The Mafia King's Bargain

A gunshot cracked through the hallway, the sound ricocheting off the walls. The man stumbled, dragged forward by two suited guards. His pleas spilled out in broken sobs. "Please.... I just need more time. I'll pay it back, I swear." The guards ignored him. They shoved open a door, revealing a body sprawled across the floor, eyes frozen wide in terror, blood pooling beneath him. The sight stole the man's breath, a silent warning of what awaited him. He was hurled inside. The door slammed shut. His legs trembled, but he didn't dare move. Escape was useless. Fate had already locked him in. "Martin Hayes." The cold voice made Martin lift his head. His eyes met the man standing in front of him, wiping blood from his hands. He tossed the towel aside, and one of the men quickly handed him a lit cigarette. He took a slow drag, then blew out the smoke. Martin's fear grew with every second. The room was dim, and he could barely see the man's face, but the aura around him was enough. It w

The car slowed as they reached the gates. Without anyone touching a thing, the tall iron doors slid open with a low hum. Julian's breath caught. Cameras blinked red from the shadows as the car rolled through. They drove for what felt like forever. Tall trees lined the narrow road, their branches stretching overhead, shutting out the sky. The deeper they went, the quieter it became. No city sounds. No lights. Just the crunch of tires on gravel and the heavy truth that there was no turning back.Julian sat stiffly in the back seat beside Adrian, his hands clenched tight in his lap. He stared out the window, his chest tightening when the trees finally parted.The mansion rose before them, massive and dark, built of stone and glass. Soft lights glowed from tall windows, spilling across wide steps. It wasn't flashy, but it was overwhelming—too big, too silent, too powerful. It didn't feel like a home.Julian swallowed hard. This wasn't a house. It was a world of its own. And he had just b

Julian stood under the tree, waiting. He had managed to sneak into his home unnoticed, gather his hidden savings and a few clothes, and slip out. As he left, he felt a pang of sadness staring at the house one last time. But he didn’t regret it. He only wished his father and sister would finally live an honest life without him. The lake shimmered under the moonlight, and Julian’s mind drifted back to the day he first met Valeria here. She had been lying on the grass, basking in the sun, looking so beautiful. He had fallen for her instantly, though he never would have dared approach her if fate hadn’t intervened. A thief had snatched her purse, and while others ignored her cries, Julian had chased the man down and retrieved it. That moment had changed everything. She had insisted on taking him out to thank him, and from there, their love story began. She had always loved him despite his broken life, always supported him, always dreamed of him breaking free. Now, finally, that dream

Julian stood among the group of people gathered at Valeria’s funeral. Her body had just been laid to rest. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks as he stared at her gravestone. His heart was filled with pain. The atmosphere was heavy and gloomy, and the few people present all had tears in their eyes.Silently, Julian made a vow—to make her killer pay dearly for what he had done.Just then, a woman walked up to him. ''Julian, right? Valeria’s boyfriend.'' She said gently.Julian quickly wiped his tears. ''Yes, ma’am.''''I worked with her at the library.'' The woman continued. ''She talked about you a lot. It was clear to everyone that she loved you deeply. You brought so much joy into her life. Because of you, I got to see her truly happy.''Julian felt his chest tighten at her words.''Thank you for giving her those happy memories.'' She added softly. ''And… my condolences. She was such a bright young woman with a pure heart. I know she’s in a better place now.''Her words touched Juli

Randy took Julian to the pool in the backyard. The moment they got there, he spread his arms wide and said. ''Wooo… it feels so good out here.''Julian could only smile faintly, still wary.''Let’s sit.'' Randy said, lowering himself onto a chair while Julian reluctantly sat on another.''Wanna know what would make this night better?'' Randy asked.Julian raised an eyebrow. ''What?"Randy laughed and brought out a metal bottle of alcohol. He took a sip, then held it out toward Julian.Julian waved his hand. ''No, thank you. I don’t drink.''''Come on, Julian. Just a sip. Trust me.'' Randy grinned.Julian hesitated, then reluctantly took a small sip. His face scrunched up instantly. Randy laughed.''See? Not so bad.'' Randy said, taking the bottle back.''I… I really don’t want more.'' Julian said.Randy laughed. "If you take some more I'll let you off for the night."Julian laughed and replied. "Please, Randy. No more."Randy pouted his mouth, looking sad. "Please, Julian. Just to cel