Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Mena

No, this couldn’t be true.

Alessio Fanucci didn’t just use me as a scapegoat.

My eyes were wide open as everyone’s attention turned towards me. I was never a big fan of the spotlight, and somehow I got involved in this mess.

The whispers, the gasps, the murmurs–the attention was suffocating, and so was Alessio’s grip around my waist, pulling me closer.

I was lost, caught up in Alessio’s twisted game that I didn’t understand, let alone wished to play. All I could do was stand there, glued to my spot as fear crashed over me.

My plan for the night was to avoid the Fanuccis and the Baldinis.

Obviously that didn’t work out.

“Jimena” Alessio locked his eyes onto mine, giving me a look that was enough of a warning that I couldn’t this up

1 gulped, wondering what kind of nonsense would be leaving his mouth next.

“The words you said to me last night, you were right, he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. As far as I was concerned, I hadn’t said a word to him

This was a nightmare, it had to be.

“It isn’t fair to keep two women by my side. That’s why I’ve decided… I choose you. I will marry you, Jimena,” Alessio’s words were loud enough to make sure no one in the crowd would miss it.

Before I could react. Alessio brushed his lips near my ear and his voice dropped to a whisper. “Play your part, or I’ll kill you” The threat left his mouth so easily.

Achill ran down my spine, as he dug his fingers in my waist. “This is the part where you smile,” he said through hissed teeth.

Forced by fear, and the thought of Natalie, I plastered a fake and shaky smile on my face. Alessio Fanucci wasn’t someone anyone wanted to test.

“No!” The scene was interrupted by a loud voice belonging to non other than Domenico. “This is not going to happen, not on my watch!” the man lunged forward, but before he could take another step, his wife halted him with a stretched arm.

She whispered something into his ear, which made him look at the crowd and shut up. It was probably something along the lines of, don’t embarrass the family!

Domenico’s lips were pressed into a tight line

Meanwhile, Alessio grabbed my hand and led me through the parted crowd, We had almost reached the door when we were stopped in our tracks by Leonardo Baldini.

“Ales… His eyes burned with anger, but just like Domenico, he was trying to keep his cool.

“You’re messing with the wrong family, Alessio,” he warned. “It would be pitiful to start a war over this, he added, whispering the last part.

“Sir… Leonardo, you know what would be truly pitiful?” Alessio replied. “You, embarrassing your daughter by not stepping aside. If it weren’t for you, we could have made a clean exit by now”

Rather than feeling intimidated, Leonardo nodded with a sheepish smile on his face. In that moment, I could see true evil behind his eyes. He didn’t have to say anything, just that look was enough. You didn’t had to tell me that this man was nicknamed Lion, because I felt it. His dark

presence.

A shiver went through me as his eyes met mine, still nodding his head, all the way until Alessio pulled me out of the ballroom.

I did not have a say in any of this, and unfortunately had to accept as he maintained his strong grip while escorting me out of the mansion.

My heart pounded against my chest, I was scared for my life, didn’t know what would happen–and then I got pushed into the car with an insistent

force.

Without a word, Alessio slid into the driver’s seat. It took last than a second for him to bring the engine to life, and as the car sped away, I knew I couldn’t escape,

12:00 PM

Chapter 8

I was hit by the harsh reality of my situation. I was alone in a car, with Alessio Fanucci, not knowing where the hell he would take me. Somehow I had managed to fasten my seatbelt before closing my eyes, hoping he wouldn’t crash the car.

My life was dangling by the thinnest thread, and that thread was in Alessio’s hands.

“W–Where are we going!” I stammered.

If I would make it out alive, there was only one thing left to do. I would take my daughter and run.

“We’re going to your house. Type in your address,” he demanded coldly. “Now.”

With trembling hands, I struggled to type in the address. It was an easy task, a simple request, but I couldn’t do it. Not in this panicked state.

Why would he want to go to my place!

“Why are you shaking? Are you stupid or something?” Alessio snarled, his voice making me flinch.

Get it together. Jumena.

*1–I’m sorry!” I stuttered repeatedly, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm my shaking hands.

After calming down a bit. I finally managed to enter my address.

“Good job Alessio chuckled sarcastically, giving me a long side–eye.

Instantly, I looked down to my knees. That way

by I didn’t have to look at him or hopefully talk to him..

I only raised my head once the familiar buildings of my neighborhood came in sight. I felt a sense of safety, holding on to the tiny bit of hope that maybe he wouldn’t kill me.

the car outside my apartment complex, and I didn’t know how fast to unbuckle and reach for the door–only to find out it had

Alessio stopped the car been locked

“Someone help!” I cried out, slamming my fist onto the glass. Imb being kid-

My screams were muffled by Alessio’s hand covering my mouth. My head felt dizzy, and I stared at him with big eyes, thinking this was going to be

it

The moment he would shoot me

I had escaped Anson, only in the end to get killed of by the Mafia.

“If I knew you w

were this absurd.” Alessio squinted his eyes, looking at me as if I was the crazy one. “I would’ve picked another maid.”

Absurd!

“Can I trust you to stay quiet if 1 remove my hand“”

I nodded, my gaze pleading for him to remove his hand, and he did. A wave of embarrassment washed over me, realizing how ridiculous I looked.

*From now on you’re my fiancee until further notice, and my fiancee should live with me. Don’t talk, don’t ask questions. Just obey,” he spoke clearly. “When you come to the mansion tomorrow, I’ll expect to see you in your casual clothes, and with your suitcases“.

What about Naty?

Did I not had a say in any of this?

My hands went numb, thinking about the time he had specifically asked me if I had a daughter.

I told him no.

because I didn’t think it was any of his business, but now I had only made it worse f

worse for myself.

He most likely didn’t do a background check because he had already created an image of me in his head. A soft, fragile girl, who wouldn’t dare lying to a Fanucci.

Although he told me not to speak, he looked at me as if he had expected an answer, “T–I–L”

“Iye–lye–lye.” Alessio shot me a half smile, finding amusement in the situation. He turned halfway to get a better look at me, and I beld back my breath.

12.00 PM ·

Chapter 8

Jimena,” he suddenly brushed a finger against my cheek. “If there’s something I know, it’s the look of someone who’s about to me over–and it’s not going to happen.”

Terrified, Ljerked my head from side to side. “No, I wouldn’t

“You know what. A driver will be here at nine to take you to the mansion, Alessio decided, his finger still near my cheek. “Don’t even think about running away. I will find you, and it would be a shame to waste that pretty face of yours.

Overtaken by fear, I nodded again, letting him know I took in his every word. Then he unlocked the car and waved me off, just like he had done when I had cleaned his room.

“You can go now.” he said as if this was a casual, and miatual meeting between two friends. “Sweet dreams, Jimena.“

I stumbled out of the car and walked inside of the complex without looking back, gasping for air.

I had no idea about what had just happened, but one thing

certain. I had to leave

He was a monster who didn’t know about my child, a dangerous man who had created a delusional image of me. The fear that he would find out terrified me. I was in deep trouble, and escape was my only hope.

For Natalie, for myself.

I had to get away.