The Romano mansion had completely transformed into chaos. Not dangerous chaos. Wedding chaos. And somehow, that was far more terrifying. The entire mansion echoed with overlapping voices, hurried footsteps, arguments, laughter, and constant instructions being shouted from one corner to another.

Workers moved around carrying flower samples, fabric rolls, decorative pieces, and luggage lists while the Romano family members created ten times more confusion than the staff itself. Because today-

The Rajputs were arriving from India. Finally. After days of endless preparation, emotional calls, shopping disasters, decoration arguments, and Albert acting like a completely obsessed groom, the day had finally come.

And the irony? Nobody was actually ready. The biggest wedding in Romano family was only days away. Unlike Kiara and Donato's marriage-which had happened traditionally in India with rituals, customs, sacred fire, and royal Rajput arrangements-Albert and Kavya's wedding would happen completely Italian style.

Grand. Luxurious. Elegant. The wedding venue itself was one of Italy's most famous royal wedding palaces, booked entirely under Romano security. Powerful businessmen, elite families, politicians, close allies, relatives, and influential figures from across Europe had been invited.

Everything had to be perfect. Especially because Albert Romano had lost his mind in love. "I do not want anything average," Albert had declared three days ago in front of the entire family. "I want the best for my wife and her family."

And since then-Nobody in the mansion had known peace. At this exact moment, Albert stood in the middle of the upstairs corridor holding a notebook in one hand while aggressively instructing workers with the seriousness of a military commander.

"No, no, no," he snapped dramatically while glaring at a worker changing bedsheets. "Those curtains are too dull for Kavya's mom's room. Change them." The poor worker looked one second away from resignation.

Meanwhile beside him, Sofia sat cross-legged on the floor surrounded by room decoration catalogs while Krish continuously distracted her through messages. Donato leaned against the wall watching the entire madness with amusement while Enzo openly laughed at Albert's condition.

"Brother," Enzo said between laughs, "you are behaving like the bride." Albert ignored him completely. "Where is the customized welcome basket?" he demanded next. "And who approved these flowers? Kavya likes fresh jasmine more than lilies."

"You know her flower preference too?" Elana asked in disbelief while holding paint samples.

Albert looked personally offended. "Of course I know." Everyone groaned loudly together.

"He is gone," Donato muttered dramatically. "Completely gone."

But Albert did not care. Not even slightly. Because his tiger was coming. And so was her entire family. Downstairs, the situation was somehow even more chaotic. Nonna and Aravi had practically taken over the mansion.

Both women stood in the middle of the guest-room section personally inspecting every detail like queens preparing for royal guests. Expensive curtain fabrics were spread across sofas while bedsheet samples covered the dining table.

"No," Nonna declared firmly while rejecting another set of cushions. "These colors are too cold." Aravi nodded immediately. "Kavya likes warmer shades," she agreed seriously. Two exhausted interior workers looked like they had not slept in days.

Even Kiara had become emotional throughout the preparations. Her happiness was impossible to hide because for the first time in years, almost her entire family would be under one roof together.

Even Shivam Singh Rajput and his sons were coming tomorrow. That alone still felt unreal to her. At first, Mr singh had refused Donato directly. "No, Donato," he had said calmly over the call. "Maa sa will not like my presence there. Nor my sons'."

But Donato Romano had no intention of accepting rejection. "You only have to come," he had replied firmly. "I will handle everything else." i will handle your maa sa too." And somehow- He had convinced him.

Now the Rajputs were finally coming. The private Romano jet had already been sent personally for them. Yet despite all this preparation, one major problem remained- Nobody had actually prepared a proper welcome.

Because everyone got so busy shopping, arguing about decorations, assigning rooms, organizing wedding events, and handling arrangements that they completely forgot the Rajputs would literally arrive today.

Which was why panic had officially begun. "We still have not finalized room assignments!" Sofia shouted suddenly from upstairs.

"And the welcome sweets?" Elana added.

"And the gift hampers?" Rose yelled from downstairs.

"And the traditional welcome arrangements?" Kiara gasped dramatically.

The entire mansion froze. Then everyone started shouting together again. Albert closed his eyes slowly and rubbed his forehead like a man carrying the burden of the entire world. "God..." he muttered. "Please let my future wife not see this disaster before marriage."

"Do not worry, brother," Sofia said confidently while flipping another room-assignment file in her hand. "For her to see this disaster, she first has to arrive here. And for that, we still need to go to the airport and bring them home."

She pointed dramatically at the massive clock hanging in the hallway. "We only have two hours before their flight lands."

Albert froze. "Oh God." Realization hit him instantly. "You are right, baby." Then suddenly his expression shifted, and he turned sharply toward Donato. "And you!" he accused dramatically. "Why are you wasting time?"

Donato, who had just taken two peaceful steps toward Kiara after searching for her almost the entire morning, stopped mid-step in complete disbelief. Slowly, he turned his head toward Albert. "Excuse me?" he asked in pure shock.

Albert crossed his arms impatiently. "We only have two hours left!"

Donato stared at him like he had personally betrayed him. "Brother," he said slowly, placing a hand over his chest dramatically, "your future wife is arriving today. But my wife is already here."

Kiara immediately looked away, hiding her smile. "And since morning," Donato continued with deep emotional pain, "I have not even hugged my own wife once." The siblings groaned loudly. "I have been working seriously this entire time," he continued accusingly.

"I did not even look properly at my wife because I did not want distraction. I made this much sacrifice-"He pointed at himself in utter disbelief. "And now you are saying I am wasting time?" Nobody answered him. Not a single person. Instead, every Romano sibling simply ignored him and walked away together.

Albert resumed leading the operation like a stressed wedding commander while Sofia and Elana followed him upstairs carrying room lists. Donato remained standing there alone in the hallway, staring at everyone with betrayal written across his face.

"Wow," he muttered softly. "My own siblings abandoned me." Kiara laughed quietly under her breath before walking past him. "You deserve it, Mr. Romano." And somehow that hurt him even more.

Soon the entire third floor turned into another battlefield. The Romano mansion was enormous, but ironically most of them barely used half of it regularly. Sofia walked through the long luxurious corridor with widened eyes while workers rushed around carrying fresh linens and decorative pieces. "Wow," she said honestly. "I did not even know we had this many rooms."

"That is because we completely ignore this wing," Elana explained while checking another guest-room setup. "All our personal rooms are on the ground and first floor. The second floor is mostly gym, theater, library, offices, and entertainment areas."

"And the third floor?" Sofia asked. Elana gestured around them. "Only guest suites." The entire floor looked like a luxury royal hotel. Massive chandelier-lit hallways stretched endlessly with elegant Italian interiors, gold detailing, polished marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and large private suites prepared for high-profile guests.

And today-Every single room was being prepared personally for the Rajputs. Albert inspected everything obsessively. "No wrinkles on the bedsheets," he instructed seriously. "Fresh flowers in every room." "Extra blankets." "Kavya likes softer pillows." "Who approved this lamp color?"

At this point, even the workers looked terrified of disappointing him. Meanwhile, Sofia secretly recorded videos of Albert panicking to blackmail him later. Donato finally gave up trying to complain and joined the preparations too, though not without constantly stealing moments beside Kiara whenever possible.

Hours passed in pure chaos. But somehow-Everything got completed just in time. The rooms were assigned. Decorations finalized. Welcome arrangements prepared. Luggage spaces organized. Fresh flowers placed.

Traditional sweets arranged downstairs by Lucia and Aravi personally in the kitchen while the chefs prepared a full royal dinner for the arriving Rajputs. Finally, after rushing through the madness, everyone went to get ready. And now-

The Romano family stood prepared to leave for the airport. Nonna looked elegant as always, holding her shawl gracefully while Kiara practically glowed with excitement because her family was finally coming.

Albert looked unusually nervous for someone who controlled billion-dollar businesses daily. Donato noticed immediately and smirked. "Nervous?" Albert glared at him. "Shut up." All the Romano siblings gathered together near the entrance while security teams prepared the convoy outside.

Enzo had already left earlier for office work, promising to join later, while Rosie also had some unfinished work and left separately. Inside the mansion now remained only Lucia, Aravi, and three mr romano's , some staff members-And little Elio.

The child practically bounced with excitement near the stairs. "Krish buddy is coming again!" he shouted happily. Everyone laughed softly. Because unlike the adults tangled in emotions, wedding stress, possessiveness, and hidden tensions-Elio only cared about one thing. His favorite chaos partner was finally returning."

___________

The private airport terminal was calmer than the main airport area, but the Romano presence alone made the entire place feel overwhelming.

Luxury black cars stood outside in a perfect line while Romano guards remained positioned strategically around the entrance and runway exit points. The soft evening sunlight reflected against the glass walls of the terminal, creating a golden glow over everything.

And in the middle of all that controlled security and elegance- The Romano family stood waiting impatiently. Very impatiently. Albert had checked the time at least twenty-three times in the last ten minutes.

Donato finally got irritated enough to slap the back of his head lightly. "If you look at the clock one more time," he muttered, "the plane will not land faster." Albert ignored him completely. His eyes remained fixed on the large runway windows.

Kiara stood beside Nonna with visible excitement glowing on her face. For the first time in months, she looked completely carefree, almost childlike. The moment she heard the Rajputs were arriving today, her happiness had become impossible to hide.

Sofia and Elana stood nearby whispering among themselves while occasionally laughing at Albert's condition. "He looks like he is waiting for oxygen," Sofia whispered dramatically.

"He looks worse," Elana replied. "He looks like a dying patient."

Donato overheard and nodded seriously. "Correct."

Albert glared at all three of them. "You people are not funny."

"Yes we are," Sofia replied immediately.

Before Albert could argue again, one of the guards stepped forward respectfully. "Sir," he informed, "the jet has landed." Everything stilled for a second. Albert's heartbeat genuinely skipped. Kiara's entire face lit up instantly. And suddenly everyone moved toward the private arrival entrance.

The massive glass doors finally opened after a few minutes. And there they were. The Rajputs. Walking out together like royalty. The first to appear was Elder Mr and Mrs. Rajput, carrying their usual grace and authority effortlessly. Beside her walked Meera and arav and his wife, his five year old son, and beside them Riya, and her two bua's and kiara aunty, auncle, withh their kids, and some more close relatives while the staff followed behind with luggage.

Then came Kavya. And Albert Romano completely forgot how breathing worked. She wore a simple yet elegant Indian suit after the long flight, her hair loosely falling over her shoulders while exhaustion mixed softly with her natural beauty. She looked around the terminal calmly-

Until her eyes landed on Albert. And instantly-Her lips curved into a small smile. That one smile alone was enough to destroy whatever remained of Albert's sanity.

Donato looked at his brother and sighed deeply. "Gone," he muttered. "Absolutely gone."

Meanwhile, the second Kiara spotted her family-She ran. Completely abandoning all dignity. "Dadi sa!" Her voice echoed across the terminal as she rushed forward and hugged Dhani Rajput tightly like an emotional child after years apart.

Dhani smiled softly immediately wrapping her arms around her granddaughter. "My child," she whispered lovingly. "Look at you." Kiara's eyes became teary instantly. Soon everyone started greeting each other warmly. Nonna and Dhani greeted each other gracefully like two powerful queens meeting again while the younger generation surrounded the Rajputs excitedly.

Sofia immediately hugged Kavya dramatically. "Finally!" she complained. "Do you know how unbearable your future husband is?" Kavya laughed softly while Albert stood beside them pretending to look offended. "I am literally standing here."

"Yes," Sofia replied calmly. "Unfortunately." Everyone laughed. Meanwhile Albert and Kavya simply looked at each other for a moment amidst all the noise. Four months. Four months of calls, teasing, stolen moments, longing, and endless waiting.

And now she was finally here. In front of him. Real. Albert moved closer slowly. "You came," he said quietly. Kavya raised an eyebrow lightly. "No," she replied calmly. "This is my ghost." Donato burst out laughing behind them while Albert looked personally attacked. "You missed me and this is how you talk to me?"

Kavya shrugged innocently. "You survived." But the softness in her eyes betrayed her completely. Albert smiled helplessly. Totally whipped. Completely finished. Meanwhile, the older Rajputs looked around the luxurious terminal and massive Romano security setup with visible surprise.

The Romano family truly did everything on a grand scale. And despite all the power, wealth, and dangerous reputation surrounding them-At this moment, both families simply looked like one chaotic emotional family reuniting after months apart.

Laughter echoed around the private terminal. Warm greetings filled the air. And somewhere between all the happiness-Nobody noticed the pair of distant eyes silently watching the Romano convoy from far away.

_________

By the time the long line of luxury cars entered through the massive iron gates of the Romano mansion, the entire place looked alive.

The mansion glowed beautifully under the warm evening lights. The grand fountains shimmered softly while rows of elegant golden lanterns illuminated the pathway leading toward the entrance. Romano guards stood positioned around the property with strict security, but despite the dangerous atmosphere usually surrounding the mansion, tonight it felt warm.

Welcoming. Like a home waiting for family. The moment the cars stopped one by one in front of the mansion entrance, the large Romano doors opened. And there stood Lucia, Aravi, and the Romano men waiting to welcome the Rajputs personally.

Aravi smiled warmly the second she saw them stepping out. Finally. The house that had been chaotic for days was complete now. she immediately moved forward toward Dhani Rajput respectfully while servants started handling luggage carefully behind them. The Romano men greeted the elders properly while the younger generation slowly scattered around excitedly.

Donato stood beside Kiara while watching her happiness quietly. Her eyes had been shining nonstop ever since the Rajputs arrived. And Albert? Albert had officially lost all remaining dignity. The man was literally standing near Kavya like a personal bodyguard while pretending he was not following her every movement.

Everyone noticed. Everyone ignored it. Well- Except Sofia and Elana. Because they were enjoying this far too much. Meanwhile, amidst all the greetings and movement, little Elio stood near the stairs looking around carefully with growing confusion on his tiny face.

His eyes searched every single person repeatedly. Left. Right. Behind the luggage. Near the cars. But when he still failed to find the person he wanted most-He immediately ran toward Kiara. and tugged softly at her kurti.

Kiara looked down instantly. "Yes, baby?" she asked gently. "What happened?" Elio blinked up at her innocently. "Where is Buddy?" he asked seriously. "Is he coming in another car?" Kiara instantly understood. A soft smile touched her lips. no baby he is not coming today, he-

Before she could complete her word , Elio spoke impatiently. " but Mumma said your family is coming today," he reminded her in complete childlike logic. "Then Krish Buddy is not your family?" The innocence in his voice made several nearby people smile softly.

Kiara's heart melted immediately. She bent slightly and held his tiny hand carefully. "It is not like that, baby," she explained gently. "Of course Krish is my family. He is my little brother." "Then why did he not come with your family?" Elio asked again with genuine confusion.

And just like that-Kiara's smile dimmed slightly. Only slightly. But enough. Because she knew the real reason. Officially, everyone had said Ayush had important work and that Mr Singh would arrive tomorrow separately with his sons.

But Kiara understood far more than people said aloud. Her father was avoiding unnecessary conflict. Avoiding taunts. Avoiding arguments. Avoiding the uncomfortable tension that would come from arriving together with the entire Rajput family.

He had chosen distance instead. And tomorrow-He would come separately with his sons after ensuring everything here remained under Donato's control. Because once they entered this mansion as Donato Romano's guests-Nobody would dare insult them openly.

Kiara knew that. And somewhere deep inside, it hurt her quietly. But she hid it gently behind another soft smile for Elio. "They had some important work today," she told him lovingly. "That is why they will come tomorrow."

"Ohhh." Elio nodded seriously like he completely understood adult problems now. "Okay," he declared confidently. "Then I will wait for Krish Buddy." Kiara laughed softly. then elio suddenly leaned forward, kissed her cheek quickly, then ran away before she could even react properly.

"Bye!" And within seconds he disappeared toward Sofia. Kiara turned automatically toward the loud laughter nearby. There-Near the grand staircase-Sofia and Elana had completely surrounded Kavya while Albert stood beside them looking exhausted already.

More accurately-The sisters were bullying Albert openly. "So," Sofia asked dramatically while crossing her arms, "future sister-in-law, are you absolutely sure about this marriage?"

Kavya looked at Albert thoughtfully. "Hm," she hummed teasingly. "Good question."

Albert looked betrayed instantly. "Kavya."

Elana nodded seriously beside Sofia. "You still have time to escape." "I agree," Sofia added immediately. "We can help." Albert glared at both his sisters. "You two are genuinely evil." "No," Sofia corrected calmly. "Protective."

Kavya laughed softly watching all three siblings argue while Albert moved closer beside her protectively like he feared they might actually convince her to leave. And for the first time in a very long time-The Romano mansion no longer felt heavy with darkness, secrets, mafia tension, or silent grief.

Tonight-It felt full. Full of laughter. Family. Love. Chaos. And the beginning of something beautiful.

________

After an exhausting yet chaotic day full of airport pickups, emotional reunions, luggage confusion, nonstop teasing, and endless excitement, the Romano mansion finally started calming down little by little.

The Rajputs had been assigned their rooms personally by the Romano siblings after at least fifteen arguments over who would stay where. The older guests had finally settled down to rest before dinner while the younger generation scattered around the mansion in groups, still talking and laughing loudly somewhere in the distant hallways.

For the first time since morning-There was silence. At least in Donato's room. Donato pushed open the bedroom door with a tired sigh, loosening the first few buttons of his shirt as he entered. His shoulders ached slightly from the nonstop movement of the day, but despite the exhaustion, there was only one thing on his mind now.

Kiara. Finally. He had barely gotten to see her properly since morning. First the mansion preparations. Then the airport chaos. Then family greetings. Then relatives stealing her away every five seconds. His wife had been completely occupied the entire day. And now-He had finally escaped to their room hoping to spend at least a little time with her.

But the moment he entered-He stopped. The room was empty. Silent. No Kiara. Donato stared at the empty space for a few seconds before dramatically sighing like the most heartbroken husband alive. "She completely forgot me," he muttered to himself while closing the door behind him.

He walked further inside slowly, already looking personally offended. "In the morning, I could not even hug her properly because of work," he continued complaining to absolutely nobody. "And now since her family arrived, she did not even look at me." He threw his blazer carelessly onto the couch. "Talking to me is a distant dream at this point."

Another dramatic sigh escaped him. "Madam forgot she even has a husband." With pure emotional suffering written across his face, Donato dropped heavily onto the bed. But the second he did- Something brushed lightly against his hand near the pillow.

His brows frowned slightly. He looked down. A book. Kiara's book. Immediately curious, Donato picked it up carefully before leaning back against the headboard again. The soft bedside lamp cast warm golden light across his face as he examined the cover lazily.

Then-His eyebrows lifted slowly. His eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Wow..." A soft amused chuckle escaped him. "Every single day you amaze me more, Kiara Romano." He turned the book slightly again, staring at the title with disbelief. Because this was not some soft romantic novel filled with poetry and love confessions like he had expected from his emotional wife.

No. This was a dark psychological thriller. A brutal one. The kind filled with manipulative minds, serial killers, twisted human behavior, and psychological warfare. Donato blinked once. Then laughed quietly to himself. "I thought my wife reads soft romance stories," he murmured in amusement. "But here you are reading psycho-thriller books."

His thumb brushed absently over the page edges while a soft smile slowly appeared on his lips. Interesting. Very interesting. The room remained peaceful around him while distant laughter from downstairs echoed faintly through the mansion halls. And there sat Donato Romano-One of the most feared men in Italy.

Still dressed in partially formal clothes. Completely abandoned by his wife. Holding her thriller novel like he had just discovered another hidden layer of the woman he loved. And somehow- Instead of being upset anymore-He found himself smiling softly at the thought that even after marriage, after all these months together, Kiara still managed to surprise him in the smallest ways possible. "what more you are hiding from me Mrs Romano."

_________

The room was suffocatingly dark. Only a single dim yellow light hung from the ceiling, swinging slightly, casting shifting shadows across the cold walls. The atmosphere itself felt dangerous. Heavy. Like death silently lingered inside the room waiting for permission to strike.

Gia stood silently in the middle of the room. Head lowered. Hands trembling faintly beside her body. And in front of her-Lucas sat on a chair, leaning back slowly like a predator watching trapped prey. His sharp eyes remained fixed on her face with terrifying calmness.

The kind of calmness that was more dangerous than anger itself. For a long moment- Nobody spoke. Then suddenly- "I gave you one job, Gia." Lucas's voice exploded through the room like thunder. "To seduce Albert Romano. To make him yours. And you failed miserably." His fist slammed violently against the wooden table beside him. "You could not even do one simple thing!"

Gia flinched hard at the sound. "I-I am sorry, sir," she whispered shakily. "I tried... but it is not easy this time."

"Not easy?" Lucas laughed darkly. The sound sent chills down her spine. "Or did you actually fall for him?" Gia's breath hitched. Lucas stood slowly from the chair, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he walked toward her. "You did not try properly because his rejection started affecting you," he spat coldly. "His insults hurt your little heart, did they not?"

Gia stayed silent. And somehow-Her silence itself became the answer. Lucas smirked bitterly. "You really fell for him," he said quietly now. "Not now... five years ago."

At those words- A painful ache spread through Gia's chest. Because he was right. Somewhere between fake smiles, planned meetings, manipulation, and betrayal-She had truly fallen for Albert Romano. Five years ago. But she never had a choice. Lucas had forced her into the game.

Forced her to deceive Albert. Forced her to leave him broken after using him for information she could never even extract from him properly. Because back then- Her mother was dying. And Lucas had been the one who promised expensive treatment, hospitals, doctors, survival.

He had controlled her desperation perfectly. So she obeyed. She destroyed Albert to save her mother. And now-Years later-The guilt was finally crushing her alive. A tear slipped silently down her cheek.

Lucas noticed immediately. His expression darkened further. "Look at you," he sneered. "Now he is getting married while you stand here crying over him." Gia closed her eyes briefly. She could still remember Albert's smile. His trust. The way he had once looked at her like she mattered.And now-

That same man belonged to someone else. To Kavya. And strangely- For the first time- Gia did not want to ruin it. If Albert was finally happy...Then maybe she should let him stay happy. Even if it destroyed her silently. "I am sorry, sir," she whispered again weakly.

Lucas's jaw tightened violently. For a second it genuinely looked like he might kill her right there. "I did not kill you only because you are my sister's best friend," he said coldly. "Otherwise by now you would already be lying in your grave."

Gia did not respond. What answer could she even give? She simply nodded faintly, wiped her tears quickly, then turned around and walked toward the door silently. Broken. Defeated. And carrying years of guilt inside her chest.

The heavy door shut behind her. The room fell silent again. Lucas stood still for a few moments before slowly clenching his jaw hard. His eyes darkened dangerously. "It seems I will have to play directly now," he muttered with a cold smirk.

He walked back toward the table slowly, fingers tapping against the wood thoughtfully. "And the game will begin with Enzo Morrow..."A dangerous chuckle escaped his lips. "Donato Romano's greatest weakness."

And here we go the storm and chaos started.🫡
Please like and comment, thank you 🫀