Chapter 01: 

I stood at the corner of the grand ballroom with my family weight of expectations pressing down on me. 

The air was thick with expensive perfume and cigars surrounded with powerful men mingling and murmuring with their beautiful wives but these men's faces were a bit scary.

This was my father's world, a realm of power and control. I'm Alessia, the daughter of a Mafia boss expected to wear a charming smile to be the perfect pawn in my father's empire.

But this night wasn't creating excitement for me. I felt caged like a suffocated animal trying to create time for my breath. 

Even if I could have a fews hours to slip away from their midst of rebellion I would be happy. I struggled to find my way out but my father's commanding voice kept me on a spot when addressing the crowd.

"Welcome everyone this is a day to remember as we mark and celebrate our seventh year of successful business, feel free to drink and eat. We have more than enough, Marco Salvatore will sort the bills".

There was a loud sound of excitement as everyone repeatedly called out his name in jubilation.

"Marco Salvatore!"...I felt irritated, hid my face and went to the dimly lit restroom where I could get my comfort. 

In a few moments I exchanged my constricting gown for a simple black dress which I had hidden in my purse. I removed the diamond and pearls on it and replaced it with a dark fabric.

I pulled my hair into a loose ponytail, washing away my makeup so as to look indifferent from my previous appearance. My reflection stared back at me, a woman on the brink of freedom.

At this point I wasn't Alessia the Mafia princess, I was just a woman seeking a moment of escape. 

With one glance at the mirror I slipped out of the restroom to the speakeasy which was downtown away from my father's party.

My heart trembled in anticipation as I forced myself to a welcoming atmosphere with smoky dim light contrasting to the harsh brightness of my usual surroundings.

I pushed in the crowd and forced myself to gain entrance, I later found a seat at the bar. 

One thing that got me excited was the fact nobody knew me here. It was a rare gift after escaping the rebellion party of my father down to this place.

I sipped in a whiskey, easing the tension on my shoulder. The music, the laughter, and the clinking of glasses liberated my day putting more smiles on my face indeed for the first time I felt I could breathe again.

As time went on a stranger appeared beside me with a charming presence that seemed impossible to ignore.

"May I join you". He politely asked with a cool and confident voice that got me nodding before I could think.

"I'm Luca, nice meeting you" He stretched for a shake waiting for my response.

"Alessia by name". I swiftly responded with a handshake but there was something different about him.

His dark eyes and charming smile got me intrigued, making our conversation flow effortlessly. He was entertaining and friendly.

We talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and secrets over glasses of whiskey. His touch was electrifying, sending shivers down my spines.

"Stop that, you don't touch a lady like that especially when meeting her for the first time". 

I interjected in pretense but deep down I was waiting for his next move. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, lost in our own bubble of connection and desire.

"I'm sorry if I'm being too pushy, your beauty can't resist my touch for you". 

His apologetic utterances got me flattered trying hard not to fall from his sugar coated words but it was as if I was glued, unable to resist. 

Before I knew it we were wrapped in each other's hands with an undeniable chemistry resulting in a kiss.

His lips on me were a promise of escape and freedom from the chains that bond me. We danced, laughed, kissed, I was lost in a passionate whirlwind that made time stand still.

"You look so excited from your previous looks".

"Yeah, that's because you just made my day". 

"Oh! I never knew I could be the light at the end of the tunnel". He said, his words got me chuckling.

"Stop flattering me, I have had enough of it".

"You looked a bit tired, it seems you need some rest".

"Maybe because I took a lot of whisky" I said, falling into Luca's arms. Everything became blurry. 

I wasn't myself anymore. Luca took me to one of the lodge rooms he had paid for and definitely came prepared.

I thought I had found the freedom I craved, a moment of abundant Joy I think I would never forget.

As the dawn broke, reality came crashing back, the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, casting a harsh light on our stolen nights.

I slipped out of Luca's embrace, with the knowledge that I had spent a night with him, I couldn't wait any longer, I gathered my things leaving behind the warmth and passion we had shared.

With one last look at him while he was still asleep, I walked out of the lodge room into the morning air, each step was a return to my gilded cage but the memory we had shared together was a beacon of hope believing one day things will turn out for good.

Returning to the mansion felt like stepping back into a prison, my thoughts kept flashing back to how I was being denied freedom by my father. 

I became more suffocating than before creating through the wall hoping to avoid my father's wrath. 

My mind kept replaying the night events I had with Luca, every of his touches and whispers etched into my memory. 

I knew that Luca and I were now bound by a shared secret, a night of passion that could never be revealed. As I climbed the stairs to my room fear began to reveal an intertwined fate I couldn't comprehend.

Little did I know this was just the beginning of a journey that could change everything.