The tension in the mansion was palpable, the air thick with unspoken fears and unrelenting vigilance. After the unsettling noise from the previous night, Benjamin had increased the security detail around the mansion, and Clara found herself under constant watch. Despite the added protection, a shadow loomed over them, and it wasn't just the threat of The Raven—it was the fear of betrayal.
Benjamin stood in his study, his piercing eyes fixed on Evelyn. She had just handed him a file, her expression grim.
"Are you sure about this?" Benjamin asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Evelyn nodded. "I double-checked everything. One of your trusted men is feeding information to The Raven. His movements, his transactions—they all lead to them."
Benjamin's fist clenched, the vein in his temple throbbing. "Who is it?"
"Marcus," Evelyn revealed, her voice heavy.
The name struck Benjamin like a physical blow. Marcus had been with him from the beginning, his loyalty unquestioned—or so Benjamin thought.
"I need to hear it from him," Benjamin said, his tone ice-cold.
Evelyn placed a hand on his shoulder. "Be careful, Benjamin. Betrayal from within cuts the deepest."
---
In the mansion's sunlit garden, Clara sat among the vibrant blooms, trying to distract herself from the chaos. Her hands busied themselves with arranging flowers in a vase, but her thoughts wandered to Benjamin. She could sense the turmoil brewing within him, the weight of the world he carried alone.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Benjamin appeared, his broad frame casting a shadow over her.
"Hey," he greeted softly, his usual sharpness replaced by a rare tenderness.
Clara smiled up at him. "Hey. I was just thinking about you."
Benjamin crouched beside her, his fingers brushing hers as he picked up a flower. "Thinking good things, I hope?"
She laughed lightly. "Always. But I'm also worried. You seem… different lately."
Benjamin sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "There's a lot going on, Clara. But I promise, I'll keep you safe."
Clara placed a hand on his cheek, forcing him to meet her gaze. "I don't need you to shield me from everything, Benjamin. We're in this together, remember?"
Her words softened the hard lines of his face. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I don't deserve you."
"Yes, you do," Clara insisted, her voice firm.
Their moment was interrupted by the approach of one of Benjamin's men. "Boss, Marcus is here. He's waiting in the study."
Benjamin's expression hardened instantly. He stood, his demeanor shifting back to the commanding Mafia King.
"I'll be back," he told Clara, his voice resolute.
"Be careful," she whispered as he walked away.
---
The study felt colder than usual as Marcus entered, his usual confidence replaced by unease. Benjamin stood behind his desk, his imposing presence filling the room.
"Marcus," Benjamin began, his tone deceptively calm. "We need to talk."
Marcus shifted uncomfortably. "Of course, boss. What's on your mind?"
Benjamin held up the file Evelyn had given him. "Do you know what this is?"
Marcus hesitated. "No, boss. Should I?"
"It's proof," Benjamin said, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Proof that you've been working with The Raven."
Marcus's eyes widened in shock—or was it feigned surprise? "Boss, I would never—"
"Don't lie to me!" Benjamin roared, slamming his fist on the desk. "I trusted you, Marcus. And you sold me out."
The room fell silent, the weight of Benjamin's accusation hanging heavy. Marcus finally broke, his shoulders slumping.
"I didn't have a choice," he admitted, his voice trembling. "They threatened my family. Said they'd kill my wife and kids if I didn't cooperate."
Benjamin's fury flickered, replaced by a cold calculation. "And you didn't think to come to me? To let me handle it?"
"I was scared," Marcus confessed. "They said if I told anyone, they'd know. I couldn't risk it."
Benjamin leaned forward, his eyes boring into Marcus's. "You betrayed me, Marcus. But worse, you put Clara in danger. Do you have any idea what that means to me?"
Marcus looked down, shame etched on his face. "I'm sorry, boss. I never wanted this."
"Sorry doesn't fix this," Benjamin said, his voice as sharp as a blade. "You've left me no choice."
Marcus's head snapped up, panic flashing in his eyes. "Boss, please—"
But Benjamin raised a hand, silencing him. "You'll stay under lock and key until I decide what to do with you. And if I find out you've done anything else to jeopardize us, I'll deal with you myself."
Two of Benjamin's men stepped forward, grabbing Marcus by the arms. He didn't resist as they led him away, his head hanging low.
---
That night, Clara found Benjamin in the study, staring out the window with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
"Did you talk to Marcus?" she asked, her voice tentative.
Benjamin didn't turn around. "I did."
"And?"
"He betrayed me," Benjamin said bluntly. "But he claims he did it to protect his family."
Clara approached him, placing a hand on his arm. "What are you going to do?"
Benjamin sighed, the weight of his decision evident. "I don't know yet. But I can't let this slide."
"Benjamin, you're not alone in this," Clara reminded him. "Whatever you decide, I'm here for you."
He finally turned to her, his eyes softening. "I don't deserve you."
"You've said that before," she teased lightly, trying to lift the mood.
Benjamin pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "And I'll keep saying it, because it's true."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the shadows outside seemed to grow darker. Somewhere in the city, The Raven was plotting their next move, and Benjamin knew the worst was yet to come.
But for now, he allowed himself this moment of peace with Clara, knowing it might be the only solace he'd have for a long time.