"Sera …." Marco shouted, his voice sprawling in that desolate space, but before it would spread further, Mr Tony sprang into action, covering Williams' mouth with his hand, right in the fraction of a second, as if expecting this danger that might be hiding behind every shadow."Do you know her?" Jessica asked in a weak voice with a very minute pitch, as if her experiences had drained her of all energies.Enzo's eyes softened, his lips curling into a soft smile, the seams of his features glowing bright with expression, as in low and measured tones, he replied, "Yes, I do know her; she is my girlfriend," the words tumbling into view amidst a mixture of affection and longing.His words were colored with pride and underlined just how deep the feeling was, but immediately was Mr Tony's rejoinder, his tone laced with skepticism: "I have never heard Sera say you guys are in a relationship," he said, his words hanging in the air, a challenge.Enzo's smile flickered for a moment; the defens
The banging and clattering broke through the thin walls like thunder, jarring Sera from her sleep. She blinked at the ceiling, disoriented, before realizing that the noise wasn't stopping. Cursing and the sound of cupboards slamming shut cut through the quiet. She rolled over and glanced at the small clock on her nightstand, squinting at the blurry red numbers—2:04 a.m.With a heavy sigh, she rubbed her eyes, pushed herself out of bed, and tiptoed toward the kitchen. She knew this routine all too well, but tonight felt worse somehow, maybe because of how exhausted she was, maybe because she'd actually dared to hope things might improve after the recent scare with the mafia. But as she drew closer to the kitchen, her stomach knotted. He was there, opening and slamming cupboard doors, a whiskey bottle clutched loosely in one hand. She could see his glassy, unfocused eyes even from across the room.“Dad?” she called softly, but he didn’t look up, his muttering only getting louder as he f
Sera stepped up to the counter and set down the few items she’d managed to pick out with her meager budget—a half-loaf of bread, a can of soup, a small carton of milk. She avoided eye contact as the cashier slid the items over the scanner with a blank expression, barely glancing her way. The total flashed up on the register, and she handed over her card, silently praying it would go through.The cashier swiped it once, then paused as the machine beeped loudly, drawing the attention of a few customers in line behind her. Sera's stomach sank as the cashier turned the screen to show the words she dreaded: Insufficient Funds."Could you try it again, please?" Sera asked, keeping her voice low, as if speaking softly could somehow make the outcome different. She felt the beginnings of sweat prickle at her temples as the cashier, now visibly annoyed, swiped the card again.Beep.Insufficient Funds.Someone behind her let out an exaggerated sigh, and then she heard it: the irritated grumbles
Sera tried to take a step back, feeling the walls closing in as the enormity of the situation sank into her bones. But the man by the door moved quickly, a wall of muscle and menace, blocking her path with a smirk that was as cold as the concrete outside. She felt trapped, the exit just out of reach, and a surge of fear bubbled up, turning her legs to jelly.The dark-haired man near the window straightened, drawing her attention as he moved closer. He was tall, his presence dominating the cramped room, and his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her shiver. His voice, smooth and deep, slipped into the air like a knife. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, amusement flickering in his eyes as though this was all just a game to him. “Your father has a debt to settle. A debt he can’t pay.” His lips curved into a chilling smile. “And I can’t have people who don’t pay their dues.” He paused, the silence thickening, and his voice dropped to a lethal whisper. “People like th
The dark pre-dawn sky loomed over the city as Sera slipped quietly out of her apartment. The air was crisp and biting, but she barely felt it. All she could think about was the cold, calculated promise of the dark man who had appeared in their home a week ago. His words had cut through her like a blade, a warning that didn’t fade with time but instead seemed to grow sharper, more urgent. I’ll be back to collect, and you’d better be ready to pay.The weight of his threat pressed on her chest like a boulder as she hurried down the cracked sidewalk, her footsteps echoing softly in the stillness. She knew, deep down, that she’d never be able to gather $200,000 in a week, but the only thing she could do was try. Try, and keep trying until the last possible moment.The next seven days became a blur of work, each morning bleeding into the next as she pushed herself to exhaustion. She managed to find extra shifts at the local diner, where she poured coffee, scrubbed tables, and listened to th
Sera was in the middle of preparing a modest dinner, two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, when the front door suddenly burst open with a loud crash. She jumped, her hands fumbling with the knife, and turned toward the door to see three familiar men filling the entryway like a storm. The leader who had haunted her dreams the past two weeks, stepped in first, exudeing an aura so powerful, so menacing, it seemed to cast a shadow over the entire room. His dark eyes scanned the room with a calculated coolness, and she could see the outline of muscles under his tailored black suit.Her father, half-dazed and slouched on the couch, turned and froze. But then he seemed to recognize the man in front of him, his mouth twisting with barely concealed hatred. Stumbling to his feet, he spat the name, “Enzo,” like it was a curse.Sera’s heart skipped a beat. She’d heard that name in passing, spoken in hushed tones among those who dared to even mention it. “Lorenzo De Luca?” she whispered, her voi
Sera thought about all that had happened while sitting in the rich car, distraught and hopeless. The plush leather seat seemed to blend into her frame, while the low purr of the car disappeared into a hum, forgotten. The world belonged only to her thoughts. The view outside was going somewhere-places and people; one passing blur.Enzo did not seem to be in the least bothered with Sera's distress. He was a man who believed in punctuality and efficiency above everything else, and his stern demeanor allowed no nonsense. He got out of the car, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at Sera, his face masked with annoyance and disdain."I believe you haven't been in this kind of luxury car, that's why you are still here," said Enzo with a raised nose, as he stood outside the car, looking right at Sera.The words brought Sera from her reverie to the rude shock of reality. She looked around her, and then, with a bewildered note in her voice, she turned to the driver. "Have we reach
Sera's eyes rounded in surprise, her face afire with indignation."No, Enzo , you can't do that," she shot back, anger raising her voice. "I don't accept this. I just came back, and you want to have sex with me? Really?" She asked, words tripping out in a rush of indignation.The black color fell on Enzo 's face, his eyes flashing with anger. "You do not have the right to say anything," returning and yelling off the walls. "You are my pet, and the sooner this is retained in your mind, the better for you. Okay?" He asked tentatively, keeping the lead under the sound of his voice.The air was thick with tension, heavy with words that should have been spoken long before today. Her heart went on a wild rush, her head spun, as Enzo 's words struck home.She knew she had to tread really cautiously to get out of the dangerous waters of Enzo 's desires and expectations. Yet, she knew she just couldn't give in; she could not surrender without some kind of fight. But to what end was thi
"Sera …." Marco shouted, his voice sprawling in that desolate space, but before it would spread further, Mr Tony sprang into action, covering Williams' mouth with his hand, right in the fraction of a second, as if expecting this danger that might be hiding behind every shadow."Do you know her?" Jessica asked in a weak voice with a very minute pitch, as if her experiences had drained her of all energies.Enzo's eyes softened, his lips curling into a soft smile, the seams of his features glowing bright with expression, as in low and measured tones, he replied, "Yes, I do know her; she is my girlfriend," the words tumbling into view amidst a mixture of affection and longing.His words were colored with pride and underlined just how deep the feeling was, but immediately was Mr Tony's rejoinder, his tone laced with skepticism: "I have never heard Sera say you guys are in a relationship," he said, his words hanging in the air, a challenge.Enzo's smile flickered for a moment; the defens
"I just heard the cry of someone," Jude whispered in a low, urgent voice to Enzo and Williams; wide-eyed and full of concern, as the faint sound seemed to reverberate deep within his chest."Let's trace the cry," Marco suggested, his voice barely above a whisper. His words hung in the air like a fragile thread as the trio nodded as one, their hearts pounding in anticipation.They moved with sluggish deliberateness, their tracing of the faint sound through the deserted warehouse; their footsteps echoed off the walls-the only sound that broke the oppressive silence.The cry grew louder, more desperate, leading them upstairs to the uncompleted second story-a labyrinth of exposed beams and dusty concrete that seemed to stretch on forever.They ascended to the top, just about bouncily, soft-hopping to avoid making much noise, their senses at height when they reached the top, where the outline of something shrouded in a black cloth met their gaze."What's this?" asked Tony, his finger point
He immediately sent one of his men, Timothy, to get the GPS from the office. His tone was high and commanding, showing how critical the situation was and how little time they had to act."Timothy, hurry up," said Marshall, looking right into his eyes to drive the point home of how serious the matter before them was and how little time there was to act."A'right, sir," Timothy said, firm and sure, without a quiver, as he immediately snatched up his keys and raced out the door to accomplish what he had to do in the most timely manner possible.Williams, Enzo, Tony, and Marshall were then left sitting anxiously waiting for the return of Timothy while consumed by thoughts of Sera and the search-each person lost in his own thoughts and fears about the outcome of such.Every passing minute felt like an eternity, each being taken further into a different endless void of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and anxiety that deepened the cut.The strong silence was filled with anticipation and
"Good morning," said Marshall and the rest, all smiles, their faces beaming with optimism and reassurance-a look that was quite soothing to Enzo's frayed nerves."Good morning," returned Enzowith appreciation in his tone as he welcomed the team into the house, hoping their skills finally gave him the answers he had so longed for over the disappearance of Sera ."It appears you have just woken up," interpreted Williams, brow furrowed with concern, eyes doing a scrutiny of Enzo's worn countenance."Yeah, your call woke me up," Enzo said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, still trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night."Ah, so sorry, sir," Marco apologized, looking contrite, his voice full of empathy.Enzo waved his hand in a dismissive manner, a gesture indicating appreciation for Williams' concern."No need to apologize, Marco," Enzosaid."We need to get started, and I'm glad you're here to help us find Sera ."Enzo's eyes did a sweep of the room, locking eyes with Marsha
Marshall's response was immediate."What's going on?" Marshall asked.Enzopaused, collecting his thoughts."Sera 's missing," Enzosaid.His voice was low."We can't find her anywhere."Marshall's tone turned alert."Tell me more," Marshall said.Enzobriefed Marshall on the situation.The Zoom meeting.Sera 's disappearance.The failed attempts to contact her.Marshall listened intently.His silence was reassuring.Enzoknew Marshall was already working on a plan.To find Sera .To bring her home safely.The wait began.For Marshall's next move.For news of Sera 's whereabouts."Marshall, please, it is so urgent," he told him, his voice thin and laced with the worry of desperation at the thought of Sera 's disappearance for a whole week weighing upon his mind."Marshall, we desperately need your expertise in tracking her down," Enzo added, his eyes begging for reassurance.Confidence and professionalism oozed from every pore as Marshall's expression became reassuring."Enzo, don't you b
Mr Tony checked his wristwatch for what must have been the hundredth time.Twenty minutes.He had been waiting for Enzo for for twenty very long minutes.The atmosphere in the coffee shop was starting to suffocate him.The freshly brewed aroma of coffee wafting out of the shop was now too much.Tony's gaze swept the car park. Finally, a ray of hope.Enzo's car came into view; Jude's tensed muscles relaxed a little."Ah, right on schedule," Tony said to himself.Marco, walking beside Enzo , was pointing."That's Mr Tony over there," Marco said, his hand jerking in Tony's direction.Enzo nodded, a serious look crossing his face.They got out of the car, their long shadows stretching out as they stepped out into the sun.They walked, the echo of their footsteps bouncing off the empty parking lot.Jude rose to greet them, a mask of concern etched into his face."Good day, Mr. Enzo," Tony greeted, extending a firm hand and giving a warm but strained smile.He turned to address Marco, cr
His voice came urgent as Tony said, "I'm saying Sera 's missing, Enzo. I've tried reaching out to her friends, but no one's seen or heard from her."Enzo's face turned grim.Missing?That word reverberated in his head.Where was Sera ?And why hadn't she called him?Enzo felt his anxiety shoot up. Was Sera in danger?"Do you know where she is, Enzo?" Mr Tony asked."I should be asking you where Sera is," said Robert, his voice accusing, his eyes raging with anger and concern."I mean, you guys were always going to restaurants together," Enzo said, his tone full of suspicion.Tony's face remained impassive, but his voice came forth resolute."Enzo, it is not the time to point accusatory fingers at anybody," Tony told him, his words slow and intentional."I'm not lying accusations on you for the fun of it," Enzo said, snapping, his frustration boiling over. "I just ask where Sera is because you were always taking pictures together." Tony looked very somber, with his eyes full of
There was complete silence at the other end, as if it stretched into infinity. Sera was clearly hesitant, and for a while, Enzofeared he'd lost her.But then, she spoke, her voice tentative. "Ok, Robert, if I'm lucky, I'll come."Enzo's face lit up with a bright, radiant smile, like the luckiest man in the world."Thank you, Sera !" Enzo exclaimed, overflowing with excitement.He dropped the call and found his mind racing with possibilities.He did not waste a single moment and rushed into the kitchen, his heart singing.He prepared croissants, ham, burgers, and steak to make the perfect dinner.Enzo was going through the recipe and doing each dish just right.Joy oozed out of every pore as he cooked.Sweat droplets dripped down his forehead, for the heat in the kitchen was getting hotter by his excitement.The hours have passed, and the smell of sizzling steak and freshly baked croissants filled in.Enzo's kitchen now turned into a haven.At last, dinner was ready.Enzo stepped ba
Every question and anxiety that was running in Enzo's mind seemed to be telling him that he couldn't believe this was not his life falling to pieces.Theophilus, realizing that Enzo was taken aback by what had happened, did not waste time and after a brief pause replied, "Sir, maybe you should take a break? You don't seem yourself."Enzo's gaze drifted towards the window, his eyes gazing out into the distance. "I'll be fine," he muttered, his voice barely audible.But Theophilus knew better. She had seen Enzo's downward spiral, and it worried her.The voice of Theophilus tore Enzo from his thoughts. "Excuse me, sir," she said as he was going, concern could be seen on her face.Enzo blinked back into life, attempting to shake off the fogginess that seemed to envelop him. "Yes, Theophilus?""Is anything wrong, sir? You seem preoccupied," Theophilus asked.Enzo forced a smile onto his face. "I'm alright, just a bit preoccupied."He looked down at his phone, willing Sera to respond