✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

Chains of Duty

A loud crash echoed from the living room, followed by Risa's mother's sharp voice cutting through the air. "Where is Risa?"
Risa's amusement faded, replaced by a flicker of anxiety. "Uh-oh," she muttered, glancing toward the open doorway.
"That sounds serious." Noah caught the look on her face and set the cookies down. "Should we...?"
Before he could finish, Risa was already sprinting toward the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. She found her mother, a striking figure in an elegant tailored suit, pacing like a lioness in her den. Servants stood awkwardly, shifting their weight, avoiding eye contact.
"Mom, aren't you supposed to be coming back in two days?" Risa asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. 
Ignoring her question, her mother stepped closer, her piercing gaze landed on Noah, her expression shifting from confusion to disapproval in an instant.
"Risa, come. We need to talk," she commanded, her tone brooking no argument.
"Yes, I'll be right back," Risa replied, her voice strained as she gestured toward Noah.
Her mother's eyes narrowed. "No. One of the drivers will take him home." She waved her hand dismissively at one of the servants, who immediately nodded and disappeared.
"Noah, wait—" Risa started, but her mother's glare silenced her.
"Now, Risa," her mother said, leading her down the long corridor to her study, the heavy doors closing behind them with a resounding thud.
Inside, the room was dimly lit, filled with antique furniture that spoke of power and legacy. "Sit," her mother commanded, her expression stormy. Risa sighed as she sank into a plush chair, her fingers gripping the armrests.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" her mother began, her voice rising in pitch.  "I've arranged for you to meet with Marco Romano today."
"Marco Romano?" Risa's heart plummeted. "You mean the mafia prince? No. Absolutely not."
"Listen to me!" her mother shot back, her patience wearing thin. "Since your father's death, your uncle has been plotting to take over our business. We are not safe, Risa! You need to marry Marco to protect what your father built!"
Risa felt her chest tighten. "But I don't want to marry anyone, let alone a mafia prince! I'm not a pawn in your game!"
Her mother stepped closer, her voice lowering to a fierce whisper. "You think this is just about you? This is about our entire legacy! Since your father died, I've been fighting to keep the business alive. Your uncle is ruthless, and if we don't act now, he will destroy everything."
Risa's breath caught, a mix of anger and fear swirling inside her. "So, you want me to just give up my life and marry some guy to protect your ambitions? What about what I want?"
"Risa, you're being selfish!" her mother's voice cracked with emotion. "You're all I have left. I need you to be strong. This isn't just about marriage; it's about survival. If you refuse, he'll come for everything—our wealth, our status, our safety."
The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of her mother's words pressing down on Risa. "And what if I don't love him?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Love?" Her mother scoffed. "Love doesn't matter in our world. It's about power—who holds it and who protects it. You have to understand that."
Risa's stomach knotted, the reality of her life crashing down on her. "So, that's it? I just have to accept my fate? I won't do it!"
"Risa!" Her mother's voice rose again, but there was a tremor of desperation behind it. "You don't understand! This is bigger than you or me. This is about protecting our family, our legacy. You have to marry Marco. You have to!"
A surge of defiance welled up within Risa. "I will not be your pawn!"
"Enough!" Her mother slammed her palm down on the desk, the force of it rattling the papers. "You will meet him tonight at dinner. It's already arranged."
"Tonight?" Risa echoed, dread pooling in her stomach. "I won't."
"Risa, you will do this," her mother insisted, her voice gaining strength. "You have no choice. You're going to protect our family, whether you like it or not."
Risa felt the walls closing in, her world narrowing to this unbearable moment. "This isn't fair!" she cried, her voice wavering. "Why can't you let me decide my own future?"
 "Because it's not just your future!" her mother shouted back, her frustration boiling over. "It's the future of our entire family! The business, our safety... everything!"
Risa clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought back tears.  "I can't do this. I won't marry someone I don't love."
Her mother stepped back, her expression shifting from anger to something resembling fear. "If you don't, we'll lose everything. Your uncle will take control, and I will lose you too."
The weight of her mother's words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Risa shook her head, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.  The silence hung between them, charged with unspoken words. Risa turned, her heart pounding as she fled the study, the weight of her mother's expectations heavy on her shoulders.

 As she reached the entrance hall, she grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling as she texted Jess.
*I need you. Now.*
The reply was instant: *On my way.*
 Risa sank down onto one of the plush sofas, her mind racing. She had to think of a way out of this mess, a way to reclaim her life. But as she sat there, the looming threat of her uncle and the pressure of her mother's demands felt like a noose tightening around her throat.
Moments later, the door swung open, and Jess strolled in, her usual carefree demeanor fading when she saw the distress on Risa's face. "What happened?"
"Everything's a disaster," she breathed, the tears finally spilling over.
"My mom wants me to marry a Marco Romano." Marcus's eyes widened.
"What? Risa, you can't just—"
"I know!" she interrupted, her voice rising in frustration. "But she doesn't care what I want. It's all about the business and power. I feel trapped!"
"Okay, okay. Let's figure this out," she said, sitting down next to her. 
"But how?" she asked, wiping her tears away. "I don't even know if I can fight her."
"You're Risa Anders. You've always fought. We just need a plan."
 As they talked, Risa found her resolve strengthening. She couldn't let her mother dictate her life. With Jess by her side, she began to hatch a plan, a way to confront not just her mother but the very life that had been laid out for her. But even as hope blossomed, the looming threat of her uncle's ambitions lingered in the shadows, a reminder that freedom came at a price. 
"I'm taking control of my life." And with that, she knew the real battle was just beginning.