ERIKA'S P.O.V.

And just like that, the evening was disrupted. Everyone fell silent.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I enunciated slowly and quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear me as my gaze fell on each and every one.

"Look, honey," My mum began with that tone, a tone that implied that she wanted to manipulate me into doing her bidding. "We're in a tight spot. Our house...our life is on the line. Do you really want us to become homeless?" Her voice cracked, signifying that she was about to cry. Knowing my mother, she wouldn't stand for such embarrassment, which meant I had no choice but to oblige her request. But...

"What about Avery? Why isn't she here for this discussion? Perhaps she'd want to get married instead." I didn't want to seem selfish or shift the obligation to my sister, but I couldn't get married. I wasn't sure I even wanted to...yet, at least.

The tension became extremely palpable as my Nana grumbled incoherent words, my father's fists tightened on the table, and my mother clenched her jaw in anger as she hissed through her teeth.

"If you must know, darling, this is all because of your sister and her reckless behaviour. Her incessant need to put this family to shame as she continues to soil our name through the mud." I recoiled at the sheer venom in her voice; my mother had always been strict with us, but she had never spoken with such distaste. I knew whatever Avery had done must have been severe to warrant her anger.

"If I may ask, who do you have in mind for me to get married to, Mother? I suppose you have someone?" I raised an inquisitive brow at her; her mood flipped within an instant as a smile stretched across her lips, her fingers interlacing as she sat up.

"Nipotina, you don't have to. We'll find another way." Nana spoke up softly, casting me a worrisome look, to which I just sent her a tight-lipped smile.

"It's fine, Nana."

"Erika, darling, I knew I-we could depend on you, darling. My precious baby girl." In the background, my father let out an annoyed grunt paired with an eye-roll, which earned him a scowl from Mother. "And yes, as a matter of fact, I do have someone in mind for you to marry. You remember my friend Miranda? Miranda Chapwood, her son Liam is searching for a bride, and I know you'll make the perfect fit." She rambled excitedly.

Nana gasped, "Adele? For Christ's sake, that boy is a known gambler and man-child. He's certainly not fit to be her husband." I couldn't agree more with Nana; I had known Liam when I was much younger. He was a fine-looking man, but he was the last person I'd ever consider as a husband. He had tried to hit on me a few times; luckily for me, Avery had always come to my aid and warned him to back off. Sandy ginger hair and a freckled face-there was no way I'd ever accept marrying him.

Mother scoffed, "Please, Mother, you know nothing about him. His family is rich enough to settle our debts and cater to us-for Erika, I mean. It's a perfect match." I nearly snickered under my breath, perfect match indeed.

"Adele, Mother's right. We can't allow our daughter to marry Liam. I'm sure there's another way out." Father pitched unsurely.

"Oh yeah? And in what way would that be? What way haven't we tried, Peter? You know there's no other way, so please, let me handle this." Mother snapped at him, instantly shutting him up. I watched the scenario unfold with conflicted thoughts. I was torn on what to do. On one hand, I absolutely detested having to marry for money, but on the other hand, my family had a lot to lose. They depended on me.

"Excuse me, I need a moment to myself." Politely excusing myself, I navigated my way back to my room, sitting on the bed as I simply looked out the window. I didn't know for how long I had been seated there as thoughts continued to fill my head until I heard the sound of my door opening and closing. I perceived her scent before I even saw her as I felt the bed dip next to me.

"Want to talk, Nipotina?" Nana asked softly as she took my hand in hers, rubbing circles on my skin.

Taking in a sharp inhale while I shook my head, I spoke, "I don't know what to do, Nana. What should I do?"

I heard her sigh next to me: "Your mother and I barely ever see eye to eye; we barely agree on anything. But I see her, underneath all that faux prepped and polished woman. I know she's scared. Scared to lose everything. But I do not agree on what she requests of you. Which is why I must allow you to decide." My gaze fell on her, the forlorn look on her face breaking me. "What do you want to do?" 

*****

Much later at night, my family and I were gathered at the dining table as we discussed.

"What's the amount owed?" I asked, and my parents glanced at each other before my father spoke up.

"$500,000." He muttered lowly, his hands clasped forward while his head hung low. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at his response. Five freaking hundred thousand? What the heck did they buy? Or use the money for? I believed if it wasn't for my Nana's treatment, we would have always found a way to manage ourselves and also cater to her treatment simultaneously.

"F-f-f-i-ve h-hundred thousand? What? How?" I blurted out, flabbergasted.

"Sweetie, Your sister messed with some really dangerous people, got into a shitload of people, and somehow disappeared. We've been trying to pay back, but it's been hard." Father explained.

"Who?"

"The Vitales." Mother spoke up; I gaped at her response. Avery was either stupid, Lord forgive my words, or she had a death wish. The Vitale's were the royalty of the city, the owners. They owned Rome, Sicily, Venice...hell, they owned the whole of Italy. Lord, have mercy on me.

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

I lay in bed, my head filled with roaming thoughts. I had barely been able to sleep a wink throughout the night. The mere thought of being married to Liam Chapwood didn't sit well with me. Apart from the fact that he was a manwhore-Lord forgive my words-he also had no respect for women. Back in the day, I'd seen girls cry over how he had used and dumped them without a care in the world. That most certainly was not the kind of man I wanted for myself, nor was he the kind of father I wanted for my children. Children... I'd never thought I'd see the day when I would think about having children. Choosing to become a nun meant giving up being a wife and having children, and I was perfectly fine with it. If it meant not having a life like my mother's, I'd choose being a nun a thousand times and more. Although that was only a part of my reason for wanting to be a nun.

Soon enough, it was time for breakfast as I trudged down the stairs to see my family already gathered around the table, talking in hushed whispers as they ate. They all fell silent as soon as they sensed me.

"Please, don't stop on my account."

"Good morning, Mother and Father." I greeted my parents, giving them a tight-lipped smile while I made my way over to my Nana, leaning down and placing a kiss on her head while she rubbed my arm affectionately. "Good morning, Nana. Sleep well?"

"I did, Nipolita. How did you sleep?" 

"Well, I slept well, Nana." I responded, scooping some food onto my plate. Lord, forgive me my lies. "So, would someone like to tell me what the whispering was all about?" Taking a bite of my eggs, I scanned the faces around me.

Clearing her throat, Mother gently placed her cutlery down, wiping the corners of her mouth. "I-we were hoping you'd come to a decision, darling. Concerning the issue of your marriage to Liam Chapwood. Perhaps you'd be interested in meeting him soon. Familiarize yourself with him; get to know each other. And just maybe, you would see that you're a perfect fit, dearest." She smiled eagerly.

Breathing deeply, I responded, "Mother, I...I was thinking, perhaps we could negotiate...I mean, speak to the Vitales? To give us more time to repay the loan?" I asked softly, disregarding Mother's earlier words. Speaking to the Vitales seemed to be the much better option than allowing Liam Chapwood to try to court me. The things he'd try, I internally cringed. Lord have mercy. Mother didn't seem to appreciate my disrespect as she scowled at me. 

"Speaking to the Vitales is as good as asking for a death wish; the thought itself is as preposterous as it sounds. So I'm afraid, love, but that is out of the question." She retorted in a clipped tone, leaving no room for discussion.

Noticing my downcast look, Nana spoke up, "Adele, why don't we leave this conversation for another time?" We're at the table; we eat at the table. Not discussed. And besides, forcing Nipotina to meet with this loose lad, who, by the way, chases everything that wears a skirt and is a little weak upstairs, is nothing she'd look forward to. Spare the poor child, please." I giggled quietly, thankful for Nana's interference. It seemed Father shared the same opinion with me as he let out a chuckle, covered by a cough, when Mother cast a glare at him and then me.

"That is the thing, Mother; we do not have the luxury of time. We are at our wits end, so please, Mother." She snapped, turning her attention to me. "Now, you, my dear, will have to come up with another possible solution within the week on how we can tackle the matter at hand, or you will have no other choice than to court Liam, and that's final." She ended in a huff, returning to her meal. No one dared to counter her words; Mother could be very headstrong when she wanted to be, much like Nana. Silently, I glanced at Father, who remained silent, catching my eyes briefly before casting my gaze at Nana, whose face held a frown. 

Sighing in defeat, my shoulders slumped as I picked at my meal until dinner was over.

Back in the safe confines of my room, I sat in the hanging hammock, which faced the window, giving me a beautiful view of the day and the streets, when I heard my door open and close. I could smell her scent before she even came into view.

Stretching her hands, I slipped my hands in hers while she pulled me up. "Oh, my poor darling." She cooed softly as she hugged me. Without wasting a second, I wrapped my arms around her, sniffing. Oh, how I needed this. She held me in her arms for a while and then broke the embrace, settling down on the bed while I sat back in the hammock. 

"Talk to me." She placed a palm on my cheek comfortingly.

"I don't want to marry him, Nana; I don't want to marry anyone." I sobbed.

"I know, Nipotina, I know. I don't want you to marry him either. But sadly, your mother is right. The Chapwoods are the only ones who can save us from our debt, but not without getting something in return. Their son, however, has been a thorn in their flesh. Word has spread that he's been having children out of wedlock and bringing shame to the family. Getting married to you would be a way to redeem the family's name. Truthfully, I see no other way to save us from this impending doom."

Silence reigned between us as I let her words sink in, "But Nana, what if there's another solution? What if I... I speak to the Vitales?" She shook her head, waving her hand before me.

"No...no, Nipotina, you do not know what you're saying. If you're to talk to the Vitale's, then you'd have to talk to their leader. The Don Nipotina. He isn't a man to be messed with; he could hurt you or worse." She said shakily. 

"Nana, if it's what needs to be, then I'd do it. I'd do it for the family."

"Do you even know who it is?" I shook my head. She took a deep breath before speaking, "The Don, the boss, is none other than Don Stefano Vitale."

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

All through the night, I barely slept a wink. My mind was tormented by the demons of depressing thoughts and foreshadowing events that awaited my family should I fail to marry the man my mother had not so dearly selected for me, the man whom everyone thought to be our savior. My conversation with Nana floated into my mind once more. After Nana had told me who the Don was, confronting him didn't seem to be an option anymore, Don Stefano Vitale. The man whose name ignited fear in the hearts of many. A man who was closely affiliated with danger and brutality, a man who no one dared to defy. That was the person my sister decided to cross. I shut my eyes, feeling a lump form in my throat. I was caught at a crossroads. For the life of me, I didn't know where Avery could be; she could as well be on the other end of the earth. What could she have possibly needed the money for? What if she was in trouble? My heart skipped a beat at the thought. Growing more restless, I tossed and turned on the bed until I finally made up my mind. Getting out of bed, I trot into the bathroom, taking my sweet time in silent hope to come up with another solution, but I came up with none. Exiting the bathroom, I settle for a brown plaid skirt, a cream button-up shirt, and brown flats. Tying my hair in an updo style, I wrapped my hair in a light brown scarf, while my rosary rested on my left wrist. Saying a silent prayer, I looked at my reflection in the full-body mirror before leaving my room, not forgetting to grab my purse on my way out. 

As I trot down the stairs, I hear my mother's voice ring out behind me, "And pray tell, where are you off to, my dear?"

Turning to face her, "I'm off to take a stroll, Mother, to clear my mind." I answered, fiddling with my purse. My stare wavered, feeling riddled with guilt. I wasn't necessarily going on a stroll, as I had a mission in mind, but I also wanted to use the opportunity to take a stroll, which I hoped would help clear my mind. So I wasn't technically lying, yes? 

She raised a brow at me before walking down the stairs, coming face to face with me. Raising her hand, her cool fingers swept softly across my cheek as she smiled.

"Mmmmm, very well. Take care, darling. Be sure to be back home before dinner, alright?" Nodding in response, I tarry not a second longer before hastening out of the house. I was glad to not have run into Nana because I didn't know if I could face her without telling her what I was going to do, knowing she wasn't going to approve.

As I walked down the gravelly streets, I recalled the stories Nana told me of how people mysteriously disappeared or met their doom for the slightest error when they got involved with the Vitale family. The weight of my decision weighed down heavily on me as I drew near to my destination, but a small voice at the back of my head reassured me that I was making the right decision. I was doing this for a greater cause...family.

Arriving at the estate, I felt a looming sense of foreboding. The towering, magnificent structure stood tall, designed impeccably to stun whoever set eyes upon it. Standing before the tall gates, I debated on how I would get through them. What would I say brought me here? Who would I tell them I was?

Just as I was about to speak into the intercom, the large gate slowly swung open, surprising me. Taking the opportunity, I slipped through the gates, eyeing my surroundings, which were surprisingly silent. I had expected to see guards roaming around, given the rumors I had heard about the Vitale estate being heavily guarded. Perhaps the rumors were wrong. 

But even as I walked down the path, it felt as if there was someone or something watching me from the shadows. Nevertheless, I continued on my journey, the only sounds being heard being the faint echo of my footsteps. As I reached the steps leading up to the entrance, I inhaled deeply before climbing up the steps, my heartbeat quickening with each step. As I reached the last step, I saw a bulky guard dressed in a black suit, staring off coldly. His cold eyes watch me like a hawk with detached interest; he doesn't say a word, merely staring at me as I approach.

"Hello, sir, I...I...I'd like to meet Don Stefano, please." I mutter quickly, afraid of his response. Luckily for me, he doesn't speak a word but merely motions for me to follow him. Following him in, my lips parted slightly, dumbfounded by the sheer beauty of the insides; it was beyond beautiful. The house felt like a maze, with long corridors and beautiful, glistening chandeliers that lit up the hallway, and the air had this very pleasant scent that I liked. 

I followed the buff guard until he came to a stop before a tall oak-wood door that had gold handles. Giving me a nod, he turned and walked away, leaving me looking after him and wondering what to do next. Do I knock? Or do I simply go in? Deciding to go with the former, I knocked timidly on the door. A chilling voice that sent shivers down my spine called out, "Come in."

Letting out a shaky breath, I pushed open the door to reveal a large study with a large man who sat behind an enormous desk. He had a dangerous aura coming off him in waves as he sat still, his cold eyes assessing my every move. I instantly knew this was the feared mafia Don, Stefano Vitale. At this moment, I regretted the very decision I made to come here. What was I thinking?

Unconsciously, I took a step back, followed by another, freezing in my steps when I heard a low, cold chuckle.

"Leaving so soon, and that too without a proper greeting or even saying why you're here, Erika?" His voice was as cold as death itself, willing me to tremble at every word he spoke. Reaching for my rosary, I caressed it softly, hoping it would give me the strength and protection I desperately craved.

"Don Stefano." I whispered softly, my meeting finally meeting his. Lord save me, this man had eyes that made me feel like I was falling into the abyss. Did the devil reside in him, or was he the devil himself? "How did you know my name?"

I saw the corners of his lips lift into a cruel smirk, but it was gone as soon as it was there. Perhaps I had even imagined it: "Would you like to sit?" He asked, ignoring my earlier question. And just like that, I regained feeling in my legs as I felt them begin to ache. Managing a grateful smile, I occupied one of the seats before him. 

"Good, now you're curious as to how I know your name, yes? You really think I'd let a stranger and a potential threat into my home?" Realization dawned on me. He knew of me; Christ, perhaps he had even been expecting me. Studying him, I couldn't help but take note of how handsome he was. He was truly blessed by the good Lord. He was one of the very few handsome men I had ever come across in my life, and I had only met less than a handful. I knew without a doubt there wasn't a speck of dust within a mile radius of him. His clothes and everything about him, down to the hair on his head, screamed luxury.

"Miss Erika, would you care to tell me why you have come to me, or would you need more time to drool over me?" My cheeks heated up in embarrassment at his words while I tore my eyes away from him. 

"Have you perhaps come to bargain or beg in respect to the debt your family owes me?" He asked, causing me to look at him.

"Yes, sir, I mean, yes, Don. I have come on behalf of my family." 

He hums, "I see. Do you have my money?" 

I shook my head in response, feeling deeply ashamed. "I...I don't, sir."

"So why are you here?" He snapped coldly, causing me to shrink back in my seat in fright.

"I have come to beg for some time. I need time to earn the money to repay you. Please, Don." I begged, hoping by some miracle he'd agree, which I highly doubted. But even at that, how much time would be enough to gather the money to pay him back? It'd take years and years of hard work.

"Time?" He chuckled, "I'm afraid your family has run out of time. I have been generous enough to give them two months to repay the loan, but they've done nothing about it." Two months? That wasn't nearly enough.

He leaned forward, my breath caught in my throat as we locked gazes. "Your family's desperation is quite palpable. But I wonder, are you willing to do anything to save them?" Without thinking twice, I nod fervently in response. Perhaps I could work my way out of repaying the debt.

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood up, placing his palms flat on the smooth surface. "Your family's fate is sealed, Erika. There's nothing left for you to do except decide on what you're willing to give up to save them." His words stirred fear and nervousness within me, especially when he made his way over to me. My soul nearly left my body when he leaned over me, perceiving his masculine cologne so strongly.

"What are you saying? What do you want from me?" A cold shudder ran down my spine.

Giving me a cruel smile, "Your soul, Erika, that's what I want. If you're willing to do anything to ensure your family's safety, give me your soul. Else, your fairytale world and everything you care about will burn."