A Night of Grandeur and Power
The De Luca mansion was nothing short of breathtaking that evening. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the vast ballroom, reflecting the glittering elegance of the high society that had gathered. The marble floors gleamed as the elite of the underworld mingled—dangerous men in tailored suits and beautiful women whose smiles hid daggers.
But tonight wasn't about them.
Tonight was about Lucian De Luca and Seraphina De Luca.
"They really went all out…"
Matteo whistled low as he adjusted his cufflinks, his eyes scanning the lavish decorations. Gold accents adorned the tables, while roses, orchids, hydrangeas, carnations, and peonies, and crimson lilies—Serafina's favorites—filled the air with a soft, intoxicating fragrance.
"Nonno did say this was going to be the 'event of the decade.'" Matteo smirked, elbowing Lucian playfully.
But Lucian wasn't paying attention.
His gaze was fixated across the ballroom.
On her.
Seraphina De Luca.
She stood at the top of the grand staircase, her presence commanding the attention of every soul in the room.
Her gown was a masterpiece—an elegant off-shoulder mermaid dress, deep crimson that hugged her curves perfectly, adorned with delicate black lace that hinted at her dangerous lineage.
But it wasn't the gown that stole everyone's breath.
It was her.
Her beauty was ethereal, her confidence radiating power. And when her eyes met Lucian's …
Lucian forgot to breathe.
"You're staring," Matteo muttered under his breath, smirking.
"Shut up," Lucian murmured back, unable to tear his eyes away.
"The Future of the De Lucas…"
Whispers echoed through the crowd as Serafina descended the staircase with grace that could rival a queen.
"She's a goddess…"
"And she's marrying the Romano kid?"
"The Romano's forgotten child turned into a De Luca… how ironic."
But it wasn't irony.
It was fate.
"My, My…"
A familiar, oily voice echoed from the side.
The Romano Family had arrived.
"So this is what betrayal looks like…"
Lucian's Father, Enrique Romano, stood near the entrance, his gaze locked on Lucian.
His face was a mask of forced civility, but his eyes burned with barely concealed rage.
"Lucian … we need to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about."
Lucian's voice was cold, his expression unreadable.
"You still have a chance to return." Enrique's voice dropped, desperate.
"As a Romano."
The air grew heavy.
"I am a De Luca."
Lucian's voice echoed across the room.
"And I will never be anything else."
Gasps filled the ballroom.
"You're making a mistake—"
"No." Lucian cut him off, his eyes cold.
"The only mistake I ever made was wishing you'd see me as more than a tool."
Enrique's jaw tightened.
"You think the De Lucas will protect you forever?"
"They already have."
Lucian turned away, his gaze landing back on Serafina.
"And I'll protect her…"
"With. My. Life."
Silence fell over the ballroom.
But it didn't last long.
"Ladies and Gentlemen…"
Lorenzo De Luca's voice cut through the tension, calm yet xommanding.
"The future of the De Luca Family has been decided."
All eyes turned to him.
"Lucian De Luca… And Seraphina De Luca."
Applause erupted.
But it wasn't just polite applause.
It was Respect. Fear. Admiration.
Because everyone knew…
The New Era Had Begun.
☆☆☆
The Dance of the Future King and Queen
"Shall We?"
Lucian extended his hand toward Serafina, his heart pounding.
"You're lucky I love you, Lucian De Luca."
Seraphina smirked, sliding her hand into his.
And as they took the dance floor, moving in perfect sync…
The world watched.
Power. Money. Danger.
They were everything the De Lucas represented.
"Look at them."
Matteo whispered to Nonno, watching the young couple.
"They're a perfect match."
Nonno smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride.
"Just like my beloved wife and I."
"But twice as dangerous."
"The romantics can dream…"
Matteo grinned.
"But this isn't a fairytale."
"This…"
"Is the Rise of Legends."