Bound by Shadows: The Mafia's sleeping pill

Isabella's POV

The grand foyer of the Ferraro mansion was overwhelming. As I stepped through the massive doors, I was struck by the sheer opulence surrounding me-gleaming marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and rich, dark wood paneling that seemed to whisper of wealth and power. The reality of my situation sank in with each step I took, and I tried to steady my trembling hands.

" You can't back down now Isa, you're already here. " I muttered to myself as I walked even more into the room, gulping down in shear nervousness.

The evening party was already in full swing. Guests in designer gowns and sharp suits mingled with glasses of champagne, their laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. I moved through the crowd with a sense of disconnection, acutely aware of the whispers and curious glances.

They were all celebrating while I was here, wallowing in sorrows as I walked towards a corner of the room to avoid their gaze.

Everything happening right now just felt like a massive betrayal to me, but what could I do? Isabella could only do as she was told.

Just few days ago, I came home all excited and happy but was met with dire news, my parents were involved in an ghastly motor accident few days before, and died instantly.

It was then my entire world shattered into pieces. They were rock, they were my life. The only ones who truly cared for me.

I hadn't even finished mourning them when my uncle came in with another terrible news: They were losing the company.

My extended family pleaded with me to save it, at first I didn't understand, but just few hours ago I did.

They were selling me off to a billionaire Mafia boss in exchange for more funds to keep the company going.

I wanted to disagree, I didn't want to do this, but I also couldn't sit back and watch my parents blood and sweat die when I could have done something about it, so here I was... In the midst of some of the most wealthiest folks in the entire country waiting for the said Billionaire.

" Please don't let him be here. " I begged shutting my eyes as I took in deep breaths. I wasn't ready... No, not for anything that would happen next.

The worst part of this entire ordeal was that I didn't even know the face of my new ' owner ', only just his name... Antonio Ferraro. Despite the fact that his face remained unknown, before coming here I had heard several rumors about him, and that only made me much more scared.

" Ms Isabella Moreno?" A voice called from behind me.

My entire body froze, apart from my heart which began to beat even more faster than before.

Swallowing down the contents that had risen up to my throat, I turned around to answer. " Y... Yes. ".

I was met with a solemn expression of a man dressed in black suit snd shades, with a white earpiece sticking out of his ear.

' Why is he wearing shades inside? In the evening? ' I would have thought, but I was too terrified to even think.

"Come with me ". Where the next words the serious looking man said before he turned around and began leading me through a corner, away from the noisy party.

I followed quietly, trying my best to calm my frantically beating heart, but all the minutes I spent calming my heart disappeared and my feet stopped when I spotted a man, by the fountain ( I only just found out that we were in the garden). He stood apart from the other wealthy people in the room, class in an impeccably tailored suit and an aura of coldness around him.

The man with shades who came to call me walked up to him and bowed. "Boss"

That was him, Antonio Ferraro, the most powerful man in the country, or otherwise known as the Mafia boss.

The rumors I had heard about him... his cruelty, his power...had painted a picture of a man to be feared.

The expressionless man in shades motioned for me to move closer towards Antonio as he took a step back, probably to allow us speak in private.

My breathing hitched as I forced myself to move even closer to him, my lips trembling. Even without him looking at me, I could already feel the coldness emanating from his demeanor.

Then suddenly he turned around and our eyes met, a shiver immediately ran down my spine. There was a cold intensity in his gaze that made my heart race. He approached me with a measured stride, his movements deliberate and controlled.

All my instincts screamed for me to run, but I didn't. Not because I didn't want to, but because my feet were planted on the ground, and because of his strong gaze on me, they refused to budge.

"Isabella Moreno," he said, his voice low and clipped. "You've arrived."

If I wasn't so terrified right now, my eyes would be all round in appreciation of this man's beauty. It was literally undescribable, the only word that came to my head was... God.

' Say something Isa! ' I scolded myself internally, when one of his brow shot up.

"Y...yes, Mr. Ferraro," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I struggled to maintain my composure, but the fear was palpable.

"Do you know why you're here? ," he asked, turning without waiting for a response.

I followed him through the mansion, my footsteps echoing in the silence. The walls were lined with exquisite art and antiques, each piece a testament to Antonio's wealth and taste. I tried to keep my gaze forward, my mind racing with anxiety. What had I gotten myself into?

My head desperately searched for an answer to his question, as I followed him.

" I'm here in exchange for your help to my parents company". I replied after thinking for a while.

We reached a secluded terrace that overlooked the city. The view was breathtaking, but it did little to calm the storm within me. Antonio leaned against the railing, his posture relaxed but commanding, he had a smirk on his face and I instantly brought my head down when his eyes met mine.

" That's an explanation. " He said, the smirk still dancing between his lips. Then he pointed at the door which was behind him. "You will stay here for the time being," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. "Do not cause any trouble."

I nodded, my throat dry. "Understood."

The silence between us was heavy. I could feel the weight of his presence, and the rumors I had heard seemed to come alive in the cold night air. The terror I felt was almost tangible, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows of this luxurious prison.

As the night wore on, Antonio's demeanor remained as inscrutable as ever. He escorted me back to my quarters with a brief nod and a terse "Goodnight." The brief contact of his hand as he opened the door sent a jolt through me, and I quickly withdrew, my heart pounding.

His lips pulled up in a smirk that only made his godlike facial features more prominent, before he turned around.

"Wait..." I called back before he left. " Can I change my mind?" I asked, my heart pounding.

The smirk on his face slowly came down until it was replaced by a frown and a cold glare.

"Never". He muttered coldly before sweeping his gaze one last time over me and then leaving to probably head back to the party.

My eyes watered and I truly realized my situation.

What have I done to myself?