𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄

𝐈 - 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐞

(TW- Mentions of violence and sexual content)

I'm paralyzed in shock.

The events that occurred in the last hour seemed a little too thick to digest.

I snuggle further into my pillow to recount what had just happened hoping to comprehend this time.

Papa had just got back from a six-day trip. I'm not sure where he went to, I hadn't gotten the chance to ask yet. What I do know is, the trip definitely displeased Mama.

On his arrival, Mama and I rushed down to welcome him, and soon after, they both left for their room. Mama has been yelling at him ever since.

My inquisitiveness was killing me because if it were thirty minutes before, I wouldn't have been able to picture her and my father at a cross.

Just as I was about to give up on respectfulness and go inquire, I heard a knock on my door before it swung open. I was greeted with a remorseful-looking papa and a saddened, crying mama. Seeing Mama in that state made my heart ache and I quickly rushed up to my mother and enveloped her in a hug while quietly asking what was wrong but she seemed too struck to talk.

I gave my father a questioning glance and he said in almost a whisper, "I have something to tell you carino, please sit"

Although very confused, I led Mama to my bed and sat beside her. My dad sat on the chair at my desk and sighed, I could sense the hesitation in his form though it lasted below a second.

"You're getting married, Princesa," he said quickly and I just stared. I heard Ma quietly sob beside me.

I was very bemused and gave him a questioning look.

"I was in Columbia for business, I met with my associate in a cafe and soon after he left, a man came up to me and insisted I follow him else he'll shoot. He had pointed a gun a little below my torso, unnoticeable to the eye of the indifferent people around. I took a glance around wondering where the hell my bodyguard was. Unable to find him, I was about to pull out my gun but the man moved quicker and pulled it out from my back pocket before I got to it. I was confused and too slow to act. Left with no other option, I obliged and followed him. Outside, there was a van in which two other armed men, dressed alike with the man leading me, stood waiting. They led me in, blindfolded and tied me up and then I was taken to an undisclosed location. a warehouse, strategically surrounded by at least two dozen armed men. The two men dragged me in and abruptly let go resulting in my harsh landing on the hard floor" he said rubbing his knee through his suit pants.

"Luckily for me, they didn't waste time torturing me. They said they brought me for a simple meeting when I inquired" he continued and I attentively listened hoping to grasp his point

"They led me to their boss, that kid. I am indebted to him. Obviously, not cash cause then it won't be a problem. I owe him my life. He saved me once, when I was in the hands of the Albanian mafia a few years back, a few seconds till death, he intercepted. Just at the right moment, he came in and killed the man who was previously seconds from blowing my brains away. Their boss gave me two options. He demanded something, he demanded to have you as his wife or else he'll take away my life. He even made a snark comment about how ironic it will be for him to take my life after once saving it" I listened as he narrated without interrupting.

"That kid, what an inane and half-witted proposal. And the worse part? I have no idea how it came about or why he seemed to be so interested in you. I tried to ask but he seemed ignorant to say" I sensed his apologetic tone.

Finally able to muster a word, "W-who?" I stammered.

"Lo siento, querida" {I'm sorry, darling} he paused. "It's Adriano Milano, don of the Italian mafia. You'll be meeting him in two days to discuss the marriage." He said, saddened as he pulled me up to hug me while giving me a kiss on the cheek. He then, led Mama out of my room, her still sobbing as they left.