Chapter 2 Devils Incarnate

• As Maya's father stared at her with his piercing green eyes, the same eyes she had inherited from him, she knew she had to tread carefully with her words.
• "Father, I apologize, but I would appreciate a clearer explanation," she said cautiously.
• Before she could finish her sentence, he slammed his hand on the table, causing her to jump in fear. "What more do you need to understand? You're worthless..."
• "Alfredo!" Her mother rushed to Maya father's side and embraced him
• "It's not your fault that you have such a selfish daughter!"
• Maya's heart raced in her chest as she swallowed nervously. For a moment, she feared her father would strike her.
• Her mother guided Alfredo back to his seat and comfortingly rubbed his shoulder.
• Maya lowered her eyes to the table.
• Then, with a look of disgust, her mum demanded angrily, "Look at me!"
• Maya reluctantly raised her gaze to meet her mother's brown eyes, filled with hatred. There was no love for her youngest daughter, who was only twenty years old. If her mother had her way, she would have killed Maya a long time ago.
• "Just take a good look at yourself, Maya. Aren't you ashamed that you refuse to do anything to help your family?" Her mother's voice was filled with anger but then softened slightly. "How would you feel if we all ended up dead, Maya? We're talking about Don Damon here."
• Maya shuddered at the mention of the name. Don Damon, the ruthless leader of the Mafia. Her father was a member, holding the fifth rank. Maya had seen Don Damon twice before, during parties hosted by her father. The Don commanded respect and certainly wasn't someone to be trifled with.
• She glanced at Anna's terrified expression, then up at her mother's, and back down at her father's. He looked like he was on the verge of a heart attack at any moment. Grabbing the pen, she signed the papers and pushed them towards her father.
• Anna stood up from her chair and embraced her father tightly, her arm wrapped around his neck. Her blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, reached her shoulders.
• "I promised you that nothing would happen to you, Anna, didn't I?"
• Anna nodded, and he kissed her forehead before she returned to her seat. Addressing the two maids standing behind her, Alfredo commanded, "Start packing her clothes. She'll be leaving soon."
• Maya's head shot up from her plate. "So soon, father?"
• The old man nodded without remorse. "I don't want to wait any longer. For our sake, we shouldn't keep him waiting. Is it right, Maya?"
• "Father!"
• "Play along. He has to believe you're Anna."
• "She can't, even if she tried," Anna boasted, annoyed that her sister's personality would have any influence on her.
• "I know, princess. It's for your own good," he affectionately squeezed her hand. "Maya, this is the first good thing you've done since you were born. And I'm so proud of you."
• She felt a surge of happiness. For the first time in her life, her father appreciated her. She made up her mind that she would make this sacrifice for her family, no matter the cost. Which, she hoped, wouldn't be much.
• But what was he after? she wondered to herself. Not only had she neglected to read the contract's contents, but she also needed to learn what she was sacrificing. She wanted to grab the paper and reread it, but she was afraid of her father's reaction.
• Suddenly, a servant burst into the room, her face filled with anxiety. "Don is here," she exclaimed.
• Alfredo glanced at Anna and her mother. "Both of you should leave. Don't let him see you," he ordered. "Except for you, Maya." She immediately sat back down.
• Maya felt nervous and, above all, underdressed. The anticipation and fear had caused her nipples to harden even more. Her sweat had also dampened her white clothes, making her body quite visible underneath.
• She hugged her shoulders tightly, knowing that Don would soon be seated at the head of the table. She clenched her fist around her gown, her eyes fixed on the entrance of the dining hall. She could hear footsteps.
• Getting closer and closer, Don Damon entered.
• His presence was intimidating. Despite the lack of cold weather, Maya couldn't help but tremble. His gray eyes met hers, but she couldn't find any emotion in his expression.
• He was dressed in a dark blue suit, left unbuttoned. The shirt collar was neatly folded, but two buttons on the shirt were undone.
• Maya thought to herself, "Neat but terrifying."
• As he looked around the room, his eyes landed on a girl who was staring at him with fear. She was the only other person in the hall besides her father, and he immediately knew she was the culprit. Hatred filled his heart.
• However, he couldn't deny that she was beautiful. Her green eyes were captivating, even though they trembled with fear. His heart grew colder. She didn't know genuine fear yet.
• As his gaze shifted away from her, Maya noticed her father struggling to stand up from his seat. She watched as he respectfully greeted the Don.
• The Don's eyes returned to the girl. She felt a wave of confusion wash over her and lowered her gaze, biting her lip. Remembering her manners, she stood up and bowed, her face to the ground.
• "Is she?" she heard him ask. His deep voice took charge.
• "Yes, Boss," she replied.
• She heard him slowly approach her, and then he pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. He placed his hand on the table, tapping it lightly.
• The girl remained motionless as if frozen in place. He didn't need any more proof that she had leaked the information to the police. The information that had nearly cost him something very important. He was determined to make her pay, no matter the cost.
• But the first thing, he picked up the paper in front of him and saw her signature on it. A smile formed on his face. It was done. He held her life in his hands.
• He glanced up at her, extending his legs while reclining in the seat, "Hey, look at me," he commanded.
• She remained motionless, standing there trembling like a leaf, which only fueled his anger. He despised having to repeat himself, and the sooner she realized it, the better for both of them.
• He rose to his feet, casually walked around the table, and then halted in front of her.
• He forcefully tugged her hair, causing her to gaze up at him, feeling the pain shoot through her scalp as he held onto it tightly.
• She winced, suppressing her tears. Her hands instinctively grasped her hair as he forcefully pulled it down again, forcing her to meet his gaze.
• "I'm talking to you. Look at me!”