Dumped Yesterday, Owned by My ex's Mafia Uncle Today

[Elena's POV]The sky had gone entirely dark, but the bodies lying motionless on the grass under the moonlight were clear enough for me to see.A dozen men, arms all covered with tattoos, with either cigarettes or guns in their hands, stood around two bodies lying motionless on the grass. Their bulky bodies, grim faces, and predator postures made them all look like gang members.But the one that stood out the most was the one standing right before the two bodies.He had a gold metal mask covering the upper half of his face, revealing only his sharp jaws and a thin pair of pursed lips.Unlike others, he stood still and silent, and didn't look much like a gangster; yet, his presence radiated an overwhelming pressure.Thick, dark brown hair framed his face. His neatly trimmed beard and sharply defined jawline exuded mature, masculine charm.A tight-fitting white shirt clung perfectly to his broad chest, with a few buttons opened, showcasing his firm muscles. His tan arms glowed under the

Elena's POVAfter Mr. Jackson left for his date, I pulled out my phone and browsed the news, searching for any recent murders or reports of a killer on the loose. Nothing came up.I noticed Jake had sent me two texts earlier this morning. I didn't even bother to open them, I deleted them straight away, blocked his number, and went on X to search for anything related to masked men. No mentions linked to this town or even this state.Good. Maybe the guy who bought my painting this morning wasn't the killer after all. Maybe there's some kind of masquerade happening in town. I tried to reassure myself, pocketing the two $100 notes like they were the most normal things in the world.I wrapped up work, ready to go home, take a long shower, change into something clean, and visit Mom at the hospital.She'd said she wanted to celebrate my birthday yesterday. But I lied and told her I had to work late, all because I wanted to go to that jerk Jake's party. I was so foolish yesterday!I was hummi

Elena's POV"Don't try to plead with me," he said coldly. "No one gets to change my decision. If you can't accept it, then get the hell out of the family."He paused, his voice dropping lower, tinged with threat. "I wouldn't mind putting a bullet through your stupid head and heart."My stomach dropped. A cold fear wrapped around my heart like a frozen hand, tightening until I couldn't breathe. The warm air form the AC was blowing on my knees but it did nothing to blow away the terror gripping me.He ended the call. When his eyes landed on me, I instinctively clutched the suit jacket in my hands tighter."Are you afraid of me?" he asked.I forced myself to answer. "You killed two people last night. Today, you bought me from my father. And just now, you threatened to shoot someone... So yeah. I am afraid of you."In my dream, I wasn't afraid. In my dream, I wanted him.But this wasn't a dream.His eyes didn't flinch. Instead, he reached out, wrapped his fingers around my arm, and with t

[Noah's POV]Maybe trying to save face, Jake shoved the blonde forward. "Seriously, Caroline, show my uncle the video you took."The woman smiled sweetly, all fake charm, and pulled out her phone. "Mr. Marlowe, it was her. She's the one who broke your Romanée-Conti."I watched the video.The girl soaked in dirty water, trembling under the jeers of those assholes.My fingers curled into a fist. I wanted to step into that video and blow their worthless heads off.But then she fought back, smacking the camera with a pizza box, shattering a bottle in her hand like a damn warrior.That spark in her caught me off guard. I didn't expect it. But I liked this brave thing.I turned to the blonde still standing there with her fake smile. "You. Get the fuck out."She froze for a beat, then left, sulking.Jake looked nervous now. "Uncle Noah, I know you're pissed. But look, that crazy chick? Her name's Elena Campbell. She's got issues."He didn't treat Elena as his girlfriend? I kept staring at h

Elena's POV"Elena, I can't believe how beautiful you've become," Jake said, his eyes filled with unfiltered amazement and greed.Caroline shot me a look that dripped with jealousy.I glanced down at the black dress hugging my body. Her jealousy gave me a brief sense of superiority, but Jake's hungry stare made my skin crawl.Just yesterday, he humiliated me in public, said I was nothing but a means to finish his design. I used to think he didn't have feelings for me and was just using me for convenience - maybe he truly liked Caroline. After all, he kissed her right in front of his friends.But now, one expensive dress was all it took to get his desire back on me like a bee flitting between flowers. Was that all his love was worth?And Caroline, someone I used to consider a friend in my short time in college, couldn't even fake a smile anymore just because of this dress.Everything - the dates with Jake, lunch breaks with Caroline, the laughter I once thought was genuine - suddenly f