MAFIA'S HEART OF DARKNESS

na'

iver as I hugged my coat close. Losing my father and stepmother felt like a cruel twist of fate, their abse

s Marcus, my stepbrother. His face was impassi

he sneered. "You'v

ars. "I need a moment, Mar

d coldly. "But for me, it's just bus

. I clung to the hope of my grandfather's inheritance, suppose

verheard Marcus talking to someone in the office-a man I

he man asked, his voice rough. "Selling

. "She's just a pawn. Victor Martin

feared mafia leader, and the though

ut intimidating mansion. The opulence did nothing to comfort

voice smooth but menacing. "I tru

o say, my voice trembl

"It's part of the deal. Marcus's debts are

his is insane! I'm being sol

ersonal, Elena. It's business. And you'll find that

plan settling over me. I was trapped in a world

ion. The fear of my new reality was overwhelming. I knew I h

se of my new surroundings. The opulent room, with its grand furnishings and intricate designs, felt alien and s

e long table was set with fine china and silverware, but my appetite was nonexistent

r said with a chilling calmn

"As well as one ca

hat you adjust quickly. You'll find that the soone

silent, with only the clinking of silverware breaking the te

ods and expensive art. Victor gestured for me to sit

This isn't just about our marriage. It's about maintaining order and cont

chessboard," I said, tryi

u are exactly that, Elena. And I

y, my mind racing. "What

be my wife, representing my interests. Privately, you will assist in vari

ked, the words escaping

efusal isn't an option. You belong to me now, an

d I felt a chill run down my spine.

ill be protected and provided for, as long as you fulfill you

n't shake the feeling of impending danger. I wandered through the mansion's g

houghts. The silence was comforting for a moment, but it was short-lived. I heard footst

"I'm Lucian, Victor's right hand. I'

only manage a weary nod.

, Elena, the rules here are strict. Coop

d changed dramatically and that my fight for survival was just beginning. The

cherous world. I needed allies, a strategy, and most importantly, a way to reclaim my freedo