[Book 1] Stella and her father had no choice but to move in with her Uncle Timo, in New York, in refuge, after witnessing her mom's murder, as a child. She feels a connection to her Uncle, but his responsibilities as the leader for one of the largest Mafia families, in the East coast, keep him distant. Years later, Stella, is desperate to escape the life she never wanted to take part in. But soon her life takes a turn for the worst when her world is once again turned upside down. In the midst of her sorrow, guilt and pain, she finds herself conflicted with growing affection, towards her best friend, JP. JP has only ever wanted Stella to be happy, even if it means not being in her life. But he's carrying secrets he knows will shatter her. JP's overbearing father, feeds into his already growing uneasiness, with not knowing how he will fit into Stella's life, as his responsibilities as a soldier in her Uncle's family continue to grow. Secrets will be exposed, and betrayals will be made. **Book 1 of For The Empire Series** Content Advisory: Mature themes, course language, violence, explicit sexual content © 2020 LJRae Highest Rank: #1 Mafia Stories 7/3/2021 #4 in Deception 5/29/2022 #12 in Sadlovestory 5/29/2022