I shot Amber a triumphant look and rested my head against Casbin's hard chest.

...

The moment we were out of the club, he unceremoniously dumped me on the cold asphalt. The rough surface scraped against my skin. Pain shot from my tailbone all the way up my spine.

"Don't pull cheap tricks like that again. You're only confirming what I already think of you."

Then he got into his car, the roar of the engine like a beast's snarl, leaving me in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

I had a reason for not fighting back. I was betting on his principles, and I won.

In my past life, every time Amber was with my mother, she complained about Casbin. She cursed him with the most venomous words, calling him a heartless devil.

But I knew he wasn't. He just couldn't be bothered to waste a single second on people who didn't matter.

I returned to my studio in the West Side, my only sanctuary.

...

The next day, my mother called. She immediately launched into a tirade. "How dare you embarrass your sister at the club? The nerve! You troublemaker! You useless girl!"

I rubbed my temples. This wasn't the first time my mother had called me useless. She detested me, yet she needed me for this marriage alliance. All I had ever wanted was a little of her affection, a single smile.

All I got were scars.

"Are you done, Mom? Because I'm hanging up."

That stopped her cursing. She shrieked, "The Gallo family gave your sister a huge settlement and promised to support our family's business. What about Casbin?"

"I don't know."

"What? You useless girl! You can't let him marry you for free! Go and demand it from him now!"

I hung up the phone. Taking a deep breath, I headed to Casbin's office. When I barged in, he didn't even look up. "You have five minutes."

"Two questions. First, the settlement for my family. They need the money. How much are you offering? Second, what about the wedding?"

That finally got his attention. He looked up, a cold smile touching his lips. "The answer to both questions is the same. Nothing."

No settlement, no wedding. This man's blood ran colder than ice. I shrugged. "Fine."

I got up to leave, but he stopped me. "You don't seem angry."

I shook my head, as if his answer didn't affect me at all. "This is a business arrangement. Why would I expect anything more?"

"So, what is it you want from me?"

I answered honestly, "Status. The protection of the Valachi name. When they call me your wife, no one will dare touch my studio again."

"Good. As long as it's not something worthless like love, I can give it to you."