AN ENTANGLED AFFAIR

Chapter 001

Carissa sighed after checking her email for the hundredth time that day, but still not one serious job offer; this has been going on since she graduated two years ago. And her elder sister, Penelope made it hell for her.

She sighed and shut down the computer in disappointment. How could she keep living like this?! She had to make a name for herself and not keep sitting around in her parent's house all day, she had to get up and chase her dreams. Do something, make her own money! She was tired and ashamed of still being fed by her parents at her age. If she looked around her, she could see the difference her friends were making, and that was a challenge to her.

She got out of the chair and paced about the room, pondering on what to do. She was at the verge of giving up on her career, and found herself some petty job down the street for the moment, until she was able to figure out what she wanted and how she wanted it done. Overwhelmed and frustrated that she couldn't come up with a reasonable idea, she stepped out to clear her head, and get some fresh air.

On a second thought, she went back in, grabbed a jacket and went out, not knowing where in particular she was heading. She allowed her feet to lead her wherever. Maybe she needed some counseling on this.

After almost thirty minutes of walking, she ended up at Ethan's doorstep - her gay best friend, who was an aspiring ballet dancer, aiming to dance at the L'Oiseau de Feu in New York, in autumn. He couldn't afford to miss it. It was an opportunity to build his name.

“Any one home?" Carissa asked as she pushed the door open and walked in, glancing around.

“Look who's here. Carissa, how are you doing… you don't look too good.” A woman who stood at the entrance of the kitchen said, wearing a look of worry on her beautiful face. "Come here baby, what's the matter this time?" She asked, concerned. She was Ethan's mother and Carissa treated her like her own mother too.

“It's the same issue again. I don't know what to do with my life anymore, Susan. I'm tired for real," she said as she let her shoulders sagged, looking down at herself with pity.

“Oh dear. Come here. Don’t be sad, baby girl, I think you will get it someday,” Susan said, pulling her into a hug as she consoled her.

“‘Someday’ is really taking forever. Will it ever happen?" She said, breaking down at once as she sobbed uncontrollably in the woman's arms.

“Don't do this Carissa. Don't doubt yourself. I promise you, you'll get it right very soon. All you need right now is patience, it'll be all rosey very soon, my love.” Susan consoled, her voice heavy with concern.

Carissa nodded, wiping off her tears with the back of her palms. “Thanks Susan, for always being there at moments like this. I'm grateful."

“I want the best for you, sweetheart. I believe in you. And I know that you'll get everything right soon. Do not allow yourself to be discouraged." Susan said, taking hold of her hands.

“Thank you," Carissa nodded as her sobs gradually turned to hiccups. “Hmm… Is Ethan in his room?”

“Yeah. He's already packing up. Carissa I really think you should reconsider that idea. Sometimes, you need to step out of your comfort zone in order to achieve anything. Leave with Ethan to America, that's what's best for you. I'll make your parents see reasons with me.” She said, "I mean, all you need in becoming a famous actress is there, so why don't you take a leap?”

Carissa pondered on that for a moment, suddenly seeing reasons, and visions of how she could accomplish her dreams.

Susan waited patiently.

"Alright. It's not a bad idea after all.” She shrugged and a smile broke across her beautiful face, igniting a spark in her mesmerizing violet eyes.

********

Alessandro Della Torre.

"Bring him to me," Alessandro Della Torre ordered, his voice cool and calm, but with an unmistakable undertone of threat.

Two heavily built men in black cloaks dragged a bloodied and battered man across the floor, dumping him at Alessandro's feet, where he trembled in fear and begged for mercy.

Alessandro merely smiled, his eyes cold and merciless, "You should have known better than to cross me." He said, his voice as sharp as a knife.

He sat in an armchair, his legs crossed, his gaze fixed on the man being tortured in front of him. Marcus Antonio had crossed him, and he'd paid the price by being brought to this house in Venice - Alessandro's personal house of horrors, where those who betrayed him were made to pay for their crimes.

Marcus had shown no remorse, and he'd made no attempts to pay back the money he owed, so Alessandro was determined to make him suffer.

“No, it's too late. You've played enough." Alessandro said as the man held onto the hem of his trouser, pleading for mercy.

"Please, you have to believe me. I didn't mean to take your money.” Marcus pleaded in tears, afraid of what Alessandro could do to him.

"I gave you enough time to make things right, but what did you do?" Alessandro asked, his tone cold and accusatory. "You failed to repay your debt, and now you must face the consequences."

Marcus felt a chill of fear run down his spine. "I'm not lying! I swear it was unintentional. Please, I'll do anything to make it up to you. Just please don't hurt me!" Marcus begged, throwing his arms over his head as he protected himself from the men.

"It's too late for that. You have betrayed my trust, and now you must pay the price." Alessandro said with a cold and resolute voice. "My men will take you to the cellar, and you will never see the light of day again."

"No, please!" Marcus cried, his body shaking with fear. "Please, I have a family. They need me. They'll never understand what happened to me. Please, I'll do anything!"

Alessandro stood up and walked away from where Marcus was trembling on the floor. He looked down at him, his eyes hard and unyielding. "You had your chance to make things right, and you chose to betray me instead. Now you must face the consequences. Your fate is sealed."

Alessandro turned and walked out of the room, into the dark night, leaving Marcus in the hands of his men who would deal with him, just as he instructed them to.