Chapter 4

• Luciana led Aria into the dimly lit bedroom, the atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken fears. The room was lavishly furnished, a stark contrast to the grim reality Aria had just escaped. Soft fabrics and elegant decor surrounded her, but the beauty was lost on Aria. She could sense the danger lurking beneath the surface.
• Luciana turned to face her, her expression cold and detached. "You too will get used to all this," she said, her voice devoid of warmth. "When he gets bored with you, he will make you a maid like us."
• Aria's heart raced, her eyes wide with confusion and dread. "What do you mean, ‘like you’?" she stammered, the words barely escaping her lips.
• Luciana's gaze hardened, and she crossed her arms. "We were once brought here like you. He did everything he wanted to do with us. And when he got bored, he made us maids. He does this to every girl," she explained, her tone flat. "That’s why he is the heartless, cruel mafia king."
• Aria felt a chill run down her spine, the weight of Luciana's words sinking in. "I have to leave here," she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. "I don’t want to stay here!"
• Luciana shook her head slowly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pity and resignation. "No matter how hard you try, you can’t escape from here. He will never let you go. Only one death can save you from him."
• At those words, Aria's resolve crumbled. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she struggled to comprehend the bleak reality she faced. The thought of being trapped, of losing her identity, crushed her spirit.
• Luciana softened slightly, her expression shifting as she watched Aria's breakdown. "I know it’s hard to accept," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you must understand this: you’re now his toy. And you are not alone who faces this."
• Aria sank to the edge of the bed, her sobs echoing in the silence of the room. She felt utterly powerless, the darkness closing in around her. Luciana remained standing, a silent observer to Aria's despair, the weight of their shared fate hanging heavily in the air.
• After what felt like an eternity of sobbing, Luciana finally moved closer to Aria, her expression shifting from cold detachment to a semblance of understanding. "We need to clean you up," she said, her voice firm but devoid of malice. "He doesn't want to see you like this."
• Aria looked up, her eyes red and swollen, but she refused to let Luciana see her fear. I am not weak, she thought fiercely, pushing back against the tide of despair that threatened to engulf her. I will not show him my fear. I will fight.
• Luciana gestured for Aria to stand, gesturing toward a nearby bathroom. "Come on."
• Aria hesitated for a moment, glancing at Luciana with a mix of fear and defiance. She knew she had to comply, but the thought of being vulnerable in front of anyone, especially in this situation, was terrifying.
• As they entered the bathroom, Luciana closed the door behind them. The space was small but well-appointed, with a large shower stall and soft lighting that did little to ease Aria's anxiety. Luciana turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until it was just right.
• "Strip," Luciana commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
• Aria swallowed hard, her heart racing. She felt exposed and vulnerable, but she forced herself to comply, peeling off her torn clothes and stepping into the shower. The warm water cascaded over her, washing away the grime and fear that clung to her skin.
• Luciana stood nearby, watching with an inscrutable expression. "Have you ever been with a man?" she asked suddenly, her tone matter-of-fact.
• Aria froze for a moment, the question hitting her like a punch to the gut. "No," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve never... been with anyone."
• Luciana nodded, as if this information was expected. "Good," she said, her voice softening slightly. "It’s better that way. It gives you some power in this situation."
• As Aria continued to wash herself, Luciana stepped closer, helping her with the shampoo and conditioner, her hands gentle but efficient. Aria felt a strange mix of gratitude and discomfort at the woman’s touch, but she focused on the warmth of the water and the need to regain her composure.
• Once Aria had rinsed off, Luciana handed her a towel, her expression serious. "You need to look your best. He’ll expect it."
• After the shower, Luciana guided Aria back to the bedroom, where she laid out a selection of clothing—a fitted dress that accentuated Aria’s figure but was still modest enough to maintain her dignity.
• "Put this on," Luciana instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. As Aria slipped into the dress, she felt a mix of vulnerability and strength. She was determined not to let this situation define her.
• Luciana helped her with accessories, adding simple but elegant jewelry and brushing Aria’s hair until it fell in soft waves around her shoulders. "There," Luciana said, stepping back to assess her work. "You look beautiful." Aria met Luciana's gaze in the mirror, her heart pounding.
• Luciana leaned in close to Aria. "Just do whatever he says. He won’t hurt you if you comply, but if you resist, he won’t hesitate. Be careful."
• She pushed open the door, revealing a lavish bedroom with dark decorations. A king-size bed dominated the space, where the mafia king lay half-naked with another woman.
• Aria’s eyes widened in shock. She clenched her fists, anger and humiliation surging within her.
• The king smirked, his gaze locking onto Aria. "Ah, a new arrival. Come closer, darling."
• Aria hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to flee, but she stood her ground, refusing to show weakness. I will not be a pawn, she thought fiercely, her heart pounding in her chest.
• Luciana gave her a subtle nod, a silent reminder to comply, but Aria’s resolve was stronger than her fear. She took a step forward, her chin raised defiantly, even as her insides twisted with anxiety.
• "Welcome to my world," the king continued, his gaze assessing her like a predator sizing up its prey. "I hope you’re ready for what’s to come."