FROM PROMISES TO POWER

Introduction

Leonardo De Luca (ml)

Leonardo De Luca Youngest Son of the De Luca Family Age: 23 Likes: Weapons, Luxury Cars, his wife, snakes Dislikes: Disloyalty, Disrespect, Snitches Wife: Sofia De Luca Parents: Roberto De Luca and Rosa De Luca Sibling: Antonio De Luca Best friend: Alexander Lombardi Job: CEO of De Luca Enterprise and Leader of The Red Vipers

Sofia De Luca (fl)

Sofia De Luca Oldest and Only Daughter of the Marino Family Age: 23 Likes: Fashion, Fine Things, her husband Dislikes: Bad Fashion, Other Woman being near her husband, Dishonesty Husband: Leonardo De Luca Parents: Francesco Marino and Concetta Marino Sibling: Marco Marino Beat Friend: Alessia Ricci Job: CEO of Donna Imperia (lady of power) 1# fashion company in Italy

Roberto De Luca

Roberto De Luca Current Head of the De Luca Family Age: 50 Likes: His wife and Sons, His Business, Golf Dislikes: Disloyalty, Disrespect Wife: Rosa De Luca Parents: Dead Best friend: Francesco Marino Job: Former CEO of De Luca Enterprise, now stays home and be a author and family business oversight

Rosa De Luca

Rosa De Luca The Queen Mother of the De Luca Family Age: 49 Likes: Her Husband and kids, Her hair, spa and yoga Dislikes: Disloyalty, lack of respect and Disorganization Husband: Roberto De Luca Parents: Dead Best friend: Concetta Marino Job: Retired real estate agent now enjoying gardening

Antonio De Luca

Antonio De Luca Older son of the De Luca Family Age: 25 Likes: Work Dislikes: Lazy people, Disloyalty, Disrespect Relationship status: Single Parents: Roberto De Luca and Rosa De Luca Sibling: Leonardo De Luca Best friend: None Job: CEO of the second business of the De Luca Family (De Luca Estates)

Francesco Marino

Francesco Marino Current Head of the Marino Family Age: 52 Likes: His wife and Kids, His Business Dislikes: Disloyalty, Disrespect Wife: Concetta Marino Parents: Dead Best friend: Roberto De Luca Job: CEO of Marino Enterprise

Concetta Marino

Concetta Marino Mother of the Marino Family Age: 50 Likes: Traveling and luxury Dislikes: Disrespect, lack of freedom Husband: Francesco Marino Parents: Dead Best friend: Rosa De Luca Job: Retired Model

Marco Marino

Marco Marino Youngest Son of the Marino Family Age: 19 Likes: Race Cars, Motorcycles, Freedom Dislikes: Lack of freedom Relationship status: Single Parents: Francesco Marino and Concetta Marino Sibling: Sofia De Luca Best friend: Augusto Esposito Job: Race car and Motorcycle Racer

Alessia Ricci (fl Bestie)

Alessia Ricci Best friend of Sofia De Luca Age: 24 Likes: Fashion and her best friend Dislikes: Nicolas Conti Relationship status: Single Parents: Orphan Sibling: none Best friend: Sofia De Luca Job: Managing Director of Donna Imperia (lady of power)

Augusto Esposito

Augusto Esposito Best friend of Marco Marino Age: 19 Likes: Cars Dislikes: Spicy food Relationship status: Single Job: Racer car driver

Nicolas Conti

Nicolas Conti Professional Boxer Age: 26 Likes: Boxing, sports and Alessia Dislikes: Disrespect Relationship status: Single but has a crush on Alessia Ricci ( bothers her making him her enemy)

Alexander Lombardi

Alexander Lombardi Age: 24 Likes: Cute stuff, his job and best friend Dislikes: Spicy food Relationship status: single Best friend: Leonardo De Luca Job: Executive Vice President of De Luca Enterprise and the right-hand man of the leader of the Red Vipers

Other Characters will be introduced has the story goes on

None of the images used are own by me

Chapter 1— Promises Don't Last

The golden light of late afternoon stretched across the quiet streets, laughter echoing between two small figures running far too fast for their age.

They had always been like this-together. Unbreakable.

Young Sofia

Leo! Wait for me!

young Leonardo

You're too slow.

Young Sofia

I'm not! You just run like a criminal.

young Leonardo

Maybe I'll become one.

Young Sofia

Then I'll arrest you.

young Leonardo

You?

Young Sofia

Yes, me. Don't underestimate me.

young Leonardo

....I don't.

Leonardo slowed down, glancing back at her. Even then, there was something different about him-quieter, sharper. But around her, he softened. Always.

Young Sofia

When we grow up, I'm going to be powerful.

young Leonardo

Then I'll be more powerful.

Young Sofia

No way.

young Leonardo

Watch me.

She stopped in front of him, hands on her hips, stubborn as ever.

Young Sofia

Fine. But no matter what happens...

young Leonardo

What?

Young Sofia

We stay best friends. Forever.

For a moment, he didn't answer.

But then—

young Leonardo

... Forever.

Young Sofia

Promise?

young Leonardo

I promise.

The wind carried their voices away, but promises like that were never meant to last. Because some goodbyes don't come with warnings.

[PRESENT DAY — GRAND WEDDING HALL]

The Chandelier lights shimmered like stars, reflecting off polished marble floors and expensive silk dresses. Every corner of the hall whispered power, wealth, and influence.

This wasn't just a wedding. It was a union between empires.

Guest 1

That's her?

Guest 2

Sofia Marino...

Guest 1

And him...

Guest 2

Leonardo De Luca

Guest 3

Mafia king in a tailored suit.

Guest 1

This marriage... it's not love.

Guest 2

No. It's strategy.

[BRIDE'S ROOM]

Sofia stood in front of the mirror, her expression calm—too calm.

The white dress fit her perfectly, elegant and powerful, just like her.

But her eyes? Cold. Unreadable.

Alessia Ricci (fl Bestie)

You look insane. Like... untouchable.

Sofia De Luca (fl)

That's the point.

Alessia Ricci (fl Bestie)

You're really not nervous?

Sofia De Luca (fl)

Should I be?

Alessia Ricci (fl Bestie)

You're about to marry him.

A pause.

Sofia's fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the table.

Sofia De Luca (fl)

I know who he is

Sofia's Mother and Soon To Be Mother In law walks into the room.

Concetta Marino

No...you know who he was.

That hit deeper than Sofia wanted to admit. Because the boy she remembered... Didn't match the man waiting outside.

[GROOM'S ROOM]

Leonardo adjusted his cufflinks, his movements precise, controlled.

Everything about him screamed authority.

Danger

Alexander Lombardi

So this is really happening.

Leonardo De Luca (ml)

It was decided a long time ago.

Alexander Lombardi

Marriage to Sofia Marino....fate works funny.

No response.

Alexander Lombardi

Childhood friend, right?

Leonardo De Luca (ml)

Don't call her that.

His tone was sharp enough to cut.

Alexander Lombardi

Still holding onto that?

Leonardo De Luca (ml)

She left.

The words were simple

But heavy

Leonardo De Luca (ml)

Without a word.

[WEDDING AISLE]

The music started Soft. Elegant. Controlled. Just like everything in this room.

Then—

The doors opened.

A hush fell over the crowd. Sofia stepped in.

And for the first time in years....

Leonardo looked at her properly.

Not as a memory.

Not as a ghost from his past.

But as his bride.

Author

The End of Chapter 1, Please look forward to the upcoming chapters.

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