Chapter 2 The Night That Shattered Everything

• Alessia's POV
• I danced happily to the bear of the loud music in the club. It felt so good not to be stuck behind the iron gates of my father's estate. I had snuck out the chance I got and ran to meet Ella. I had no responsibilities or at least, I could pretend not to have.
• Ella took my hand and twirled me around. “See? I told you this would be fun!”
• I laughed, my long dark hair whipping around me. “My father would kill me if he ever found out I came here.”
• Ella waved me off, a mischievous grin on her face. “Relax. It’s not like he’ll find out. You deserve this, Alessia. You’ve been cooped up for too long.”
• Nodding, I allowed myself to get lost in the moment. The lights and the crowd and the freedom, it was intoxicating. But I was still plagued by the feeling that someone was monitoring me.
• Then I saw him. The tall handsome man at the bar looked right at me with piercing gray eyes. He had a sharp jawline, and a tailored suit that made him stand out in the crowd.
• He wasn’t like the typical guys who tried to win me over. He smiled, and the moment our eyes locked, my chest tightened.
• For a fleeting second, the bustling room seemed to vanish leaving just him and me.
• Ella leaned in, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. “Well, well, looks like someone has your attention.”
• Heat rushed to my cheeks as I quickly averted my gaze. “I wasn’t…”
• “Don’t even try to deny it,” she teased, nudging me encouragingly. “Go talk to him! Life’s too short to let moments like this slip by.”
• Before I could object, Ella gave me a firm push toward him. I stumbled awkwardly, only to find myself steadied by a pair of strong hands.
• “Easy there,” he said. “You alright?”
• That desk voice sent sparks down my body. I glanced up, mortified, my cheeks blazing. “I’m fine. My friend thought she was being clever.”
• He chuckled, a low sound that made my pulse quicken. “I’d say she has a knack for good decisions.”
• Flustered, I managed a small laugh, unsure how to respond. “I’m Alessia,” I finally said, hoping to regain some composure.
• “Dominic,” he replied smoothly, extending his hand.
• There was a slight pause before I placed mine in his. His handshake was firm, his touch sending a subtle jolt through me.
• The butterflies danced in my stomach as he spoke again making it virtually impossible to look away. “Let me buy you a drink,” he offered.
• “All right,” I answered in a softer tone than I intended, smiling like a fool.
• Dominic placed his order at the bar and handed me a glass with a soft smile.
• He leaned comfortably against the counter and said, “Tell me, Alessia, why are you here?"
• I pretended not to know and shrugged. “I wanted a bit of fresh air. You?”
• “Business,” he answered simply.
• “Huh? In a club?” I asked, arching a brow.
• He slowly sipped his drink, his expression unreadable as he answered. “You'll be surprised where a lot of business deals happen.”
• I chose not to push for more, though I was still curious.
• I laughed as we continued talking through the night. I felt a spark of electricity every time we touched.
• “Do you want to get out of here?” he whispered, leaning closer. I felt his warm breath on my neck and without thinking twice, I nodded.
• He led me out of the club to his car.
• “Where are we going?” I asked curiously, as he opened the door for me.
• He flashed a smile at me, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. “Someplace where we won’t be interrupted.”
• I felt a jolt of excitement move through me as I slid into the car.
• The drive was quiet, until we got to the penthouse. I held his hand as he led me in.
• The large door windows gave a clear view of the city.
• I followed him to the bar, watching him fill out glasses with wine and he gave me a glass.
• I sat on the soft leather couch, and he joined me. His piercing gaze meeting mine and without a warning, the kiss came.
• I didn't pull away, enjoying the moment. His lips were firm, demanding, drawing me in with a fervor that made my heart race.
• His hands gripped me tightly, pulling me closer, as though he couldn't bear the thought of any distance between us.
• I moaned into his lips as he kissed me, my clothes falling off my body. He carried me to the bed in his arms. I melted with every touch and released myself to him.
• Waking up to an empty bed, I felt alone staring at the cold room. I slowly sat upright, feeling sore and I raised the sheets to see blood stains.
• Where was he? My eyes caught sight of a folded note on the bedside table. I picked it up, opening it with trembling hands and began to read.
• “Last night was fun. Let’s do it again sometime. I'll have the maids send in your pay.”
• Who the hell did he think he was? Did he take me for a whore?
• My breathing became hard as the words struck me like a slap. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, and a bitter knot rose in my throat.
• I smashed the notes in anger and hastily put on my clothes while typing a desperate message to Ella with shaking hands. Pick me up now. I had to get back before my father realized I was gone.
• The drive to the mansion was suffocatingly quiet, broken only by Ella’s occasional worried glances. Her concern did little to calm the storm raging inside me.
• I shivered when we got to the gates. The memory of my escape the previous evening brought a smile to my face.
• I waved Ella good-bye and exited the vehicle.
• With my heart racing, I snuck in the front entrance and walked carefully down the corridors.
• Something felt wrong. The house was too quiet.
• “Papa?” I called out softly, my voice quivering as it echoed into the silence.
• There was no response.
• I quickened my pace, scared. My breath froze when I stepped into the main living room.
• Blood. It was everywhere.
• “Oh God,” I whispered, clutching the doorway for support.
• “Papa!” The scream tore from my throat as I stumbled toward him.
• My father lay motionless on the floor with his dead eyes fixed on the ceiling above.
• I noticed Marco slump against the wall, his hands pressed to his abdomen trying to stop the bleeding.
• “Marco!” I screamed.
• “Alessia…” he rasped, the sound barely audible.
• I dropped to my knees beside him, tears streaming as I clutched his hand. “Marco, what happened? Who did this?”
• His breaths were shallow, every word a struggle. “They…came for Papa,” he said, his voice faltering. “You need to leave. Change your name. Stay away from here.”
• “No,” I cried, shaking my head.“I can’t leave you. I won’t…”
• His grip tightened weakly, his eyes pleading. “Please, Alessia. Promise me you’ll stay away.”
• His fingers went limp in mine and his eyes closed as he let out his last breath.
• “No, please, Marco. Open your eyes. Brother!” I yelled, crying, begging him to wake up.
• All of my life was gone in one cruel moment.
• I’ll find them, I vowed silently. Whoever did this, I’ll make them pay.
• The buzz of Marco’s phone pulled my attention. I cleaned my tears and picked it up with trembling hands. The screen revealing a chilling message from an unknown number:
• “They’re coming for Alessia.”