Chapter 45

Laura's POV

I had bigger things to worry about than an old crush from high school.

When the car pulled up in front of the estate, the guards immediately stepped out, their presence a constant reminder of the life I was trapped in. I adjusted my coat and stepped out, feeling the chill in the night air wrap around me.

The mansion was eerily quiet.

That was the first thing I noticed.

Usually, there were subtle signs of life, distant footsteps, murmured conversations, the occasional clink of glass from the lounge where Kelvin sometimes sat with his men.

I made my way inside, my heels clicking softly against the marble floor. The dim glow of the hallway lights guided my path as I moved toward my bedroom. All I wanted was a warm shower and sleep.

But just as I reached the staircase, I froze.

A figure stood near the base of the stairs, watching me.

Kelvin’s father.

Ezra Aldoracco. I hadn't seen him since the night of the ritual.

His presence was like a shadow, dark and unreadable. He was a man of legend in the underworld, a ruthless Don who had built an empire with blood and power. Though he had passed the reins to Kelvin, he still held an air of control that made my skin prickle.

A slow, knowing smile stretched across his lips. “You’re home late, cara mia.”

I swallowed, straightening my posture. “I went to visit my mother.”

His foxy eyes, sharp and calculating, studied me. “Of course.” He took a step closer, his expensive cologne mixing with the scent of aged whiskey. “And was that the only reason you were out?”

My heart skipped. Did he already know about Carlos? Had the guards reported it already?

“I needed air,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “Hospitals are suffocating.”

Ezra chuckled, a deep, velvety sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Understandable. But next time, do be careful, Laura. The world outside isn’t kind to women like you.”

Women like me.

The words felt like a warning.

I nodded, gripping the banister. “If that’s all, I’d like to rest.”

His smile lingered for a moment before he nodded. “Sleep well, figlia.”

Daughter.

The word sent a shiver down my spine.

I turned quickly, ascending the stairs, feeling his gaze burning into my back the entire way.

The moment I shut the door to my room behind me, I let out a long, exhausted sigh.

I leaned against the door for a second, pressing my fingers to my temples. The conversation with Ezra had left an unsettling weight on my chest, but it wasn’t just him. It was everything. The feeling that no matter what I did, I was always being watched, and judged.

I shrugged off my coat, letting it slip to the floor before walking toward the vanity. The mirror reflected a tired version of myself, slightly disheveled, dark circles hinting at sleepless nights, tension creasing my forehead.

I needed to de-stress.

My fingers worked the buttons of my blouse, my shoulders sagging with relief as I pulled it off. I made my way to the bathroom, turning on the shower and letting the steam rise around me. The hot water cascaded down my skin, washing away the lingering tension from the day. For a few precious moments, I allowed myself to exist without thought, without expectation.

Ezra Aldoracco.

His presence tonight wasn’t a coincidence. He had been waiting for someone. But where was Kelvin and why wasn't he back home yet?

And then there was the word he had called me.

Daughter.

Did he mean it? Or was it just a hollow courtesy?

I wasn’t naïve enough to believe that most of the Aldoracco family accepted me. Their smiles were polite, but their eyes told a different story. I saw the way some of them looked at me, like an outsider, like I didn’t belong. They never said it outright, but their distance spoke volumes.

Was he one of them?

Did he see me as a part of this family, or was I just another pawn in whatever game they were playing?

I sighed, shutting off the water and stepping out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around myself, I padded back into my bedroom, the cold air making me shiver. I climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin, but sleep didn’t come easily.

Just as I exhaled, forcing myself to push the thoughts away, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

I frowned, glancing at the screen. A number I didn’t recognize.

For a moment, I hesitated.

Then, curiosity got the best of me, and I picked up. “Hello?”

“Finally! You’re alive.”

I recognized the voice. A small smile tugged at my lips. “Nathan.”

“Damn right it’s me,” he huffed. “I was starting to think your boss had locked you away in some tower. Should I call the cops?”

I let out a tired chuckle, leaning back against the pillows. “Very funny.”

“I’m serious, Laur. You ghosted work, and the office feels way too normal without you around. I had to suffer through an entire lunch break without our usual complaining session. It was tragic.”

I shook my head, my fingers idly tracing patterns on the blanket. “I’ve just been… busy.”

“Uh-huh.” His voice held that teasing edge I’d grown used to. “By busy, do you mean wrapped up in some mafia Cinderella drama? Because if so, I demand details.”

I rolled my eyes. “You know I won't be able to tell you anything if that were real.”

“Exactly my point. And that’s why I worry.” His tone shifted slightly, the humor fading just enough for me to hear the concern underneath. “Are you okay, though? I mean it.”

I hesitated.

For all the walls I had built around myself, Nathan had somehow found a way to slip past a few of them. He wasn’t just a coworker; he was one of the few people who made work bearable. Someone who didn’t look at me like I was a ticking time bomb.

“I’m fine,” I said, softer this time. “Just dealing with… things.”

He sighed. “You always say that. One day, I hope you actually let someone in.”

I didn’t respond.

Because what could I say?

That I didn’t even know if I was a prisoner or a queen in this world? That every day felt like a balancing act between survival and something more dangerous?

He let out a dramatic sigh. “Well, whenever you decide to stop playing mysterious, I’m here. Also, I might’ve stolen your favorite coffee mug from the break room. Just saying.”

I let out a real laugh this time. “You’re the worst.”

“The best,” he corrected. “Now, get some rest before I start texting you embarrassing memes at 3 AM.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”