Episode 5

The envelope rested on the dining table as if it were made of gold.

Sealed with the Vitalle crest, it was delivered personally, with all the protocol that tradition demanded. The content was direct, but its weight... was silently thunderous.

> "We invite the illustrious Rossi family to a private dinner with the heir Giancarlo Vitalle.

Date: tomorrow, 8 PM.

Location: Vitalle Mansion.

Formal attire.

The presence of all daughters is expected.”

There were no more disguises. The dinner was a sieve. A final. And everyone knew it.

That night, before bed, Don Massimo and Dona Francesca gathered their daughters in the living room.

Valentina, composed. Bianca, in flames of disguised rage.

Antonella... confused, anxious, and increasingly aware that she was trapped on a path of no return.

"Girls," Don Massimo began, with the tone of voice he only used for serious decisions, "tomorrow will be an important day for this family. It is possible, and quite probable, that by the end of this dinner... one of you will be announced as Giancarlo Vitalle's fiancee."

Bianca scoffed, crossing her arms.

"And we all know who he's been looking at lately, don't we?"

"Bianca," her mother rebuked firmly. "That attitude doesn't help us."

Valentina, more diplomatic, spoke calmly:

"There's no confirmation yet. It could be a test. A last look."

Don Massimo nodded.

"It could be. Or it could be final."

He then stared at Antonella with an intensity she had never felt before.

"If you are the chosen one, my daughter... you will have no option to refuse."

Antonella widened her eyes slightly.

"Father..."

"No," he interrupted, firm, but not aggressive. "This goes beyond romance or personal will. A marriage between the Vitalle and Rossi houses elevates our name to another level within the mafia. It protects our lineage. It guarantees strength, influence, and a future for us all."

"But... what if I'm not ready?"

"You will be. You will learn. You will grow." Don Massimo looked at all his daughters, but stopped again at Antonella. "The mafia doesn't wait for feelings. It waits for stability."

Dona Francesca held her youngest daughter's hand delicately, although her gaze was also laden with expectation.

"I know this seems too big, Antonella. But maybe... maybe Giancarlo saw something in you that no one else saw. And if he did... grab it. Don't throw away what many would give anything to have."

Bianca turned her face away. Valentina lowered her eyes.

And Antonella... felt the ground shift beneath her feet.

She was the one no one looked at.

Now, she was the one who couldn't say no.

The Vitalle mansion clock struck 7:59 PM when the Rossi family stepped out of the black cars. Three sisters, each reflecting a world: Bianca, dazzling and full of herself. Valentina, diplomatic and careful. Antonella, discreet, yet strangely radiant.

She wore a dark red dress, of light fabric, with a subtle line of stones on the neckline, with slightly loose sleeves. The dress delicately emphasized her waist.

She looked like she had come out of a well-kept secret.

At the entrance of the mansion, Giancarlo awaited them.

"Mr. Massimo, Dona Francesca," he greeted with respect. "Misses Rossi."

His eyes lingered on Antonella for a second longer than they should have. She lowered her gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. She still didn't know what awaited her inside.

But as they entered the main hall, something immediately caught their attention.

A long dining table, yes.

But in the center of it, subtly positioned in a small open box on a dark velvet cushion...

A ring.

Antonella froze.

Bianca froze.

Valentina raised her eyebrows.

Dona Francesca put her hand on her chest.

Don Massimo... just smiled discreetly.

"What does this mean?" asked Bianca, her voice sharp, disguising indignation.

Giancarlo, ever calm, looked at everyone, but spoke directly to Antonella.

"I used to believe that alliances were about strength, territory, and power.

But then I realized that... they are about firmness. Loyalty. Balance."

He took a step forward.

"Therefore, today, before the families, without further ado, I make my choice."

He stopped in front of Antonella, without kneeling, but with a firm and direct posture. A mafia man does not bow. But at that moment, his voice softened.

"Antonella Rossi... do you accept to become my fiancee?"

Silence.

Everyone expected her to hesitate, tremble, look at her parents.

But she just took a deep breath. Her eyes on Giancarlo.

There was fear, yes.

But there was also something greater.

Courage.

"Yes," she said in a firm and gentle voice. "I accept."

The reaction was immediate.

Bianca left abruptly, her heels echoing on the marble.

Valentina showed no emotion — she just crossed her hands in her lap.

Dona Francesca smiled with tears in her eyes.