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."

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

My palms got clammy, coated in sweat as I struggled to control my tremble, which was very near impossible, given our close proximity. His words rang in my head over and over again. My soul-he wanted my soul. If that wasn't a clear sign of him being a son of the devil, then I couldn't possibly fathom what other sign there could be.

"I do not have all day, Miss Fontana. I need a response, or you may as well get out." His cold, bored voice rang out in the air, jolting me back into reality as I looked at him, his piercing eyes already looking down at me in annoyance with his hands tucked into his pant trousers while he leaned against his shiny oakwood desk. My lips parted and closed slightly as I swallowed thickly, trying to fathom what I'd say. My family's life hung on the line for Christ's sake; my life was supposed to be payment in exchange for theirs. I was practically selling myself off, and if I did agree to give him my soul, which I won't, then I would damn my soul to hell.

"Get out, Miss Fontana." He stated coldly, getting off the desk as he began walking back to his seat. Without thinking, I shot out of mine and grabbed his hand, halting him in his steps. Unfortunately, my actions didn't seem to sit well with him, as he snatched his hand away from mine, stepping so close to me in an intimidating stance that I instinctively stepped back in fear, shrinking under his gaze.

"Don't you ever, ever touch me, Miss Fontana, unless of course you're willing to lose your hands." He snarled, fisting his palms as if to hold back from touching me. Or perhaps strangling me. " "I...I...I'm s...s...sorry.... I...I'm s...s...sorry.

. I didn't mean to upset you, sir." I whimpered shakily, clutching my skirt tightly, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I repeated, not knowing what else to say except apologize. A disgruntled grunt escaped him, his jaw set tightly as he stepped away from me, allowing me to breathe properly. Without a word, he slips into a door I hadn't noticed, leaving me confused on what to do before reappearing shortly after, sliding into his seat.

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, I spoke up, shifting from one foot to the other, "Don, uh, about your offer, is there any other way we can pay you back? Or perhaps, if you may, please give us a little more time to pay you back. Please." I pleaded, hoping to God he had a heart.

Just when I thought he hadn't heard me, he spoke up without looking at me, "48 hours."

"Huh?"

"Your family has 48 hours to pay back everything your sister owes me, or else be ready to take whatever comes your way. Unless, of course, you'd be willing to sacrifice yourself for the sake of your family. Think about it, Miss Fontana, you in exchange for the lives of your family. A small price to pay." He had this look in his eyes as he spoke, a look that warned me to flee. We'd think of something, a way out. But was there truly a way out? To pay back five hundred thousand dollars in forty-eight hours. Risk the life of my family, my Nana? Or sacrifice myself to the devil, a selfless act for the greater good.

With my head lowered, looking down at my feet, I sealed my fate: I...I...accept." A bit of shuffling movements later, I saw him slip a document towards me.

"Sign it; do make sure to read it if you must." Taking his advice, I return to my seat and look over the contract. According to the contract, I'd have to stay in the Vitale manor for a period of one year, submitting completely to him. His every whim and command-in summary, I wouldn't have a say in my life for a year.

"I'd be handing myself over to you for a year, with no say over my life?"

A cunning smirk curves at the corners of his lips. "Apparently so. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Not exactly, but I'm a sister. I'm in the convent, and I'll need to return back soon."

"Take a year off; that much should be clear." I start to object when he throws a glare that freezes the warmest of hearts.

"As you wish, Sir. But if I may ask, why me?"

He leans forward, interlocking his fingers as he taps both index fingers against each other, "Because you're pure in every sense. A virgin, innocent. A far cry from your sister." My cheeks heat up at the word 'virgin.'. Not having any other thing to say, I nervously pick up a pen on his desk, my hand hovering over the spot I was supposed to sign. My eyes fluttered closed as the image of my family fluttered before my eyes. I'm doing this for them. With that thought in mind, I sign it and hand it over to him; he doesn't collect it, so I place it before him.

"Leave." He orders without looking at me, and I comply.

Walking down the gravelly streets, my entire body feels numb. Tears sting my eyes, but I will myself not to cry. Entering the house, I'm met with total darkness, telling me that everyone must have gone to bed. Good for me, I was in no mood to speak with anyone, although I hadn't expected to stay out this late.

Trotting up the stairs, I head into my room, not bothering to even get myself something to eat. Stepping into my room, I lean against the door with my eyes shut, allowing my tears to flow freely. I gasped in fear when the lights suddenly turned on, revealing Nana sitting on my bed, rushing over to me when she saw my state.

"Oh my dear child, my sweet sweet child." She cooed, holding me in her arms while she allowed me to cry, leading us both to the bed. Once I had managed to calm down, I recounted what had transpired to her; all the while she remained silent without saying a word.

"Say something, Nana." I urged desperately.

In a solemn voice, she says, "You may have thought you did the right thing, Nipotina, made the right choice, but he's not the kind of man who lets go once he has a grip. You didn't strike a deal, Nipotina... you signed away your life."

Listening to her words, I recalled his "You belong to me now, Miss Fontana. Don't forget that."

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

The night seems to drag on forever, as though never-ending, as though it wanted to haunt me, keep me in the day when I made the cursed deal...selling my soul to a devil. I knew of devils, never encountered one, but I knew of their names, although I feared I had just encountered the first devil. Don Stefano Vitale. I shuffled between sitting on my bed, staring out the window into the night, and then watching the clock tick so painfully slow before lying on my bed simply thinking...wondering. Wondering if I had made the right decision, if it was worth it. Would there have been a second option? Another way out? I guess I wouldn't know, as it's far too late to go back on my decision. I had a week to finish up whatever I needed to do and inform who I needed to before I'd begin living at the Vitale manor for a year. My mind kept replaying the look in Don Stefano's expression as we spoke-cold and calculated, yet final. Dawn finally breaks as I rise to the chirping sounds of birds dulled by a quiet tension that now looms around my room like a dark cloud.

Reluctantly, I dragged myself to the bathroom so I could freshen up and meet my parents downstairs before my mother came up to my room to find out why I wasn't down for breakfast. I wasn't ready to tell them just yet. A familiar aroma fills my nose as I walk down the stairs before Nana comes into my line of vision, brewing her tea with practiced calm, but I could sense the storm beneath her serene façade. 

"Good morning, Nana." I walk up to her, pecking her cheek before making myself a cup of coffee and then sliding into a seat at the dining table.

"Good morning, Nipotina, sleep well?" I sipped my coffee, watching her as she looked at me with a knowing expression. She knew I wouldn't have been able to sleep.

"Uh, I didn't get much sleep, Nana." I confessed softly, looking at the mug in my hand, which I caressed softly, welcoming the heat.

"Mmm." She hummed, not saying anything before she began making breakfast. Just as breakfast was ready, I heard footsteps before my parents stepped into the room.

"Morning, sweetheart." Papa smiled warmly at me, placing a kiss atop my head. I managed a small smile in return.

"Morning, Papa, morning, Mother." I greeted her, and Mama murmured a response of some sort before diverting her attention to breakfast, serving herself. The room fell silent as we ate-well, they ate; I had no appetite.

"Erika darling, would there happen to be a reason as to why you're not eating?" Mother asked, raising a questioning brow at me, making everyone else look at me; Father looked at me in curiosity, while Nana looked at me expectantly.

"Uh, I-" I looked between my parents and Nana. "I'm not hungry."

"I see." She nodded slowly, bringing a piece of egg up to her mouth and chewing softly...very ladylike. "Would there happen to be a reason why? Which reminds me, you weren't home for dinner last night; where were you?" I tensed up momentarily before forcing myself to calm down.

"I was out, taking fresh air, and I lost track of time." This time, it was Dad who spoke.

"For that long? Is everything alright, darling? Did anything happen? You can talk to us." He enunciated softly. 

Exhaling softly, I hesitated, debating on whether or not to tell them. Blowing out a breath, I answered, "I'm okay, Papa, honestly. Nothing happened, and I'm sorry for coming home late last night. It'll never happen again." All the while we had been talking, Nana never uttered a word, which wasn't a usual occurrence. I wondered how my parents hadn't picked up on it yet.

"What about you, Mother? Is there a reason as to why you're being awfully quiet?" Mother asked if perhaps I had spoken too soon.

Nana had a solemn expression on her face; wiping the corners of her mouth, she pushed her plate away. "Actually yes, there is." Casting a glance at me, she asked, "Will you tell them, Erika, or should I?" I tensed up once more; Nana never called me by my name unless it was serious.

"What's going on, Erika?" My mouth opened and closed, unable to utter the words. "Can someone please say something?" Mother snapped in irritation.

"Erika here made an agreement with Don Stefano yesterday, which is why she was out late." Nana blurted, eliciting a gasp from Mother while Father exclaimed.

"Lord no, Erika, tell me that isn't true." Dad? I asked, horrified, the atmosphere now tense as tears welled up in my eyes. I lowered my head, willing myself not to cry even though I so desperately wanted to, my throat burning.

"I'm sorry." I whispered.

I heard a chair shuffling; looking up, I watched Mother stand as she kissed her teeth, fisting her palms as she brought them up to her lips, her eyes shutting only momentarily, "You're sorry? You're sorry? We had a plan, Erika; you were supposed to marry Liam Chapwood. He was supposed to free us from our debts; he'd have made a good husband, and you had to ruin it." Mother scolded, pacing back and forth in annoyance. I sniffled.

"Enough, Adele, I didn't tell you so you could yell at the poor thing. Can't you see how defeated she looks? Show some sympathy, please." Nana rebuked, and I felt her palm cover mine, trying to comfort me as she rubbed my skin with her thumb. I couldn't get mad at her; I knew she meant no harm.

Mother huffed, sitting back down with her arms crossed, "Fine, so what do you suggest we do?"

Nana breathed deeply. "Perhaps we could move forward with the marriage to Liam Chapwood. Erika will have to meet up with him as soon as possible so the arrangements will be finalized." My jaw dropped slightly as I looked at Nana in disbelief.

"So now you agree with me? What happened to you being against my decision?" Mother snarked, causing Father to throw her a glare. 

"For Christ's sake, Adele, enough with your bantering. This is serious."

"Oh please, Peter."

Nana took my hands in hers, reverting my attention back to her. "I know you might not agree with this, Nipotina, but I can't watch you sell yourself to that monster." Her voice cracked with despair. I felt overwhelmed; I didn't know what to say. Do I consider this option, risking incurring Don Stefano's wrath?

Rising from my seat, I rushed out, "I need a minute; excuse me."