Dark Silk

Chapter 1 - A Day Shrouded in Shadows

                                                                                  VALENTINA

The morning sun stretched its golden fingers through the curtains, coaxing me from the realm of dreams. Another day in the labyrinth of the city awaited, its promises and perils dancing on the edge of my consciousness. I slipped into the familiar routine I did everyday, the soft hum of the cityscape providing the backdrop to my mundane existence. Looking at my figure in the mirror as I scan the outfit I choose.

The ensemble exuded an air of timeless sophistication and contemporary elegance. The black dress, a seamless blend of classic silhouette and modern flair, clung gracefully to the wearer's form. Crafted from luxurious fabric, it accentuated my feminine curves while maintaining an understated allure.

The dress boasted a modest neckline, creating a tasteful balance between demure and captivating.

Complementing the sleek dress was the latest Louis Vuitton bag, an exquisite embodiment of luxury and style. The bag's structured silhouette added a touch of modernity, effortlessly blending with the sophistication of the dress.

With each step, the wearer exuded confidence and grace, a silhouette of chic fashion that seamlessly merged the timeless allure of a black dress with the contemporary glamour of a Louis Vuitton masterpiece.

"Valentina, don't forget your father has an important meeting today." Maria, our housekeeper, chimed as I descended the grand staircase. Her words carried an unspoken weight, a reminder of the clandestine dealings that defined my family's legacy.

"Thank you, Maria," I replied, my voice echoing in the cavernous foyer. Each step resonated with a sense of duty, an obligation to a name that carried both prestige and infamy.

The breakfast table bore witness to a scripted exchange of pleasantries with my father, Vincenzo Rossi. His stern gaze and cryptic smiles concealed the machinations of the Underground Mafia, a world that danced at the periphery of my understanding.

"Valentina, my bella, I trust you'll represent the Rossi name with grace today while you venture around." my father remarked, a veiled command disguised as paternal affection.

I nodded briefly, to avoid any further conversation with him. He was my father but I didn't fancy him, so demanding and arrogant. He was the root of all my problems.

"Will you be attending the Winter Hall Gala in a few days dear?" A faint voice behind me asked.

"Yes mother I will." I replied

"I will set up an appointment with the designer." She stated

"Ok." I replied.

I took the opportunity to walk out of the room before I was asked any more questions.

The city beyond our opulent residence seemed oblivious to the secrets that clung to my family like a lingering scent. As I stepped into the sleek black car awaiting me, the urban panorama unfolded as we drove away from the gated community which only my family and workers resided in—a tapestry of towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and the ebb and flow of lives entwined with shadows.

The day unfolded in a series of orchestrated meetings I had no interest in being in, a masquerade of power and influence. My father's world, a labyrinth of allegiances and betrayals. He was the head of The Underworld Mafia, a prestige organisation or so the world believed. Everyone always fell to his feet, from strangers, to his workers, to my mother and siblings. I refused to fall on my knees for any man let alone my father, his role in the organisation he holds so dearly to his heart. So close he put it before his family in every occasion and situation. Thus my reasoning for remaining distant, I chose to navigate with a practised disinterest.

After the meetings I called a car to take me to my favourite local cafe a few minutes away. I needed time to unwind after today. We pulled into the car park of the cafe.

"I'll only be a few minutes Rogger." I told my driver.

As I exited the car and approached the double doors of the cafe, the brown coffee bean logo dipped into the cafe as I pushed the door inwards.

"Can I have a Venti double shot espresso with steamed milk." I told the barista.
"I'll call your name once your order is finished." She said.

I walked over to the other side of the island when I saw someone through the window, staring at me. He looked so familiar to me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I shrugged assuming he was another guy who was hypnotised by my looks.

"Valentina!" The barista called out.

I grabbed my cup from her, sliding her a tip of one hundred dollars before heading to the door.

It was only as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, that reality shifted. A sudden chill pricked the air as I stepped out of a seemingly innocent café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering in my senses. Before I could comprehend the abrupt shift, a pair of strong arms encircled me, and a cloth drenched in a sickly sweet scent pressed against my mouth.

"Stay quiet, Valentina," a voice, laced with determination, whispered into my ear. The world blurred, and the last vestiges of consciousness slipped away, leaving me ensnared in a darkness that echoed with the distant echoes of the city's secrets.

And just like that, the mundane day I had begun with held a promise of intrigue and danger.