safe here anymore fear spike through me what does that mean use me how kidnapping most likely they think you’re my actual wife that I love you they’re not wrong about the second part and they don’t need to be right about the first part

to make you a target he grabbed my arm urgency in his voice we have a safe house about three hours from here we’ll stay there until this threat is neutralized but we need to leave now Luca I’m not going anywhere until you explain what’s happening who’s threatening me why now because I made a business decision that upset some dangerous people they can’t attack me directly without starting a war but you you’re vulnerable hurting you hurts me that’s leverage they plan to use so this is my fault for being married to you this is the reality of my world I tried to keep you separate from it

tried to protect you but my enemies don’t care about separation they care about weakness and you’ve become mine the admission that I was his weakness should have felt romantic instead it felt terrifying I grabbed my phone threw some clothes in a bag and followed him to the car where Marco was already waiting the safe house was actually a cabin in the mountains isolated well secured and completely cut off from the world I knew for three days we were trapped there together while Luca coordinated with his people to handle the threat

this is what our life would be like I said on the second day we were sitting on the porch surrounded by forest armed guards patrolling the perimeter if we stay together running from threats hiding constantly looking over our shoulders that’s not a life that’s survival it’s temporary once the situation is handled we go back to normal your normal is still abnormal even on quiet days you’re involved in illegal operations people get hurt laws get broken I can’t build a life on that foundation then what do you want you want me to walk away from my family

abandon my responsibilities become someone else entirely I want you to be someone who doesn’t make me choose between loving you and respecting myself the words hung between us honest painful impossible to take back I can’t be that person Luca said finally this is who I am what I am I’ve tried to be better for you tried to separate you from the worst of it but I can’t change my fundamental nature this life this business it’s not something I can just walk away from I know that’s why this has to end on the fourth day Luca’s people eliminated the threat

killed the men who’d been planning to take me sent a message to the rival family that attempting it again would mean war we returned to the mansion but everything felt different now the comfortable friendship we built was tainted by reality his reality which I couldn’t accept two months left I said that evening let’s just get through them professionally no more pretending this could be something real is that really what you want to throw away what we’ve built we haven’t built anything real we’ve built a fantasy in a bubble that was always going to pop now it has we move forward with the original plan

divorce payment separate lives he looked like I’d physically struck him fine if that’s what you want we’ll maintain the public performance for appearances but privately we’re done until the contract expires business partners I agreed even though it felt like tearing out my own heart the next two months were torture we performed perfectly in public affectionate happy the picture of newlywed bliss but at home we were strangers polite distant carefully avoiding real conversation or connection his family noticed are you two fighting Gianna asked during one family dinner

you seem dot dot dot off we’re fine just adjusting to married life it’s not always easy the lie felt hollow but she seemed to accept it the final week of our arrangement Luca called me to his study the contract expires in 3 days I have your final payment ready but before we proceed with the divorce I need to ask one more time are you sure this is what you want I’m sure this arrangement was always temporary it’s time to end it even though you have feelings for me especially because I have feelings for you

staying would mean accepting your world your choices your life I can’t do that he nodded slowly pulling out an envelope then this is goodbye 150,000 in payments plus the final hundred thousand everything is contracted he slid divorce papers across the desk sign these I’ll file them tomorrow by next week you’ll be free I signed with shaking hands thank you for keeping your word for treating me well despite the circumstances for making this bearable thank you for 3 months of feeling less alone even if it wasn’t real it was real

that’s the problem it was too real I left his study went to my room and started packing tomorrow I’d leave this mansion this life this impossible man I’d take my money return to California rebuild my teaching career and forget any of this happened except I knew I’d never forget not the money or the mansion or the performance but him the man behind the criminal the person I’d almost loved I didn’t leave the next morning or the morning after that because the night before I was supposed to walk away everything fell apart I was packing the last of my things

when I heard shouting downstairs Luca’s voice angry and urgent speaking rapid Italian then gunshots actual gunshots inside the house I froze heart pounding trying to decide between hiding and running before I could choose my bedroom door burst open Marco bleeding from a shoulder wound grabbed my arm we need to go now they’re inside who’s inside what’s happening the Castellano family they’re making a move trying to take out boss while his defenses are down you need to come with me he pulled me toward the door

but more gunfire echoed from the hallway we can’t go that way window fire escape move we crashed through the window onto the fire escape glass shattering around us Marco was bleeding heavily but kept moving pushing me ahead of him down the metal stairs behind us I could hear men shouting more gunfire chaos where’s Luca is he OK boss is handling it my job is getting you out that’s what he’d want we hit the ground running Marco pushing me toward a car parked in the alley he shoved me in the passenger seat

got behind the wheel despite his injury and peeled out just as men appeared in the alley behind us Marco you’re bleeding badly we need to get you to a hospital can’t they’ll track us there I know a place just need to stay conscious long enough to get us there he barely made it we arrived at what looked like an abandoned warehouse and Marco managed to get us inside before collapsing I used my phone to call Luca it rang and rang before going to voicemail Luca I don’t know if you’re OK but Marco got me out we’re at some warehouse he’s hurt badly and I don’t know what to do

please if you get this call me back I tried to stop Marco’s bleeding with torn fabric from my shirt but I had no medical training he was pale breathing shallow clearly going into shock stay with me Marco don’t you dare die Luca needs you I need you tell boss I did my job got you out you can tell him yourself when he gets here stay awake damn it he didn’t his eyes closed and his breathing became irregular I was alone in an abandoned warehouse with an unconscious security guard no idea if Luca was alive and no way to know if we were safe

or if the Castellano family was still hunting us I called 9 1 1 gave them the address stayed on the line until I heard sirens let them arrest me if they had to Marco needed medical attention more than I needed to avoid questions the paramedics arrived first followed quickly by police they took Marco on a stretcher while officers separated me asking questions I barely understood through my shock ma’am can you tell us what happened who shot this man I don’t know we were attacked he was protecting me that’s all I know attacked where

who are you what’s your relationship to the victim my name is Zoe Mitchell Russo Zoe Russo he works for my husband we were attacked at my home the officers exchanged looks Russo as in Luca Russo yes please I need to know if my husband is okay yes please I need to know if my husband is okay there was an attack gunfire I don’t know what happened after Marco got me out ma’am we’re going to need you to come to the station answer some questions about your husband’s activities and this attack they put me in the back of a police car and I realized with sick certainty

that my life was about to get infinitely more complicated dot at the police station they put me in an interrogation room and left me alone for what felt like hours when someone finally entered it wasn’t a regular detective it was an FBI agent a woman in her 40s with sharp eyes and an expression that said she’d heard every lie Missus Russo I’m agent Sarah Chen I’ve been investigating your husband’s operations for the past two years and you’re going to help me build a case against him I don’t know anything about his operations

I’m just his wife you’re his wife who was present during an attack by a rival crime family you’re his wife who’s been living in his house for six months attending family functions being part of his world you know things Mrs Russo and you’re going to tell me everything I won’t allow you smart you’ll need one because right now you’re facing potential charges as an accessory to organized crime money laundering and conspiracy unless you cooperate then maybe we can make a deal they left me alone again and I tried calling Luca’s phone repeatedly it went straight to voicemail every time

was he dead arrested hiding I had no way to know finally after what must have been six hours a lawyer appeared not one I’d hired one Luca had apparently sent Patricia the same stern woman who’d witnessed our contract signing don’t say anything else to anyone she instructed immediately not without me present the FBI has nothing on you you’ve been married six months you’re not involved in business operations you have no knowledge of illegal activities they’re fishing but the attack Marco got shot protecting me I don’t even know if Luca’s alive

Mr Russo is fine he dealt with the attack eliminated the threat and is currently handling cleanup he sent me to get you released and ensure you don’t say anything that could be used against either of you so he’s OK he’s alive he’s fine concerned about you but fine now let’s get you out of here it took another four hours of legal maneuvering but Patricia got me released without charges I walked out of the police station at 3:00am to find Luca waiting by a car looking exhausted and furious and relieved all at once

you’re okay he said pulling me into his arms before I could even process seeing him when Marco called to say he’d gotten you out but was hit I thought he didn’t finish the sentence just held me tighter I thought you were dead I called and called and you didn’t answer I was dealing with the Castellanos making sure they understood that attacking my home attacking you meant war it’s handled now they won’t try again handled how Luca what did you do what I had to do to keep you safe don’t ask for details you don’t want answers to

in the car ride back to the mansion which was being cleaned and repaired evidence of the attack being systematically erased Luca held my hand tightly like he was afraid I’d disappear the divorce papers he said finally I’m not filing them what we agreed I don’t care what we agreed tonight I almost lost you I spent hours not knowing if you were safe if you’ve been taken if I’d ever see you again that clarified things for me I’m not letting you go Zoe not now not ever you don’t get to make that decision unilaterally this was an arrangement with an expiration date

this stopped being an arrangement months ago we both know it you can lie to yourself about your feelings but you can’t lie to me I saw your face when you thought I was dead that’s not business partner concern that’s love that’s love love isn’t enough your world almost got me killed tonight your world got Marco shot your world had me sitting in FBI interrogation for six hours being threatened with conspiracy charges that’s not a life I can live then I’ll change my life scale back operations distance myself from the dangerous elements I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work

you can’t just change who you are your family your business it’s part of you asking you to walk away from it is asking you to stop being yourself then what do you suggest we just give up walk away from what we have because it’s complicated yes because complicated will destroy us better to end it now while we can still walk away mostly intact we arrived at the mansion to find it looking normal all evidence of the attack cleaned away security doubled everything back to its careful illusion of safety Luca followed me to my room watching as I pulled out my suitcase and started packing again

you’re really leaving I have to tonight prove that this world your world I can’t survive it I’m a teacher Luca I’m supposed to grade papers and attend faculty meetings not get shot at and interrogated by the FBI you’re also the woman I love that has to count for something it counts for everything that’s why I’m leaving because if I stay eventually your world will destroy what we have better to end it now preserve the good parts remember this as something beautiful instead of letting it turn ugly that’s the most cowardly thing I’ve ever heard

you love me I love you but you’re running because you’re scared yes I’m terrified tonight I watched a good man get shot protecting me spent hours thinking you were dead was threatened with federal charges for the crime of being married to you I’m absolutely terrified and I’m smart enough to recognize when I’m in over my head so that’s it you just leave take your money and pretend these six months didn’t happen I take my money go back to California rebuild my career and try to forget I ever fell in love with someone impossible tears were streaming down my face

now I’m not strong enough for your world Luca I wish I was but I’m not he was quiet for a long time watching me pack with an expression that looked like heartbreak finally if you’re determined to leave at least let me give you something a way to stay connected stay safe he pulled out a business card wrote a number on the back this is my private line not the one everyone has just mine if you ever need anything help Money Protection just someone to talk to call this number I’ll answer always Luca I’m not asking you to stay I’m asking you to accept that even if we’re not together

I still care about your safety that doesn’t expire when you walk out that door take the number please I took it tucked it into my wallet thank you for everything for being kinder than you had to be for making me feel things I thought I’d never feel again for six months of being more than just an arrangement it was never just an arrangement not for me I hope someday you’ll believe that I finished packing called a car service and left while I still had the courage didn’t look back at the mansion at the life I was walking away from at the man standing in the doorway watching me leave

three days later I was back in California crashing with Emma while I figured out my next steps the money Luca had paid me was in my bank account more than enough to pay off all my student loans rent a new apartment take my time finding a teaching position financial freedom felt hollow compared to what I’ve left behind you did the right thing Emma assured me for the hundredth time he’s a criminal Zoe you can’t build a life with a criminal I know doesn’t make it hurt less give it time you’ll move on find someone normal and safe and appropriate for you

but I didn’t want normal or safe or appropriate I wanted complicated and dangerous and impossible I wanted Luca Dot 2 weeks after leaving Vegas I got a text from an unknown number Marco’s awake made a full recovery wanted you to know oh I stared at that message for an hour before responding I’m glad thank you for telling me a week after that my father asked about you told him we’re taking time apart family thinks it’s temporary l is it temporary that’s up to you doors always open l we fell into a pattern occasional texts updates on his family

on my job search carefully maintained connection that felt both necessary and painful he never pushed for more never demanded I come back just stayed present stayed available stay dot dot dot there I got a teaching position at a private school moved into a nice apartment started rebuilding my life on paper everything was working out in reality I felt hollow going through motions functioning but not living you need to either go back to him or move on completely Emma said three months after I’d left this half connected thing is keeping you stuck

make a choice I made a choice I left then why are you still wearing your wedding ring I looked down at my hand she was right I taken off the engagement ring but the simple wedding band was still there I told myself it was just easier than explaining to strangers but the truth was I wasn’t ready to take it off wasn’t ready to fully let go that night I pulled out the card with Luca’s private number stared at it for an hour before finally calling he answered on the first ring Zoe hi I know it’s late I just I needed to hear your voice

I needed to hear yours too how are you functioning you the same missing you but functioning we talked for an hour about nothing and everything when we finally hung up I felt more settled than I had in months and I realized Emma was right I needed to make a choice either go back or move forward this limbo was destroying me dot the decision came four months after I’d left Vegas I was grading papers late one evening when I got a call from an unknown number not Luca’s private line someone else is this Zoe Russo this is Zoe Mitchell who’s calling

this is Gianna Lucas sister I’m calling because Zoe something’s happened Lucas been shot he’s in surgery now and they don’t know if he’ll make it I thought you should know the world stopped what hospital Sunrise Medical in Vegas but Zoe you should know the FBI is here they’re investigating the shooting asking questions about family business coming here might not be safe for you I don’t care I’ll be on the next flight I called in sick to work threw clothes in a bag and was at the airport within an hour

the six hour flight to Vegas was torture every minute wondering if Luca was alive if I get there in time if the last conversation we’d had would be our final one when I arrived at the hospital the Russo family had taken over an entire waiting room Carmela saw me first her face crumbling with relief Zoe you came thank god you came he’s been asking for you even sedated he’s been saying your name is he going to be okay they don’t know yet the bullet hit near his spine if he survives he might not walk again

she gripped my hands but he’ll survive better knowing you’re here go see him room 437 they’ll let you in you’re still legally his wife I’ve forgotten about that we’d never filed the divorce papers on paper we were still married room 437 held a version of Luca I’d never seen vulnerable broken connected to machines that beeped steadily his eyes were closed face pale so still he barely looked alive hey I said softly taking his hand I hear you’ve been asking for me that’s not very moving on of you his eyes fluttered open took a moment to focus

when they did his expression transformed Zoe you’re here you’re really here of course I’m here Gianna called said you got yourself shot like an idiot business deal went bad should have seen it coming his voice was weak words slightly slurred from medication thought I was going to die without seeing you again without telling you I was sorry sorry for what for letting you leave for not fighting harder to keep you for choosing my world over our future he squeezed my hand weakly I’ve been miserable without you everyone can see it my father keeps asking when you’re coming back

says I’m useless like this you’re not useless you’re just dot dot dot human turns out I’m kind of fond of human you fond enough to stay or are you just here out of obligation I’m here because when I thought you might die I realized I’d rather have complicated and dangerous with you than safe and boring without you I love you Luca I tried not to try to walk away move on forget but I can’t you’re it for me tears slip down his face I love you too so much these four months without you have been hell I scaled back operations

distanced myself from the dangerous parts trying to become someone you could build a life with you don’t have to change who you are I just need you to be honest with me no more secrets no more keeping me separate from reality if we do this we do it for real full partnership even knowing the risks the FBI investigation the rival families all of it especially knowing the risks I’m done pretending I can live without you we’ll figure out the rest together he pulled me down for a kiss gentle because of his injuries

but fierce with emotion marry me again a real wedding this time not drunk in Vegas but conscious and choosing each other completely we’re already married remember never filed the divorce papers then let’s renew our vows make this official make it real show everyone we’re choosing this okay yes when you can actually stand without machines we’ll have a real wedding deal deal his recovery took three months the bullet had damaged his spine but not irreparably he’d walk again though with some limitations I stayed in Vegas the entire time sleeping in hospital chairs then in the mansion once he was released

helping with physical therapy and navigating his frustration at being temporarily weakened I hate this he said one evening during PT being dependent vulnerable this isn’t who I am it’s who you are right now and I love this version too the one who needs help who’s not always in control you’re allowed to be human Luca you’ve changed your tune four months ago you were running from my humanity four months ago I was scared now I’m just committed there’s a difference the FBI investigation went nowhere not enough evidence to charge anyone and the Russo family’s lawyers were too good life slowly returned to something resembling normal

Luca transitioned more of his operations to legitimate businesses though he maintained connections to the family I can’t walk away completely he explained but I can minimize risk focus on legal enterprises it’s the best of both worlds staying connected to family while keeping you safer I’m not asking for perfect safety just honesty and effort that’s enough six months after the shooting we held a vow renewal ceremony small gathering just family and close friends in the mansion’s garden I wore a dress I’d chosen myself

this time he wore a suit without blood on it and when we exchanged vows they were real I promise to love you despite the complications to choose you even when it’s difficult to build a life with you that’s messy and imperfect but ours my vows made several people cry I promise to be worthy of your choice to protect you while respecting your strength to love you with everything I am dangerous parts included he’s made me cry when the efficient pronounced us husband and wife again everyone laughed we kissed like we meant it

because we did life after the renewal was different better more honest I took a teaching job at a private school in Vegas one that asked fewer questions about my husband’s business we had family dinners every week where I was treated like I’d always been a Russo Carmela taught me Italian family recipes Gianna became my best friend Marco fully recovered joked that he’d gotten shot to bring us back together worth it he said boss is happier than I’ve ever seen him two years into our real marriage I got pregnant Luca’s reaction was pure joy mixed with terror

I’m going to be a father a real father what if I’m terrible at it then you’ll learn like everyone else we’ll figure it out together our daughter Sophia was born on a spring morning watching Luca hold her for the first time this dangerous man reduced to tears by an 8 pound baby I knew we’d made the right choice complicated messy imperfect choice but ours she’s perfect he whispered like her mother she’s ours that’s what matters five years later our son Marco named after the man who’d saved my life completed our family we’d settled into domesticity that would have seemed impossible during those first six months

Luca had fully transitioned to legitimate business we had movie nights and family dinners and all the ordinary chaos of raising children remember when you woke up in my mansion with no memory and a ring on your finger Luca asked one evening we were watching our kids play in the garden Sofia teaching Marco to kick a soccer ball how could I forget worst hangover of my life followed by the strangest marriage proposal best drunk decision you ever made best sober decision I made was staying coming back choosing you repeatedly

you know what’s funny the contract said six months we’re at 7 years I think you breached the agreement sue me oh wait you can’t we’re still married he pulled me close kissed me thoroughly best loophole I ever found ten years after that Vegas chapel we celebrated our anniversary the drunk one and the sober one with the whole family Emma flew in from California still amazed her responsible best friend had ended up married to a reformed mob boss you two are disgusting she said watching us dance still acting like newlyweds after a decade

it’s unnatural it’s complicated I corrected but it works that night alone in our room Luca pulled out a box inside was a new ring simple band with an inscription best mistake I ever made an upgrade from the drunk Vegas ring he said this one you’ll actually remember getting I remember everything about us now even the parts I was too drunk to experience the first time I slipped on the new ring admiring how it caught the light thank you for making our impossible start into something beautiful thank you for waking up in my mansion and not immediately running away screaming give me credit I considered it

but you stayed that’s what matters we’d started with a blackout a contract and a fake marriage we’d built something real through honesty choice and stubborn commitment to making impossible things work 10 years later watching our kids play running legitimate businesses living complicated but genuine lives we proved that sometimes the worst beginnings make the best stories would you do it again I asked if you could go back knowing everything we go through every single part the drunk chapel the contract the FBI interrogation

the shooting all of it because it brought me you that’s worth any amount of chaos you’re very sentimental for a former criminal you made me soft I blame you entirely I accept full responsibility our daughter called from the garden wanting us to come play we joined our kids this family we built from the strangest foundation and I realized that love didn’t require perfect circumstances just perfect commitment to making imperfect circumstances work we’ve proven that every day for 10 years and we’d keep proving it for the rest of our lives