Brinda's POV

The weight of yesterday’s trauma pressed heavily on me. My mother had been thrown out of the hospital, and I was left with nothing but remnants that could ruin me.

The little money I saw in my locker at the club was gone. All the people who promised Peter some money had refused to give him. And the balance from my salary had been paid to the hospital which can't be reversed anymore.

At that moment, I sealed my fate. It is finished.

Amidst that, Peter's cold hands wrapped around me from behind, my skin froze but his hot breath melted the cold away quickly. “Don't worry. We will save her.”

“What will you do?” I asked, my voice calm. “Will you trade your life for hers? There's barely twelve hours left. What miracle can happen?”

“I understand this is taking a toll on you but we will have to keep trying. As long as there is life, we can't lose hope until the last minute.”

Peter's words gave me some encouragement and I understood that we would have to keep on trying till the last minute. My eyes travelled to the bed where my Mom laid unconsciously.

She had given me life by struggling to raise me and I would do the same. I would fight the whole world for her because she deserves it.

We had some cereal in a hurry after taking our baths since there was nothing left to eat in the house. Peter gave me a bone-crushing hug like never before and pecked my cheek then he placed his lips gently on mine, pushing his tongue into my mouth.

I closed my eyes as I let go of my worries and let his actions take control of my thoughts. He pushed his tongue far deeper into my mouth and he let out a groan while I tightened my laps together as my right hand reached out to the back of his head.

My left hand went low to his pants zip but he stopped me. “Not now. We can do this later. We need to save Mom first.”

“Of course… and I would devour you.” I smirked.

“I can't wait!” He chuckled, adding a wink.

I locked the door carefully and dropped the key in my bag. Peter wrapped me into his warm embrace again and I loved it, my body twitching with delight.

Peter darted away quickly, ticking his hands into his pants. I smiled at his playful side before I moved towards the main road. My phone rang.

The number was private.

My stomach sank. My mother was no longer in the hospital. Peter couldn't have called with the number. Maybe, it's an angel who would help.

I answered quickly, hoping it was someone—anyone—who could help.

“Hello?” I didn't wait for the person to respond before I continued, “Who is this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Brinda, you have two options,” the voice on the other end said, a deep, menacing tone that sent a chill through me.

Fear crawled up my spine. “What options?” My voice was shaky, trembling with the weight of the unknown.

“Will you come meet me?” The voice asked, ignoring my question.

“Yes, but… who are you?” I couldn't stop asking the same question over and over again. There was silence from the other end and I remained there waiting for a response.

“You haven’t moved, Brinda. What are you waiting for? Or are you still the cold-hearted Brinda I used to know?” The voice was calm but laced with something darker.

I glanced around, feeling the sharp, oppressive sense of being watched. The black cars. The men in black suits. Who were they?

“Why are you doing this? I’m already in distress. How can I handle all of this?” I begged, my voice breaking under the weight of everything.

“A cab is waiting for you across the street. Get in,” the voice ordered.

Nervously, I scanned the street. I saw the cab, parked across from me. With no other choice, I walked to it and climbed in.

“Tell the driver where to go,” the voice instructed.

I refused to speak. I wouldn’t give them control over me, not yet. But the cab started moving anyway. It was clear now—the driver was in on it too.

The ride to an unknown destination felt like an eternity. My hands gripped the seat, and my mind raced.

What was waiting for me at the end of this ride?

After what felt like hours, the cab stopped. I stepped out, and my breath caught in my throat. There, at the edge of a cliff, was Peter standing there as if he was instructed not to leave the spot. I screamed his name, but he didn’t react. He was just there staring at me.

My phone rang again.

“Do you think that you should punish him?” The cold voice on the other end asked.

Punish him? Why should I punish him? He had always stayed with me every step of the year since I knew him three years ago.

Never would I be an ingrate.

“I will help you make a choice. Did you know that your lover was the one who showed Dr. McMasters the video of you stripping?” The voice inquired.

My breathe caught in my throat with a voice in my head screaming, “NO!!!” I raised my head to look at Peter who lowered his gaze.

My skin crawled with unease. And my eyes burned with indignation, “How dare you?” I voiced, my heart pounding in my chest.

“I didn't want you to go back. That's all! I have been staying with you, following you around like your dog. I didn't expect you to start changing sides by going back to that motherfucking place. Can you see what problem it had brought us? Who are these people by the way?” Peter said with no ounce of remorse in him. Instead, his voice was cold and unwelcoming.

I wondered if he was the same Peter who hugged and pecked me a few minutes ago. Was he the same Peter who stood by me always? Was he same Peter I wined and dined with for three years? Was it the same Peter that I shared every detail of my life with or maybe not?

“Peter, what are you saying?” I cried, tears rolling out of my eyes as I walked slowly closer to him, ditching the distance between us.

“I can't believe this. Why? Why would you do that? I trusted you. I loved you. I gave you everything but you…”

I was still talking when Peter cut me short of words, “Don't lecture me. I was only fighting for us. I was fighting for our future. Your mother won't make it, so it's better to start thinking ahead and…”

“Shut the hell up!” I screamed, my voice echoing through the area. “Why were you trying to do?” I grabbed his shirt and shook his body.

“There is no race we will run. With the amount of time left, she will die. We shouldn't have false hope.” Peter replied.

“Really?” I scoffed. “Then, what were your sweet words for? To make me believe that you care?” I questioned, tears still flowing out of my eyes.

“No, I was only helping you. I was saving you. If I hadn't pulled you back that night, you would have been dead. You owe me.” He said.

I felt a rush of anger within me and I stomped my feet on the ground angrily. He moved his hands around my arm and it only made my skin crawl with unease. I yanked his hands off my body and I heard his scream.

He was falling backward. My eyes widened and the anger I felt vanished away in a second. I reached out to him and grabbed his right hand, stopping him from falling off the cliff.

With me holding his right hand, he managed to get his left hand on the edge of the cliff. I began to pull him up but I hadn't done much when I was kicked from the side.

My hand got released from Peter's as I fell to the side. I watched a foot step on Peter's left hand that gripper the edge of the cliff. His scream echoed through the air as he fell into the abyss below.

My body felt numb as I stared at the spot where he had fallen, his last cry still haunting my ears. I let out a soul-wrenching wail from the very depth of my soul while I stretched my hands towards his disappearing body.

The sunset began to cast a red glow across the horizon as my breathing increased rapidly. Who was the bastard that stepped on his hand? Who had let Peter fall off the cliff?

I turned slowly and saw him.

The man who had orchestrated all of this. The masked man. His presence was commanding and terrifying. His laughter reverberated through my ears before he placed his hand on his face and removed the mask.

My jaw dropped, my eyes mixed with a fearful glint locked onto his, my hands shook uncontrollably, my breath caught in my throat and fear etched itself on my face like a mask.

“Francesco Dante,” I whispered, the shock and horror filling every inch of my being.

As Francesco crouched down beside me, he was accompanied by the thundering sound that was soon followed by unexpected droplets of rain.

My heart sank as his face came into the view—clear enough for me to see it. It's been five long years but he remained the same.

Why didn't I recognize him at the bar?

I gripped the hem of my clothes as the memories of our past flooded into my head. He locked his eyes on mine for the first time letting a sly smile appear on his face.

Five years ago, Francesco was my boyfriend. We both worked tirelessly to make ends meet which included me working as a stripper and him working as a bar attendant then he vanished out of nowhere leaving me an eternal scare.

He raised his head and inhaled deeply then he brought his face back to our normal level. “It's so nice to see you again, Brinda.”

“And it's not nice to see you. You bastard!” I yelled.

He chimed, “I know I'm a bad person, damsel but who is more terrible between us?” He cupped my chin in his hand. “Where is the old Brinda? This new Brinda I'm seeing is a weak one.”

“Stop saying nonsense,” I said, removing his hand from my chin. “You've lost the right to touch me years ago when you left me all alone. You're a wicked person and… I regret having met you in this lifetime.”

“Who cares?” He said icily which forced me to touch my chest which was beating rapidly. “Well, I'm here for a purpose.” He declared.

“What purpose? I can't help you with anything,” I replied.

“I need you, Brinda. I need the Black Rose. The one who inserted rods in throats to kill, the one who would do anything to hide a dead body, the one who once chopped a body into one hundred and eighty pieces. Where is that side of you?”

The Black Rose, which happened to be me, was a spy under Alpha Exposition—A spy agency, popular in the underworld, but can't be heard of outside.

While struggling to pay my fees in college, Cecilia, my friend, introduced me to a man who was the leader of Alpha Exposition. Later, I got to know the man was her father, Andrew. I was ordered to deliver drugs and as time went by, Andrew saw through me and realized I had the potential. I was the type he was looking for. One fateful day, he called me into his office.

Guess what?

He told me to be his personal spy. My duty then was to secretly monitor all the activities in the agency. I accepted the offer and did really well after which, I resumed my training to be a brutal spy.

All I needed was the money so I worked really hard.

When I started killing high-profile citizens, I got a job at Donald's clubhouse where I mostly attract my targets and silence them at the snap of my fingers.

Things went perfectly well until the sudden demise of Andrew evoked chaos and Cecilia's elder brother attained power. He dismissed us all, including me, not knowing that I was the real deal.

“Black Rose died years ago and I'm not going back to that lifestyle.” I finally answered after a long silence.

“Look,” he said and dipped his hands into his pocket before he walked to my back, brought his head to my ears then whispered, “I’m not here to bargain with you. I'm here to instruct you on what to do?”

My eyes shone brightly as I was ready for a showdown. I should have known there was nothing good that would happen with his presence. “I can't fulfill your request,” I told him. “Wait, how did you know Black Rose?” I asked, surprised because that was meant to be a secret I would take to my grave.

And where the hell did Francesco get so many men that worked for him? How did he get so much money? Did he have a hidden identity or something?

And most importantly, why is he back? To begin my death by making my life hell?

$Chapter

Brinda's POV

“The Black Rose… The most wanted spy and criminal in New York City. The one who had executed over a hundred assassinations in three years. Who hasn't heard of the Black Rose? As for me knowing that you are Black Rose, you shouldn't be surprised. Did you forget how we were? I simply went through your things but… I kept it a secret.”

“You're a cheater. And why was the need to kill Peter?” I demanded as color drained out of my face.

“All cheaters should die.” He said acerbically. “Put that aside. All I need you for is to help me find my father's killer, retrieve the crypt key to open the Black Book, and sideline my opponents in the Mafia…”

“Mafia? What the hell have you gotten yourself into?”

“I am trying to be nice to you because of our past. Don't take advantage of it and look me in the eye while I'm talking.” He growled and pulled my head downward. “In return, I promise to save your mother.”

When I realized I had just few hours left, I made up my mind but I won't do the wrong thing. “I can't accept your offer.”

I looked at Francesco annoyingly before I turned to walk away but the men that alighted from the other cars earlier with Francesco had guns in their hands, particularly, pointed at me.

A mischievous smile played on my cheek as I ignored them and walked away peacefully not thinking of anything else but to save my dying mother.

As I settled at the backseat in the taxi, I lowered my head and tears came rolling down my cheeks. All I could say was, “Francesco, why? Why are you back?”

And my Peter? He's gone? Just like that?

Quickly, I pushed the thought away and focused on the issue at hand—How to save my mother.

But I couldn't help but be reminded of Peter. He had always stood by me. Ever since I met him years ago and still had a broken heart because Francesco disappeared out of the blue.

Now, I was the one who killed Peter. I would assume I did.

Brinda, why?

I tapped my head gently as a series of headaches awakened in my head. I managed to open the door and entered the house. When I got to Mom's room, there was nothing. Mom was missing as well as her medical treatments and the like.

“Francesco,” I called out. I wailed as hot tears poured out of my sockets heavily.

My phone rang and I crawled to where it lay not faraway. “Francesco, you had better not try me. Where is my mother?”

“Relax, damsel. I sent you a live location. Meet me there. More surprises awaits you,” he sang which made me quake concerning the surprise he talked about.

He had just passed the boundary and I would make him pay. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed two knives, tucked them carefully in my pocket and headed out.

~~~~~

I found myself standing before a massive mansion, towering like the haunted memories of the high-profile targets I had once eliminated without a second thought.

The gates creaked open, and there they were—three men in black suits. My fists clenched at my sides, desperate for a reason, any reason, to strangle them where they stood.

They moved swiftly towards me like an agile predator. My launched myself at them and attacked them brutally, their blood spilling on the side of my face.

I ushered myself into the mansion, everything around me was unnervingly still. The air was thick with tension, every step I took echoed in the silent space.

Then, out of the quiet, Francesco’s voice sliced through the room, sending an icy jolt down my spine.

“Non ci vediamo da un po—Long time no see. Can you see who you are? Killing man lives right in your blood.”

I froze before I turned to his direction, his words playing in my head.

Blood drained from my face, leaving nothing but a cold, burning emptiness that settled deep within my soul. My legs gave way, my chest constricting, every breath a struggle against the rising panic that threatened to consume me.

I staggered backward, clenching my fists against the sharp ache in my lungs, unable to scream while my body betraying me as I sank to my knees.

And there, just feet away from me—was my mother. Her body laid lifeless.

Francesco stood beside her, his hands casually tucked in his pockets, exuding arrogance that bordered on insanity. He stood there like a god, looking down on my suffering with the same detachment he had shown countless others before me.

I let out a gut-wrenching wail, the sound raw, full of anguish. “Mom!” The word tore through me as I cradled her body, my fingers trembling as I removed the cotton from her ears and nose then hurled it away.

Francesco’s smile was wicked, cruel, as he took a slow, deliberate step closer. His eyes glinted with a sadistic delight. “Isn’t that the best surprise ever?” His voice dripped with mockery. “Perhaps the greatest of your life. And don’t get too comfortable… There’s more coming. Every hour, maybe.”

I glared up at him, shaking with fury. “How dare you, Francesco?” My voice cracked, barely able to contain the storm within me. “You’ve taken my love from me. Now... you take her?”

His smile only deepened, a cruel twist of amusement playing on his lips. “They had to go. No hard work without sacrifice, right? I never thought I would see you cry like this. After all, you’ve taken the same toll on others. What do you think happened to the families of those you killed, Brinda?” He let the words sink in, cold as ice. “This... is karma.”

A wave of disgust rolled through me, but I said nothing. I could barely look at him, my chest tightening with grief and helpless rage.

“Anyway…” He waved a hand dismissively. “No time to waste. We have work to do. You and I.” He paused for a moment, clearly savoring my pain. “I know what you can do, but I have the solutions to all your problems.” He raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider.

I stood up shakily, still clutching my mother’s body, refusing to let them take her from me. “Damsel, I’m the leader of the Dante family—Mafia. We control the hardest drugs in the market. But it’s not just that. There are bigger things in play, and guess who I think can solve them?” He leaned back, puffing a cigarette with an almost smug satisfaction.

I locked eyes with him, my heart pounding in my ears. “No, Francesco. You’re wrong. I’m not your solution.”

But before I could say more, he barked out an order. “Time’s up. Guards, remove the body.”

His men closed in on me, and I fought them with everything I had. But my body was weak, my spirit drained by the grief, and I could barely hold myself upright. I wanted to fight and tear them apart, but I was powerless.

Helplessly, I watched my mother’s body being dragged away, out of my reach, disappearing into the darkness beyond the door.

A roar of fury erupted from deep within me. I darted for the table, grabbing the knife that lay in front of Francesco.

With everything I had left, I lunged at him. But he was faster. His hand shot out, grabbing mine, and before I knew it, a sickening crack echoed in my skull.

I crumpled to the floor, unable to keep my eyes open. A primal scream tore through me as I succumbed to the blackness closing in.

Some time later… minutes? Hours?—I awoke to the sound of slow, mocking applause. My hand instinctively went to my head, where the pain throbbed like a pulse, steady and unforgiving.

The room was dimly lit, and I could see Francesco standing there, a wicked smirk twisting his features.

“Welcome back!” His voice was taunting, like a predator savoring its catch. “Hope the journey wasn’t too stressful.” He laughed, but there was no humor in it—just a cold cruelty.

I shot to my feet, rage and desperation fueling me. “Do you think this is a joke?” My voice cracked, my throat raw with emotion, but I couldn’t stop myself.

“Do you?” He cocked his head, his smile never faltering. “I’m not here for games, Brinda. I’m here for business.”

He walked toward me, a glass of water in one hand, a tablet in the other. “Take this,” he demanded, his voice cold, authoritative.

I recoiled, pushing the glass away, my body shaking with anger. “Stop! Stop whatever you’re doing!” I struggled to stand, to escape him, but the weakness from earlier had returned. I couldn’t move fast enough and I fell to the floor.

He shook his head, exhaling a long, patient breath. Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached for a small black bottle from the table. “I thought you’d prefer the gentle way. Guess I was wrong.”

His words cut through me like a knife. He crouched down in front of me, cupping my chin with his cold, cruel hands. His fingers dug into my skin, forcing my mouth open, and I gasped in horror as he tilted the bottle.

The liquid slid down my throat, burning, choking. My body convulsed in protest, but I couldn’t stop him. The poison—Deadly Nightshade. I had used it before to end my targets. To send them to a world of pain before death. And now I was forced to take it.

All I have left is a year to live.

His smirk deepened as he let go of me, watching with sadistic pleasure as I gagged. My hands flew to my mouth.

Tears stung my eyes. The bitter, metallic taste of death filled my mouth, and I could do nothing but cry. My vision blurred as the poison coursed through me, but I couldn’t let go of my rage.

Francesco’s voice was low, almost gentle, as he spoke the words that felt like a death sentence. “Sometimes, the person you once loved may end up killing you,” he said, the twisted satisfaction in his voice unmistakable.

“The epic love story that never really was,” I whispered, my voice thick with tears and grief.

He laughed, cruel and triumphant. “I have no comfort to offer you. Your little prank is over. The real game begins now.”

“I still won’t work for you,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible. “I would rather die.”

Francesco’s eyes gleamed with something darker. “Success is the key when you have a willful mindset. I know you have hope in you, Brinda. You want to live. Don’t lie to yourself.”

“No,” I whispered weakly, but even as the words left my lips, doubt gnawed at me. I didn’t want to die.

“Welcome to the gate of hell,” he murmured, his grin widening. He poured whiskey into a glass, savoring the slow, deliberate motion. He raised the glass to his lips and took a sip, eyes never leaving mine.

“And I’ll be the one to usher you in by the devil’s grace.” My words hung heavy in the air, thick with finality.

The clock ticked loudly in the silence, each second pressing closer to the doom awaiting us both.

But deep inside, a spark flickered—small, fragile, but undeniably there.

The game wasn’t over because Francesco would regret every moment of it. I would make him bleed for every second he thought I was broken.

And I would make him remember exactly why they used to whisper my name like a curse—The Black Rose has just begun to bloom

$Chapter

Brinda

Feeling a series of hard rhythmic taps on my cheeks and Francesco's deep male voice that instructed, “Wake up,” I struggled before my eyes flipped open after some seconds. “I wonder how someone could be this useless. You've had enough sleep. Time to work, damsel.”

My body jerked forward, my arms flew in the air and my hair came falling covering my face in the process. I tapped my forehead for some time then I raised my head only to meet Francesco with a smirking expression.

All what he did yesterday came running in my head. I just wanted to stand and point a gun at his head but who am I?

A suppressed lady with no choice.

The only way I can free myself from him is to achieve his goals then also help him to bury the secrets he intends to. Hold on! What are his secrets?

That's exactly where I'm supposed to start thinking from. Francesco wants me to work for him but I don't know the type of errands I will be running for him.

“Are you deaf or are you trying to let me yell on purpose?” He thundered angrily and I was forced to bow my head. “Get up!” He shouted.

I stood from where I sat, realizing it was a mattress and I was dressed in a pink night dress which had my inner thighs nearly visible.

“Who changed my clothes?” I asked, concerned about my safety.

“Who do you think can do that except me?” He said without thinking.

He couldn't have done anything, right?

If he did, I would have known. Though there won't be blood stains since I gave my virginity to Peter. Perfect punishment for Francesco, I would just wait for the time he finds out.

Houses and people spread like grains of rice on the ground as I gazed down from the window of… A jet? Yes, it is. A private one.

“Where are we going?” I asked, returning my head to face Francesco.

“Be a patient dog and obey your master,” he replied coldly. “And be cautious of who you're talking to. I'm not the Francesco you once knew. That part of me is dead.”

I laughed as I held onto my stomach. “That's why you killed my mother and Peter, right?”

He tucked his hands into his pocket and sighed deeply before his face darkened. Fear gripped my soul and I stepped backward with my hands clutching to the hem of my dress.

“They deserve to die. Everyone around you deserves to die except me because I have to watch you suffer while I inflict pain on you.”

“For how long will you do that?” I asked, then he slowly made his way to my side.

My movement was stopped when my back hit the door behind me. I inhaled deeply.

“I have rules,” he said, holding my right hand tightly. “And you must obey them if you don't wanna lose your right as my property because that is what you're now.”

I shook my head, not understanding what he meant.

He smiled again, his voice cold and calculating. "Here are the rules you need to follow. First, you must answer every question I ask. Never say 'I don't know.' Second, when I call, you must respond immediately—no hesitation. Third, you will not look at me unless I allow it. And finally, you will do the tasks I assigned to you, without hesitation or refusal. Disobedience will come with consequences."

“Is he some kind of Messiah? Grumpy human!” I thought.

“Yes. Yes, I do.” I replied with my eyes fixed on him though I knew he stated those rules for himself and not me.

He brought his face closer to mine. I shifted my gaze trying to avoid his eye contact, given how close we were. “And the most important thing is, you will be doing a lot of dirty jobs for me. But for now… Watch me!”

He ordered me to have my bath and I obliged. A few minutes later, I came back, dressed in a long yellow gown he prepared for me.

As I looked through the mirror earlier, I was frustrated. I don't wear long clothes. Even if I wore one, at least not this long.

“You are looking beautiful. Come sit on my lap.” He commanded as he sipped his wine. I let his words fall behind my ears while I sat on the chair opposite him. “I won't appreciate your stubbornness.” He smirked.

“Whatever!” I snapped.

“I’m in a good mood today,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “So, I will let you off but next time you disobey me… I will make you pay in the best possible way.” He said coldly and silence followed.

When we finally arrived at our destination, we climbed down from the jet to the gentle evening breeze that blew my hair slightly. I took in the environment, seeing as it has a familiar sight.

“What are we doing here?” I whispered, curiosity bathing me.

He raised his eyebrow before he flashed a naughty smile. “Relax, damsel. We are here for work.” He told me but I did not buy it.

Then, a Range Rover accompanied by a variety of black cars arrived and we boarded it. A man, cladded in a black suit, sat in the backseat and Francesco joined him while I sat in the front seat.

Finally, the middle-aged driver pulled up in front of a mansion which reeked of money but with the look of things and my expertise in the dark world, I understood that the money was not a holy one.

There are some secrets behind the scenes.

Two men rushed to my side and opened the door. I winced at them before I refused their help and exited the vehicle myself as gently as I could making sure I didn't trip because of the compulsory heels I'm wearing all thanks to Francesco.

I waited for about ten minutes before Francesco alighted from the car. “Let's go,” he commanded his men as he moved into the building like an agile predator.

The cars, including the one I and Francesco boarded all zoomed away. I looked left and right. Realizing I was all alone in the middle of nowhere, my heart skipped a bit.

What am I waiting for?

I ran after them with my mind full of the consequences that may follow my wrong decision.

$Chapter