Chereads / Mi amore / Chapter 2 - CHAPTER TWO: A Mysterious Stranger

Chapter 2 - CHAPTER TWO: A Mysterious Stranger

 Regaining consciousness i attempted to open my eyes, but found them secured with a blindfold. A stale breeze fills my nostrils as i squirm, discovering that i was stuck in an enclosed space and my wrists and ankles are bounded by a thick rope.

 After a long time, the car came to a halt. panic set as the car boot creaked open and a pair of hand dragged me out and into a building i think. They entered in what i presume a room and i was thrown on a bed, i then heard the door creak shut.

 Time passed or so it seemed in eerie silence, the door opened and I heard an elderly voice of a lady " don't worry child i am here to help".

 She then removed the blindfold I blinked trying to adjust to the light. she then proceeded to untie the ropes on my hands and legs. she handed me my black bag to change, saying she will be back later. When she left, I took my time to look at the room. It was a small average room with a window which was nailed shut then the bathroom has a toilet, a sink, a small mirror and a shower.

 After i was done dressing up, i opened the bathroom door to see the elderly lady sitting on the bed. She then patted beside her for me to sit. She asked me my name which i told her and then introduced herself as elara. She asked me what happened and i told her what happened while trying to hold back tears.

 Elara's voice was gentle. "I'm so sorry, kira No one should ever have to see that. But you need to know the truth. Your father's gambling debts had gone too far. Donatello saw him as a liability, and..."

 My anger flared tears long forgotten "He's a monster!"

Elara's eyes clouded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kira, I'm the head of the maids in this household. Donatello brought you here to work as a maid, to pay off your father's debts."

 "He killed my father, and now he wants me to serve me?"

 Elara's expression turned grim. "Kira, listen carefully. There is no escape from Donatello's grasp. His household is a prison, and you're now a captive."

 My eyes widened in despair. "No, there must be a way..."

 Elara's voice was firm. "I've seen many try, child. None succeed. You'll be watched, guarded, and controlled. Donatello's power is absolute."

 My determination flared, despite Elara's words. "I won't give up. I'll find a way out, no matter what."

Elara's gaze seemed to bore into my soul. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But bravery won't be enough. You'll need cunning, stealth, and patience. And even then..."

My jaw set. "I'll take that chance. I won't serve him willingly."

Elara's expression softened, a hint of admiration. "Very well, child. Play the part, serve him, but never give up hope. Maybe, just maybe, an opportunity will arise.

"It will. And when it does, I'll be ready." 

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 Three years has passed , the galanti is hosting a bannquet for donatello handover to his son. I was working as one of the servers. While serving drinks to a guest, reeking breath wafted close as a slurred voice whispered in my ear.

"Hey, beautiful, let's get out of here... have some real fun."

I struggled to free myself, but the drunk guy's grip tightened. Panic set in as he dragged me toward a dark hallway. I stumbled, my heels scraping against the marble floor.

Just as fear overwhelmed me, a tall figure intervened, prying the drunk guy's fingers off my wrist.

"Leave her alone," he growled, his voice low and commanding.

The drunk guy slunk away, muttering curses. My rescuer turned to me, his face chiseled and unfamiliar.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning mine.

I nodded, still shaken. He offered his arm, and I took it, grateful for the support.

"Let me escort you to your room," he said.

He walked me to the end of the female servant quarter the music and laughter faded, replaced by the soft hum of silence. "Which room is yours?"

I pointed to my door. "That one."

He nodded, his eyes scanning the area before returning to mine. "Lock your door and get some rest. You're safe now."

With a final nod, he turned and vanished into the crowd, leaving me feeling both grateful and intrigued.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 The next day, I strolled through the garden, enjoying the warm sun and vibrant blooms. Suddenly, I sensed a presence behind me. Turning, I saw the guy that saved me last night approaching me. 

i thought he was a guest

 I tried my best to hide my surprised face as he drew near. But i then reasoned how he knew where the servant quarter was. Of course he had to be one of the mafia men that we serve.

"Good morning," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

 "Good morning, sir."

He paused, expecting something. "I'm sorry, I don't know your name."

I hesitated, unsure if I should reveal my identity. As a maid, it was best to maintain distance from superiors.

 His face fell, and I felt a pang of guilt.

"K-kira," I stammered, looking down.

A warm smile spread across his face. "Nice to meet you, kira. I'm Marco."

He asked me to join him for lunch, but I declined, feeling uneasy about fraternizing with a superior.

Marco nodded understandingly and left. I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the encounter was over.

But he returned, holding a pizza box and a charming smile. "I ordered lunch anyway. It would be a shame to let it go to waste."

My resolve weakened, and I agreed to eat with him. We sat on a bench, sharing slices and conversation. Marco's kindness and genuine interest put me at ease, and I found myself laughing and opening up.

As we finished, Marco said, "Thank you for lunch, kira. Maybe next time, it won't be just pizza."