TIME SKIP

As I grew older, that terrifying dream of mine became clearer.

I realized that it wasn’t just a dream... it was a memory.

A dark, painful moment that haunted my sleep. The couple in my dream were my parents—both killed in the most brutal way.

My mother was raped and killed.

My father... beheaded right in front of me.

I was just a baby.

I couldn’t remember the face of the man who did it. But one thing was clear: he was part of the Mafia—and his greatest mistake was letting me live.

I stabbed the faceless picture on my mission wall and smirked.

He goes by the name: Grimclaw.

All my digging, spying, and killing pointed to him. He’s the reason my parents died.

I took a step back proudly, staring at the wall plastered with red strings, mugshots, and newspaper clippings.

Each photo had a thick red X slashed across it.

Every one of these Mafia men was killed by me… and I won't stop until I get to Grimclaw and make him fall on his knees before me—begging me to kill him in a less painful way.

The door burst open.

“Oh—JESUS!” my housekeeper, Emily, screamed, dropping the folded laundry and spinning around. “Why are you always naked with a toy in your—Aria!”

Yes, the same old Emily.

She didn't visit as she promised, but I knew she said so to make me less sad.

I was able to reconnect with her and employ her as my housekeeper.

“Come on, Emily. You should be used to this by now,” I replied and let my hair fall down my back—long enough to cover the view.

She shook her head, muttering prayers, and picked up the folded laundry that she dropped out of shock.

“You really need a break from using these toys.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but a familiar voice interrupted.

“Mom?”

Daniel, her son, called from the hallway outside my room.

The only man I hadn’t wanted to destroy. The only man I had grown to actually love—and would do anything to make him mine.

He’d grown into a tall, strong man—dark hair, intense blue eyes, perfect height.

I immediately yanked the toy out, flung it under the bed, wiped down quickly, and slipped into a soft pink dress, one that hugged my curves just right.

I styled my hair into a ponytail with a pink bow.

I had to look sweet,

soft and innocent for him.

With a deep breath,I opened the door and found him standing in the hallway, calling out for his mom.

I leaned on the doorframe.

“Hello, Dan,” I said seductively.

He rolled his eyes the moment he saw me in a soft garment, acting so innocent.

“Where’s my mother?”

I walked up to him slowly.

“Still pretending you don’t miss me?”

He looked away, clearly annoyed.

“Don’t start. You know that outfit is not fooling anyone.”

I made a sad face and pouted.

“How rude.”

Apparently, Daniel is the only man who was able to resist my seductive charms.

Could it be because we grew up together?

But since he is yet to have a girlfriend,I guess I still have a chance with....

Then, right behind him, a girl showed up.

My smile tried too hard to disappear, but I was mastered at faking it anyway.

Soft brown hair, big eyes, small lips—she looked like a porcelain doll. She was dressed so modestly, like a saint.

Daniel looked at her with that gentle smile

I had never once gotten from him.

Emily, at the same time, walked out of my room.

“Dan…”

“Mom, I was calling for you. This is Betty,” he said. “My girlfriend.”

Shattered.....