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Chapter 3

When I was done, he leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. “And your family?” he finally asked.

“I have no family members. “ I informed.

“No one?”

I shook my head slowly.

"I had an accident in the year 2016 and I had a memory loss. No one came to the hospital to see me. It was in the hospital I met Anna, my best friend. Her family paid my hospital bills. I stayed with them for three years before I moved out from their place. ”

“what is the name of the hospital?” he asked, his voice was calm but serious.

My brows furrowed. “Why do you need to know that?”

“Just answer,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

I swallowed and told him the name. He nodded slightly, as if making a mental note.

“How old are you?” he asked next.

“ Ughm.... I'm not sure, but I think, twenty-one.” The words slipped out before I could stop myself, and then, out of habit, I quickly added, “And you?”

My eyes widened in shock at my own question. Heat rushed to my face and I squeezed my eyes shut in embarrassment.

This is not a date, Rosalina!

When I opened my eyes again, there was a small glint of amusement in his gaze. Maybe I was imagining it because, just as quickly, his face went cold again.

“I… I’m sorry. That just came out,” I mumbled nervously.

He only hummed, leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable. When he didn’t answer me right away, my chest tightened. I forced myself to ask, “Am I safe here? Will you even help me? Because my friend said those people are so dangerous that even the police are scared of them.”

“You are safe here, Roselina.” His voice was calm, almost too calm.

“But how? Even the police are afraid of them. Are you… stronger than them?” I realized too late how foolish my question sounded.

“Yes. They can’t touch you here.”

“Why not?” I whispered, confused.

“Because there is only one name they fear….the Romano Mafia.”

Romano Mafia? The same one Anna had warned me about. The most powerful mafia across the States.

Wait… what?

I froze as I stared at him.

My pulse quickened.

“W-who are you? And where am I?”

A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

“I’m Christopher Romano. Leader of the Romano Mafia. And this… is my estate.”

My stomach dropped. “N-no… this can’t be real.” I stumbled back as my eyes widened with panic.

I had walked straight into the devil’s lair.

I dashed toward the door and yank at the handle, but it wouldn’t budge. It was locked.

My heart pounded as I turned around.

“Let me out!” I cried. “Please, open the door!”

“I told you that you are safe here,” he said firmly. “I don’t break my promises.”

I shook my head wildly with tears stinging my eyes.

“I don’t believe you. Please… just let me go.”

He sighed, almost bored.

“Step outside, and they will track you down before you make it ten minutes. You will be dead before the hour ends.”

His words stopped me cold.

My breath caught. If I leave I will die. But if I stay… can I really trust him not to hurt me?

I pound the door with my fists. “Please! Open it!”

A sharp exhale came from behind me. Suddenly, his hand clamped around my wrist, pulling me back. My spine hit the door as I gasped, staring up at him in terror.

His eyes look into mine, cold and unyielding.

“I said you are safe here. That is final.” His tone was low, edged with warning.

A chill spread through me. My voice trembled. “I don’t trust you…”

He tilted his head slightly. “I’m the only reason you are still breathing, Rosalina. I gave my word and I don’t go back on it.”

My eyes blurred with tears. “Please… just let me go,” I whispered, my voice “Where do you think you will run to?” he asked, his voice calm but sharp.

“I…I don’t know,” I admitted quietly with my throat dry.

He studied me for a moment, then stepped back and called, “Sean.”

The sound of a lock clicked, and the door creaked open.

My heart leapt. Was he… letting me leave?

I quickly moved aside as a tall man entered with his expression blank, almost robotic.

“Sean,” Christopher said smoothly, “show her to one of the guest quarters downstairs.”

“Yes, sir.” Sean’s voice carried the same emotionless tone.

“What?” I blurted out.

Is this man being serious right now? I told him I wanted to leave, so why are they showing me the guest room?

“No! I’m not staying here.”

Christopher didn’t even acknowledge me. “Take her away, Sean.”

Sean motioned with his hand. “This way, ma’am.”

“I’m not staying here!” I yelled with my voice shaking with defiance.

Christopher’s jaw tightened as his dark eyes lock on me, and for a second I thought he might explode. Sean gave me a bewildered look, like I had just broken some unspoken rule.

Christopher’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous murmur as he said to Sean, “Fine. let her leave.”

Sean hesitated. “Sir… are you certain?”

Christopher's head snapped toward him, his glare enough to silence any further questions. Sean lowered his gaze.

“Of course, sir. I will do as you have commanded.”

To be continued