After the proposal, Asher and Alissa made their way back to the DeLeon estate, where her father, Alexandro, was waiting in his grand office—a space that commanded both respect and fear. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey, a constant reminder of the power that resided within those walls.

Alissa walked in first, her usual confidence unwavering, while Asher followed with his signature smirk, hands tucked casually into his pockets. Alexandro glanced up from his desk, his sharp eyes flickering between the two of them.

Alissa wasted no time. “We’re engaged.”

For a brief moment, the formidable Alexandro DeLeon, the man who ruled with an iron fist, looked... surprised. His gaze dropped to the ring on his daughter’s finger, and then slowly back to Asher, his expression unreadable.

There was silence. Heavy. Uncomfortable.

Then, Alexandro leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. “Engaged?” he repeated, as if testing the word on his tongue. “Just like that?”

Asher, never one to miss an opportunity, leaned against the edge of the desk, flashing an infuriating grin. “Yeah, well, I figured I’d ask before I started moving my stuff into her closet.”

Alexandro’s eyes darkened, and Alissa shot Asher a warning look, but he wasn’t done. “Don’t worry, Alex. I’ll take real good care of her. I’ll even let you visit on weekends.”

Alissa rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

Alexandro, however, wasn’t as amused. He ran a hand down his face, clearly torn between his love for his daughter and the overwhelming realization that she was about to marry Asher Kingston. “This isn’t a business merger, boy,” he said gruffly, fixing Asher with a hard stare. “She’s my daughter.” "Plus who the f*ck said you could call me Alex."

Asher’s expression softened—just a little. “I know,” he said seriously. “And I don’t take that lightly.”

Alexandro sighed, rubbing his temples. “I always knew you two would be trouble.” He turned to Alissa, his voice quieter now. “Are you sure about this, il mio piccolo diavolo ?”

Alissa’s eyes softened just a little, but her voice was firm. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Asher smirked, nudging Alissa playfully. “See? She’s got good taste.”

Alexandro groaned. “You better not make me regret this.”

Asher straightened, placing a hand over his heart with mock sincerity. “I promise, Alexandro. I’ll only cause a little regret.”

Alexandro shook his head, muttering something under his breath about reckless men and their charms, but deep down, he knew there was no fighting this. As much as it pained him to think of letting go of his daughter, he could see it—the way Alissa looked at Asher, the way she stood beside him. It wasn’t just love. It was power.

With a reluctant sigh, he reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a bottle of his finest whiskey. “Well,” he grumbled, pouring three glasses, “we might as well drink to it.”

Asher picked up his glass with a satisfied grin. “Now that’s the kind of blessing I was hoping for.”

After a while Alexandro rubbed his temples. “You’re engaged,” he repeated, his voice heavy with disbelief. His daughter was really “Engaged.”

Asher, never one to pass up an opportunity, leaned back in the chair across from him, draping an arm casually over the backrest. “I know, right? Who would've thought? Me, finally off the market. Shocking.” He flashed a smirk. “Heartbreaking, really. I’ll have to start drafting apology letters to all my exes.”

Alexandro’s gaze shifted sharply to Asher, his jaw tightening. “I should shoot you.”

Asher shrugged as if the threat was nothing new. “You could, but then Alissa would probably get all mad and call off the wedding, and let’s be honest, nobody wants that drama.”

Alissa rolled her eyes, but Alexandro looked two seconds away from actually pulling his gun. “I still might.”

After what felt like an eternity, Alexandro leaned back in his chair, sighing heavily. “Fine. You want to get married.” He looked at Alissa, his voice softer but still laced with authority. “But not now. Two years.”

Asher blinked. “Two years?” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Alex, buddy, pal—two years? That’s basically a life sentence in mafia time. I could be dead, in prison, or worse—bald!”

Alexandro shot him a glare. “You’ll wait.”

Asher groaned dramatically, flopping back into his chair. “Two years, Alissa. Do you realize how long that is? That’s, like, 730 days of waiting. That’s 1,051,200 minutes!” He turned to Alexandro, widening his eyes. “Do you want me to suffer?”

Alexandro’s lips twitched slightly, though he masked it well. “Actually, yes. Greatly.”

Alissa, trying to suppress a smile, nudged Asher. “It’s not that long.”

Asher gasped, placing a hand over his chest. “Not that long? Alissa, do you know what can happen in two years? I could develop a dad bod. You might realize you could do better.”

Alexandro muttered, “She can do better.”

Ignoring him, Asher continued. “What if my hairline starts receding? What if I get boring?”

Alissa raised an eyebrow. “I think you’re safe on the boring part.”

Alexandro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Look, I’m not asking, I’m telling you. Two years. No negotiations.”

Asher leaned back, crossing his arms. “Fine. But what if we meet halfway? How about a year and a half?”

Alexandro’s glare darkened. “Do I look like I negotiated with clowns?”

Asher grinned. “Honestly? With the way you’re glaring at me, I wouldn’t be surprised if you ran a circus on the side.”

Alexandro exhaled loudly. “Alissa, why are you marrying this fool?”

If people outside would see these two dangerous men in the world bickering like children, they would be surprised.

Before Alissa could respond, Asher interjected. “Because I’m charming, I cook a mean steak, and I know exactly how she likes her coffee.” He shot a pointed look at Alexandro. “Unlike some people, who still think she takes sugar.”

Alexandro huffed. “She used to take sugar.”

Asher shook his head in disappointment. “Amateur move, Alex. Amateur.”

Alissa finally stepped in, placing a hand on her father’s desk. “Dad, I get it. You’re worried. But two years won’t change anything.”

Alexandro’s eyes softened for a moment, but then his resolve returned. “It’s not about change. It’s about time.” He fixed his gaze on Asher. “Time for him to prove he deserves you.” "Plus for now, you're 18 and still young to get tied up in a marriage. Just wait till you're 20"

Asher leaned in, resting his chin on his hand. “What more do I have to do? I’ve already survived a whole dinner with you without running for my life.”

Alexandro smirked. “You still can.”

Asher sighed. “You know, most fathers just ask for a dowry, maybe a goat or two. You're asking for two years of my life.”

Alexandro shrugged. “Consider it a fair trade.”

After a long pause, Asher sighed dramatically. “Fine. Two years. But I want it in writing that I’m allowed to complain about it daily.”

Alexandro smirked, holding out his hand. “Deal.”

Asher shook it hesitantly, then turned to Alissa. “You see this? I just negotiated with the devil himself. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

Alissa smiled, lacing her fingers with his. “You mean the devils negotiated with each other. But don't worry, I'll make it worth the wait.”

Asher grinned. “You better. Because after two years, I’m expecting a wedding so grand that even the Pope is jealous.”

Alexandro groaned, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “God help me.”

Asher winked. “Too late, Alex. I’m family now.”

"I will be the best and awesome son-in-law you could have ever wished for," he smirked.

"Oh please, you mean the worst f*cking nightmare of a son-in-law," Alexandro said.

"You wound me, Alex, pal, you really do," Asher dramatically put his hand on the chest where his heart was.

"Alissa baby, could you please take quel fottuto figlio di puttana fuori dal mio ufficio?"

T: that fucking son of a bitch out of my office

"Don't worry Alex, I'm leaving but I will surely be back, i know you will miss my company" Asher stood up and walked towards the office door.

"Let's go, love." he took Alissa hand and walked out of the office.

"Ehi, dove stai portando mia figlia?" Alexandro shouted, but they already left and closed the door behind, leaving him cursing.

T: Hey, where are you taking my daughter?

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