Chapter 2

The Night That Shattered Everything

Alessia's POV

I danced happily to the beat of the loud music in the club. It felt so good not to be stuck behind the iron gates of my father's estate. I had snuck out the chance I got and ran to meet Ella. I had no responsibilities or at least, I could pretend not to have.

Ella took my hand and twirled me around. "See? I told you this would be fun!"

I laughed, my long dark hair whipping around me. "My father would kill me if he ever found out I came here."

Ella waved me off, a mischievous grin on her face. "Relax. It's not like he'll find out. You deserve this, Alessia. You've been cooped up for too long."

Nodding, I allowed myself to get lost in the moment. The lights and the crowd and the freedom, it was intoxicating. But I was still plagued by the feeling that someone was monitoring me.

Then I saw him. The tall handsome man at the bar looked right at me with piercing gray eyes. He had a sharp jawline, and a tailored suit that made him stand out in the crowd.

He wasn't like the typical guys who tried to win me over. He smiled, and the moment our eyes locked, my chest tightened.

For a fleeting second, the bustling room seemed to vanish leaving just him and me.

Ella leaned in, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. "Well, well, looks like someone has your attention."

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I quickly averted my gaze. "I wasn't..."

"Don't even try to deny it," she teased, nudging me encouragingly. "Go talk to him! Life's too short to let moments like this slip by."

Before I could object, Ella gave me a firm push toward him. I stumbled awkwardly, only to find myself steadied by a pair of strong hands.

"Easy there," he said. "You alright?"

That desk voice sent sparks down my body. I glanced up, mortified, my cheeks blazing. "I'm fine. My friend thought she was being clever."

He chuckled, a low sound that made my pulse quicken. "I'd say she has a knack for good decisions."

Flustered, I managed a small laugh, unsure how to respond. "I'm Alessia," I finally said, hoping to regain some composure.

"Dominic," he replied smoothly, extending his hand.

There was a slight pause before I placed mine in his. His handshake was firm, his touch sending a subtle jolt through me.

The butterflies danced in my stomach as he spoke again making it virtually impossible to look away. "Let me buy you a drink," he offered.

"All right," I answered in a softer tone than I intended, smiling like a fool.

Dominic placed his order at the bar and handed me a glass with a soft smile.

He leaned comfortably against the counter and said, "Tell me, Alessia, why are you here?"

I pretended not to know and shrugged. "I wanted a bit of fresh air. You?"

"Business," he answered simply.

"Huh? In a club?" I asked, arching a brow.

He slowly sipped his drink, his expression unreadable as he answered. "You'll be surprised where a lot of business deals happen."

I chose not to push for more, though I was still curious.

I laughed as we continued talking through the night. I felt a spark of electricity every time we touched.

"Do you want to get out of here?" he whispered, leaning closer. I felt his warm breath on my neck and without thinking twice, I nodded.

He led me out of the club to his car.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously, as he opened the door for me.

He flashed a smile at me, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "Someplace where we won't be interrupted."

I felt a jolt of excitement move through me as I slid into the car.

The drive was quiet, until we got to the penthouse. I held his hand as he led me in.

The large door windows gave a clear view of the city.

I followed him to the bar, watching him fill out glasses with wine and he gave me a glass.

I sat on the soft leather couch, and he joined me. His piercing gaze meeting mine and without a warning, the kiss came.

I didn't pull away, enjoying the moment. His lips were firm, demanding, drawing me in with a fervor that made my heart race.

His hands gripped me tightly, pulling me closer, as though he couldn't bear the thought of any distance between us.

I moaned into his lips as he kissed me, my clothes falling off my body. He carried me to the bed in his arms. I melted with every touch and released myself to him.

Waking up to an empty bed, I felt alone staring at the cold room. I slowly sat upright, feeling sore and I raised the sheets to see blood stains.

Where was he? My eyes caught sight of a folded note on the bedside table. I picked it up, opening it with trembling hands and began to read.

"Last night was fun. Let's do it again sometime. I'll have the maids send in your pay."

Who the hell did he think he was? Did he take me for a whore?

My breathing became hard as the words struck me like a slap. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, and a bitter knot rose in my throat.

I smashed the notes in anger and hastily put on my clothes while typing a desperate message to Ella with shaking hands. Pick me up now. I had to get back before my father realized I was gone.

The drive to the mansion was suffocatingly quiet, broken only by Ella's occasional worried glances. Her concern did little to calm the storm raging inside me.

I shivered when we got to the gates. The memory of my escape the previous evening brought a smile to my face.

I waved Ella good-bye and exited the vehicle.

With my heart racing, I snuck in the front entrance and walked carefully down the corridors.

Something felt wrong. The house was too quiet.

"Papa?" I called out softly, my voice quivering as it echoed into the silence.

There was no response.

I quickened my pace, scared. My breath froze when I stepped into the main living room.

Blood. It was everywhere.

"Oh God," I whispered, clutching the doorway for support.

"Papa!" The scream tore from my throat as I stumbled toward him.

My father lay motionless on the floor with his dead eyes fixed on the ceiling above.

I noticed Marco slump against the wall, his hands pressed to his abdomen trying to stop the bleeding.

"Marco!" I screamed.

"Alessia..." he rasped, the sound barely audible.

I dropped to my knees beside him, tears streaming as I clutched his hand. "Marco, what happened? Who did this?"

His breaths were shallow, every word a struggle. "They...came for Papa," he said, his voice faltering. "You need to leave. Change your name. Stay away from here."

"No," I cried, shaking my head."I can't leave you. I won't..."

His grip tightened weakly, his eyes pleading. "Please, Alessia. Promise me you'll stay away."

His fingers went limp in mine and his eyes closed as he let out his last breath.

"No, please, Marco. Open your eyes. Brother!" I yelled, crying, begging him to wake up.

All of my life was gone in one cruel moment.

I'll find them, I vowed silently. Whoever did this, I'll make them pay.

The buzz of Marco's phone pulled my attention. I cleaned my tears and picked it up with trembling hands. The screen revealing a chilling message from an unknown number:

"They're coming for Alessia."