ACE
Careful

Sofia's POV

My heart was pounding as I walked down the aisle, towards my father's study.

I put my hand on the doorknob and turned it slowly, hesitating to enter. But I still do.

I stood up confidently so that my father would not see the fear I felt..

“Yes dad?” I'm firm.

Standing in front of a table that almost filled half the room, with paper strewn everywhere. The room looked dark with the curtains closed, not letting the slightest bit of light in.

The aura of intimidation was very clear from him, even though his back was turned against me as he spoke.

"You are my youngest child, and my only daughter." My father said in a nonchalant but demanding tone.

"You're getting married to Ace Hernandez." Say it firmly.

My dad put out his cigarette while twisting his body to see my reaction. My heart rate froze just from hearing that name.

'Ace Hernandez'

"He's one of dad's biggest mafia." Answer me with fear.

“I don't want to marry someone because of his strength, I just want to marry someone I love and trust. Someone who will respect and care for me. And it's not an Ace Hernandez.” Continue with me with my heart.

"You're going to meet him this week, and you're going to have to make a good impression, or there will be consequences. Understood?" My father spoke demandingly, gritting his teeth in anger.

The smell of alcohol began to fill this room. He's drunk as always, I'm not surprised because he's always been like this.

"Yes dad." I said, trying to hide my anger and frustration.

"Get out of my room." His grunt while turning his chair away from me.

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I closed the door quietly. I walked down the hallway, feeling astonished about what he had just announced to me.

I headed straight to my room, closing the door behind me. I lay in bed, feeling overwhelmed by despair and shock. I don't know this guy, who I know is a rough, aggressive, mean-spirited Ace. Or even worse than that. Not to mention he's a drunk like my own father. I don't want to be stuck with a guy like that, but I can't do anything about it.

I heard a light knock at my door.

“Sofia?” Mama said softly before entering my room.

"Mama." I answered sadly, frowning, letting sorrow rule me.

Mama hugged me, trying to cheer me up as best she could. I was upset but I couldn't change the situation, so I had to accept it.

Mama rubbed my back gently, trying to comfort me.

"Your father told Mama about what he planned, and Mama wouldn't let him." He tried to hold back the emotion in his voice.

I hugged my mother tighter than ever.

"Your brothers won't be happy with this, especially Raul.” He shook his head in disappointment, unable to make eye contact with me.

Raul is my oldest brother and I am most familiar with him.

I have 4 brothers. Raul, Stefano, Marco, Javi and Diego. We're all just one year adrift.

We were all Spanish, but my father forbade us to learn a single word of that language, because my father didn't want us to know what my father was talking about with his Mafia Alliance, unless he really wants us to know about it.

“Evening is ready, come down and eat with us.” Mama spoke calmly as she stroked a strand of my hair that had decomposed behind my ears.

I soon went down to dinner with my family.

"Hay Sof." Raul greeted me. He hugged me before realizing I looked upset.

"What's wrong girl?” Raul asked worriedly, and made all my other brothers look at me.

“Nothing, just a long day.” I smiled convincingly and sat down at my place.

I saw Dad come in without a care.

“So Sofia, how was your day?” Diego asked.

"Boring." I replied with a small smile before awkwardly cutting my own steak.

They all blinked at me a few times, but I ignored them.

“I have an announcement.” Dad's heavy voice caught our attention. All my brothers immediately stopped talking because it was one of our father's many rules.

If I speak, immediately stop what you are doing and listen.

“Your sister will be married soon.” Dad declared with a flat face.

I saw the face of Raul who suddenly looked angry.

"Of course you can't do this, Dad!" Raul stood up in anger.

"Sit down, son, I'm not done talking." My father interrupted Raul and made him slowly sit back down.

Another rule.

Don't break my rules or question them.

"It's been my decision." Father's voice echoed throughout the room.

"Sofia's only 18!" Marco said while punching the table in anger.

"How could you let this go?" Shouted Diego to Mama.

"Sofia's the youngest of us all, and you can't do this!" Raul pointed at Dad angrily while Mama tried to calm him down.

The dining table became chaotic with the sound of my Brother-Sister, and I just fell silent, not wanting to add to the commotion.

"STOP." Shouted my father, and made us all speechless.

"I have a headache and I don't have time for this debate, the marriage will still happen with or without your consent." My father looked at us all intently before walking out of the room.

Raul left the dining table and rushed out of the room. He looks more upset about this than I do.

"You be careful." Stefano.

“Yes, I will be.” I nodded convincingly, trying to end this debate. I know nothing can change my father's mind.

"We have to go Sof, and we'll be right back." Javi got up from his seat and patted my head slowly.

Diego, Marco and Stefano followed Javi in the back.

My hair was a mess by the time they all finished patting my head. I smiled and shook my head while tidying up my hair.

They still treat me like a child.

"Your brothers love you so much." Mama spoke up, staring at the food on her plate with regret.

“Raul doesn't even want to look at me.” Mama muttered as tears flowed down her cheeks .

"Mama, it's okay. It's not your fault.” I convinced him while washing my plate in the sink.

"He told me just before he told you, I was so angry but it was out my power. I just hope you understand." He walked towards me. Mama got the hair off my face.

"I love you, my baby.” Mama grabbed my face gently, and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

"I love you too Mama." Answer me in a soft tone.

"You're gonna be okay, okay?" I nodded slightly before Mama pulled me into her arms.

"I don't want to go." I finally admitted it while hugging Mama tightly.

"You can't stay in this house forever." Mama muttered to me.

"What about my school?" I panicked and looked at him anxiously.

"You're still going to school, yeah, if Ace lets you." My mother calmed me down.

Ace has a reputation for being ruthless and merciless to date. Although I've never heard anything special about him. It seems like everyone in Mafia circles knows who Ace is, but Ace is still very mysterious in a sense.