Forced to Love by the Mafia

Seated in a corner of the cabin, Alice watched other passengers walk in, her eyes full of worry and fear. 'I should've come back,' she thought. If it hadn't been for Vivian's deceit, convincing her that her father was still alive, she wouldn't have flown back to Melvina in the middle of the night. Her father was a mafioso, and in his ruthless climb to power, he made enemies he should never have crossed. And in her desperate attempt to save her father, she had also made a fatal mistake. She crossed paths with the one man she should've avoided at all costs—the head of Ebonvale's mafia... and also her ex-boyfriend. As the plane waited for the tower's go-ahead, Alice kept silently chanting to herself, "Come on, take off now." Every second she spent on this land was like torment, and she felt like a sword was dangling precariously above her head. She knew the only way she'd be truly safe was if she could get off this cursed land. Finally, the engines roared to life, and she felt a wave of relief. Taking a deep breath, she slumped back against her seat, her back slightly damp with sweat. As the plane began to taxi, her tension started to ease. She could almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. But suddenly, the plane came to a jarring halt, and in no time, the engines were shut off. A deathly silence fell over the cabin. Passengers exchanged nervous glances, and a palpable unease thickened the air. "What's going on? Why aren't we taking off?" "What happened?" The flight attendants quickly stepped in to calm the passengers in a breezy tone, "Relax, dear passengers. It's just a routine check." 'A routine check? Now? Just during the takeoff?' Alice thought. Alice's heart tightened, like someone had gripped it with an iron fist and was squeezing hard. She tried to stand up, but an attendant pushed her back down. The flight attendant glanced between the photo in her hand and Alice and said with a smile, "Please remain seated and wait, okay?" The pressure on her shoulder made it clear that there was no room for argument. Forced back into her seat, she heard the attendant mutter something into her earpiece, something like "found". 'Found what? Found me?' Alice thought. That night, when the gunfight broke out, Raymond shielded her with his own body. However, he had never imagined that she would pull the trigger from behind. Panic clawed its way up Alice's throat, but she was too stunned to move, paralyzed in her seat. Suddenly, a group of people surged through the plane's entrance and stopped just at the door, their eyes fixed on Alice. Her worst fears soon turned into reality... A tall, broad-shouldered man in a black trench coat emerged from behind the crowd. Everyone immediately parted and cleared a path for him. As soon as he stepped in, his gaze zeroed in on Alice. When he saw her eyes widen in shock, he simply smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent chills down her spine.The man had a strikingly handsome face, with dark brown hair that added to his cold, unforgiving demeanor. His silver eyes gleamed like ice under moonlight, chilling and unyielding. But what stood out the most was the intricate black tattoo that snaked up his right hand, which disappeared into his sleeve and added a dangerous edge to his vibe. He moved towards Alice with the slow, deliberate grace of a predator, as if he was savoring every step. Alice trembled all over, too afraid to meet his gaze. "It's been a while, my dear Alice," "My ex-girlfriend, my... enemy." Alice's dazed eyes snapped back into focus as she heard his final words, Raymond Thorn... It was him. Once, he had been her inseparable lover. Now, he was her sworn enemy. Alice sucked in a breath. Raymond's hand slid into her hair and tugged just hard enough to make her hurt. His grip tightened on her throat as he tilted her face up, forcing her to look at him. "Why don't you look at me, darling?" Raymond's voice dripped with a cold menace. "Are you shaking because you're scared that I'm still alive?" "Raymond, please, don't do this," It had been five years, and yet he was still as tall and imposing as ever. Meanwhile, he became more mature and alluring. Five years ago, his eyes were full of love for her, but now, all she could see in them was ice and hatred. That night, when the gunfight broke out, Raymond shielded her with his own body. However, he had never imagined that she would pull the trigger from behind. She had never thought they would cross paths again. Alice's mind raced with fear. 'I'm caught by Raymond. What will happen to me now?' Suddenly, a coat was thrown over her head, plunging her into darkness. She let out a scream, the shock and terror overwhelming her.