Aria clutched the hem of her dress as she sat stiffly in the back seat of the luxurious black car. The leather seats smelled rich, and the cool air inside did little to ease the heat rising in her chest.
She had no idea what was happening.
Who was Enzo Vitale?
The man beside her had a sharp jaw, his presence suffocating. He hadn't introduced himself, and she didn't dare ask.
"You don't work under Enzo?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.
Aria shook her head quickly. "No, I don't even know who he is," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
The man's expression darkened. He leaned back, tapping his fingers against his knee as he watched her carefully.
"But you're here for him," he stated.
"No," Aria swallowed hard, gripping the fabric of her dress tighter. "I'm here because of Liana."
The man let out a slow exhale and shook his head as if trying to piece something together. "Come with me," he finally said.
Aria hesitated. Her body screamed to run, but where? She was in a foreign country, and this man knew something she didn't.
So, she followed.
At the Counter – A Name That Seals Fate
The man spoke in rapid Italian at the counter, his deep voice commanding as he handed over documents. The woman behind the desk glanced at Aria briefly before stamping something.
"È tutto pronto, signore." Everything is ready, sir.
Aria swallowed. What had just been finalized?
As they walked toward the exit, she mustered the courage to ask, "What was that for?"
The man didn't look at her. "Your documents. You belong to Enzo now."
Her stomach twisted. What?
She wanted to scream, but the words wouldn't come.
She wasn't supposed to be here.
Liana, what have you done?
The Car Ride – A Dangerous Truth
The car was silent except for the faint hum of the engine. Aria's fingers dug into her lap.
"From Liana, huh?" the man finally said, his voice cold.
"Yes," Aria replied carefully.
"What information do you have?"
Aria frowned. "Nothing. But don't talk to her. Don't work with her. She… she sold me to someone. I don't even know who."
The man's grip on the steering wheel tightened. His jaw clenched.
"Liana… sold you?"
Aria nodded. "Are you really surprised?"
His brows furrowed. "Liana is good. She told me your English is bad. Maybe you misspoke."
Aria scoffed bitterly. "No, I didn't. I said exactly what I meant."
A heavy silence settled between them.
The man exhaled sharply before glancing at her. "You know a person called Matteo?"
Aria stiffened. Her mind struggled to place the name.
"Ma...Matteor… No, no. Matteo."
The man's eyes darkened.
"So, you do know something," he muttered.
Aria's throat went dry.
"I will let the boss decide," the man said, speeding up.
Aria stared out the window, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.
Who was Matteo?
And more importantly…
Who was Enzo Vitale?