Chapter 3

[ ARIA’S POV ]

The next morning came far too fast. I hadn't really rested; my mind was stuck on a loop, replaying every look that happened between me and Luca, how he pressed me to the wall demanding for wifely duty then later tell me how disgusting I am and how he would never touch a strand of my hair. I sat on the edge of the bed for a few minutes, just breathing, trying to get my head straight. This place wasn't going to wait for me to catch up. I had to learn how it worked, and I had to do it now.

A soft knock at the door broke the silence.

"Come in," I said.

The same woman from yesterday walked in with her usual calm expression. "Good morning, madam."

I gave a small nod. "Good morning."

"There are things you should know," she said, stepping further into the room.

I turned to face her fully. "Like what?"

She hesitated, seemingly weighing her words. "About the house. It has routines. Breakfast and dinner are at fixed times, and you’re expected to be there." She paused, her eyes darting toward the door for a split second. "And there are areas you aren't allowed to enter. Some doors stay closed for a reason."

My mind immediately went back to the night before, the dark hallway and seeing Luca. "I won't go there," I said quietly.

She watched me for a moment, almost like she knew I’d already wandered. "Good. And one more thing: don't walk the halls at night. It isn't safe."

"Not safe how?" I asked.

She didn't give me a real answer. She just backed away and said, "That is all you need to know."

I got dressed slowly, moving with a new kind of caution. Downstairs, the dining room was mostly empty except for a few people. Luca was at the head of the table, buried in some papers. He didn't look up when I sat down in my usual spot.

A plate was set in front of me, and this time, I didn't hesitate. I just ate quietly, trying to blend into the background.

"Don’t ever sit opposite me again. Do you understand me?," Luca said suddenly.

I froze for a second before looking up. He was watching me with deadly eyes. "I'm sorry," I replied.

"pathetic ," he said flatly.

I just nodded and went back to my food. As the others talked about business and deals, I listened differently this time. I looked at who was speaking and who was staying silent, trying to figure out the hierarchy. It was becoming clear that this house didn't just run on rules, it ran on power. And I had none of it.

When breakfast ended, Luca stood up. "Walk with me."

I followed him out of the room. We walked through the halls in silence until he stopped and turned to face me.

"You need to understand something," he said. "This family doesn't forgive mistakes easily. You're already a complication."

"I didn't choose to be here," I said softly.

"I know," he replied. "But you are here. Which means you either learn how to fit in, or you won't last at least till my pain woman is back."

It was a simple, final ultimatum. He didn't wait for a response before turning and walking away, leaving me alone in the hallway. I realized then that surviving wasn't just about dealing with Luca. It was about surviving the entire family, and whatever secrets this house was keeping behind those closed doors.

I stayed where Luca left me for a second, letting his words sink in. You don’t last. He hadn’t said it like a threat; he’d said it like he was reading a weather report. Just a cold, hard fact.

I took a slow breath and started walking. I wasn't ready to go back to my room and hide. If I was going to survive this place, I couldn't spend my life staring at the four walls of my bedroom. I needed to know the house, or at least the parts I was actually allowed to see.

The hallways were quiet but never truly empty. Staff members passed me with quick steps and lowered eyes, pretending I wasn't there even though I could feel their curiosity. Everything in this house felt intentional, every door, every piece of furniture, like nothing was ever out of place by accident.

"exploring?"

A voice said and I look back, it was the same woman from early. She started to approach me with a soft smile. One thing I know is she’s one of the regulars in Luca’s circle. She seemed friendly enough, her voice sweet and welcoming.

"You look a bit lost, Aria," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Why don't I show you around? This house is a maze, and you really shouldn't be wandering alone."

I felt a rush of relief. Finally, someone being kind. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that."

We walked through a few halls, her pointing out paintings and rooms, chatting effortlessly. But as we turned a corner, I realized we were back in the hallway Luca had just warned me about. Before I could say a word, she grabbed my arm and shoved me hard.

I stumbled through a doorway, my feet tangling as I went down. My knee hit the hardwood floor with a sharp, sickening crack.

"What are you doing?" I gasped, clutching my leg as I looked up at her.

The sweetness was gone. Her face was twisted with a pure, ugly hatred.

"You think you deserve him?" she spat, stepping toward the threshold. "Luca is mine. You think you can just show up here and take what belongs to me, you bitch? Tell me!"

"I didn't—"

"Shut up." She backed out and slammed the door shut. The lock clicked.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart hammering. I spun around, expecting to see some kind of torture chamber or something dangerous hidden in the dark. Instead, I froze.

The room was quiet. Dim. And every single inch of the walls was covered in pictures.

It was the same woman in every shot. Some were candid, some looked like they were taken from a distance. It was like stepping into someone’s obsession.

"What the hell are you doing in here?"

The voice came from the doorway. I didn't even have to turn around to know it was Luca. And he sounded like he was ready to kill.