Life would never be the same again.

Your father, Aldo Graziano, bore the weight of an immeasurable loss, his countenance marred by the shadow of defeat as he gazed down at his only son within the casket. With his back to the Graziano family, silence enveloped them within the church pews. Aldo's hands, weather-beaten and strong, traced the edge of the wooden coffin. His grip tightened, a silent struggle against the tears that threatened to fall.

Aldo Graziano did not cry.

Enzo's death had been unthinkable. The destined patriarch of the Graziano lineage, Enzo was the chosen one to carry on the mantle of leadership, when Aldo was ready to step aside. But that readiness now seemed to come from a place of weariness and irrevocable sorrow.

Beside Enzo's casket was his portrait, stern and handsome, but not reflective of the man you knew. The real Enzo had a beaming smile, dimpled and framed with fine lines that spoke of laughter and life. That smile had been just for you, his cherished sister.

Enzo was the protective brother, your playmate, your steadfast companion. Always there for you, until he wasn't.

No longer at your side. No smile just for you. Dead.

Because of Armando Alvarado.

"This is the moment to speak, if you wish," a voice said, hollow and distant. Recognizable but drained of its essence, much like everything else in this new void.

And so, you summoned the courage to approach the podium. Lifting your gaze, you locked eyes with him.

Armando. The man who killed her brother and he... he was staring back.

The somber meeting dragged on endlessly at the Graziano estate. Silence hung heavy, a presage of the emptiness to come.

"Luce del sole, please, come inside," Aldo beckoned, his voice a mere whisper of its former strength. As you entered, Armando's piercing gaze found you once more, unnervingly intense.

"There is an offer of peace, my luce del sole, my heart," Aldo murmured, his touch light yet laden with the grief of a father who had lost his true sunshine.

"Sign the papers, sweetheart. Make your padre proud. Bring us peace," he implored as he released her chin. Before you lay a contract, with your name typed boldly at the top.

A binding to Armando Alvarado. A union. A life tethered to the man who took Enzo's life.

Armando extended his hand, "I would like a moment alone with you," his voice resonated for the first time in your ears. Aldo exited with a heavy heart, and Armando leaned in, sliding a pen towards you. "Pareces una chica inteligente, and I really have no desire to force this," he murmured with a fleeting smile before his grip enclosed your jaw, firm but not cruel, "but I will do what must be done, cariño. You will sign this contract. You will come home with me. You will be all things my wife should be, and in return, perhaps I will give your 'padre' the time he needs to grieve," he hissed, bringing you closer. The pen felt heavy in your trembling hand as the scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the faint metallic tang of gunpowder that seemed to cling to him.