Chapter 3

The rain fell visibly heavy in Sanchez’s estate; Emilio Capello’s heart is in turmoil just like the brewing storm outside. Sanchez’s study was dimly lit by a single desk lamp as he sat in a black leather chair. Sanchez, the most dreaded drug lord of Central Genoa, with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His blue sparkling eyes were glued on Capello, who sat like a man about to be hanged.

“Emilio, you look like shit,” Sanchez said in amusement.

Capello restrained his fingers from clutching a fist. The last few months have seen him drown in financial ruin; his thriving car import business is left with no trail. His last hope, the shipment from Miami to Italy, had sunk; he is now left with unrepaid debts. Hospital bills pile up as his wife, who is undergoing treatment, is still in a state of coma.

Sanchez had extended his hand once, under the guise of friendship, and lent a loan to him. The time is due for the debt to be paid, and Capello is empty-handed as he has no hope of paying.

Capello replied, trying to choose his words carefully, “I will need more time.”

Setting the glass of whiskey on the table Sanchez sneered, I've given you enough time already, my pal. It's been months now, and I haven’t gotten anything from you. You came running to me for help, and I helped out. Time is up to settle your debt.”

Capello’s throat tightened as he swallowed hard. He was left no other option than this, as he had awaited this day.

“I have something to offer that will be more valuable than money,” Capello finally spoke.

Sanchez's eyes opened wide with a cunning smile.

A long, still silence births between them. Capello hears his own heartbeat throbbing fast. His voice sounded like a whisper as he barely spoke.

“My baby girl”

Sanchez with a stern look. “Elena?”

Trying to avoid his gaze, Capello nodded. “I know she is just three years old, but she would grow to be a beautiful young lady worthy to be a wife to your son.” He swallowed hard. “I betrothed her to Alejandro, your son, and when she is of age, they can be married, thereby bonding our family ties together.”

With his elbows on the desk, Sanchez leaned forward. The weight of the room became too heavy as the air has become suffocating.

“You are willing to give your daughter away to settle your debt?” Sanchez asked, trying to fathom Capello's desperation. ”

Capello responded with a nod, “That's the only available choice I have.”

Sanchez’s lips tugged with a smirk. “I am thrilled, Emilio. I saw you as a proud fellow who can never make such a move. But desperate times call for desperate measures from a man who is desperate.

Capello maintains his silence.

Sanchez overhears some noise coming from outside; he stands up and goes to the large window where he can oversee his estate. He saw his two sons playing, Alejandro and Dino. His biological heir, Alejandro, was already showing signs of his cruel nature. The bastard son Dino, the son of his wife and his dead bodyguard, was always watching and a lot quieter.

Sanchez mused, “It's a fantastic offer, I must say, Amico.”. He turns around to look at Capello. “Do you guarantee her respect and love for my son?”

Capello nods in affirmation. “She will do even more.”

Sanchez chuckles and walks back to his desk. “Splendid.” He drew out a drawer, pulling out a prepared contract as if he knew Capello would offer something desperate. “If you sign this, the betrothal will be sealed.”

Capello hesitated, knowing fully well the ink of that paper would seal the fate of his innocent child to an unknown future.

Sanchez’s smirk fading. “Emilio, you came to me with this offer; you can’t back out now.”.

Capello, with a shaky hand and blurred vision, signed the document with teary eyes.

With satisfaction, Sanchez picked and examined the document. “You have made the wise choice, Emilio; you can go home.” Points to the door. “You are free because the debt is paid. Elena is part of my family now; remember that.”

Capello was struggling to leave as his legs became weak and shaky.

Sanchez, with his tone in amusement, said, “One more thing.”

Capello turned back with his hand still on the doorknob.

“When she grows up, make sure she knows her place and is of good behavior.”.

Capello with a stiff nod bows before walking out of the study, with his decision weighing heavily on him and crushing his every step.

---

At Night

Capello, with a half-empty glass of whiskey, sits in his study. The distant hum of hospital machines occupied the silence in the house while his wife's lifeline is hanging in the next room.

The silence was broken with a soft giggling.

He saw Elena, standing at the door, clutching a big teddy bear. Seeing his three-year-old daughter with her innocent eyes stepping closer to him with her eyes locked on him.

Crawling onto his lap, she whispers, “Papa.”

He wrapped his arms around her small frame, swallowing the lump forming in his throat. He buried his face in her soft hair, inhaling the scent of lavender as he was caught in her innocence.

She has no idea that her fate has just been sealed.

With teary eyes and guilt in his voice, he whispers to her ears, “Papa loves you.”

“Love you too, Papà.” Elena giggles, holding firm to her teddy bear and relaxing more in her father's embrace.

He shuts his eyes.

He had saved his business and his wife, but at what cost? he asks himself.

A single tear rolled down his cheek as Elena slept on his chest.

The deed has been done; the die is cast; no going back.