CHAPTER 1

I knew something was wrong the moment I stepped into the apartment. The lights were off, the door slightly open, and the air felt heavy. 

I called out my brother’s name, but no answer came. My heart started racing. I walked slowly and carefully, like someone was watching me.

Then I saw him, my brother, sitting on the bare floor, head in his hands, eyes red. “What happened?” I asked, kneeling beside him.

He raised his head. I saw his face. It was swollen and he had a bleeding nose. I offered him a tissue. I helped him clean himself up.

 He looked at me like he had already given up. He was helpless. “I messed up,” he whispered. “They’re going to kill me.” My stomach dropped.

 “Who?” He didn’t speak, he just handed me a note. It was short. On the note, there was an address. There was a time. And there was one name with a signature.

That one name rang a bell. It was Luciano Romano. I had heard of him. Everyone had. He was cold. He was rich. He was deadly. And a lead mafia in an open secret dynasty.

“What did you do?” I asked again. He finally told me. “I borrowed money. I couldn’t pay it back.” I wanted to scream. Instead, I stood up. “Stay here,” I told him. “I’ll fix this.” 

I didn’t know how. I didn’t even know what I was walking into. But I went anyway. All that was important to me was for me to save my brother.

In no time I was there. It was a dark place with big gates and there were men with guns. I could smell bloodstains only a few metres away. 

I walked in as confidently as I could. I didn't have the strength. But I didn't show it. These people looked like they preyed on the fear of others for a living.

I told them my name. They let me in. I walked through heavy doors into a world I didn’t belong to.

Then I saw him. It was the devil's incarnate himself.  He was waiting. Luciano Romano. 

He wore a black suit. His cold eyes oozed power in every step he took. He looked at me like he already knew why I was there.

 “You’re brave,” he said. “Or stupid.” I didn’t flinch. I didn't allow his intimidation get to me.

“My brother. I’m here for him. Please, don't hurt him” He smiled, but there was no kindness in it. 

“He’s in debt. People pay for their mistakes.” he barked coldly.

 “Then take me instead,” I said before I could stop myself. And there was absolute silence.

 Then he stepped closer. “You’re offering yourself?” I nodded. His eyes scanned me yet they were unreadable. “In place of him? Interesting.” My heart pounded. 

“Is it a deal?” I was bold enough to ask.

He turned away, poured himself a drink, then said, “Your life for his. You belong to me now.”

 And just like that, my fate changed. I was going to be his mistress. Or maybe his sidepiece. I had no idea. I was clueless. I was confused.

I wanted to say no. I wanted to run. But I couldn’t. My brother’s life was hanging by a thread, and this man held the scissors. 

“What do you mean I belong to you?” I asked, my voice low but steady. 

He turned to me, sipping his drink slowly.

 “You live where I command you to. You do what I say. You don’t ask questions.” 

My throat tightened. 

“And if I refuse?” He gave me smile. A cold, deadly smile. 

“Then your brother pays the ultimate price.”

I said nothing. I just nodded. He reached into his pocket and handed me a phone. 

“You’ll get a car outside in ten minutes. Pack what you need. Don't waste time. You have one hour.”

I took the phone with trembling fingers and walked out, heart numb, legs shaking. Outside, the air felt colder. I wanted to cry but I didn’t. 

Not yet. I had no time for fear. I had just sold my freedom to the devil and he hadn’t even touched me yet.

***

Back at the apartment, my brother stood up when he saw me. 

“What did you do?” he asked, panic in his eyes. “Where did you go?”

“I fixed it,” I whispered. “You’re safe for now.”

“But what about you?” he whispered “what did he say?”

I looked away and spoke calmly. “It’s done.” 

“But what did he say?” He asked again.

“If you don't see me again, always remember that I love you.” I responded looking away.

He said nothing. He was too numb to speak. I know he felt terrible. He never said so but I sensed it.

I couldn't look him in the face. I didn't have the courage. I know he would have tried to convince me not to go.

I couldn't take that chance. His life was on the line. My life was on line. This was the only way out.

 I heard a honk. The black car had pulled up outside. I kissed my brother’s forehead and walked out without another word. 

The driver didn’t speak. He just opened the door. I sat in silence, watching the city pass by, knowing I’d never see it the same way again.

When we reached the mansion, it looked more like a fortress. Tall walls, guards everywhere, gates that locked behind me like a cage. Inside, the air was clean but cold. He was there, waiting again.

“You’ll sleep in the east wing. Don’t try to leave. And don’t touch anything that isn’t yours.” his cold voice lashed out.

“Do I get a choice in anything?” I asked, trembling in fear.

He stepped closer, voice low. “You made your choice the moment you walked through my door.”

And that night, lying in a bed too soft in a place too quiet, I realized I had just entered a world I couldn’t escape. 

A world ruled by him. Luciano Romano. And somehow, deep down, a part of me knew… this was only the beginning.