All Chapters of Claimed By The Mafia King : Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

I learned a long time ago that bruises disappear.It's the memories that never do.When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the long crack stretching across the stained ceiling above my bed. It seemed wider than yesterday, as if the house was slowly giving up.Some days, I felt like doing the same.I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling while the dull ache in my body reminded me of last night. My ribs hurt every time I breathed too deeply, and my left cheek was still swollen from where my father had struck me.I gently touched the bruise and winced.Another day, another reminder.A loud bang echoed through the house."Ava!" He barked like a raging dog."You'd better not still be sleeping!"I hurried out of bed, ignoring the pain shooting through my body. I couldn't afford to make him angry this early in the morning.Standing in front of the old mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. My brown hair was a tangled mess, my eyes were dull from too many s

I didn't sleep.I couldn't.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw my father's face.Not the face from my childhood, the one that used to lift me onto his shoulders and promise everything would be okay, no.....The face from last night.Cold.Empty.Willing to trade me to save himself.The morning sunlight slipped through the torn curtains, but it brought no comfort.I sat on the edge of my bed, still wearing the oversized sweater that hid the fading bruises on my arms. My head throbbed from all the crying, and my stomach churned every time I remembered Lucian Ashford's final words."You'll hear it tomorrow."What offer could he possibly have?And why must it be me?A loud knock echoed through the house.I flinched.Another knock followed, firm and deliberate.My father was already awake. I heard his hurried footsteps crossing the living room before the front door creaked open."Can I help you?" he asked, his voice unusually polite.A deep, calm voice answered."I'm here on behalf of Mr.

I woke to the sound of birds singing outside my window.For a moment, I didn't know where I was.The bed beneath me was softer than any bed I'd ever slept in. Sunlight poured through the curtains, warming the room with a golden glow.Then I remembered.Lucian's estate.The police.My father.Everything that had happened yesterday rushed back at once.I sat up slowly, expecting the familiar ache of fear to settle in my chest.Instead... Nothing There was only silence.And the realization almost made me cry.A gentle knock sounded."Miss Carter?"Evelyn's voice."Yes?""Good morning. Breakfast will be served in thirty minutes. I brought you a few clothes. I wasn't sure what size you preferred, so I chose several options.""Thank you."She stepped inside carrying neatly folded outfits."I'll leave them here. Take your time."After she left, I stared at the clothes spread across the bed.A cream sweater.A pair of light blue jeans.A simple floral dress.Nothing flashy.Just warm, mutual

“That would be $7 and 99 cents." I handed the woman her pastry."Thank you.” She left.I sigh before turning to the large window in the cafè.It's been three weeks since my dad tried to sell me.It's been three weeks since I started staying at Lucian's house.Crazy how my life has changed in a span of a few weeks.I looked at the tilted black car across the cafè."No.” Lucian simply stated."No? But I want to go to my cafè, it's my job.”“Then quit it." He said as he flipped a document.I blinked.“What? I can't just quit my job. I love my job." He glanced at me before going back to the document.“Ava, going outside isn't safe and plus you don't need to work." I folded my arms.“You can't just keep me here." He still looked at the document unbothered.“I have a life too." He sighed before dropping the file to look at me.That's when I noticed how good he looked with glasses.Then again he looks good in everything."So what are you implying?”"Allow me to go to work. I can't sta