Bound to the Unwanted Bride I married you for my son

[Wedding Hall ]

The air was thick with incense and roses. The priest’s voice echoed as rituals began, his chants blending with the crackle of the sacred fire. Elena sat with her head lowered, her fingers trembling against the weight of her bridal bangles. Her heart pounded, each beat louder than the chants around her.

Matteo, calm as stone, sat beside her. His piercing blue eyes flicked toward her once—cold, unreadable, as if trying to measure the stranger who was now his wife.

Priest: “Exchange the garlands.”

Elena hesitated, but when Matteo bent slightly forward, she placed the floral garland over his broad shoulders. The hall filled with claps and murmurs. Matteo didn’t smile. He never did. But he returned the ritual, placing the garland over her head with mechanical precision, like signing a business deal.

[Elena’s father, stepped forward. His hand trembled as he placed Elena’s hand into Matteo’s. His eyes burned with both pride and sorrow.]

[Fl's father]

(gruff voice): “She is my pride. Promise me you will protect her.”

Matteo’s jaw tightened. His silence was sharp, his promise unspoken.

Before he could reply, Serena Salvatore intervened, her graceful voice carrying authority:

Serena Salvatore[ ml's mom]

“My son needs no reminder. Elena will be safe under this roof.. she is like my own daughter now

Matteo’s fists clenched beneath the fabric of his suit, but he said nothing

Elena walked behind Matteo, her steps small, her veil heavy. Each vow tied her fate to his, but Matteo’s gaze never wavered from the flames.

The hall roared with applause. The priest declared them husband and wife.

But Matteo’s blue eyes stayed void. Empty.

[Salvatore Mansion – Matteo’s Room]

The room was decorated in crimson roses and golden lights, glowing with the grandeur of a wedding night.

She flinched, lifting her veil slightly, revealing her soft, innocent features. Her wide eyes locked with his blue ones.

For the first time—Matteo froze.

Her beauty was delicate, almost angelic. But his heart, chained to the past, refused to melt.

He gently placed Adrian on the bed before storming toward her. His grip on her arm was rough, merciless.

Matteo Salvatore(ml)

(hissing, voice like steel): Listen carefully, Elena Caruso. I married you only for my son. Nothing else. You mean nothing to me—you will never mean anything. My heart died with her

He jerked his chin toward the framed photo on the wall. The woman in the picture. His lost love.

Matteo Salvatore(ml)

(cold): “Don’t ever forget— hana is the only woman I will ever love.”

Without waiting for her reply, he released her with a shove and walked out, fury radiating in every step.

Tears stung Elena’s eyes. Her wrist ached from his grip, but her heart hurt more. She turned toward Adrian, who slept peacefully, his tiny hand curled against the pillow.

Her lips curved into a trembling smile.

Elena Caruso(fl)

(soft whisper): “At least… you have me now, little one.”

She changed out of her heavy bridal attire into a soft green suit, then lay beside Adrian. The boy stirred, then instinctively wrapped his arms around her. His tiny fingers touched her cheek, as if he had known her forever.

For the first time in years, Adrian slept soundly.

Later that night, Matteo returned. His anger had dulled into exhaustion. But the sight before him froze him in place.

On the bed—Adrian lay in Elena’s embrace, his head resting on her chest, his tiny leg draped across her waist.

Elena, fast asleep, held him protectively, her long hair spread across the pillow like silk.

Matteo’s breath caught. Adrian never slept with anyone. Not even with Serena. Only with him.

Yet tonight… with her, he slept peacefully. Matteo’s fists unclenched slowly. His jaw softened. For a moment, the ice cracked.

Matteo’s fists unclenched slowly. His jaw softened. For a moment, the ice cracked. Quietly, he pulled a blanket over them both. His blue eyes lingered on Elena—just for a second—before he turned away and lay down on the couch.

But sleep never came to him. Because, no matter how much he denied it… something about her unsettled his dead heart.