cesare
The tensionin the room is thick enough to cut with a knife as I take my seat at the long mahogany table. Around me sit the other leaders of the Syndicate: Ronan Delaney, Olezka Morozov, and the King brothers. We've gathered again to finalize details of the arranged marriages we discussed two months ago.
I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Gentlemen, before we proceed, I'd like to propose a slight modification to our original plan."
Ronan raises an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be, Cesare?"
I lean forward, hands clasped on the table. "I suggest we extend the engagement period for these marriages, particularly for my son Lorenzo and your daughter Daire, Ronan."
A murmur ripples through the room. Olezka's eyes narrow. "For what purpose? We agreed on these unions to strengthen our alliance immediately."
"I understand that," I say, keeping my voice calm and measured. "But I believe a longer engagement period would be beneficial for all parties. It would give our children time to get to know each other, to prepare for their roles. And it would allowus to present a united front to the outside world for an extended period."
Prior King leans back in his chair, a dark expression on his face. "He's got a point. A long engagement could be seen as a sign of our commitment to this alliance. It might even make our enemies more hesitant to move against us."
Ronan strokes his beard, considering. "And how long of an engagement are you proposing, Cesare?"
"A year," I say firmly. "We set the date for Lorenzo and Daire's wedding for one year from now. The other marriages can follow in the months after, as we see fit."
Silence as everyone processes this suggestion. I can see wheels turning in their minds, weighing pros and cons.
Finally, Ronan speaks. "I can see merit in your proposal, Cesare. A year-long engagement would give our children time to adjust. And it would allow us to use this time to our advantage, to strengthen our position."
Olezka nods slowly. "It could also give us time to deal with any... loose ends before unions are finalized."
I suppress a smile, knowing he's referring to potential threats within his own organization. Olezka's had trouble with two of his men getting too big for their boots, wanting more money, more power, forgetting who the fuck gave them their current status.
"Very well," Ronan says, looking around the table. "All in favor of extending the engagement period to one year, starting with Lorenzo Mariano and Daire Delaney's union?"
One by one, hands are raised. It's unanimous.
"Excellent," I say, feeling relief. This will give Elisabetta more time, just as Vittoria hoped. "Now, let's discuss specifics of the engagement announcement."
Ronan grins. "Bridget has had details laid out for months. We're just waiting on a date."
As the meeting continues, I can't help feeling satisfaction. Vittoria will be pleased I secured the longer engagement period she wanted for Elisabetta. It's a small victory, but an important one.
We spend the next hour hammering out details of the engagement announcement and subsequent celebrations. By the time we adjourn, everything is set. Lorenzo and Daire's engagement will be officially announced in two weeks, with a grand party to follow.
As I'm gathering my things, Ronan approaches. "A word, Cesare?" he asks, voice low.
I nod and follow him to a quiet corner. "What is it, Ronan?"
He studies me before speaking. "This delay... it wasn't just about giving the kids more time, was it?"
I meet his gaze steadily. "What are you implying?"
Ronan chuckles softly. "Come now, Cesare. We've known each other too long for games. This has your new wife's influence written all over it."
Anger surges through me. No one gets to speak about Vittoria like that.
"Watch yourself, Ronan," I growl. "My daughters are barely eighteen. The past year has been fucked up, uncertain, and intense. My daughter lost her mother, had to deal with me getting a new wife, and now she's being thrown into an arranged marriage. Do not get this twisted. It's about my daughter."
Ronan raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy, Cesare. I meant no disrespect. I'm simply observing that you seem... different since your marriage. Softer, perhaps."
I clench my jaw, not liking the implication. "My personal life is none of your concern, Ronan. My decisions here are based on what's best for our families and our business. Nothing more."
Ronan nods, though I can see he's not entirely convinced. "Of course. Well, I look forward to the engagement party. Should be quite the affair."
