When the ruthless Ricci family frames her father and saddles him with crushing debt, Emma, an ordinary merchant’s daughter, is forced to sign a three-year marriage contract with Alexander Vane, a feared Mafia don.
Haunted by his father’s murder and obsessed with cleanliness, Alexander can barely tolerate anyone’s touch—except Emma’s. Both hide their true feelings behind guarded exchanges and constant tests, unaware that they have already fallen for each other.
With the estate’s housekeeper and the family matriarch playing matchmaker, the couple must weather interference from a jealous childhood sweetheart and enemies determined to tear them apart.
When the three years are up, Emma crosses out the clause that would end their marriage. Alexander, meanwhile, has a wedding ring ready—and a heart he is finally willing to share. What began as a deal becomes a lifelong promise as they become husband and wife for real.
