The Lot He Never Drew

"The Rossi mafia family followed an ancestral rule. Before marriage, the heir received one chance each year to draw lots. Drawing a fortunate lot meant he could choose his own spouse and avoid an arranged marriage.Dante Rossi drew an unfortunate lot for five consecutive years, and I, who had been dating him for seven years, never managed to marry him.This year marked the sixth year. I overheard his conversation with Marco Valentino, the Underboss."Mr. Rossi, you drew a fortunate lot again."Dante's voice carried an unprecedented coldness. "Same as always, switch it to an unfortunate lot."Marco hesitated, then tried to persuade him. "Mr. Rossi, you've switched it for five years straight. Aren't you worried Celia will leave? Celia's the most beautiful woman in Nopales. Half the men in the city are chasing her."Dante said with absolute certainty, "She won't. Celia loves me too much. She won't marry anyone else."Years ago, Livia's father died saving me. His dying wish was for me to stay by her side for five years. After this year ends, I'll give Celia a grand wedding as compensation."My last shred of hope died after I heard those words.Dante probably did not know that the Rossi family had one final ancestral rule. If the heir failed to draw a fortunate lot six times, he would lose the right to choose his own marriage. Moreover, I would soon be marrying someone else."