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08. Bound By Fear
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2024-12-13 13:47:47Related chapters
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 09. The Devil Wants Me?
Chateau shivered at Tethia's words but felt compelled to hear more, driven by her survival instincts.“What do you mean, Tethia?” she asked.Tethia’s gaze drifted away, her tone detached. “Giraud and I don’t love each other. The funny thing is, we act as if we do.” Her voice, expression, and body language made it clear this wasn’t a situation she enjoyed.Chateau stayed silent, absorbing Tethia’s words even though they were hard to process. She realized she had misinterpreted Tethia’s smiles and statements. Tethia’s happiness here wasn’t born of love or affection—it stemmed from something far different.Tethia leaned in close, lowering her voice. “I’m just a girl hired to satisfy his appetite for women.” She leaned back, leaving Chateau stunned and speechless.“This isn’t unusual or shocking in this world, Chateau. Giraud likes women, and I happened to catch his eye. So, I’ve made the most of that opportunity.”Chateau hesitated, then asked, “What’s your true goal, Tethia?”Tethia chu
Last Updated : 2024-12-13THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 10. Fascinated By His City
Chateau and Tethia continued their stroll on a bright and sunny day."Chateau, you have to see this!" Tethia exclaimed, dragging her friend along before she could fully take in her current surroundings. Despite being a newcomer to Marseille, Chateau seemed calmer and more reserved compared to Tethia, who was brimming with excitement as they explored the city's entertainment hub. Born and raised in the bustling port city, Tethia seemed as though she was rediscovering Marseille through new eyes.Their destination was a lively street lined with shops selling a myriad of items, a hotspot popular among both domestic and international tourists. The area resembled a vibrant street market, filled with an assortment of goods. Chateau observed the lively scene, taking in the bustling atmosphere. Unlike her hometown, where she had to venture into the city center for such experiences, here it was just a short distance from the mansion where she stayed.More than half an hour had passed since they
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 11. "I'm Glad You Came."
Another voice pierced the silence among the three. Simultaneously, they turned toward the source, each reacting differently to the presence of the newcomer: Leonard diverted his gaze to mask his displeasure.Chateau froze, recalled Giraud's voice when he talked about her execution—back then, in Leonard's room. She slightly stepped back, and Leonard just noticed it so he walked forward to kept Chateau behind his back “Giraud!” Meanwhile Tethia exclaimed in happiness.Only then did Chateau recognize him as Giraud Maxence, a 37-year-old man infamous for his harem of women at Rosemount Estate. Among them were Madison, Amber, and Tethia—just three of the seven women under his sway.Recalling her lengthy conversation with Tethia earlier that morning, Chateau found it unsurprising that the wavy-haired girl with her single ponytail would be so delighted to see him. It had been a while since their last meeting, and for them, a hug seemed a natural way to reconnect—albeit a gesture typical of
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 12. Take Her To Work
Leonard remained silent for a long time, his lips pressed tightly together as though sealed shut. In truth, they were—by the weight of Chateau’s words.The girl with her golden-blonde hair continued to gaze at Leonard, and he did the same. Neither seemed aware of how much time had passed as they exchanged a prolonged, unreadable look.Chateau was the first to snap out of it. She couldn’t understand why they had been locked in eye contact for so long. Since her statement, Leonard hadn’t uttered a single word.She knew Leonard wasn’t one to talk much, but couldn’t he have said something in response? Even a low murmur would have sufficed, just to make her feel like her words hadn’t been so strange they didn’t deserve acknowledgment. Embarrassment and discomfort swirled within her.But her feelings didn’t last long as a new thought crossed her mind. Perhaps Leonard’s silence wasn’t because of her words but because his thoughts had wandered elsewhere. “No—Leonard, you’re not thinking somet
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 13. A Good Day For Museum Date
Chateau froze, a shiver running down her spine at Leonard's words.“T-today’s such a beautiful day. You shouldn’t ruin it with such a grim words,” she remarked, attempting to counsel him. Leonard remained indifferent, his gaze steady and unyielding.Chateau sighed softly, feeling a flicker of satisfaction at having the chance to advise Leonard. A faint smile played on her lips as she turned her attention back to the passing scenery.“It’s been a fortnight since we last saw each other. Maybe you were really busy, but even with your free time, you didn’t think to visit me,” she murmured.But it seemed she had no real intention of being heard. Sitting deliberately out of alignment, her voice was just a soft murmur—audible, yet faint enough that Leonard might brush her concerns off.“You should at least check on me, shouldn’t you? You make me feel like an abandoned child in a city this big. Even my parents never let go of my hand, not even in a brightest place,” she added softly.Leonard’
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 14. Fancy Dinner For Her
Without realizing it, Chateau had spent an entire day with Leonard—something she never expected. Now they were at a restaurant, ready to enjoy dinner after a day filled with walking around and snacking on street food. Leonard insisted that she nourish her body properly; too much snacking, he claimed, wasn’t good for her."Order now," Leonard instructed as the menu was handed to them. Chateau smiled, delighted, and started browsing the options. Her heart practically skipped a beat. Everything on the menu looked delicious, and she couldn’t decide—she wanted it all.Even though she had already indulged in plenty of street food, the sight of the menu ignited her hunger anew, as if she hadn’t eaten in two days. Biting her lower lip, she recalled how, back in Rosemount, the house rules forbade her from ordering more than three main dishes."Make a decision," Leonard's voice broke her thoughts. She glanced at him from behind the menu. "Order whatever you want.""Really?""Yes. Or should I bu
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 15. After A Day Long Date
Her thoughts unsettled her, and Chateau finally mustered the courage to speak."Leonard..." she called softly. Leonard remained focused on driving, his gaze fixed ahead, but she knew he was listening. Encouraged, Chateau decided to continue. "Were you offended by what I said earlier?"As always, Leonard took his time responding, leaving Chateau to wait in silence. He was likely debating whether to answer or not. Chateau silently bet that he wouldn’t."No."To her surprise, Leonard replied, not even asking which part of her words she was referring to. That meant he already knew what she was talking about."You know what I meant?""I was reminded of a sad story about a child when you spoke. That’s why I seemed offended. But I honestly don’t care."Chateau pressed her lips together, unwilling to respond. For some reason, she didn’t want to believe him. Should she seek out the truth on her own? Yes, she supposed she should.With her baseless worries set aside for the day, Chateau resolved
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 16. A Name
Louis Chaloux. That name had lingered in Leonard’s mind for the past five years. If someone asked whether Leonard knew him, the answer would undoubtedly be: intimately.Long before today, Leonard and Louis shared a close and sweet relationship. Brothers, some would say. Though nothing legally bound them, and the label was nothing more than a convenient term. Yet, over time, Leonard began to accept it as something real—something that brought him out of the solitude he'd once embraced.Leonard liked Louis. He was the sweet, occasionally spoiled younger brother. Louis admired Leonard, the cold yet effortlessly cool elder sibling. It was a blissful bond during their childhood—a time filled with pure joy, a world untouched by the realities that awaited them.But adulthood brought complexity. Thoughts sharpened, logic took root.How...? How could it be?How could that person claim to be his brother? How could he, the heir, bow to another as if he were a mere subordinate?Louis grew up with
Last Updated : 2024-12-15
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THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 37. Wait For Your Back
"Your fridge is stocked only with alcohol, yet your kitchen is fully equipped. Why is that?" Chateau asked, shifting the conversation. Leonard glanced at her, realizing for the first time how talkative she could be after spending more time together.It didn’t bother him, though. While Leonard generally disliked constant noise, Chateau’s voice was an exception. He found it oddly pleasant and always responded to her chatter, no matter the topic."Odette brought the cookware. She loves cooking, just like you," Leonard replied, causing Chateau to falter. Once again, Odette came up. She wasn’t sure if she was to blame for choosing the wrong topic or if Leonard intentionally mentioned Odette to provoke her. But knowing him, Chateau doubted it was deliberate."Seems like you’re very close to Odette," she said, focusing on stirring her pot, omitting the formal tone she usually used."I wouldn’t say we’re that close," Leonard replied evenly."Not close? Yet you made her your personal doctor."
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 36. Morning By Her
Leonard awoke to a bright morning. The sunlight streamed through the large glass wall separating his bedroom from the balcony, illuminating the space with a warm glow. Though his eyes remained closed, the brightness was impossible to ignore, gently pulling him from his slumber. He inhaled deeply, as if his lungs were tasting fresh air for the first time in ages. His body felt lighter than the night before, a sign that proper care had brought improvement.Turning his head to the other side of the bed, Leonard’s senses sharpened. The spot that had been occupied by the sweet presence of a young woman last night was now cold and empty. Without hesitation, he got out of bed, moving through the apartment with measured urgency. He searched everywhere—bathroom, living area, kitchen—but found no sign of her.As he returned to the living room, the sound of the apartment door opening caught his attention. Standing there was Chateau, carrying bags filled with groceries. She froze momentarily, sta
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 35. Share The Bed
“What?”Château felt her mind freeze instantly. She needed a moment to process Leonard’s words. Once she fully understood, her eyes widened. “Sleep together?” she repeated, her voice a mix of disbelief and accusation.“Yes.”“In the same bed?”“Yes,” Leonard replied, carefully observing Château’s expression. Was she really that opposed to the idea of sharing a bed with him? “We’re just sleeping. What are you imagining?”Château turned away, pressing her small hands over her mouth. Her heart was screaming, but instead of silencing it, she muffled her lips. No matter how loud her heart’s voice was, Leonard wouldn’t be able to hear it.“How can you say something like that so casually?” she asked, spinning back to face him.Leonard, his stormy gray eyes calm yet firm, sighed audibly. “Because that’s all it is, Château—just sleep,” he explained, hoping to curb her overreaction. “Besides, you must be tired after spending the entire day at the city park.”Leonard had a point. Château was exh
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 34. Stay Here Tonight
After freshening up, Château felt uneasy. She had spent the entire day outside and hadn’t bathed since arriving at Léonard’s apartment. Unwilling to disturb Léonard’s rest, she moved quietly, ensuring no sound betrayed her presence—from eating to showering.She didn’t change clothes, opting to wear the same outfit as before. She couldn’t bring herself to trouble Léonard by asking for fresh attire. With her damp hair wrapped in a small towel, she returned to his bedroom to retrieve her cardigan, seeking warmth after her shower. However, upon seeing Léonard asleep, she paused.Instead of leaving after picking up the cardigan draped over a chair, Château approached the bed. The mattress, modest in height, brought her crouched figure level with Léonard’s face. He lay peacefully, clearly exhausted from his mission.Château reached out, her bare hand brushing his forehead. “No fever. I don’t need to cool him down,” she murmured, a faint smile of relief crossing her face. With nothing else t
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 33. The Reason She Should Pity Him
“He said his mother screams at him every day. The gentle woman she once was is gone, and the affection he used to receive has vanished, like a night that never sees dawn. I think… perhaps that’s why Leonard grew up cold and detached."Chateau murmured, lowering her gaze. She empathized with Leonard’s suffering, feeling the weight of his childhood pain. “When he told you all of this… did Leonard cry?” she asked softly, avoiding Sophie’s steady, composed gaze.“No,” Sophie replied with a faint, bitter smile. “I was the one who cried. Leonard lost the ability to feel or shed tears the day his mother died. That’s what he told me.”Chateau lowered her head even further. Sensing this, Sophie leaned closer, trying to catch Chateau’s face. The girl with her blonde hair tied high struggled to hold back tears. Sophie, however, only smiled. She had reacted the same way when she first heard Leonard’s tragic story. To her, it was better to not know one’s parents than to witness the destruction of
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 32. Meet Sophie Vignier
That day, Chateau was remarkably reserved about her true intentions at the city park, offering only the excuse of enjoying a casual stroll and some solitude. It was a classic justification—one Leonard Hugues had no reason to doubt, as such activities were common. Yet, Chateau concealed the truth: her real purpose that morning was to meet Sophie Vignier.Chateau arrived alone at the city park, guided by the information provided by Beatrice. According to Beatrice, Sophie—an acquaintance of Leonard’s—resided nearby, running a modest coffee shop that attracted little attention. Clutching the address she had been given, Chateau located the unassuming establishment standing before her. Indeed, this was the place Beatrice had described: Sophie Vignier’s café. Without hesitation, Chateau stepped inside.A warm greeting immediately met her ears from a woman stationed behind the bar.“Welcome,” she said cheerfully, her voice bright and her smile kind.Chateau froze, her gaze locking onto the fi
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 31. Take Care Of My Leon
Chateau sat in silence, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. But as she turned her head, something caught her attention—the sleeping face of Leonard.It wasn’t the time to admire his striking features; his pale complexion evoked worry rather than awe at God’s craftsmanship. Chateau’s eyes betrayed her concern as she examined the cuts on his face, the bruises on his hands, and the gash on the back of his head.“What on earth happened to you, Leonard?” she murmured softly, her voice barely audible for fear of waking him.Her eyes remained locked on him as her thoughts wandered. She recalled how casually Leonard dismissed the injury on the back of his head, claiming it was something he was used to. It baffled her, though she chastised herself for being so naïve.Leonard Hugues wasn’t an ordinary man—he was part of a criminal syndicate. As a high-ranking member of the Lafleur mafia, his life was anything but safe. Each day was a battle for survival in a world where the strong devoured
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 30. Oh My...!
“Leonard?” Chateau gasped in disbelief. It truly was Leonard Hugues standing before her—the man she had been observing from a distance, staggering unsteadily. Her decision to approach him proved correct, as the man who nearly collapsed was someone she knew well.“Chateau…” Leonard’s voice was low, tinged with surprise. He hadn’t expected to run into her here, especially not in his current disheveled state. Yet, as startled as he was, he assumed Chateau must be even more shocked—it was likely the first time she’d seen him so battered and covered in blood.“What happened to you?” Chateau asked, her face pale and her brow furrowed. Clearly uncomfortable at the sight of blood, she instinctively reached out to steady Leonard, preventing him from collapsing.Leonard brushed aside his exhaustion. His injuries didn’t seem important anymore—not when he could see Chateau standing before him, unharmed. Relief softened his features as he asked, “Are you alright?”His concern confused Chateau, who
THE MAFIA'S PRISONER 29. La Ravenl Issue
As the bell tolled twice, the fight began.Spectators, who had been scattered throughout the venue, crowded around to witness the clash between Leonard and the fighter sent by La Ravenl. While the outcome seemed predictable, the crowd grew more excited when the challenger managed to push Leonard back with a well-placed kick."Ugh..." Leonard groaned softly, his brows furrowing as his sharp gaze remained locked on his opponent's movements. The challenger attacked again, but Leonard, though slightly disadvantaged by the difference in physical strength, remained composed.A skilled fighter, Leonard excelled at reading his opponent's moves, crafting strategies that allowed him to incapacitate them efficiently, often without expending too much energy. His versatility in combat-whether armed or unarmed-was unmatched, and very few were aware of his vulnerabilities. Those who had discovered them rarely lived to tell the tale.Leonard's only weakness was his frail body and rapidly draining sta
