Chapter 11: I CAME FOR LOVE, ENDED UP IN THE MAFIA

LAIM'S POV

I stood outside Marcus’s house, my heart pounding hard in my chest. The cool night air brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the heat of panic rising inside me. The scent of flowers I had carefully arranged still lingered, mixing with the rich, savory aroma of the meal I had spent hours preparing. Every detail had been planned perfectly— every candle placed with purpose, every decoration arranged just right. I had cleaned every corner, making sure the place looked exactly as I imagined. Tonight was supposed to be special. A night Marcus would never forget.

But everything changed the moment he arrived.

I heard the familiar sound of his car pulling into the driveway, the low hum of the engine sending shivers down my spine. I had been excited at first, ready to surprise him, ready to see the look on his face when he stepped inside. But then, another sound reached my ears— the unmistakable voice of a voice that sounds like mine.

Daniel was with him.

A wave of panic surged through me, sharp and overwhelming. I couldn’t let them see me. If Marcus found out I was here, there would be too many questions, too many things I couldn’t explain. And if Daniel saw me… I didn’t even want to think about what would happen. I had no choice— I had to leave.

With my heart pounding like a drum, I rushed to the window, barely stopping to take a breath. My hands trembled as I pushed it open, the cool night air rushing in. I didn’t have time to hesitate. The moment the gap was wide enough, I slipped through, my feet hitting the ground softly. The second I landed, I took off running.

Every step felt heavy, my breath coming in short gasps as I darted down the darkened street. My mind raced just as fast as my legs, panic and confusion clouding my thoughts. I needed to get as far away as possible before they realized someone had been inside.

By the time I reached the second street from Marcus’s house, a cab slowed beside me, its headlights cutting through the darkness. I barely had time to process what was happening before a man sitting in the passenger seat called out to me.

“Hi, boss.”

My stomach twisted into knots. Boss?

I quickly realized what was happening. They thought I was Daniel.

I forced myself to keep my face neutral, my voice steady. “What’s up?”

“You should have called us to pick you up,” the man said, his tone casual, as if this was something we did often.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my nerves in check. “Yeah… I was just about to,” I lied smoothly, forcing a relaxed tone into my voice.

I reached for the car door, keeping my movements steady and natural, as if this was all part of my plan. The last thing I could afford was suspicion. I opened the back seat and slid in, my hands clenched into fists.

“Take me home,” I said, hoping they wouldn’t ask for specifics.

“Which one, sir?” the driver asked, his eyes meeting mine through the rearview mirror.

A chill ran down my spine. My mind raced. I had no idea where Daniel lived. This was a dangerous situation, and one wrong move could get me killed.

I forced a small smirk, acting as if I found the question amusing. “My favorite,” I said, gambling on the hope that the answer would be enough.

For a few seconds, there was silence. Then, the driver nodded and pulled the car forward.

As the vehicle moved through the streets, I stared out the window, trying to keep my expression unreadable. Inside, however, my mind was a mess. I needed to figure out what was going on— who Danie fullyl is in this world.

After what felt like an eternity, the car finally stopped in front of a massive mansion. The sight of it made my breath hitch in my throat.

I knew this place.

Not because I had been here before, but because I had designed it.

Mistake had told me once— every version of me, in every world, would eventually become a Mafia Lord. I had laughed it off at the time, thinking it was nothing more than a ridiculous theory. But now, standing in front of this familiar mansion, I realized Mistake had been right all along.

Swallowing hard, I stepped out of the car, my pulse quickening. The men and women standing around the property were covered in tattoos, their faces sharp, their eyes filled with an unspoken warning. These were not ordinary people. These were dangerous men and women— criminals, killers, people who wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger if they sensed weakness.

A shiver ran down my spine, but I pushed the feeling away. I had to act like I belonged.

Forcing my shoulders back, I walked toward the entrance, keeping my steps measured, my face unreadable. My mind scrambled for a plan. Every room in this house had a purpose— I knew that because I had designed it. If my instincts were right, I needed to head straight to the study.

I moved with purpose, each step calculated. When I reached the study, I opened the door and stepped inside, shutting it behind me.

Relief washed over me.

The room was exactly as I had imagined. The furniture, the bookshelves lined with leather-bound novels, the artifacts displayed on the polished wooden desk— every detail was perfect.

I slowly walked toward the chair behind the desk and sat down, my fingers running over the surface as I took a steady breath. I had to pretend this was normal, that this was my life.

Then the door opened.

A man stepped in, his sharp eyes scanning the room before settling on me.

“Boss, you never told me you were coming over today.”

I forced a small smirk, keeping my posture relaxed. “Yeah, I changed my mind,” I said smoothly.

He studied me for a moment, as if trying to figure something out. Then he nodded.

“You said we’re selling the drugs we hijacked from the police whenever you showed up again.”

I kept my expression neutral, even though my mind was reeling. Drugs? Hijacked? I had no idea what he was talking about, but I couldn’t let him see that.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Did I discuss who we’re selling it to?”

“Yes. The Rainbows said they’re buying it.”

I nodded, acting as if I had planned this all along. “Alright. Tell them we’re coming over tonight.”

He gave a short nod and left.

I exhaled slowly, my mind spinning. I had just agreed to a deal I knew nothing about. But I didn’t have a choice. I needed money. If I played this right, I could take the cash and disappear before Daniel realized what had happened.

Later that night, I sat in the back seat of the car as we drove to the meeting spot. It was at that car I found out that the guy I had spoken to in the study room is Scott.

When we arrived, my heartbeat kicked up. I had to keep my composure. If anyone figured out I wasn’t Daniel, I’d be dead before I could blink.

The meeting went smoothly. The Rainbow boss had sharp eyes, but he accepted the deal without suspicion.

Then, just as we were about to leave, he spoke words that made my blood turn cold.

“Gideon is going after your man, Marcus. Be watchful.”

I froze.

Gideon.

In my world, Gideon was my best friend. The one person who always had my back. But this wasn’t my world. And in this world, Gideon wanted Marcus dead.

I clenched my fists. If I didn’t act fast, Marcus would die. And if Marcus died, then everything— my entire reason for being in this world— would be for nothing.

I had to stop it.

At all costs.