CHAPTER 02

The city roared with the shattering of car windows, a whirlwind of vibrant neon lights, and shadowy streets that seemed to exist in stark contrast to the serene sanctuary of Catalina’s home.

Her heart quickened as she relived the whirlwind of moments that had led her into this haunting reality. The unforgiving leather seats dug into her back, a stark reminder of the unyielding nature of her life. Inside the car, she was surrounded by an oppressive silence, heavy and binding like chains.

Catalina clenched her trembling hands, her nails digging into her palms. Despite the turmoil in her heart, she was determined not to let it take control. Her father’s face—filled with fear and despair—haunted her thoughts, and a haunting vision seared itself into her memory. She felt utterly helpless as they took him from her, dragging him away into the unknown.

Now, she found herself pulled into the depths of peril, her heart racing with a mix of fear and longing. But why must it be this way? What could they desire from her heart?

The man seated next to her was a formidable presence, his powerful form commanding the atmosphere around them. Even in silence since departing her home, the intense sparkle in his gaze conveyed emotions that words could never express. Like a hawk silently observing its target, his eyes spoke volumes, revealing an undeniable truth: there was no hope for escape.

Catalina took a deep breath, gathering her strength to shatter the weighty stillness that enveloped them.

“Where… where are we going?” Her voice trembled, delicate and tender, revealing the turmoil she struggled to keep at bay.

The man curved his lips into a bittersweet smile, a hint of longing flickering in his eyes. “To meet our boss,” he replied, his voice laced with a bittersweet edge, hinting at unspoken feelings beneath the surface. “Matteo Moretti has little patience for delays.”

The name hit her with an intensity that stole the breath from her chest. Moretti, a name that echoes with passion and longing. Matteo, a name that lingers in the heart, evoking a whirlwind of feelings and unspoken desires.

As she listened to the haunting whispers, chilling tales of the merciless ruler of the shadows. At this moment, she was on the brink of encountering him face to face. The name was uttered with a blend of fear and reverence.

With her heart racing and emotions swirling, Catalina fought to regain her composure, each breath a delicate battle.

“What do you need from me? Where is my father?”

She faltered, her voice quivering with emotion. “Please, don’t hurt him! I’m begging you!”

The man’s gaze turned stormy, and he moved in closer, his voice dripping with intensity.

“Tell that to Luca Moretti,” he said, his voice sharp and cutting, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. “Your father’s ‘incident’ left the boss’s son fighting for his life, a bullet lodged in his skull. You’re fortunate to still be alive.”

Everything around her shifted as his words settled in—weighty and unforgiving.

Had her father truly been the one behind this? His choices had come dangerously close to ending the life of a Moretti child. Although she was aware of her father’s unpredictable nature, this was far more than she ever could have envisioned. Heartache and longing battled inside her.

With a trembling voice, she softly confessed, “I… I had no idea. Yet, how sure are you that those belong to my father? Is there any evidence to support that? My father would never harm a child… especially not one so pure.”

The man remained silent, and the car was enveloped in a heavy stillness. Catalina shut her eyes, a heavy weight of guilt and fear enveloping her.

Memories of her mother flooded her mind, bringing with them the tender warmth and affection that had once enveloped their home. Now, all that lingered were whispers of a life she may never reclaim.

The car gradually came to a halt as they neared the entrance of a secluded driveway, anticipation hanging in the air. Catalina’s breath hitched as she beheld the mansion looming against the darkened sky. It stood like a sentinel, its intricate iron gates and formidable stone walls exuding an aura of strength and foreboding.

The car glided forward, tires whispering against the gravel as the gates creaked open, revealing a world filled with unspoken promises.

As the car came to a halt, the man next to her clasped her arm—not with aggression, but with a steady grip that conveyed the futility of defiance. She faltered a bit as he drew her into the night, the frigid air nipping at her skin.

The mansion’s glowing entrance lights flickered like distant stars, casting long shadows that danced around her, yet their warmth did little to soothe the icy grip of uncertainty tightening within her heart.

As the grand double doors swung wide, she felt herself being drawn into the room. Marble floors shimmered beneath the warm glow of golden chandeliers, while the subtle aroma of leather and cigar smoke danced softly in the atmosphere. Men in dark suits filled the hallways, their piercing, unwavering stares following her every step.

With every step she took, the sound reverberated, deepening her sense of trepidation.

They paused before yet another pair of doors, hearts racing with anticipation. A gentle knock echoed through the air, followed by a rich, resonant voice inviting, “Enter.”

The doors swung open, and a flutter of excitement surged through Catalina’s heart.

She was pushed into a room that radiated strength and elegance. Bookshelves embraced the walls, their treasures lovingly curated. The gentle warmth of the fire danced in the hearth, its soft crackle filling the room with a tender ambiance, while shadows wove their delicate patterns across the gleaming surfaces.

Behind a grand desk sat Matteo Moretti, a figure of intrigue and longing.

He was nothing like the image she had conjured in her mind. He was younger—likely in his late twenties—but there was something about him, a presence so commanding that it sent shivers down her spine.

His tailored suit highlighted his powerful physique, yet it was his eyes—intense, deliberate, and completely lacking in compassion—that ensnared her heart.

“Catalina De Luca,” he said, his voice a blend of warmth and intensity, carrying an unspoken promise. “I’ve longed for this moment to finally be with you.”

She struggled to reclaim her voice, wrestling with the overwhelming panic that loomed over her.

“Please,” she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability. “I had no idea. My father… he will never hurt someone! Please don't hurt him I'm begging.”

Matteo’s gaze was icy, yet it held an intensity that suggested he was waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. He allowed the silence to linger, wrapping around her like a delicate embrace, before finally standing from his chair.

With each step he took closer to her, her heart raced with an intensity that left her breathless.

As he paused before her, she found herself tilting her head, longing to connect with his eyes. In his proximity, the intensity of his presence was undeniable. The shimmering glints in his deep-set eyes sparkled with a teasing mischief, and his mouth curled into a subtle, yet thrilling smile.

“Are you aware of the fate that awaits those who dare to defy me?” he inquired, his tone gentle yet filled with an underlying threat. “Do you even know who are you talking to?”

Catalina’s lips trembled, yet silence enveloped her. Fear enveloped her, stealing away her power to react.

“N-no…b-but—”

Matteo drew closer, his warm breath caressing her skin, a radiant smile spreading across his face.

“You will,” he whispered, his voice filled with unspoken vows. “You will face the consequences of your father’s actions.”