The Keating Girl's Uncivilized Union

I don't know how long I drove before I finally reached Ronan's territory.

My dress was torn from the climb over the balcony, and my hair was a mess. I looked like a street thug who'd just survived a brawl.

The guards at the entrance of Ronan's private club clearly thought so too. The moment they saw me, they blocked my way without a word.

But I was the best fighter in the Keating family. These Soldati were no match for me. I dispatched them in seconds.

I stood at the club entrance and yelled, "Where is Don Cassano? Tell him to come out."

A moment later, a sickeningly sweet voice drifted from the club’s entrance. "Ugh, who is this crazy woman? Ronan, get rid of her."

I looked up to see a delicate-looking woman wrinkling her nose at me as she complained to the man beside her. Next to her stood a tall, imposing figure with a cold expression. I rolled my eyes.

"You must be Ronan," I said. "I'm Aurora Keating, your fiancée. If you don't believe me, take a look at this." I tossed him my father's signet ring. "Now, I need a room to rest."

I threw the car keys in his direction and walked past the woman without a second glance.

"Ronan!" the sweet voice piped up again. "She must be a fake! How could a daughter of the Keating family be so crude? Look at her—covered in dirt, hair like a bird's nest, and she reeks of gasoline… She looks like some fraud who stole the signet from God knows where."

"And who are you?" I asked.

"Me?" She laughed, deftly linking her arm with Ronan's. "I'm Vivian, Ronan's childhood sweetheart. We grew up together. You imposter. You’d better get lost before you embarrass yourself further."

I snorted. "Oh? Childhood sweetheart?"

I looked her up and down, my gaze landing on the hand wrapped around Ronan's arm. "Then why was my sister's name on the marriage contract, and not yours?"

"Well…" Vivian's face froze.

"Did I say something wrong?" I shrugged. "Or is it that you're the only one who thinks he cares, when in reality, he doesn't give a damn about you?"

"You!" Tears welled up in Vivian's eyes as she turned to Ronan. "Ronan, did you hear what she said? She's bullying me!"

Ronan finally spoke. "Enough."

His voice was quiet, but it held the weight of a Don's command. The Soldati around us instinctively bowed their heads.

Except for me. I straightened my spine and met his gaze.

His intimidating presence washed over me, but I didn't even flinch. It never worked on me.

Ronan glanced at the guards I'd dispatched, then back at my unflinching gaze. Something flickered in his expression—surprise, perhaps.

He pulled his arm from Vivian's grasp. After examining the signet, he said, "I received word of our union a few days ago. I expected I'd be the one to pick you up. I didn't think you'd come on your own."

I grinned. "Couldn't wait."

He almost smiled. "Then we'll have the wedding in three days."

"But Ronan—" Vivian protested.

"Shut your mouth, or I'll rip it off," I said without emotion.

Vivian bit her lip, glared at me, and turned to leave.