Blood Ties And Forbidden Love

Chapter 1: A Damsel In Distress

A group of college students embarked on a class assignment that led them to a picturesque home in the countryside. As they arrived, they were immediately captivated by the breath-taking beauty of their surroundings.

Rolling hills and vibrant greenery enveloped the countryside house, casting an aura of timeless charm and serenity.

The house itself stood as an elegant two-story structure, seamlessly blending rustic elements with sophisticated design. Its exterior boasted a delightful combination of locally sourced stone and warm, earth-toned wooden panels, creating a harmonious fusion with the natural landscape.

Welcoming the students with open arms, a woman in her thirties emerged from the house, clutching a tea towel in her hands. With a warm smile, she extended a heartfelt "Welcome" to the young visitors, inviting them inside. As they entered, the interior of the house revealed a treasure trove of framed pictures, showcasing cherished memories and moments frozen in time.

The woman turned towards the group of students, her comforting voice reassuring them, "He'll be down in just a few moments." Her words eased any lingering concern as the students busied themselves setting up the recording equipment.

Soon after, a man in his Eighties entered the room, his face adorned with a gentle smile. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you," he greeted them warmly, exchanging handshakes with the eager students.

One of the students stepped forward and politely asked, "Could you state your name for the record, please?"

The old man leaned in slightly, his eyes filled with a lifetime of experiences. "Preston Marshall," he replied with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

The student hesitated before posing a more delicate question, "And if I may ask, you used to be part of a significant crime family, correct?"

Preston's expression remained unchanged as he nodded. "That I was," he admitted, a mixture of gravity and acceptance present in his tone.

Slightly scratching his neck, the student continued, "Would you be willing to share with us your experiences during that time? We're fascinated to hear your story."

A flicker of contemplation passed through Preston's eyes as he settled into his seat, a cup of tea placed gently beside him. "To do that justice, I'll have to start from the very beginning," he replied, ready to embark on a journey through his past, eager to share his tale with the attentive students.

Year: 1945

Preston POV:

My early years weren't lacking in excitement, kid. My old man, he was a respected enforcer for one of the most feared mafia families in the city. And my ma? She had her way of getting things done as a hostess in a swanky joint.

Growing up, I stuck close to my sister. We caused our fair share of trouble, you know? But that all changed when my old man got caught in a hail of bullets, a hit from a rival gang. That was the day everything turned dark.

See, turns out my father wasn't just a cop, but a dirty one at that. He had his hands in the pockets of every crook in town, lining his own pockets. Corruption ran deep in those days, and my old man was knee-deep in the muck.

Once the truth came out, the shame and grief hit our family like a ton of bricks. I couldn't take it no more, couldn't bear the weight of that tarnished name.

So, I did what any self-respecting kid with a fire in his gut would do, I ran away. I enlisted in the army, kid. Figured it was the only way to escape the shadows of my past. Joined up with my unit.

And we hit the road, fighting in battles and seeing things that would make your head spin. But in that chaos, I learned how to deal with loss, how to stand tall in the face of danger.