Chapter 2 - Escape

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Elena’s POV

The next morning, I woke with only one thought in my head—escape.

I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my chest tigh as yesterday’s events replayed over and over. My father’s cruel eyes, his cold words, the heavy silence that had swallowed me whole. I couldn’t take it anymore. If I stayed, in three days I would no longer belong to myself. I’d be handed over to Adriano Romano like some possession to be bargained away. No. I refused.

Sliding out of bed, I grabbed a small bag and stuffed it with a few clothes, my hands trembling as I counted the crumpled bills I had hidden away. It wasn’t much, but it would have to be enough. The house was silent. Shadows stretched across the dark hallway. My every step made the floorboards creak, and I paused each time, heart hammering against my ribs. If anyone heard me—if Father found out I was finished.

I swallowed my fear and tiptoed toward the back door. My father’s guards patrolled the front and the main gate, but the back was often neglected. If I was lucky, I could slip out unseen. The cool air brushed my face as I eased the door open. I stepped into the garden, the faint chirping of crickets filling the silence. My pulse quickened with hope. I was almost there.

The back gate loomed ahead, its iron frame rusted with age. No guards in sight. My chest swelled with relief, a smile tugging at my lips. Just a few more steps and I’d be free.My fingers stretched toward the latch—

“Elena.” The voice cut through the darkness like a blade. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Slowly, I turned. My father stood a few feet away, his eyes colder than death itself.

“W–wha…” My voice faltered. “Where are you going?” His tone was low, dangerous. My lips parted, but no words came out. Fear strangled me. “I asked you a question, Elena.” His jaw clenched, the veins in his temple pulsing with restrained fury.

When my silence stretched too long, he stormed forward, boots echoing against the ground. Before I could move, his hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of my hair. Pain ripped through my scalp as he yanked me backward.

“Papa, please!” I cried, struggling, but he dragged me across the hallway like I weighed nothing. My bare feet scraped against the floor, my arms clawing at his grip. He shoved me into my room, the door slamming behind us. I stumbled, falling hard against the wooden floor. Pain exploded through my hip as I landed, a sharp cry tearing from my throat.

“The nerve of you,” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Trying to run away from me?” Tears blurred my vision. “I can’t… I don’t want this!”

“You don’t have a choice,” he snarled. “You’re getting married, Elena. In a week."

A week. The words echoed in my skull, crushing me. I scrambled forward, clutching his leg desperately. “Please, Papa! Spare me. Don’t do this to me. I’ll do anything, just don’t sell me to him!”

His gaze darkened, his lip curling in disgust. He shoved me off like I was a disease. “Pathetic,” he muttered. “You think your tears matter? You are nothing but a burden to me. At least now you’ll serve a purpose.”

The words sliced deeper than any blade. My chest constricted as hot tears rolled down my cheeks. He turned, his back rigid, and stormed out. The door slammed shut, the metallic click of the lock sealing my fate. I pressed my palms against the wood, pounding weakly. “Papa, please!” But there was no answer.

The sobs I’d fought back for so long broke free. I collapsed to the floor, curling into myself as my cries echoed through the empty room. My throat burned, my body shaking until exhaustion pulled me under. Eventually, sleep claimed me restless, broken, and drenched in tears.

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Adriano’s POV – Outskirts of the City

The night air was heavy with the scent of smoke and leather. My study was dimly lit, the only light emitting from the desk lamp that cast long shadows across the papers I was signing.

“Capo,” a voice said from the doorway. I didn’t look up. “Speak.”

“Boss, we found them,” Lucas, my right hand man , reported. Finally, I lifted my gaze. Lucas stood tall, but I could see the nervous flicker in his eyes. My men feared me. They should. A slow smirk spread across my face. “Good.”

“Shall I prepare the car?”

“Yes.” I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking beneath me. I poured myself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light before I downed it in one sharp gulp. The burn in my throat felt like fire, but I welcomed it.

Lucas bowed his head and turned to leave, but I spoke again. “Lucas.”

He froze. “Yes, Boss?

“Make sure the message is clear. No one crosses Adriano Romano and lives to tell the tale.” He swallowed hard and nodded. “Understood.”

As the door shut behind him, I leaned back, chuckling darkly. Power was a dangerous thing but it was mine, and I wielded it without mercy.

“No one,” I murmured to myself, “messes with Adriano Romano.” The glass clinked against the desk as I poured another drink, the taste of victory already on my tongue.

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