Prolouge

Alessandra

When I walked into the room, all eyes were on me. James linked his arms through mine, and we walked further into the room.

“Ah, the guest of honor has arrived. Ms. Cole, we are truly honored that you chose to join us this evening,” Mr. Grant said, shaking my hand.I heard my name, and when I turned around, there he was, Zane Anthony, and beside him was Cathleen Colton. My hatred for him hit me all at once, full force; it took everything in me not to make a face. When she saw me, I saw the anger in her eyes, but I ignored her.

I ignored him and carried on. During dinner. Mrs. Grant kept me in conversation. Jamea was on my right, and beside him was Zane; Cathleen was beside him.

“So Alessandra, is this your first time in Chicago?” Melinda Porter asked.

“No, I was born and raised here,” I said casually. I turned my attention back to the young lady beside Mr. Grant.

“Well, Alessandra, now that you're here, be prepared to fend off the bachelors,” she said with a laugh that caused the other women to laugh also.

“Oh, that won't be necessary; I am already engaged. My fiancé is back home preparing for our wedding.”

“Congratulations, now you need to start a family,” Mrs. Peterson, I believe her name was, said.

“Oh, we already have a son. Well, I have a son. He's five years old. Mathew is an amazing stepfather.”

The entire table heard the shattering of a glass. All eyes turned towards Zane. The champagne glass was in pieces in his hand, and blood had begun staining the white tablecloth.

I turned back to my food and continued eating; he was no concern of mine. Later that night, James dropped me back at my house. He looked worried.

I returned to Chicago one week ago. It had been five years since I left this place, since I put my past behind me. Since that fateful day that Zane destroyed my world. James was a model coworker.

“I wonder why Mr. Arreas reacted like that,” he murmured, and I paused. What did he call Zane?.

“Who?” I asked, fully confused now.

“Kian Arreas. Billionaire, tycoon. Leader of the underworld. "You know, Mafia boss," he said casually as if the words he just uttered didn't just make my stomach churn.

“What?” my voice barely a whisper.

“Kian Arreas. Well, his father, Victor, was head of the Arreas Empire, but he died about five years ago, to be precise. Sometime in September, Kian took over. Everyone knows they are the Mafia, but somehow there was never any proof. Anyway, I'll see you at work tomorrow," he said, getting back into the car and driving off.

I hurriedly ran into the house and straight to the washroom and began throwing up violently, my body shaking. I…. I had been in love. I had been in love with a Mafia boss. I slept with him. The thought made me throw up more violently, to the point of crying. He killed Candy; I called him a murderer, and that was who he was.

I was startled by the doorbell. I didn't bother washing my face; I walked to the front door in a daze, and when I opened it, he was standing there. His green eyes were still piercing. He walked in, slamming the door shut with his foot.

“What is your name?” I asked, but he didn't answer me.

“What is your fucking name?” 

“Kian Arreas,” he said, his voice cold and emotionless. And my world fell apart again.

“Did you have my child?” He asked.

"You're a murderer, not just for killing Candy, but you're a liar, manipulative, and deceitful, and I fucking hate you. I despise you. I was pregnant, but you said to get rid of it, so I did. I never want to see your disgusting face ever again. Now get the fuck out of my house and stay the hell away from me.”

I walked over to the door before I could open it. He grabbed me, pushing me against the wall. His hands closed around my throat.

“Go ahead, killing me won’t make a difference. "It's normal for you," I managed to say, and he let go of me. He stood looking at me, then opened the door and walked out without a word. 

I sank to the floor and let the tears consume me. My mind drifted back to five years ago.