Mature content: it was kind of hard for me to write such things, you'll know what I am exactly talking about as you go on. Its a sensitive topic aka 'disturbing scenarios', If you cannot read any further then I am telling you right now, do not read unless you are okay with what is coming.
Trust me, it was hard for me to write this chapter but I managed to do it for the sake of this book. Like I said, I only create these scenarios because it makes sense. Please be aware.
Author's note - 7th August 2019 -
The warning up there is a warning for you to read before you proceed to read anything else in this chapter. Though I have removed the 'disturbing scenario', the mature content warning will remain there because it still talks about rape. Please keep in mind that this chapter is the present time, five years after the prologue.
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~5 years later~
Adriana's POV
"Eat the fùck up!" He bawled,
I flinched against the bed as I was startled by the roar, I turn my gaze to my left to see one of the guards hold a plate of food as he stood at the foot of my bed. I gulped getting rid of my parched throat as I search his hands. I exhaled out a breath of relief when I saw a glass of water in his hand, ready for me to just chug it down.
I close my eyes as I realise that another day has come by and nothing yet has happened that would change my life for the better or worst. I felt as though my fate had been sealed years ago but I still had a little bit of hope that soon, I would be out of this misery. I've remained in this room that I've been kept in for the past 5 years and ever since that day, my freedom had been snatched away from me. This room was his and mine, and I certainly did not like the idea. I wasn't allowed to leave the room without his permission and I hated it, I wanted all of this to just end. I had a lot of thoughts to kill him in his sleep; to just wrap my hands around his neck and just squeeze until he is unable to move but I didn't have the courage to do so. I know that if I did attempt it, I would be taking a huge risk and place my life at stake.
Whenever he did enter the room, I'd always be intimated because of his demanding behaviour that I loathed, I always try to hide away from him but I fail as I'm frightened to hell to even stand up to him because the second I do, I will be dead. A lot has happened in this room and I was never allowed to forget them, in fact I was forced to remember them because he would remind me every second of everyday of what he would do to me. He would even threaten me and still would do anything to hurt me because he didn't care, not at all.
I quivered against the sheets when the guard dog walked around the bed to reach me. I was silent when he hovered over me with the plate still in his hand before he shoved the water in front of me. I take the glass with my shaking hands before I hear the plate of food just clatter on the wooden drawer next to the bed.
"I want everything eaten on this plate. If it's not, ya klyanus' bogom, ya ub'yu tebya sam!" He muttered with a very thick accent just clinging onto his voice, confusion ran past my face as I glance up at him. I had no idea what he said but I knew for sure that it was something very unpleasant because he's face was very... expressive. He growled under his breath before he rubbed his chin, I knew I thwarted him because I was very slow with my actions but to be honest, I really did not care what these men did to me, it didn't frighten me as much as it did when he would do anything.
My body shivered as I reach out for the plate while the man held me under his scrutiny. Even through the slightest movements, my body hurt so much that I winced however I bit my tongue. I grabbed the plate from the bedside table and bought it to my lap. I look at the food that was provided to me and instantly felt nauseous, the food was not really appetising. On my plate there was a sandwich, yogurt and fruit. I went on to grab my sandwich however, I stopped in my tracks when the door swung open to reveal what I feared most to this very day.
Antonio Luciano.
The repulsive man that is called to be my fiancé.
Antonio was first introduced to me as my fiancé by my ruthless father the year after I had lost Dante. That day was the day I lost myself because not only did Dante leave me, but torture entered my life when Antonio was introduced to me. I still remember the day he was introduced to me; I didn't have a choice, I had to accept my fathers choice. When I had first met him, I was frightened because after what my father had done to Dante, I knew I couldn't trust him at all. However, my first encounter with Antonio was not bad at all, in fact I thought he was an understanding man, but little did I know. The day I met Antonio was the day I learned that he was betrothed to me since I was thirteen without my consent and I was definitely oblivious to everything.
"In no time, Antonio shall be properly betrothed to my Adriana."
I still remember my fathers hurtful words to this day and it shattered very single brain cell I had in my head because he repeated it to me every single day, reminding me that I was his and only his. The words really killed me mentally and I was sick and tired of it.
Antonio was leaning on the door frame with an evil demeanour while his arms were folded against his chest. The look he gave me only indicated that he had evil intentions and I tensed when my heart dropped to my stomach that he was here again. I gulped as I examined his appearance and noticed that his white shirt was cover in fresh blood. My gaze moved to his hands and I realised he was holding a gun.
Realisation filled my system when I close my eyes and felt a tear just slide out of my eyes. Though it was in my natural instinct, I still knew what he had just done and it shattered my heart a thousand more times. The fresh blood that was sprayed all over his clothes definitely belongs to an innocent person and I couldn't do anything about it, in fact I would have to watch this heartless monster kill someone. He would force me to watch him slit every throat, force himself on every victim that was a woman and watch him shout abusive language to people that did nothing to him. However, today was different because I wasn't dragged down to his basement to watch him kill anyone today.
"What on earth is going on in here?" He questioned with curiosity and it only made my body tense because he was here, few feet away from me.
"I brought her food up for her." His men replied as he walked away from the bed, "But of course, I could always take her food back down so you can eat with her."
Antonio glared at the man who lowered his head while he stood in between us. Although this man was nothing but ruthless to me, I still did not want Antonio to do anything to him because I hated witnessing someone experiencing their own death. Whenever I did, it would leave me with PTSD for days.
He approached the man that stood in between and smacked his hand on his shoulder when he reached him.
"Voz'mi yeye yedu vniz, ya khochu, chtoby ona yela so mnoy." Antonio muttered to the guy before he gave him a firm nod. His turned his gaze to me as he approached me and then took the plate away from me. Once he did, he walked past Antonio and headed for the door before he left us alone.
Antonio's eyes softened when he returned his focus on me after the man left, he gave me a smile as he was trying to wipe the blood off his shirt because he knew I hated that. I blink up at him before I look away and tremble under his scrutiny, I had to remain calm in order to prevent him from taking any drastic measures in order to 'punish me', or so he says.
"How are you feeling detka?" He asked while he shut the door behind him, I look up at him as he turned back to approach me and gave him a weak smile.
"I'm fine..." I whispered, "It was just a cold." I curl up against the headboard as I bring my knees close to my chest before my arms wraps around them. I felt the bed in front of me just sink in and I flinched when he touched my head.
I was cold, very cold that I developed a fever yesterday. I needed to be cared for in an appropriate manner but Antonio wouldn't let anybody see me because I did not 'deserve it', whatever that meant. I shrugged my shoulders and curl away from him again, part of my legs were exposed to him so my hand reaches down to my trousers as I pull it down to cover the exposed part of my skin. I wore a plain white, long-sleeved top with a pair of cotton trousers.
I glance up at him and catch him staring at me like I was his. I shivered inwardly as I look away and just close my eyes.
"Come and join me downstairs, food will be ready on the table." He said and I glanced at him again, his eyes just twinkled with anticipation. "Just you and me."
"I really don't want to eat. I feel sick already and eating will only make me more sick." I reasoned as I move away from him again,
"What?"
My ears were burning hot when I stare at the small space between my feet, that tone of voice frightened me. My stomach dropped when I thought about the things he does just to release his anger. His whole demeanour changed rapidly in just a matter of few seconds and I knew what he was going to do next.
I rise my head from my crouching position and look at Antonio to see that he did not seem happy at all. His face dropped in disbelief at my refusal that he began to clench his teeth and tighten his grip around the gun he was holding from earlier. I was clearly able to tell because his knuckles turned white.
"What did you say?" He bellowed and it intimidated me, my stomach hurt from the bundle of nerves that gathered. I was genuinely fearing for my life because when Antonio was angry, I knew that I would be dead at the end of the day. When I didn't answer him, Antonio began to load his gun. Once he did, he cocked the gun and then unexpectedly shoved it down my crotch. I gasped and snapped my leg closed at the spontaneous contact however, his hand was placed on my knees to keep my legs wide open. I squirmed when my gaze traveled between my legs, I was frightened for my life when I felt my heart just hammering violently against my chest that it began to hurt. "I said, what did you say Adriana?" He repeated himself but this time, the tone of his voice lowered more as his gaze turned into a glare.
"I-I don't wa-want to eat, A-Antonio." I stuttered when as I began to move against the gun. The tip of his gun rubbed my opening very harshly through the fabric of my clothes and it hurt so much that I cried out in pain. My lips broke out a cry as I watch him with a desperate look of plead to just let me go. My eyes welled up from the excruciating pain between my legs but all he did was pressed harder and glare at me.
Antonio kept his firm grip on that gun as he scooted closer to me, his face was inches away from mine as his eyes bounced between mine with a glare stirring with passion of hate. His other hand travelled to my face to caresses it but all I did was whimper as beads of sweat rolled down my head. I inhaled as I focus on the pain, but it hurt so much I couldn't take it anymore so I pushed him away, it was a natural instinct to do which I deeply regret.
Antonio was shoved away from me harshly when finally, his gun was away. I closed my legs and whimpered in pain as I curl away from him again, however he did not stop there. I heard him chuckle when he scooted himself closer to me again. His hands traveled to my face again before the other one grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head down so I was facing him.
"What was that Adriana?" He growled as he caresses my face with this tip of his gun, "What did I tell you about refusal? Did I not teach you well or did you not listen at all?"
My lips quivered as I look at him with a terrified expression, my stomach swivels as I gulp down the growing fear. Even if I wanted to, I could never stand up to him.
"I-I'm sorry." I whispered as I close my eyes, "Antonio... please...please let go of...me." I whimpered. Though I always managed to keep my tears at bay whenever Antonio abused me like this, today my tears somehow managed to escape from my eyes because like I said before, I couldn't take it anymore. My skin crawled every time he touched me and my body ached every time he used it, he made me feel like I was worth nothing.
"That was not an answer to my question," he whispered when he moved closer with his face and rubbed the tip of his nose on my cheek. He then reached the crook of my neck with his face and inhaled my smell. "which clearly indicates that you do not listen to a word I fùcking say." He suddenly grasped onto my neck and growled, my hand traveled to his hand and clawed it as I try to fight him off me but to no avail. I gasped when his grip grew tight by the second and I began to choke. "And you know that everything comes with a price. You better start listening to me detka, or I'll fùck you to your death." He spat before he let go and then pushed me down on the bed.
"Antonio, p-please... d-don't do anything." I pleaded as I held his hand and try to push myself up but he only gripped my shoulders again and slammed me into the mattress. He brought his knee to my stomach and pressed it until I was unable to get up, all I did was groan in agony. I began to sob at this point because this was the worst Antonio has ever done before he went onto actually ruin me. Antonio didn't care, he just wanted everything his way which is why my hopes all were crashed when I saw the rage just running past his eyes.
"Detka, why do you provoke me then? Why don't you just open your God damn ears and just listen to me! You only do this to yourself; if you don't listen that I have to do something about it." He responded as he wiped a tear away, but I flinched away from his touch. "Why do you do this to me, lyubit? You know how much I hate it when I make you cry like this." He whispered while he began to lift my shirt up and place revolting kisses on my neck, onto my chest and then to my stomach.
I sobbed as I stare up at the ceiling, slowly feeling myself crippling away. This was a constant reminder of what I was worth; Antonio's whore. Antonio's bítch. Antonio's wife. I didn't want this at all, as much as I would protect, kick, fight... Antonio will be deaf to them. He would go on to ruin me, use me until I was unable to give him what he wants.
"Antonio please..." I whispered as he went lower and lower. My heart dropped to my stomach when he reached my trousers and finally, he pulled them down. "I'll come downstairs with you to eat, please let me go." I closed my eyes again as panic flooded me while I pleaded with him, all my tears had fallen out and my chest hurt from crying. My throat closed up when he carried on with the abuse, I couldn't do this anymore.
I couldn't do this anymore.
As I was pleading with him, he did not hear a single thing I said so I began to fight. I listed my leg up and began to kick him off me but before I can get out of his hold, both his hands gripped my leg as he reached my face. He then straddle my hips before his hands curled around my neck, however he did not apply pressure to it. My shoulders curl up when I watch him in horror, my stomach dropped when raged filled his face once again.
"If you ever disrespect me like that, I will destroy you." He leaned closer and growled, "I'm going to fùck you and you're going to take this like a good suka. Now shut the fùck up and give yourself to me instead of fighting like a damn child!"
***
I sit in the bath as I scrub my body until it burned, I had to wipe every trace of him on my skin and I was willing to go to any lengths just to do that. I'm fact, I was ready to go to any extend to leave this place, leave Antonio which shouldn't be the case now because I really shouldn't have listened to my father years ago in the first place. My heart thudded against my chest when my hands stopped their rapid actions because I saw blood just spreading everywhere. I stare at my burned skin and shiver as I remembered the day when Antonio was introduced to me.
Dad manipulated me and I was an absolute fool to fall for it again. The news of Dante's death really knocked me to the ground to the point where he even began to control every single day of my life. Exactly a year after Dante left, I met Antonio and I really thought it was meant to be because he was just so sweet until the day he forced himself on me. That day, I was sprawled onto the bed in disbelief as he walked away after with victory, he raped me. I couldn't believe it; Antonio was so sweet to me. He consoled me whenever I used to cry about Dante, he understood how I felt about Dante's death and even told me that he would wait.
With this side of him, I really did begin to fall for Antonio until I learned his true colours.
My body tensed as I felt myself shiver with the cold air just allowing itself in. I look down at my body and notice all these bruises that emerged from all the pressure Antonio would apply when he touched me. I squeeze my eyes shut and throw my head back on my shoulders as I clench my jaws and remember Dante; his smile, his laugh and his love.
I missed it deeply.
Just remembering made me break into a silent cry. I shivered as I clutch onto my body and feel myself just lose everything as days go by.
Every time I remind myself that I haven't seen Dante since the day I left his lifeless body on the floor, my chest becomes really tight. My heart shatters as realisation always settles upon me that I will never speak to him again. I couldn't even create a place for him to lay in and rest so I could visit every single day to tell him how much I miss him. Heck, I couldn't even let him go properly and it kills me every time because the last encounter I had with him was at lunch that day. That day, I told him that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him while he told me that he wanted to kiss me until we felt nothing. It has been 5 years since and to say that I deeply miss him was an understatement. My life is so incomplete without him, I feel broken.
One thing I will have to accept is that Antonio is my fiancé and will always remain as my fiancé. I remember the very day my father delivered the news that this man is my fiancé, he told me I was going to be marrying the man of my dreams but when I saw him, I saw that I was marrying a monster. I was marrying a rapist and I would have to deal with him for the rest of my life, not my father. I felt like as if ever since that day, my life was in control by Antonio. He would always decide for me on what I would do, in other words he would demand for me to do things that pleases him.
My father was oblivious to everything, in fact he was blinded by Antonio's power in the mafia world because I knew deep down that my father was a shít mafia leader and he needed a lot of help. In his eyes, Antonio was everything, a perfect son-in-law, the next leader of being the mafia after my dad and most of all, a perfect fiancé for me which I beg to differ.
I continued to clean my body as my thoughts drifted elsewhere and exactly after ten minutes, I left the restroom. My heart dropped as I staggered into the room with another presence. I look up at him and gulp while he gave me a warm smile.
"Good evening sweetheart. How are you?" He asked as he approached me before he curled his arms around me and embraced me.
Vito Destefano.
The man who is meant to love me, care for me, and go to any extend just to keep me happy and safe was standing in front of me, who claims to be my father but doesn't really act like one. The most he would do is take me out for strolls outside the estate which was barely enough for me.
Vito Destefano is the most 'dangerous' American Mob, as he claims but I do not believe a single word he says. He is the American Mafia but doesn't really have the power to maintain the mafia he brags about here and then. Destefano is a name I always hear on the news or anywhere else because that was his mafia name. To be honest, I hated it. I was sick of hearing my own father's name.
"Sweetie, I thought I spoke of this before? You are gifted with a beautiful voice, so use it." Destefano said as he rubbed his hand on my arm while he embraced me. My skin burned under the fabric of my shirt and I flinched against his chest.
I felt my eyes well up against his chest because I lost everything all because of this man. I hate to admit it but although he was my father, I hated him so much. I couldn't even call him my father anymore he certainly didn't deserve that title.
"I-I'm sorry Des... dad. I'm fine." I gulp before I pull away from him and look away.
"Adriana," Destefano called out with a stern voice that it nearly made me jump. I glance up at him as I gulped again, "Your mother has something to say to you therefore, she is waiting for you in her room. Please visit her. " He continues,
My body tensed at his choice of words because deep down, I knew that whatever mom has got to say to me, was not from herself but him. He made mom tell me what will be happening to avoid any refusals.
"Is..is she okay?" I ask frantically,
He nodded his head and placed his hand on my shoulder,
"Of course dearie. Come along with me, I'll take you to her, she is perfectly fine." He said as he pulled me towards the door. However, when he reached the door he stopped and then turned around again this speak to me. "Listen attentively to what your mother has to say and do not let me down because I will seriously hate to take what you have now."
What I have now?
I have nothing so to be quite frank, I really did not care what Destefano threatened me with, as long as it did not involve mom.
We walked down the main hallway that lead straight into Destefano's room. As I walked through, I glanced at the other halls that would lead us to the other side of the house. Each one of these halls had Antonio's men guarding them as they kept cautious of everything. Ever since Antonio had entered our home, his men had swarmed the place and I hated it because it was not like this at all before. It was much better than this because it felt like home, not like prison.
Once we reached Destefano's room, my stomach turned. I was not ready to see the state my mom was in because it broke me that I couldn't do anything about it. I was terrified to see how she was when he opened the door and stepped in before I followed behind him.
Once I was in, my eyes widened with relief when a small smile settled on my lips. The sight shocked me because for the first time in years, my mom looked well and healthy.
Valentina Marino was she and I loved her so much I couldn't live without her. I still believe that my mom is the most beautiful women on earth and no one could beat it.
Once she sensed my presence was in the room, her head shot up before her gaze pinned me. For a second, it was soft and serene before it was clouded with sadness that I couldn't figure out. A warm smile spread across her beautiful face but soon faded when Destefano spoke.
"Valentina." Destefano said with a firm voice, I glance over my shoulder to see Destefano giving mom a nod. It was like as if he was approving something for her to do. Mom hesitatingly nodded her head at him before she returned her gaze back to me with that warming smile which was the only thing that got me through the days of enduring torture.
"Sit down, Tesoro." My mother said softly with a smile on her face, she patted the seat that was next to her and gestured for me to sit down. I sat next to her as she was on the chair next to me, opposite Destefano. Destefano watched me with eager as he switched his gaze between me and mom, like as if he was waiting very impatient for something to happen.
"Sweetheart, would you please tell her. I don't have all day Valentina." Destefano said in a curt manner, however a smile was painted on his lip.
"Have patience Vito." Mom replied to Destefano with a gentle tone of voice, unlike his. I watch the two look at each other; Destefano seemed like he was going to kill mom while my mom watched him with sadness and hesitation. On a normal day, he would not take my mom's words into consideration. He would also treat her like crap but today, it was different.
"Dolcezza," Mom started off as she cupped my cheeks in her soft hand. I gaze deep into her eyes as I search for something. Her brows furrowed a little as a small frown ran past her lips. Her eyes began to water with tears as she caresses her thumb on my cheek. Right there and then, I knew that whatever she was about to tell me wasn't her choice. She was foreshadowing something and here I was trying to mentally prepare myself because I felt as thought it would be something that stabbed me directly to the heart. "Since it's been years, your father thinks its best to move a step... t-take things forward." She continued as she nodded her head at me,
"W-what... what do you mean?" I asked as I watch mom's face before my gaze shifts onto Destefano's who just stared at me with a blank expression. I return my gaze back to mom who began to shake
"Your wedding with Antonio will be next month." Mom revealed and as soon as did, I could see the physical impact it had on her. She exhaled out a very shaky breath and closed her eyes shut before a tear slid out of each eye. Her breath shook as it felt like she was going to burst any minute now but I remained silent as I stare at my mom with wide eyes.
My chest tightened as I realised that the day has finally come. Though I knew this day was to come, the news still seemed like a bomb-shell to me because I was not ready at all. I was going to get married to a vile man next month and there was nothing I can do about it.
"D-dad..." I called out with a shaky voice as I was pulled out of my reverie, "D-dad... I... you can't do that." I faltered as I bounce my gaze between mom and Destefano, "Dad please don't do this. Mom?" I pin my gaze on her for answers and finally break down. Mom's hand was trembling as they held my hands very tightly, she watched me in sorrow before she shook her head in defeat.
"I can and I will do just that Adriana." Destefano interrupts us with that same firm voice. I turned my gaze back to Destefano to see him glaring at me, "I've repeated myself many times over the years but you still seem to fall victim to such gullibility. If you remembered Adriana that you have no choice. You'll be marrying him next month and that is final."
"Dad I beg you, please don't make this happen." I pleaded with a defeated voice as I went down on my knees and begged him like as if I was begging for my life. I looked up at him and just sobbed but all he ever did was pick me up and press my arms with his hand.
"You are going to marry Antonio next month dearie and it's final." Destefano said, "Don't make this harder than it already is, accept this alliance already because there is no way out of it."
I shake my head and continue to sob, at this point I was shaking and Destefano saw this as an opportunity to just manipulate me like he always did.
"Dad..I will never accept this alliance or whatever you call this." I said, "He will never be the person to love me like how I'd want, he is a monster and you know that!"
"Jesus fùcking Christ Adriana! It's been five years! Five fùcking years! When are you ever going to learn that Dante is dead?" Destefano stressed out as he scratched his temples, "You ought to move on or things will be bad for you!"
Isn't it bad already?
My heart shattered into a million pieces as Destefano reminded me again, but the only reason why I felt more pain this time was because I saw no way out of this marriage. I was going to marry Antonio and there was no one to stop it.
Not even Dante because he was long gone.
And that crushed my heart over and over again.
__________
Chapter one done. Many more to come!
Stay tuned.
Until next time,
LAYA x
Translations:
Tesoro - Sweetheart
Dolcezza - Sweetie
Edited (7th aug 19) - I'm reading back at my chapters and cringing so hard right now. What the fùck was I thinking?
Anyway, I pretty much rewrote this whole chapter so that's new. And guys, I didn't realise that editing and rewriting could be so HARD so please bare with me. Because of this book, I'm unable to update on my other books which sucks but hey, it's totally worth it no?