SOLD TO THE MAFIA KING

Ava stood staring through the mirror as the black car drove in. Eva and Dylan her twin sister and younger brother stood beside her crying uncontrollably. Ava felt the tears burning behind her eyes, but she tried not to let them fall because she would never stop. She pulled them into a tight embrace. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered. “It’s not like I’m gone forever.” she forced a weak smile. “Honey… they’re here,” her father said from behind. Ava noticed the way his voice trembled, how he struggled to hold himself together but she felt no pity. She knew him too well now. “Dad, you’re so useless,” Eva snapped, hatred blazing in her eyes. “I hate you.” “You know I’m doing this to protect you,” their father replied desperately. “Protect us?” Dylan cried. “You call this protection?” “Yes,” their father said, though even he sounded unsure. “All you do is bring us pain,” Ava said, her voice breaking at last. “You’re the reason Mom is gone. You’re the reason I’m being sold. Why, Dad? Just… why?” Her legs gave way beneath her, and she collapsed to the floor as grief crushed her chest. Her world was falling apart her family, her future, everything she had left. Eva and Dylan crouched beside her, holding her as though letting go would mean losing her forever. Since their mother’s brutal murder, they had survived only by clinging to one another. Their father had disappeared into gambling, and debts, and now Ava was paying the price. A loud knock shattered their grief. “We’re still waiting.” They rose slowly and walked into the living room. Ava’s gaze landed on him the man who would own her life from this moment forward. He looked back at her with cold, unreadable eyes, utterly emotionless. “You’re not taking her!” Eva screamed as Ava was led toward the door and into the car. Ava turned back just in time to see Eva and Dylan struggling against their father’s grip. Eva broke free and ran after the car, collapsing onto the ground as it sped away. “Please take me with you!” she cried. A tear slipped down Ava’s cheek. She wiped it away quickly with the back of her hand. She refused to let him see her weakness. Throughout the journey, nobody dared to speak; it was as quiet as a graveyard. Ava dared to glance at him only to find his eyes already on her through the rearview mirror. She looked away immediately as memories of the previous night came rolling in. ***** Ava, Eva, and Dylan had gathered in Ava’s room, planning to talk through the night. Their father entered quietly and sat on the edge of the bed, unease written all over his face. “Dad, you okay?” Dylan asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m fine, sweetheart,” he said. “I just need to tell y'all something… I know you’ll hate me for it, but know this… I love you all and I never prayed for any of this.” “Just say it,” Eva said sharply. She had been cold toward him ever since their mother’s death. They might be identical but each has a different personality. “Tomorrow… they’ll come to take you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Who?” Ava asked. “Mr. Lorenzo.” “The mafia king?” Eva gasped. Their father nodded. “Why?” Ava whispered. “What did I do?” “You did nothing…” he began, but Eva cut him off. “Wait…Don’t tell me you’re in debt and they're taking her as payment,” Eva said. He nodded again. The room fell silent. Ava couldn’t breathe. Everything around her seemed to freeze. “You’re the worst father in history,” Dylan cried. “I wish I had never born.” He ran out of the room, sobbing. Their father followed shortly after. Eva pulled Ava into a tight embrace, her body shaking. “I’m cursed,” Ava whispered. “No. Don’t ever say that,” Eva replied softly. Ava cried all night. Eva never left her side, holding her the way she always did whenever one of them was sad. ***** The loud honk of the car dragged Ava back to the present. The massive gate opened, and the car came to a halt. As Ava stepped out, whispers filled the crowd, eyes following her every move. “Take her to where she belongs,” Lorenzo ordered coldly, not even sparing her a glance. A bodyguard led Ava into the mansion. The interior was as massive as the outside endless corridors, countless doors. She knew she could easily get lost. “This is where you’ll be staying,” the guard said. Ava’s heart sank when she realized she would be sharing a room with five others. “I heard Mr. Lorenzo brought in a slave,” a maid whispered. “Yes, I think she’s the one.” “She’s beautiful.” “Careful,” another warned. “Don’t say that around Ophelia unless you want your tongue cut out.” Two maids approached Ava with warm smiles. “Hi,” one said. “Hi,” Ava replied quietly. “I’m Lily, and this is Mary.” “I’m Ava.” “Don’t let what people say get to you,” Mary said gently. “They’re cruel here,” Lily added. “Especially her.” “Who’s her?” Ava asked. “Ophelia,” Lily replied. “Mr. Lorenzo’s wanna‑be girlfriend.” “She’s tried everything to win his heart,” Mary said, lowering her voice. “But he never looked her way.” “With your beauty and these curves,” Lily added carefully, “you might become her next target.” Ava forced a smile. “I’ll be fine.” But deep down, she knew she was lying. Lily and Mary helped her settle in, showing her around and offering comfort like protective older sisters. Back in their room they decide to rest since they're sharing the same bed. Suddenly, the door burst open. Everyone jumped in fright. A woman stood there, eyes cold and calculating, fixed on Ava. Ava’s breath caught in her throat. Her spirit nearly left her body. She prayed the ground would open and swallow but fate had other plans.