Blurb：
In this thrilling second-chance romance, Aria Vales rewrites her destiny by refusing the Vercetti family marriage contract that ruined her past life. Instead of marrying cold, controlling mafia heir Cassian Vercetti, she swaps the bride to her half-sister Demi Vales and claims her freedom. But when Cassian discovers the switch, his rigid rules shatter as obsession ignites. Will Aria’s wild rebellion in nightclubs with male models lure the untamable Cassian into breaking his own code? Dive into a story of revenge, passion, and a fiery red-haired heroine who defies the old-blood crime family’s expectations.
Content：
I stared at the Vercetti marriage contract my father pushed across the table.
Without hesitation, I wrote my half-sisters name, Demi, and slid it back.
My father froze. Then his eyes lit up with ridiculous excitement, like hed just won the lottery.
How can you give such a perfect chance to your sister?
Last life, my marriage was a joke for everyone around me.
I was the red-haired, untamed little witch who dared to climb into the orbit of Cassian Vercetti, heir and leader of the old-blood Vercetti crime family.
I was never perfect nor obedient.
He loved goddess gowns. I wore mini skirts and danced on tables.
He demanded missionary, traditional, orderly intimacy. I wanted to climb on top, ride him, lose myself completely.
At a gala, society wives laughing at my hair, my dress, my wildness.
I thought he would at least pretend to defend me.
He didnt.
Forgive her. Shes notproperly trained.
Trained.
Like a dog.
I spent my entire last life suffocating under his rules, bending myself bloody to fit the shape he wanted, until the night our house caught fire.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment I learned of the arranged marriage.
I looked at the contract in front of me.
This time?
I think the nightclub boys suits me better.
But the moment Cassian realized the bride wasnt me, he shattered every rule hed ever lived by.
Chapter 1
My father watched me write Demi Vales name on the marriage contract.
He froze for half a second, then snatched the papers back, folding them gently, like he was terrified I might change my mind.
From childhood to now, you spent five million on that mistresss daughter, I said flatly. And less than fifty bucks on me. Guess your investment finally paid off.
He chuckled a little too happily. Oh, dont say it like that, Aria. Demi is a proper society lady. She and Cassian are a perfect match.
His face darkened. And stop calling her the mistresss daughter. Shes your sister.
Shes not. I lifted my eyes to him, cold and steady.
Shes one year younger than me. You were married to my mother for ten years, but cheated for nine.
He choked on his own breath, then abruptly changed the subject.
Fine. Since you insist on giving up the alliance spot, Ill go to the Vercetti estate right now and renegotiate.
Wait, I said.
He spun back around, anxious as hell.
Youre regretting it?!
I never said Id give it up for free.
Of course he understood.
A businessman first. A father never.
Fifty million. Ill wire it to you now.
I didnt argue.
The moment he interpreted my silence as acceptance, he bolted out with the contract like a man fleeing a burning building.
I watched him go.
Felt nothing but irony.
I turned and headed upstairs.
Passing the glass door, I caught my reflectionred curls, blue eyes, my heartbeat pounding loud and alive in my chest.
Suddenly my eyes filled with tears.
Not from grief.
But from release.
This time, I get to be myself.
I dont love Cassian anymore.
Im young. Im rich.
Why the hell should I give up my freedom and play housewife for a man who never loved me?
I changed into a tiny mini skirt, walked out the door, obtained an expedited visa, and headed straight to the hottest club downtown.
Bass shaking the walls.
Lights slicing through the dark.
Bodies moving without shame.
Freedom wrapping around me like a second skin.
I lifted my hand and tossed a stack of cash into the air.
Bring me your hottest male models, I said. All of them.
The club owner almost fainted.
No, no, miss, absolutely not! The whole city knows youre marrying into the Vercetti family! Cassian is hes cold, strict, old-school. He has rules for his rules! If he finds out you came here…if you ordered men…my little club is done for!
I tipped back my drink.
The burn made my eyes water; the freedom made me smile.
Relax. I already gave the engagement to someone else. Starting today, Im just here as a paying customer.
You gave it away? he stammered.
Then laughed, thinking I was joking.
But everyone knows youre obsessed with Cassian! So many heirs chased you, and you rejected all of them. Until that gala! One look at him and you said only a man like him deserved you!
I laughed with him.
Inside, I was frozen over.
Liking someone and being right for someone are not the same thing, I said quietly.
He and I? Never again.
I narrowed my eyes.
Youre a club owner, not my priest. Take the money and bring me a drink.
Then I noticed a shy model standing beside us.
I hooked a finger under his jaw, my voice slow and wicked.
These younger ones are actually pretty cute.
But then
A cold, lethal voice sliced through the music behind me.
Which one did you just call cute?
My whole body went rigid.
Slowly I turned around.
Chapter 2
Cassian stood before us with a full line of bodyguards behind him, his expression ice-colddeath walking on two legs.
Damn it. Even like this, he was absurdly gorgeous.
Exactly my type: tall, aristocratic, the kind of man who dimmed everything around him just by breathing.
Cassians gaze locked with mine first.
Before I could even pretend not to be embarrassed, his eyes slid downward, straight to where my hand was still resting on the male models bare, open chest.
A heartbeat later, I heard the unmistakable click of a trigger being pulled.
One of his guards had a gun pressed to the models temple.
I silently pulled my hand back.
Cassians stare froze the air itself. He didnt even spare me a word, just spat a single command at the poor model:
Leave.
The pretty boys face drained of all color. He bolted for the exit with the other models.
I also turned, trying to quietly slip away.
But before I got a single step, a strong arm wrapped around my waist and yanked me flush against him.
Who allowed you to come to a place like this?
I go wherever I want. I tilted my chin, defiant. What does it have to do with you?
Cassians eyes darkened.
For a second, I truly thought hed just order a bullet through my skull.
Instead, the next moment, without warning, he threw me over his shoulder like I was a damn sack of rice.
Cassian! Are you insane?! Put me down! You bastard!
I punched his back, kicked, squirmed, but Cassian marched forward without reacting to any of it.
He carried me out of the club and shoved me into a waiting black Rolls-Royce.
Drive.
Yes, Don.
The car lurched forward. I instantly twisted away from him, grabbed the door handle, and tried to open it.
Cassian didnt even bother stopping me.
He just took a slow sip of coffee from a bone-china cup, as if kidnapping women was part of his morning routine.
Dont waste your energy, he said smoothly. Its an armored car. You think you can open it?
My hand froze. I glared daggers at him.
He looked right back at me:
Didnt you read the marriage contract? Its clearly written.
Of course I hadnt.
Cassian leaned in then, close…too close…his face inches from mine, our noses almost brushing.
If he kissed me right nowI wasnt sure Id have the strength to push him away.
The contract states, his voice grazed my lips, that as my wife, you are strictly forbidden from entering bars, nightclubs, or any place like this. You didnt read it?
He released me then, not kissing me.
While he kept lecturing, I rolled my eyes internally.
From now on, you are banned from places like this. And for todays behavior, you will go to church and confess to the pastor.
Church? Confess?
My chest rose and fell violently as I fought a laugh.
Cassian, do you really think Im still the girl from last lifetime?
Your obedient little puppet?
In this life, I would rather die than repeat that mistake.
I all but screamed:
Confess?! Oh please. Dream on, Don! What does your marriage contract have to do with me? Im not marrying you!
Silence dropped like a bomb.
Cassians head snapped toward me, eyes dark and unreadable.
He stared for a long, dangerous moment before forcing out four strained words:
What. Did. You. Say?
My mind cleared instantly.
If he found out the bride had been switched…if he learned hed been dumped…Id never make it onto my plane alive.
Its nothing. I was angry. I didnt mean it.
He exhaled sharply. When will you learn to obey?
Never. I was born like this. I met his gaze. I dont like being controlled.
As we argued, the Rolls rolled to a stop at my familys villa.
Demi stepped out, with soft dress, gentle smile, the picture of angelic obedience.
I laughed inside.
Cassian, there.
Your perfect little doll.
Demi spoke sweetly: I just came back from church. I confessed on behalf of my sister, asking the Lord to forgive her prideful temperament.
Cassians gaze shifted to me, the message in his eyes unmistakable:
Look at her.
Now look at you.
Worlds apart.
Chapter 3
Cassians eyes were filled with disappointment.
Both daughters of the Vale family, and you still cant learn the discipline and manners your sister has?
He let out a slow, exhausted breath.
Forget it. I wont hold todays behavior against you. Go change into an evening gown, were attending a business gala tonight.
Im not going, I said instantly. Take Demi. She fits your checklist better than I ever will.
Cassians brows drew together.
Aria, have some sense of responsibility. You are the fiance Ive chosen.
That line hit me like a needle, sharp, sudden, humiliating.
Of course.
He wasnt marrying me because he wanted me.
He was marrying me because the contract said so, because the Vercetti family never breaks an agreement.
Love had nothing to do with it.
If he could choose freely, he wouldve picked Demi long ago.
Fine.
This lifetime, Ill give him exactly what he wants.
Demi stepped in with perfect softness.
Sis might not be very used to such formal events Maybe I can accompany her. If she doesnt understand the etiquette, I can remind her.
My eyes lit up.
Perfect. Come on. Ill help you pick a dress.
The moment we entered my room, Demi dropped the act, shaking my hand off.
Why did you give the Don to me?
I smiled slightly.
Because you two love going to church to repent.
Her expression froze, then turned icy.
Dont push your luck. Once the Don finds out the bride is me, hell be relieved, ecstatic, actually. You, with your lack of manners, dont deserve him.
Then why didnt you tell him just now? I asked calmly. Not confident? Afraid hell reject you once he knows?
You shut up! she snapped like a startled cat. Hell be grateful! I just want to surprise him on the wedding day. So keep your mouth shut.
Relax. Whatever romantic games you two play, Im not interested.
This lifetime, I only care about being myself.
At the gala.
Lights, elegance, champagne.
When the opening dance began, Cassian walked toward us.
His eyes swept over my flamboyant black backless dress then tightened in a frown.
A beat later, he extended his hand…not to me, but to Demi, glowing innocently in her soft white gown.
Whispers rippled across the hall.
Isnt Aria the fiance? Why is the Don inviting the sister?
Isnt it obvious? He prefers the second daughter.
Well, of course. The younger one is graceful, educated. The elder gorgeous, but wild. Not fit to be a Dons wife.
Cassian didnt react to any of it.
You dont know how to dance formal waltzes anyway, he said to me, voice bland, almost bored.
This time, you can learn from Demi.
And with that, he took her hand and led her to the center of the ballroom.
Classical music swelled.
They moved together, elegant, poised, harmonious, a picture-perfect couple stepped straight out of an old European oil painting.
I lasted a whole minute before my eyes glazed over.
They looked like two palace mannequins locked in a century-old waltz.
Do they even know FB, IG, TikTok exists?
I slipped out onto the terrace.
Snow fell thick and silent in front of me.
Alone, I moved body catching an invisible bassline only I could hear, dancing wild, hot, alive.
This rhythm this freedom belonged to no one but me.
To the life I was about to reclaim.
But the moment didnt last.
A familiar shadow approached behind me.
Chapter 4
It was Demi.
Her cheeks were still flushed from dancing, but her eyesgleamed with the smug satisfaction of a victor.
Are you hiding out here because your feelings got hurt, sis?
She didnt bother to mask the gloating in her voice.
Lets be honest, any man, choosing between you and me, would always pick the one whos more graceful and better-mannered. Me.
She paused, lowering her voice, each word dipped in venom.
But really, I do pity you. Back then, your mother couldnt win against mine. And now, you cant win against me either. I guess failure just runs in your DNA.
My fist tightened so hard the veins stood out.
Demi Vale, you dare insult my mother?
But before I could speak, something unexpected happened.
Demi suddenly staggered backward, then let out a sharp, terrified scream as she completely lost her balance and fell straight down the stairs.
A wave of chaos erupted below, shouts, gasps, the sudden swell of panic.
Cassian rushed out from the crowd instantly, catching Demis collapsed body in his arms.
He looked up at me, standing on the landing, rage burning in his eyes like open flame.
His voice was carved out of ice.
Did you push her? Apologize.
Cassian, are you from another century?
No checking the cameras.
No asking what happened.
Just accuse me on instinct?
It wasnt me, I said evenly. And I wont apologize.
Youre hopeless.
He turned to his bodyguards without hesitation.
Teach her a lesson. Throw her into the outdoor ornamental pool. Before the gala ends, don’t let her coming out until I say so.
Im your fiance, I shouted, or is it Demi Vale?
Cassian seized my wrist with a force that made my eyes sting.
There was no pity in himonly cold, precise authority.
Exactly because my fiance is you, he said, enunciating each word,
I will put others before you.
In that moment, I understood, more clearly than ever, that the choice I made in this life was absolutely right.
Pretty faces, perfect bodies, none of it mattered when the hearts underneath were fundamentally incompatible.
The bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing me before I could brace myself.
No amount of struggling helped.
A harsh splash and icy water swallowed me whole.
The cold stabbed into my bones.
I surfaced choking, desperate, reaching for the edge, only to be shoved back under by the guards stationed there.
I clawed upward again and again they forced me beneath the surface.
Cassian! You bastard! Let me up!
My strength drained with every thrash.
The cold numbed my muscles, my fingers, my breath.
My voice cracked, then broke entirely.
My lips began turning blue; wet strands of red hair clung to my face, freezing stiff.
One of the guards hesitated, pulling out a phone.
Through the slosh of water in my ears, I heard Cassians voice, hard as forged steel:
Continue. Otherwise, shell never learn her lesson.
Learn her lesson?
Of course.
He never wanted me.
He wanted a fiance who obeyed.
Who stayed quiet.
Who stayed small.
Who never crossed a line.
A despair sharper than the cold closed over me and dragged me deeper than the water ever could.
My limbs finally gave out.
Darkness rushed in.
I slipped beneath the surface, and lost consciousness completely.
Chapter 5
Half-conscious, I felt myself being lifted into Cassians arms.
Put me down. My voice was weak, but unwavering.
Cassians tone allowed no argument. Dont be difficult.
He didnt give me a chance to resist, and he simply shoved me into the car.
Warm air blasted through the heater, slowly chasing the cold from my body.
Cassian took a dry towel, briskly wiping my hair and soaked clothes, then drove off.
When we got out again, I realized hed brought me to an apartment downtown.
I had no strength left to fight him. I let him change my clothes, clean my wounds, apply medicine.
I never imagined that in this lifetime, Cassian and I would share even a single hour of peace.
Watching me, dazed and barely awake, he gently covered my hand with his.
And then, the doorbell rang.
Cassian stood and went to open the door.
Outside stood Demi, her face pale, wrapped in layers of gauze.
Don The moment she saw him, her eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling in just the right way.
My sister suffered so much I was really worried. Even though she pushed me down the stairs, were sisters after all I couldnt rest until I brought her home.
I braced myself against the wall and walked toward the door, step by step.
My gaze on her was cold as ice.
Demi, if you put on this disgusting act in front of me again, I swear Ill put the engagement back on myself.
Demi shut up instantly, fear flashing across her eyes.
Cassians face darkened, anger sharp and unrestrained.
Why are you so vindictive? Demi is generous, she doesnt blame you, and she even came to take you home. Is this how you treat your sister?
Demi stepped closer, lightly tugging Cassians sleeve, her voice soft and fragile:
Its alright as long as shes willing to go back with me.
Cassian nodded. You should go with her. The wedding is tomorrow. Ill come get you.
No. The word ripped from me, instinctive. Shell kill me.
Cassian stared at me in disbelief, unable to understand why I would think the worst of my own family.
He reached for my wrist. I instinctively pulled back
Cassian staggered, losing his balance, bumping into the entryway cabinet.
The thermos on top toppled over, shattering with a loud crack
scalding water exploding in every direction!
In the split second that followed, Cassian moved on pure instinct,
lunging toward Demi, shielding her with his body, taking the brunt of the boiling water across his back.
His bodyguard charged forward and kicked me hard into the corner.
My vision blurred. A high-pitched ringing swallowed everything.
Demi burst into frantic sobs and shrieks.
Aria Vale! Youre wicked, always have been! A red?haired witch! A demon! Look what you did to Cassian!
Someone shoot her already!
Cassian gasped through the pain. Enough! Let her go! The wedding tomorrow goes on as planned.
I staggered toward the door.
Demi rushed after me.
SMACK!
A vicious slap across my face.
Stay away from Cassian! Forever! If you appear again, Ill claim your life in the name of the Vercetti familys future lady.
From now on, I will take care of him. And you, disappear immediately!
I stepped out into the snow.
Looking up, I saw Cassian and Demi silhouetted together in the apartment window.
That was the clearest moment of my life, utter despair, and utter freedom.
At dawn, my phone lit up.
A message Id been waiting for finally appeared:
My visa was approved.
The fifty million had arrived.
I grabbed the suitcase Id packed long ago, pulled on a hat, lowered the brim, then put on a mask.
When I opened the door, the whole family was busy sending Demi off; no one noticed me.
I dragged my suitcase down the stairs, across the courtyard, and out the gate.
A taxi pulled up. I got in.
Just as the engine started, Cassians Rolls-Royce turned the corner, slowly stopping at the house.
He stepped out, holding a bouquet of red roses.
Tall, elegant, coldly handsome…
Once, that single sight kept me in love with him for so many years.
Now, I watched the scene with a heart as still as water.
Layers of veils covered Demis face entirely.
Cassian approached, taking the brides hand…his eyes full of tenderness, contentment, devotion.
Cassian, Cassian.
A disciplined heir like you was always meant for a gentle, obedient, well?bred lady.
If you lifted the veil today and found out the bride had been switched…
youd probably be even happier.
The driver asked, Miss, where to?
I smiled.
He walks toward his family’s honor.
I ride toward my city of freedom.
In the end, we take our separate roads.
(paywall)
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