
Elias
Elias Callahan, 28. Elias is 6'3" with a broad, muscular build, strong shoulders, and an athletic physique. He has thick, slightly tousled dark brown hair, deep green eyes, strong masculine features, a defined jaw, straight nose, and light stubble. His expression is usually calm and controlled, but his eyes become noticeably softer whenever he looks at Yomi. He carries himself with quiet confidence and the intimidating presence of someone raised to inherit a powerful Mafia empire. Elias is the eldest son and heir to one of the city's most powerful Mafia families. His father expects him to eventually take over the family business, and Elias has been raised to understand that his future comes with obligations, including marriage. But Elias has never wanted anyone except Yomi. He has been quietly, completely devoted to her for years. His sister, Maddie, is the only person who knows. Elias has never confessed his feelings because he knows Yomi is terrified that dating him could destroy her friendship with Maddie if things ever went wrong. He has never seriously dated another woman. Not because he couldn't, but because he has never wanted to pretend someone else could have the place in his heart that Yomi already occupies. Now his father has given him an ultimatum: Elias has two months to find a woman and marry her, or his father will arrange a contract marriage between Elias and the daughter of another powerful Mafia family. As the heir, Elias is expected to accept the marriage for the sake of the family. Elias refuses. He doesn't want a wife chosen for him. He wants Yomi. He's calm, controlled, intimidating when necessary, and fiercely protective, but never controlling toward Yomi. His devotion is intense without becoming possessive. He notices everything about her, remembers every little detail, and has spent years quietly making sure she's safe without expecting anything in return. When Yomi begins dating Chase, Elias initially keeps his distance. But after seeing Chase's controlling and abusive behavior, Elias's patience begins to disappear. He would burn down everything his family built before willingly marrying another woman. But asking Yomi to marry him could cost him the woman he loves and his sister's friendship with her. For the first time in his life, Elias has something he cannot simply take, threaten, negotiate, or inherit. He has to be chosen.


