Chapter 3

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Lia sat in her old room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of home. But now, everything felt different. The walls seemed to close in around her, a suffocating reminder of the life she was being forced to leave behind.

Her father's words offered little solace as he enveloped her in a comforting embrace. "Hey princess, everything is gonna be okay," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Tears welled up in Lia's eyes, her heart heavy with grief and anger. "I don't wanna go. Why do I have to go? I don't know him!" she cried out, her words a desperate plea for understanding.

But her father's response offered little comfort, his own sorrow mirrored in his eyes. "I'm so sorry, but if you don't go, they will kill us," he replied, his words heavy with regret.

Leaving her parents behind, Lia felt a sense of betrayal gnawing at her insides. She hugged her mother tightly, her heart breaking with each passing moment.

The drive to her new home felt like an eternity, each passing mile a stark reminder of the life she was leaving behind. As they pulled up to the massive mansion in suburban New Jersey, Lia's breath caught in her throat.

Stepping out of the car, Lia was greeted by East, his presence a mixture of nerves and uncertainty. He was dressed casually, his demeanor relaxed yet guarded.

"Hey, what's up? Come in," East greeted her, his voice warm despite the tension in the air. He took her luggage, his movements smooth and confident.

Lia couldn't help but be taken aback by the sheer beauty of the house, its grandeur leaving her speechless. "Your house is beautiful," she murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.

East nodded, a hint of pride shining in his eyes. "You live here now too. Moms picked it out," he explained, his tone tinged with resignation.

As they stood in the foyer, Lia felt a sense of unease settle over her. But as East handed her an American Express card and a Cartier ring box, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

"Your safety is my priority now. And here, I wasn't sure what kind of ring you like, but I hope this will do for now," East said, his words a silent plea for forgiveness.

 And here, I wasn't sure what kind of ring you like, but I hope this will do for now," East said, his words a silent plea for forgiveness

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Overwhelmed by his gesture, Lia accepted the ring with a shaky laugh. "Oh my god, it's beautiful. Thank you," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.

With a final word, East left for his meeting, leaving Lia alone with her thoughts. As she explored her new surroundings, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her. This may not have been the life she had imagined, but it was hers now, and she was determined to make the best of it.

As East sat across from his father in the dimly lit office, the weight of their conversation hung heavy in the air like a thick fog. Frank's question cut through the silence, pulling East back to the present moment.

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