"Peace unto this household," Carden said as he stepped into their sitting room, looking at Carlos, who wouldn't stop laughing at him in that priestly attire. He wore a black robe with a small white collar around his collarbone, a fake rosary around his neck, a cross in his left hand, and a Bible in his right hand. Nerdy glasses sat on his eyes as he looked at Carlos, who kept laughing ridiculously. "Man, this is silly. I can't pretend to be like a priest just because of a woman. It doesn't fit my aesthetic." "You don't have a choice, Carden. Any other disguise you choose after this would be suicidal," Carlos said. Carden sighed heavily, like someone without a choice-because he truly had none. "If you say so, Carlos... but still, it's insane." "I know," Carlos replied. "I got something that would brighten your mood." Carden's smile brightened. "You do? Meaning I won't be disguising as a priest?" "Not that. Your disguise still stands." Carden's smile faded instantly. "I have a way of making it seem like you are a real priest. There's this friend of mine in Sicily. I called him and told him everything." "You did what?" Carden frowned. "Wait... I haven't gotten to the interesting part yet." Carlos continued, **"He said he has a way of making it seem like you're a real priest. He said he would pay off the priest that normally goes to that mansion to pray for your dream girl, and make him tell the girl's owner that he's being transferred. Then a new priest would take over his position. Boom-that's where you come in as the new priest without stress." Carden smiled again. "Yes... that's a brilliant idea." "Yes-and you'll be staying at a parish close to the mansion. So anytime you plan an escape, it'll be easier for you to sneak back to the parish," Carlos added. "This is beautiful. How did you manage to make your friend pull this off?" "I told him the girl is your long-time sister, and you need support to get her out of that mansion. I told him the owner kidnapped her when she was little and is using her as his money instrument," Carlos said, leaning back on the chair. "You're such a genius, Carlos. What would I have done without you?" Carden said, walking close for a hug. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing," Carlos joked as they hugged. "Now all you need to do is master your disguise," Carlos said as they pulled apart. "Yes," Carden said with a big smile. "Now walk back and act like the priest that you are," Carlos laughed. "It's not funny, Carlos. This robe looks ridiculous," Carden complained. "Yes it does," Carlos laughed loudly, "and now I will address you as Father Damien Narvick." "That's a good name. I'll take that," Carden said as he continued his rehearsals with Carlos' help. In the Mansion Anna was on a video call with her parents, pretending all was well. She couldn't tell them the stress she'd been going through all these years. She flashed back to when she was seven. Her father was struggling, working two jobs to keep the family fed. She didn't go to school because her father couldn't afford tuition fees for her and her brother-until her dad's brother, Uncle Arnold, called and said he wanted to take her to Sicily for a good education and a better life. At first, her dad hesitated-he knew Arnold wasn't someone who did good without getting something in return. He became even more suspicious when Arnold insisted he wanted only Anna. But he had no choice; he wanted the best for her, unaware that his decision would cost Anna her freedom. "Anna... Anna," a woman's voice called from the video. "Are you okay, darling?" She wanted to say no, but her uncle was standing opposite her, staring sternly like he was waiting for her to make a mistake so he could deal with her. She looked at her uncle for a while-his gaze was nothing but a warning. Anna turned back to her parents and forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mother. Work has been stressful. It's not easy modeling for different companies at a time." "Oh my dear, sorry about that. You are indeed strong," her mother said. She gasped inwardly. "I know," she said, trying to hide her tears. "Look at what your amazing career has given us-we are now the richest people in the countryside. It's amazing and a blessing to have such a beautiful daughter whose beauty is the talk of the town," her dad added proudly. She smiled faintly. "I'm glad you all are happy," she whispered. "I wish I would be someday..." She turned her face away from the camera so her parents wouldn't see her tears. Her mother noticed and asked again, "Are you sure you're okay?" She nodded. "I'm just happy you guys are good," she said, forcing a smile through teary eyes. "Okay," her mother said, still uneasy. "When can we visit you? I miss you, my little one." Anna looked at her uncle-he shook his head sharply, signaling no. She turned back to her parents. "Not yet, Mum. I still have a lot of companies to model for. If you come, I won't have time to spend with you. And you can't follow me to work because of company rules. So stay calm... I promise I will visit soon." Her uncle cut her off immediately. He walked into the call, greeted them, and told them Anna needed to go back to work. They said their goodbyes awkwardly and hung up. "You don't tell me when and how to talk to my parents!" Anna burst into tears. "Please let me go see them. Please!" Arnold stared at her and muttered, "Soon... I will arrange that. Only if you promise to be a good girl and don't say anything to them. You know the consequences if you do." Anna nodded, wiping her eyes. A heavy-built man walked in, handing a ringing cellphone to Arnold. "It's from the parish, sir." Arnold took the phone. "Hello, Father," he said. The voice responded; they talked, and he hung up. Feeling unstable and uncomfortable with what he'd just heard, Arnold clenched his fist and shouted sharply: "There will be a new priest!!!"

Carden stood with his bags, waiting for his number to be called. He held his ticket in his hand, looking at Carlos-who had been his backbone from the start. "I already told my friend in Silicly that you're coming. Make sure you call me once you get there; he'll tell you and show you all you need to do. Another thing-the parish is hosting a charity fundraising today. You need to be there with your disguise," Carlos said, patting Carden's shoulder. "A charity fundraising... why is everything happening so quickly?" Carden, lost in thought, muttered to himself. "It's a risk you need to take, man. For your little dream girl. At least she'll stop disturbing your night rest once you know why she's appearing in your dreams," Carlos added. "You're right, man. Thanks a lot. I owe you, bro," Carden replied. "Attention everyone! The train is set to move. Passengers with B2 tickets should get on immediately." "Oh, it's time. I need to leave," Carden said, giving Carlos a hug before jumping onto the train. The train horned and soon began to move. Carden kept waving at Carlos until he couldn't see him anymore. He sank into a seat near the entrance and exhaled. "Let me do this... for my peace." In the Mansion "Why am I just hearing about this now? Why is the parish bringing a new priest without my notice? Is someone selling me out? How sure can I trust this new priest with all my dirty confessions?" Arnold barked, throwing everything his hands touched to the floor. "Boss, you need to calm down," one of his men said, trying to soothe him. Arnold walked toward the man slowly. "Calm down, you said?" He pulled out a gun and pointed it at the man's head, finger tightening on the trigger. "You think this is a game of calming down?" The man was already shivering in terror. "I told the parish priest that he must not accept a transfer and that he should inform me if he was being persuaded. Still, he refused and accepted it. And you think I should calm down? He knows all my dirty secrets... and I think one of my rivals is responsible for this transfer." Arnold pulled the gun away from the man's head. The trembling man sighed in relief and dared not speak. "You-come here," Arnold said, pointing at another man. "Gather every information you can about this new priest. Make sure he doesn't know anything about my confessions. Find out if he's someone I can trust." "Yes, sir. I'm on it." "And you-" he pointed at the shivering man, "take this gun and make sure the priest breathes his last." The man took the gun, nodded, and left with the other guard. "Every secret ends here... and that priest needs to seal it with his life," Arnold said through clenched teeth. Carden stepped off the train, looking around the big city of Silicly. He was amazed at the towering structures and how peaceful the air felt against his skin. No one would ever guess that a city so calm lived under the harsh rule of a man everyone feared. Lost in the cool breeze, he didn't notice the man walking toward him. "You must be Carden-Carlos' friend, right?" the man said, extending his hand. Carden shook it and nodded. "You're right, sir... and you are?" "I'm Frederick, but you can call me Fred. An average-tall man," he smiled, his hair neatly combed backward, his face almost too perfect-he even sounded a bit Mexican. "Come, let me get you prepared for your task." He signaled Carden to follow him into a car parked across the road. Inside the Car Fred broke the silence. "I heard what Arnold did to your sister. He's dangerous, and a tough man to pull down. He has men all over the city... and I heard he has one of them watching you already. You must tread carefully. I hope you've mastered your disguise perfectly-one mistake, and he'll pull the trigger." "What? He has his men watching me already?" Carden gasped in shock. "Yes. He knows everyone in this city, and he notices whenever someone new arrives. That's why you must be careful and make sure you don't blow your disguise." Carden nodded, still worried, doubt creeping into his mind. I've gotten this far... I can't pull back now, he told himself, trying to regain confidence. Arrival "Here we are," Fred said. A small gate opened to reveal a building that rose with quiet dignity, its pale stone walls warm under the sun. A tall bell tower crowned the structure, topped with a simple cross cutting against the sky. Narrow arched windows lined the sides, stained glass catching hints of color even from the outside. Heavy wooden doors stood as solemn guardians of silence and prayer. The entire place radiated a calm, sacred stillness, as though holding centuries of whispered devotion. Fred stepped out of the car and gestured for Carden to follow. Carden, still amazed by the structure, which is a cathedral, he could hardly take his eyes off it. "Carden," Fred called, "this is where you'll be staying." He led him into a room. Inside, everything was luxurious-beautiful furniture and everything he would need-while the outside appeared old. No one would ever guess what the interior looked like. Carden entered, eyes wide. "Wow... I wasn't expecting the room to be this furnished," he breathed. "Yes. I made some renovations. Carlos specifically asked me to prepare it this way for your comfort." "Carlos... never ceases to amaze me. Thank you, Fred. I really appreciate it." "You're welcome. I'll leave you to settle in. In a few minutes, we have a charity fundraising to attend-and Arnold, the dreadful man, will be there. Try not to blow your cover. I believe Carlos already told you." "Yes, he did," Carden replied. "And remember-you are Father Damien Narvick. I'll tell you later why I changed the first name. For now, freshen up. The bell will soon ring, and the fundraising will start immediately." Fred left, closing the door. Carden felt anxious-but the beauty of the room distracted him. He began undressing as he walked toward the bathroom. "Let's do this," he whispered.

At Arnold's Mansion ... In the mansion's basement, Arnold stood with a gun pointed at a man kneeling on the cold floor. The man-Mr. Douglas-was barely conscious. Bruises covered his body. Blood streamed from his nose, his neck red and raw as though he had been strangled. His once-white shirt was soaked in blood, clinging to his trembling frame as he begged for his life. "Mr. Douglas," Arnold said calmly, his voice chilling, "you used to be my favorite dealer. And now you've tampered with something I hate being touched." He walked toward him at an unhurried pace, the gun never wavering. Douglas shivered violently. "I-I'm sorry," Douglas stammered. "Your muse is too beautiful to resist, tho I was only saving her from tripping. I'm sorry Arnold please. Okay I know I need to pay so, Just tell me how much you want me to pay for the damage. Name anything-my mansion in Greece, my beach house in the Maldives, my skyscraper in Dubai. Anything. I'll call my lawyer right now. Please... don't kill me." Arnold hummed, pretending to consider the offer. "Interesting." He signaled one of his men. Douglas's phone was pulled from his pocket-his hands were tied. "The password," Arnold said. "257654," Douglas whispered, shaking. The phone unlocked. "What did you save your lawyer's name as?" Arnold asked, his tone calm-too calm. "The Law..." Douglas replied. Arnold nodded. His man dialed the number and pressed the phone to Douglas's ear. The lawyer answered after two rings. They spoke briefly, though the lawyer was confused by Douglas's trembling voice and sudden demand to transfer his mansion and skyscraper to Arnold. Suspicion stirred-but Douglas insisted he had lost them to gambling with Mr. Arnold. Reluctantly, the lawyer agreed. The documents were sent via PDF. The call ended. Arnold smiled, turned to his guards who were grinning at his instant achievement. "Well," he said softly, "I'm now the proud holder of a mansion in Greece and a skyscraper in Dubai." Then his smile vanished. He raised the gun again. "Please," Douglas sobbed. "I've given you almost everything I have. Please let me go." "Yes," Arnold replied coldly. "But not everything." "What else do you want?" Douglas asked, shaking violently. Arnold leaned in and said sharply, "Your life." He pulled the trigger. Douglas's body collapsed to the floor, motionless. Few shots followed, he made sure he's was gone completely before he stopped shooting. Arnold stared at the corpse for a moment. "Clear this mess," he ordered. He walked to the sink and washed the blood from his hands. "I hate this," he muttered. "Now I need a confession. I can't rush things with this new priest. I'll have to wait... I hope he's someone I could trust." He wiped his hands with a handkerchief. "Sir," one of his men said, "there's a charity donation at the chapel today." "There's what...," Arnold replied in a sharp and angry tone . "How come I wasn't aware and am just knowing now ." He bunched the wall angrily. "What kind of game are they playing with me". "And the new priest will be there," the man added. Arnold froze. "He's in Sicily already?, he asked rhetorically looking at the man He nodded signaling yes "Interesting " he muttered. "That transfer was fast. I'll need to tread carefully." He straightened. "I sense conspiracy, well, get the cars ready. Prepare the orphan donations. And tell Anna to get ready-she needs prayers from this new priest . Let's go pay him a visit, he might be expecting us too", Arnold grinned. "Yes, boss," the man said, hurrying out. At the Chapel... Carden-now Father Damien Narvick-stood before a mirror, dressed in priestly attire, staring at his reflection. "Am I really doing this?" he whispered. "I've never been this scared... or this determined... not even after losing my parents." He exhaled deeply. "For my peace, I'm willing to risk it." He adjusted his collar. His phone rang. Carlos. "Hey, man-or should I say, Father Damien?" Carlos joked. "Stop it," Carden replied. "I can't help it," Carlos laughed. Carden sighed. "Are you ready for the donation?" Carlos asked, growing serious. "Yes... but I'm nervous." "You'll be fine. Just don't blow your cover," Carlos warned. "I'm here for you, even from afar. Go get your dream girl." Carden smiled faintly. "Thanks, man." The bell rang. "I need to go. It's time," Carden said hurriedly. "Be good," Carlos replied. "And thanks-my room décor is lit," Carden added. "You're welcome." The line went dead. A knock followed immediately. Carden opened the door quickly, adjusting his glasses-his disguise complete. He shut the door just as fast, avoiding curious eyes. Outside stood Fred... and a woman dressed in a long gown, a veil draped over her head with a wimple and coif, a rosary hanging from her neck. She was unmistakably a nun. "This is Sister Vera," Fred said. "She'll assist you with anything you need." They exchanged brief pleasantries as they walked toward the donation grounds. Carden pulled Fred aside. "Does she know anything about my disguise?" "No," Fred said firmly. "I've given her strict rules. She's not allowed into your room unless you permit it-and you shouldn't. Ever." Fred warned him. Carden exhaled in relief. "Thank you." Before he could say more, the sound of car horns-loud, powerful, deliberate-cut through the air. A convoy. The crowd turned. Luxury cars rolled into the chapel grounds, guards stepping out first, forming a tight perimeter. Then the door of the central car opened. Arnold stepped out-commanding, ruthless, untouchable. And beside him... Anna. She walked at his side, guarded, fragile, breathtaking. Carden's breath caught. The world seemed to tilt as his eyes locked onto her. Her beauty stunned him-soft, haunting, forbidden. At that moment, Anna lifted her gaze. And their eyes met. The priest froze. The devil smiled. And fate took its first breath. It's her... Carden gasped