章節 20: Chapter 18

XVIII. It's You!

. . . . .

My eyes were throbbing from all the crying when I awoke in the morning.

I looked forward with a blank stare on my face. Noting the vastness of the room and the emptiness of it because of the lack of furniture.

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the narrow window, casting a warm glow that filled the room with a soft, golden hue. I sat up, my senses sharpening as I took in my surroundings. With keen eyes, I scanned every corner, searching for a way out. However, it seems impossible.

As I rose from my bed, I slowly made my way towards the window, it was barred but I can still see outside. Peering through the narrow gaps, I felt a rush of cool air brush against my face. 'This room is quite high up. . .' I thought as I looked outside and noted that I must be on the fourth floor. 'Where even am I?'

Creak. . .

I spun around as the door creaked open, my gaze locking onto the man standing there. "You look familiar." I murmured. His eyes, however, remained fixed on the tray he held, as if it were a lifeline tethering him to this moment. "Look at me." I commanded, my tone icy and unyielding.

Yet he ignored me completely, he just placed the tray on the bedside table in silence.

'Ignoring me now huh?' Narrowing my eyes, I strode forward to his direction. "I'm ordering you to look at me." I lowly growled.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, he began to turn his gaze toward me.

With keen eyes, I observed his appearance. "You truly look familiar. . . Have we met before?" I asked. However, I received no response from him. "Hmm. . . That hair color. Brown? Hmm. . ." I moved even closer making him step back.

'He seems familiar, but where have I seen him before?' I racked my brain, trying to recall every detail. I was certain I had never encountered anyone with this hair color except for. . . "You! It was you!" A wicked grin spread across my face as the realization struck me. "You're that motherfucker!" I mused in a sugary tone, which quickly shifted to icy resolve. "You're the intruder I should've killed." I glared at him, my eyes filled with cold fury.

He gulped nervously, stuttering as he attempted to reason with me. But I was already certain he was the one I had fought in the annex of our manor. "M-Ms. Viviana, uh. . . you seem to be mistaken." he stammered.

I cackled. "Mistaken? How can I forget that pathetic face of yours." My grin only widened even more at his quivering figure. "What's your name?" I asked.

"G-Gabriel. . ."

"Hmm. . . Gabriel huh? Such an innocent name, fitting for a weakling like you." I remarked, pity and disgust displaying on my face. He did not show any reaction and remained still in place. "Now tell me Gabriel, where am I?"

He paused briefly before responding, "Ms. Viviana is currently in the boss's room."

'So this is his room. Why is it so empty then?' Was the only question that popped up in my mind. 'It can't be that he doesn't have any sense of creativity to even place a simple couch in here, right?' I scoffed at the thought and shrugged. "Very well, next question. Are you the one who kidnapped me?"

He flinched and muttered in a low voice which made me arch a brow at his fidgety figure. "No. . ."

Is he just this timid by nature?

Trained soldiers of the mafia are expected to embody toughness and resilience, serving as the muscle of their crime families. However, the case of this particular soldier starkly contrasts the hardened image typically associated with mafia operatives.

Instead of exuding the intimidating presence expected of a "Soldier" serving the most powerful mafia family, he resembles a timid puppy, desperately in need of guidance and direction.

'So annoyingly pitiful.' I observed him with narrowed eyes. It's clear that this job was not for him.

The world of organized crime is unforgiving, a ruthless arena where only the strongest and most cunning survive.

Yet here he was, a soldier who appeared more like a lost lamb than a fierce enforcer.

I stared at him blankly, my expression devoid of any warmth, as I delivered my threat with chilling clarity. "I'll go for your head if you're lying."

"I-I swear, I-I'm not the one w-who kidnapped you, Ms. Viviana. P-please believe me. . . I'm truly not the one who kidnapped you." He stated almost too instantly after hearing the threat, his voice tinged with a mix of urgency and desperation.

I can only frown. It was a gesture that conveyed my skepticism. I cannot trust anyone at the moment. However, I will consider the words of this pathetic pup.

It's unlikely for him to be the culprit. I already know he lacks awareness and how very clumsy he is.

Which led me feeling perplexed.

How come I never noticed someone approaching behind me as I sat down the bench in the unknown park?

Everything happened all too sudden and I never saw it coming or at least even notice anyone approaching me at all.

Did Dakari send the elites just to kidnap me? The idea seemed absurd. Dispatching them is a hassle in itself. Much more, the purpose would be to kidnap a mere woman and seriously? Hitting me near my head?

"Then why don't you tell me what had happened exactly?" I suggested, my arms crossing over my chest.

He gulped and told me with a shaky voice, "T-the boss will be the one to tell you Ms. Viviana. . . It's not my place to explain as I do not know the details."

I let out a sigh of frustration. "Haah. . . You're so fucking useless. Do you even know what you did to my life you fucking twat?"

Right.

If I hadn't let this man go that night, I doubt Dakari will even know about my existence. Only if this guy wasn't intruding and if only I got rid of them all and did not show them mercy. . .

It was partly because of my negligence that all of this happened.

I should've known better than let anyone leave the manor alive that night. I was too used to the idea of peace and never resorted in any bloodshed. Quarrels maybe, but certainly not killings.

I do not have the heart to do that.

Yet.

"Gabriel. If I kill you right here, right now and escape. What will happen?" I asked in a nonchalant tone as if this was all too normal.

"Erm—. . . T-the boss will drag you back and punish you f-for taking the life of one of his soldiers." he stammered, his voice trembling slightly as he delivered the warning.

Well now that outcome is certainly not desirable.

I'm aware about this already. To harm a soldier was to invite retribution, and he was acutely aware of the consequences that may follow.

Even so, despite knowing that I cannot do anything to him. He remained trembling like a child at my threats. 'Is it because of what I did to him in the Annex?' It made me wonder. I sighed as I asked him in a somber tone. "Won't you be apprehended for answering the questions of a captive?"

"The boss instructed us to tend to your needs and answer whatever you'll inquire, Ms. Viviana. However, we can only provide limited information for you as per orders of the boss."

Hmm. . .

With an arched brow, I asked with a hint of curiosity, "We? There are others?"

"Yes Ms. Viviana. They're stationed outside of the room to keep an eye on you and will prevent you from going out per orders by the boss."

Well now isn't that sweet.

He truly intends on keeping me locked up here. "Do you know how much of a douchebag your boss is?"

". . . I do not have anything to say about that Ms. Viviana. . ." He replied in a hesitant manner.

Really? Doesn't sound like he disagrees with my input.

"Is that so?" I murmured. "If I may ask, what is the exact location of this place? We're still in Italy, right?"

"I cannot provide you with that information, Ms. Viviana."

". . . You're truly annoying. You know that?" I growled as I furrowed my brows. "Then where are we right now? Is this a mansion?"

"We're in Villa del Dimitrius, Ms. Viviana."

'A villa. . . No wonder.' I hummed in understanding. The place is quite. . . Beautiful.

That's an undeniable fact. Beyond the window from where I once stood, I saw a meticulous landscaped garden filled with vibrant flowers. Pathways meandered through clusters of flowers and lush greenery, leading to a white pavilion.

'Rather than a prison, this place is more like a sanctuary that harmonized with its surroundings. If only I'm not locked up in this room.' I bitterly thought. "Gabriel, what's your purpose?" I randomly asked.

"I'm here to deliver your breakfast, Ms. Lucrezia." He pointed at the tray laying on top of the nightstand. "The clothes that you'll be changing into will be delivered to you here soon." He added.

My gaze darted on the table. The polished wood surface gleamed in the soft light.

I shook my head. "No. That's not what I meant. Why did you join the endeavors of the Russian Bratva?" I asked sternly. "It's not like a coward like you are needed in the mafia." I stated as a matter of fact.

When I asked him about the reason why he had joined the mafia, he gave me a sad, awkward smile, his expression shifting from one of determination to a mix of resignation and pain. "I had no choice, Ms. Viviana. I've been sold by my family to serve here."

Oh? Maybe I was quite harsh on this guy.

I narrowed my eyes and smiled sardonically, the corners of my mouth curling into a smirk. "So, I can actually kill you and no one will miss you. Isn't that right?" I declared, my voice dripping with a dark humor. It was not a question. It was a statement.

He just remained still in place like a statue. His face pale like he had seen a ghost or perhaps heard the most shocking thing in his whole life. While his eyes shone with the raw emotions of fear and anxiousness, I couldn't help but chuckle as I stood before him, amused.

It was almost comical.

"Relax, not yet. I won't kill you just yet." I added with a sweet smile plastered on my face. My tone was light, almost playful. "So, enjoy your life while you still can, Gabriel." I continued, my voice dripping with a syrupy sweetness that belied the darkness lurking beneath.

Enjoy while I'm still not after his head.

I could see him struggling to maintain his composure, his hands twitching slightly at his sides as if he were fighting against an urge to flee.

Pitiful puppy indeed.

I narrowed my eyes at Gabriel, my voice firm and demanding as I stood before him like a menace. "Alright. Now tell me what's for breakfast, Gabriel." I said, eyeing the tray on the nightstand.

Gabriel looked at me, his expression relaxing slightly. "You've got scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast with butter," He added. "And there's fresh orange juice too, Ms. Viviana."

"That sounds nice." Was the only thing I could mutter as I picked at the food on the tray, my mind swirling with uncertainty. I glanced up at Gabriel, my brow furrowing as a more pressing question surfaced. "Where's the devil?"

Gabriel's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something— concern or perhaps respect— crossing his face. "You mean boss?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

"Yes. That devil." I replied, my voice steadying as I focused on the matter at hand. "Where is he? I need to know what he's planning."

"Boss is. . . occupied for now, Ms. Viviana." Gabriel said carefully, choosing his words. "But he'll be back soon. He wanted to give you some space to gather your thoughts." He hesitated before adding, his expression was awkward. "I-it's nothing that serious but he just thinks it's best for you to have a moment alone. He doesn't want to overwhelm you, Ms. Viviana."

I scoffed, my frustration bubbling over. "I won't be stressed if that jerk would just let me return home!"

I flipped the tray that contained my breakfast over, sending the plates clattering to the floor with a loud crash. Scrambled eggs and bacon scattered across the carpet, and the orange juice tipped over, creating a small puddle that began to seep into the fabric.

"I won't eat unless I'm returned home." I declared firmly, my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me. I crossed my arms defiantly, locking eyes with Gabriel.

He looked taken aback for a moment, clearly weighing my words. "Ms. Viviana, you need your strength—"

"I don't care!" I interrupted, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm not going to sit here and pretend everything is fine while I'm being held against my will. If Dakari wants to keep me here, then he can do it without my cooperation."

Gabriel's his brow furrowed with concern. "Ms. Viviana, please try to understand—"

"Shut up. Or else I'll snap your neck." I said, my voice low and dangerous as I glared at Gabriel. "Fucking leave before I do something I might regret!"

At that, he rushed outside, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts and the remnants of my breakfast scattered across the floor.

My gaze lowered on the food spilled all over the carpet— scrambled eggs smeared together with bits of bacon and a puddle of orange juice soaking into the fabric. It was a chaotic mess, much like my emotions.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me.

"Right. . . If this is how that guy wants to play this. Then so be it." I muttered to myself with resolve.

. . . . .

In the afternoon, Gabriel delivered the food. I had done the same thing I did at breakfast—flipped the tray and spilled the meal all over the floor. The sound of clattering plates and splattering food echoed in the room.

Gabriel stood there, momentarily stunned by my outburst. "Seriously?" he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and frustration. "You're doing this again, Ms. Viviana? Once the boss hears about this it won't end well on your part."

"As if that'll change the fact I'm locked here." I smirked, my defiance bubbling to the surface as I faced Gabriel. "He can't do anything about the fact that I would prefer to starve myself than stay here. Tell your boss to return me home." I declared, my voice steady and resolute. The intensity of my words hung in the air, a challenge that I hoped would resonate with Gabriel.

Gabriel's expression was a mixture of concern and frustration crossing his face. "Ms. Viviana, you're only hurting yourself with this kind of thinking. Starving yourself won't force Boss's hand, it will only weaken you."

"Then so be it. If I die of starvation, that will be more pleasing than rot in here feeling helpless and bounded."

Gabriel's expression shifted to one of deep concern. "Ms. Viviana, please don't say that." he urged, his tone earnest. "You're only hurting yourself, and that won't change anything."

Is he concerned? Is he worried? Whatever. It makes me pissed. I don't need anyone's pity or worries. "You fucking twerp." I snarled at him. "Leave the room or I'll make you lick the spilled food on the floor."

As I glared at Gabriel, my anger still simmering, he gave me a wary side-eye before quickly dashing out of the room.

With a heavy sigh, I slumped back on the bed.

"Damn it. . ." I muttered under my breath. I wanted to scream, to lash out, to do anything that would make me feel like I had some semblance of control and not just a trapped person in a spacious room devoid of any life.

But as the seconds ticked by in the silence of the room, I realized that my outburst had only pushed Gabriel further away. He was the only one who seemed to be making an effort to understand my perspective, and I had driven him off with my threats and anger.

'What? No. No.' I shook my head. I don't need anyone, lest the people of this villa. They won't help me. The damned devil controls them all.

As I looked around at the spilled food and disarray, I felt a flicker of regret. My anger was justified, but lashing out hadn't brought me any closer to freedom. If anything, it had made me feel more trapped.

"Fuck." . . . "Fuck." . . . "Fuck."

This is getting me nowhere.