Chapter 1: Torn in Between

Sophia

My hair was yanked back painfully from behind, forcing me into an awkward position on my knees. But that wouldn’t stop me from pleading.

“Please! Please, I’m begging you, don’t do this… he’s already hurt. We just need time. Just give us some…”

Yelp.

The sharp sound of impact rang in my ears. It took me a second to realize who the attack came from—and who the victim was.

Me.

He had just slapped me.

I swallowed the bitter taste of pain and humiliation, knowing that if I said anything else, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to receive just a slap. My breath came in shallow gasps. Each exhale was a desperate attempt to steady myself. My knees burned against the rough ground. My legs trembled, as though the weight of the moment might crush me entirely. “My father is in a coma. If you harm him again, he won’t survive it,” I thought, clinging to the only leverage I had.

“Do I look concerned? You’ve got some nerve if you think you can bargain with me.” His voice was low, calm—and far more terrifying because of it.

A dark bandana hid half his face, leaving only his cold, unblinking eyes visible.

His eyes. Sharp. Calculating. Empty. Like someone who waits for weakness to bloom before crushing it.

I looked away quickly. They held unspoken stories, none of which I wanted to become part of. Dressed entirely in black, he stood before me with quiet confidence—not loud or wild, but controlled. Like someone who never doubted his power.

And I was at the mercy of it.

The silence in the abandoned warehouse stretched endlessly. Fat, hot tears slid down my cheeks, stinging the skin that had already endured too much. I stayed still, praying this nightmare would end.

How did I get here? Why is nothing working out for me?

“You’ve had your chances,” he continued smoothly. “Time’s up. What do I look like, a charity?”

He tapped the cold metal of his gun against his chest once, almost thoughtfully, as if amused by the idea. Then, with casual menace, he added, “I don’t chase people. I wait. And they always crawl back.”

I whispered, “No,” barely audible, unable to move my head because of the tight grip in my hair.

The man behind me tightened his hold in warning. Pain shot through my scalp.

This is spiraling. I have to fix this.

“Anything,” I forced out. “I’ll do anything. Just don’t hurt them. Please.”

My voice cracked. Desperate. Raw.

“Anything?” he repeated, tilting his head slightly as if studying me.

I hesitated. My chest tightened. This wasn’t just about me—it was about my family. Then I whispered, “Yes.”

I closed my eyes, bracing myself for something worse than humiliation. But this wasn’t about me. It was about my family.

My hair was yanked back again, forcing me to meet his gaze. My wrists burned against the ropes tied tightly behind me.

After a long pause, he clicked his tongue softly.

“I know what you can do for me.”

One of his men brought him a steel chair. He dragged it across the concrete floor, the screeching sound echoing harshly in the empty space before sitting down slowly—comfortably. Like he had all the time in the world.

“What’s wrong?” he mocked lightly. “Regretting your decision already? I don’t give second chances, sweetheart.”

I forced myself to breathe evenly.

Stay strong.

“I have an offer for you,” he said, resting the gun casually across his thigh.

My entire body ached. Sweat trickled down my temple. I lifted my chin slightly, refusing to completely break.

“But it’s not about what you want anymore. It’s about what I want.” His tone hardened. “And you’ll do it. Because if you don’t…”

He lifted the gun—not aggressively, but deliberately—and pointed it in my direction.

“Your whole family pays for it.”

My heart stopped.

“No. Please.”

“I’ll do it,” I rushed out. “Whatever you want.”

“Good.”

He signaled one of his men, who handed him a file. He opened it calmly.

“Have you heard of Blackwood Enterprises?”

How could I not?

“Yes,” I answered weakly. I couldn’t see it, but I could feel a chilling smile tug at the corner of his mouth.

“I have an assignment for you.”

My stomach twisted.

He gestured, and the man behind me finally released my hair. I coughed, dragging in air.

“This,” he said, holding up a single sheet of paper, “is a contract I need the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises to sign. And you’re going to make that happen.”

“H-How?” I stammered.

“That’s not my problem. Just get hired there, then get close. You’ll earn his trust.” His eyes darkened. “And you’ll make him sign it.”

My heart pounded violently.

“He’s not careless,” the man added. “He reads everything. But I believe you’re capable. Or replaceable.”

“Earn his trust,” he continued, “and once he signs, your parents’ debt disappears. I forget this ever happened.”

His boot tapped impatiently against the floor.

“Is that clear?”

I swallowed hard.

Before I could respond fully, he stood.

“You have one month.”

My eyes widened.

“That’s not enough time,” I said quickly. “Getting hired alone could take weeks. Please—give me more.”

He studied me for a long moment, gripping the gun tightly.

“Two months,” he said finally. Still impossible.

“Lucky for you, the position will be vacant soon,” he added. “If you fail before your deadline…” He paused, his gaze steady. “You already know the consequences.”

My blood ran cold.

“Now,” he said calmly, folding his hands. “Shall we go over the details?”

How do I survive this?