Chapter 1

THE MAFIA BOSS’ FIRST MISTRESS

CHAPTER 1: THE GOLDEN CAGE

Eliesse’s POV

I looked out the window. From the second floor of the mansion, I had a clear view of the enormous garden surrounded by towering walls. Three men dressed in suits were walking around the property, each carrying a radio and wearing serious expressions. They looked like emotionless statues, constantly watching their surroundings as if they were expecting someone to break into the mansion at any moment.

One month. Thirty days had passed since the day Zavier Castellano walked into our small living room. Thirty-one days since the last time I saw my parents.

I took a deep breath and glanced around the luxurious bedroom where I was currently staying. It had a massive king-sized bed covered with expensive pillows, and the mattress was so soft that lying on it felt like resting on a cloud. I had my own walk-in closet filled with brand-new clothes, from elegant dresses and casual outfits to expensive shoes that came in my exact size. There was an enormous smart TV, a private bathroom with a jacuzzi, and every kind of skincare product a woman could possibly want.

Anyone looking at my situation from the outside would probably think I was living like a princess. But the truth was, I was nothing more than a prisoner who had been given a beautiful cage.

I still couldn’t forget my last night at home. After Zavier had a brief but straightforward conversation with my parents, my entire life changed in a matter of minutes. I could still remember what he told Papa while standing in the middle of our living room, holding an envelope containing several documents.

“Your daughter’s safety is compromised, Attorney Sarmiento. My son’s stupidity has put a target on her back. People at the university, the media, and even our business rivals are starting to look into her. If she stays here, your laws cannot protect her from what comes next.”

Zavier promised to clean up Romano’s mess. He would have the video erased from every corner of the internet, remove anyone responsible for spreading it from the university, and provide additional security for my family. However, there was one major condition. One condition I never expected, and one that completely changed the direction of my life.

To silence the university scandal and protect my reputation once and for all, Zavier took an extreme but effective measure. The very next morning after that meeting, an official statement was released by the Castellano Group of Companies to the media and the university administration: Anneliesse Sarmiento was officially declared the first mistress of Zavier Castellano.

The announcement struck the entire campus like a bolt of lightning. In an instant, the malicious scandal surrounding me was given an entirely different narrative. The video that had circulated everywhere was quickly removed from every platform, and the rumors were replaced by fear. The people who had once laughed and whispered whenever I passed through the hallways suddenly fell silent. After all, who would dare insult or gossip about a woman who was supposedly going to marry the most powerful man in the city?

Because of that announcement, I didn’t have to drop out of university. I remained enrolled, although my studies were temporarily transferred to a special online arrangement requested by the Castellanos for my security while I stayed in the mansion.

If not for what Zavier had done, I wouldn’t even be graduating on time. If I had transferred to another university or temporarily stopped studying, achieving my dreams would have been delayed. I wanted to become like my parents, respected lawyers who had built their reputations through years of hard work. I still hoped I could earn that same respect despite the scandal that had nearly destroyed my future.

“Please don’t hurt my daughter,” Mama had begged him through her tears while holding me tightly. “Please, Mr. Castellano.”

“She will be safe, Mrs. Sarmiento. You have my word.”

That was all Zavier had said before taking me away. And just like that, Mama and Papa had no choice but to let me go.

And he was right. I was safe here.

Romano was nowhere near me, especially after his father had sent him abroad as punishment for what he had done. Or was it really punishment? Perhaps Zavier was simply keeping his son away from a possible lawsuit.

No students came looking for me, either. There was no one inside this mansion except me, the household staff, and the armed guards stationed around the property.

As for Zavier, he wasn’t here. During the very same week he brought me to the mansion, he left for Europe to oversee a major business expansion. According to his men, he would be staying there for quite some time. Perhaps several months, or maybe even a year.

Part of me was grateful that Zavier was away. His presence alone was enough to make me nervous, so knowing that he was in another country gave me a little room to breathe. But at the same time, his absence constantly reminded me of how quickly my position in life had changed. From being a victim of bullying, I had suddenly become the fiancée of a powerful man, living inside his mansion like some possession that had been placed in a cabinet until its owner decided to return.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Ma’am Eliesse? Your lunch is ready downstairs,” Manang Celia called from the other side of the door.

She was the oldest housekeeper in the mansion and had been assigned to personally look after me. I had grown comfortable around the household staff because they were genuinely kind, not simply because someone had ordered them to treat me well. They never made me feel unwelcome, and I appreciated that more than they probably realized.

“All right, Manang. I’ll be right down. Thank you,” I replied as I straightened my simple white dress.

I walked out of my bedroom and followed the enormous hallway. The floor was made of expensive marble that gleamed beneath the chandeliers. Every corner of the mansion screamed wealth and luxury, but to me, every beautiful detail was another reminder of the agreement that had saved me from humiliation.

When I reached the large dining room, several dishes had already been prepared. There was shrimp soup, fried fish, and an assortment of fresh fruits. It was far too much food for one person.

I took my seat at the far end of the long dining table.

I always felt lonely whenever I remembered the simple lunches I used to share with Mama and Papa at home. We would talk about their cases, my university classes, or whatever interesting things had happened during our day. Sometimes, Mama would remind me to eat properly while Papa would tell me stories about his work. Those ordinary conversations had once been part of my everyday life.

Here, the only sounds I heard were the occasional clinking of my plate and spoon.

“Manang, have you heard anything about Zavier? I’d like to speak with him about visiting my parents,” I asked while placing some rice on my plate.

Manang Celia looked at me with a hint of sympathy in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am Eliesse. You know Sir Zavier’s orders. You’re not allowed to use the internet or any cellphone that could connect you to the outside world, except for the device provided for your online classes. I haven’t received any news about him either. Before Sir left, he made sure your parents were doing well. I know you miss them. Our men are also keeping an eye on them to make sure nobody bothers them.”

I simply nodded and forced a small smile.

I already knew the rules. Their so-called protection also meant controlling my communication with the outside world. As far as my university classmates were concerned, I hadn’t disappeared because I was afraid of facing them. I was simply staying under the protection of my powerful “fiancé” while completing my degree.

After lunch, I decided to take a walk around the garden. It was the only place where I could feel the warmth of the sun and enjoy the fresh air without constantly staring at the walls of my bedroom.

I approached the rose bushes and gently touched one of the flowers.

“When will this finally end?” I whispered to myself. “I want my freedom.”

For an entire month, I had been asking myself that same question every night before going to sleep. How long would I have to remain in this mansion as Zavier’s pretend fiancée? What were his plans for me when he finally returned from abroad? Why had he used his own name and reputation to protect someone like me? I never imagined that this was how he would settle the debt created by his son’s actions.

I had no answers.

All I knew was that nothing in the Castellano world came free. Every favor had a price, and I was terrified of what Zavier might eventually ask of me when we came face-to-face again and I was expected to fulfill the title he had publicly given me.

After all, his son was the one who had caused this entire mess in the first place.

I sat on a bench beneath a mango tree and watched the leaves sway gently in the breeze. Despite everything that had happened, I noticed that the shame I had felt during the previous month was slowly beginning to disappear. Zavier’s announcement had erased the stain on my reputation and replaced it with the power of his surname.

But my hatred for Romano hadn’t disappeared.

If he thought he had completely destroyed me, he was wrong. The Eliesse standing here today was no longer the same frightened girl who had cried in front of the Guidance Counselor. I was now protected by the very man who happened to be his father.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I noticed an expensive black car entering through the mansion’s massive gates. It wasn’t one of the usual security SUVs. This one was more polished and luxurious, with two escort motorcycles leading the way.

My heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Someone had arrived.

Could it be Zavier? I had been told he would be staying in Europe for quite some time, but why was there such an elaborate arrival today?

I stood up and slowly approached the thick bushes, hiding behind the tall leaves so I could see who would step out of the vehicle. The car stopped directly in front of the mansion’s main entrance, and one of the guards quickly approached to open the rear passenger door.

A man stepped out.

Even from a distance, I immediately recognized his posture.

It wasn’t Zavier.

It was Attorney Marcelo, the Castellano family’s personal lawyer and right-hand man. He was responsible for handling many of the company’s legal affairs and had accompanied Zavier on the night he visited our house.

I released a quiet breath of relief when I realized that the older Castellano hadn’t returned. But why was his lawyer here?

I watched as Attorney Marcelo was greeted by Leo, the head of security at the mansion. They exchanged a few words before entering the house together. I couldn’t help wondering whether his visit had something to do with me. Perhaps there were new instructions from Europe regarding my current arrangement.

I hurried toward the mansion’s back entrance and slipped through the kitchen so the other staff members wouldn’t notice me. I wanted to know what was happening. I made my way toward the study room, where the family usually received visitors for official matters. The door was slightly open, leaving just enough space for me to hear their conversation if I moved closer.

I leaned against the wall beside the entrance, carefully making sure I didn’t make any unnecessary noise.

“I already spoke with Mr. Castellano this morning,” Attorney Marcelo said. His voice was serious and formal. “He wants to know how his fiancée is doing here at the mansion.”

“Ma’am Eliesse is doing well, Attorney,” Leo replied. “She’s quiet. She spends most of her time in her bedroom attending her online classes or walking around the garden. She hasn’t caused any trouble or attempted to escape. She follows all the rules.”

“That’s good to hear,” Attorney Marcelo said.

I heard the sound of a glass being lifted, followed by a brief pause. He must have been drinking some water.

“She needs to remain safe, and nothing concerning the previous scandal should resurface. The official announcement identifying her as Mr. Zavier’s fiancée has successfully silenced the university, but our political opponents are still looking for another angle. If they discover that there’s another story behind this relationship, they might use it against the family.”

“I understand, Attorney Marcelo. Security is tight throughout the entire perimeter. Nobody can approach this property without our knowledge,” Leo assured him.

“One more thing,” the lawyer continued. “I brought some documents that need Eliesse’s signature. They concern the financial support provided to her family and the formal paperwork regarding her new status as the boss’s fiancée. Mr. Zavier wants to make sure the Sarmientos won’t experience any difficulties while he’s away.”

I continued listening, but their conversation eventually shifted to the mansion’s logistics and budget. Since I didn’t want to get caught eavesdropping, I slowly stepped away and returned to the living room, pretending I had just come in from the garden.

I sat on the sofa and stared into space, trying to process everything I had heard.

Fiancée.

The word that had supposedly been used to save me was slowly becoming something much more official, with legal documents to support it.

A few minutes later, Attorney Marcelo emerged from the study room, followed by Manang Celia. When he noticed me sitting in the living room, he stopped walking and gave me a slight bow of respect.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Sarmiento,” he greeted me.

“Good afternoon, Attorney Marcelo,” I replied as I stood up from the sofa.

He approached and placed a high-quality leather folder on the glass table.

“I’m here to deliver several important documents from Mr. Zavier Castellano. These are intended for your protection and well-being while you remain here as his official first mistress in the eyes of the public.”

I stared at the folder.

“What are those documents for?”

He opened it and showed me several pages bearing official legal seals.

“These are the documents that formally establish your connection to the Castellano family, including confirmation that the Sarmiento family has already received financial assistance for their law firms. This is to ensure that their livelihood and business operations won’t be affected by the recent announcement. In addition, these documents contain the arrangements for your continued online classes at the university until your graduation.”

My eyes moved toward the signature at the bottom of one of the pages.

The letters were large and unmistakable.

It was Zavier’s signature.

Even on a piece of paper, I could feel how much control he had over the situation.

“Do I need to sign these?” I asked.

“Yes, Ms. Sarmiento. Your signature will confirm that you agree to the conditions of the protection being provided to you and acknowledge the role Mr. Zavier has publicly assigned you. Don’t worry. Nothing here will place you in danger. The only thing the Castellano family expects from you is your cooperation and discretion while your fiancé is away.”

I picked up the sign pen he offered.

For a moment, I stared at the line where my name was supposed to be written. During the past month, I had thought of countless ways to put my life back together, but I never imagined that the father of the man who had hurt me would be the person responsible for restoring my dignity at university.

If signing these documents would ensure that my family would never have to cry or feel afraid because of the previous scandal again, then I would do it.

With trembling fingers, I signed the papers.

Afterward, I handed them back to Attorney Marcelo.

“Thank you, Ms. Sarmiento. I’ll have these delivered to Mr. Zavier immediately. If you need anything for your studies or anything else, you can inform Manang Celia, and we’ll find a way to arrange it. I will relay your message to him,” he said before taking his leave.

When I was finally alone in the living room, an overwhelming sense of exhaustion washed over me. I sat back down on the sofa and rested my head against the backrest.

A month had passed since the announcement that I was officially Zavier Castellano’s fiancée became public knowledge on campus. The scandal that had destroyed me was finally over, all because of one powerful name.

And now, with my signature on those documents, I had officially accepted the new role that had been given to me.

The afternoon passed, and eventually, night arrived. After another dinner that was just as quiet as lunch, I returned to my bedroom.

I opened my laptop and checked my student portal. There wasn’t a single negative comment about me on the university forums. Every post concerning the scandal had been deleted. In their place were messages filled with respect, curiosity, and fear because of my new status.

I also received an invitation to our graduation ball.

I wanted to attend, but I was afraid. Besides, I would need to ask Zavier for permission first.

Would he even allow me to go?

I stepped onto the balcony to look at the night sky. There were so many stars, yet somehow, they seemed incredibly far away.

I leaned against the railing and allowed the cold breeze to brush against my skin. For the first time in an entire month, I felt as though I was slowly accepting my circumstances here. The fear I had experienced during my first night in the mansion had gradually been replaced by a strange sense of peace. Perhaps it came from knowing that the scandal that had ruined me had finally been silenced by the power of the man everyone believed to be a mafia boss.

I didn’t know whether those rumors were true, but something inside me told me they probably were.

Even Romano couldn’t reach me here because of the protection provided by his own father. Still, I knew this arrangement was only temporary.

The real challenge would begin when Zavier returned from abroad.

He was the man who owned this mansion, the title I now carried, and the agreement I had just signed. He held the key to my golden cage.

I stared into the darkness beyond the mansion walls. One month had passed since my world had fallen apart. Now, I was slowly rebuilding myself inside this luxurious prison while continuing my education.

I didn’t know when I would be allowed to leave or when my engagement on paper would finally come to an end. But one thing was certain. When the day came that I stood face-to-face with Zavier Castellano again, I would no longer be the weak and frightened girl he had left behind in this mansion.

I would learn to play his own game.

I took one final deep breath before returning to my bedroom, closing the balcony doors, and locking them.

Under the protection of my powerful guardian, I went to sleep without fear, waiting for whatever future awaited me when he finally returned from abroad.

A soft knock interrupted the silence of my bedroom while I was sitting on the edge of my bed. I took a moment to compose myself before walking toward the door.

When I opened it, Manang Celia was standing outside. She had a gentle smile on her face as she looked at me.

“Is there anything else you need before going to sleep, dear?” she asked kindly.

I smiled and shook my head.

“Nothing else, Manang. Thank you.”

She was about to leave when I suddenly remembered something and called her.

“Manang…”

She turned around.

“Is there something I can ask you to do for me?”

“Of course, dear. What is it?”

I hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Could you please tell Attorney Marcelo… and ask him to relay a message to Zavier? I’d like to attend our graduation ball.”

Manang Celia nodded.

“I’ll pass the message along. Is that all? Do you need anything else? A dress? Shoes? Anything you might need if Sir gives you permission?”

“Only if he allows me to go. Thank you, Manang.”

She smiled before finally leaving.

After closing the door, I sat down on the edge of my bed again. I didn’t know whether my message would even reach him, much less whether he would agree to my request. We didn’t have a real relationship. I was simply someone he had brought into this mansion, and he was the one who had the final say over everything I was allowed to do.

But it was our graduation.

After that night, we would probably go our separate ways. The people I had spent several years with might become nothing more than distant memories.

I wanted to be with my classmates. I wanted to attend the celebration with them, take pictures, laugh together, and create memories we could look back on someday. Even if it was only for one night. Even if it was the last opportunity I would ever have to spend time with them.

I wasn’t asking for something impossible.

I was simply hoping he would allow me to go.

I quietly looked toward the window.

I wished that, just this once, he would let me live like an ordinary university student. Just one night when I wouldn’t have to think about anything else except saying goodbye to the friends who had been part of the best years of my life.