5: Locked Away

ORTENSIA

I didn’t look back when I had the chance to escape. I didn’t hesitate. The moment was short, a small window that could close any second, and I had to take it.

Only the driver, an older man with a cold look, and Enzo, Vito’s burly, tough-looking guard, were with me. That made it easier. No army of guards, no tight security just them and me. My heart pounded as adrenaline rushed through my veins.

I ran. I ran like my life depended on it because it did. The city blurred as I pushed forward. My breath was rough, my legs burned, but I refused to stop. My flats smacked against the pavement expensive, but useless for running. Still, I couldn’t slow down. Not yet.

Then, like a miracle, I saw police officers. My heart leaped at the sight of their uniforms. I forced myself to run faster, closing the gap as quickly as I could. When I finally reached them, I nearly collapsed, gasping for breath.

“Hey, miss, calm down,” one of the officers said, stepping closer with a concerned look.

I shook my head, trying to steady my breathing. “I was kidnapped! Please, you have to help me!” I begged, my voice shaky and desperate.

They exchanged looks, hesitation clear on their faces. I followed their eyes and suddenly understood why. I didn’t look like someone who had just escaped a kidnapping. My dress was perfect designer, hugging my body in all the right places. Even my flats, though slightly scuffed, were expensive. No bruises, no torn clothes, nothing to show I was a victim.

“Are you sure you were kidnapped, ma’am?” one of them asked, doubt in his voice.

I froze. Were they serious?

I glanced over my shoulder, my body tense, expecting to see Vito or Enzo appear. But no one was there. The officers’ doubt deepened.

“Ma’am, if you’re having issues with your husband, you can settle them in a civil way. Is this a case of domestic violence?” another officer asked, his tone softer, like he was trying to understand.

I nearly choked on my frustration. Did they think I was just some housewife running from a fight? They had no idea who Vito was. What he was capable of.

“Officers, please,” I begged. “Take me to the station. I’ll be safer there. I can’t stay out here.”

They hesitated, studying me closely. Was this really happening?

I took a deep breath and forced steel into my voice. “I was kidnapped. His name is Vito Marino.”

The moment I said his name, something changed. Their faces darkened, and I saw recognition, then fear.

“You said who?” one of them asked, standing straighter.

“Vito Marino,” I repeated, the name bitter on my tongue.

That got their attention. They exchanged quick glances, their doubt gone.

“Miss, we’ll take you to the station now,” one of them said, motioning for me to follow.

Relief washed over me, but I knew it wasn’t over yet.

I climbed into the police car, my body still trembling. The engine roared to life, pulling away from the curb, taking me far from the nightmare I had been living.

My mind was calm. Not fully, but calmer than it had been in Vito’s mansion.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I was free from him.

I hadn’t even spent a full day with Vito, yet it felt like years. Every second under his control was suffocating. The thought of staying in his world made my skin crawl. His life was nothing but crime, violence, and power. It was dangerous, and I had to get out.

I looked out the window, expecting to see the road leading to the police station. But as I watched the streets pass by, a sinking feeling hit me because this wasn’t the way to the station.

The road stretched ahead, leading not to safety but back to hell…. Back to Vito’s estate.

Fear gripped me. “Officers, what’s happening?” My voice shook as I sat up.

But they didn’t answer, then the giant iron gates of Vito’s estate swung open, welcoming us back like a cruel joke. My heart pounded so hard it hurt.

No. No. No.

I reached for the door handle, desperate to escape, but it was locked. I was trapped. My breathing turned shaky as reality hit me like a punch.

The car slowed, stopping in front of the mansion. And there he was… Vito.

A cigarette dangled between his fingers, smoke curling around his face. But it wasn’t the cigarette that made my blood run cold. It was his smirk. It was victorious. He had won.

The officers stepped out first. One of them pointed at me.

“This belongs to you.”

A shiver ran down my spine. Even the police worked for him. I was never free.

“Thank you, officers,” Vito said smoothly, reaching to the stool beside him. He pulled out a briefcase and handed it over without hesitation.

They opened it… Stacks of money.

I turned away, unable to watch, unable to believe how much power Vito had. Anger, fear, and helplessness swirled inside me. I walked past him without a word, my body tense, my mind racing.

Enzo sat in the living room, typing on his laptop. I ignored him. Instead of taking the elevator, I climbed the stairs, needing time to think.

How powerful was Vito if even the law obeyed him?

By the time I reached my room, my chest was rising and falling fast. I pushed the door open then froze.

Vito was already inside. I swallowed hard. He must have taken the elevator and beaten me here.

“I want to be alone,” I said firmly.

He scoffed. “You broke my rules, doll. Do you even understand what you did today?”

“I want to leave.” My voice wavered, but I stood my ground. “You’re keeping me here against my will. I hate you.”

His face darkened. His jaw clenched. The air in the room turned heavy.

“You don’t fucking understand, do you?” His voice was low, dangerous. “I own you, doll. You are mine. Get that through your fucking head.”

I had never seen him this furious. His presence was suffocating, his rage like a storm ready to destroy everything.

“I’ll fucking punish you, doll.” A shiver ran down my spine. Before I could react, Enzo entered the room. My stomach twisted with fear.

“Do it,” Vito ordered.

Enzo grabbed me easily. He was too strong. I kicked, thrashed, screamed, but it was useless. He carried me down the hall, deeper into the mansion, stopping at a door. A dark room.

He threw me inside, my body hitting the cold, hard floor. Before I could stand, the door slammed shut and darkness swallowed me whole.

“Noooo… pleaseeee!!!” I screamed, but the only sound was my own echo, bouncing off the walls, mocking me.