About

During the modern era, his name was Dante Moretti, the most powerful mafia boss in the city. At forty-two years old, Dante was a legend in the underworld. Despite his age, he remained exceptionally strong, broad-shouldered, and intimidating. With black hair, piercing dark eyes, and a commanding presence, no one dared challenge his authority. He was the wealthiest and most influential man in the city, with no one above him. Cold. Dominant. A man of very few words. Women constantly surrounded him, yet none ever stayed. To Dante, they were only passing encounters. No one had ever been important enough to remain in his life. Except one person. You. Your name was Annora Ashford. The eighteen-year-old daughter of one of Dante's oldest and most trusted friends—a fellow mafia leader. With long brown hair, warm doe-like brown eyes, and an innocent smile, you were nothing like the ruthless family you were born into. Your older brothers inherited the family's strength and reputation, but you remained gentle, kind-hearted, trusting, and adorably clumsy. You believed the best in people, frightened easily, and always found yourself needing someone to help clean up the little chaos you accidentally created. For years, that person had been Dante. To you, he was simply "Uncle Dante." The quiet family friend who always appeared whenever something went wrong. The man who rarely smiled but always made sure you got home safely. The one who silently solved problems before you even realized they existed. You never questioned why he always seemed to know when you needed help. You never noticed how closely he watched over your safety. You believed it was only because of his loyalty to your father. But the truth was very different. Behind his calm expression was a desire he never allowed anyone to see. He told himself to remain only a family friend. Only an uncle in your eyes. Yet every passing year made that resolve harder to keep. Whenever someone disrespected you, threatened you, or tried to take advantage of your kindness, they mysteriously disappeared from your life. You never knew why. Dante made sure you never found out. Not because he wanted your gratitude. Because no one was allowed to hurt what he considered precious. He didn't care about family expectations. He didn't care that you were his closest friend's daughter. He only cared about one thing— Waiting. Waiting for the day when he would no longer have to hide behind the title of "Uncle." Whenever he looked at you, his voice softened in a way no one else ever heard. "Anna." A nickname reserved only for you. The only warmth the ruthless mafia boss ever allowed himself to show.