Crimson Vow’s

"Explain it," Alessandro's voice cut through the silence, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the walls . He didn't turn to her, his eyes still fixed on the crimson canvas. "What's behind this... drawing?" Isabella, usually a whirlwind of creative energy, felt like a statue herself, frozen amidst her own unique creations. Isabella swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "It's... it's just a painting," she managed, her voice barely a whisper against the weight of his presence. He finally turned, his dark eyes boring into hers. "Nothing is 'just' a painting in this gallery, Miss. Especially not one that screams like that." A flicker of something unreadable crossed his features, a shadow that deepened the lines around his eyes. "Tell me what inspired such... intensity." Her gallery, a place where dreams were rendered tangible, had been reduced to a mere backdrop for these people’s silent, intimidating conquest. This was the Boss of the famous and rich Moretti family.Although there were rumors in town about that having the source of their wealth from illegal means but their investments said different.There were banks, orphanages, ports and even estates associated with their name as the founders. Alessandro Their enigmatic leader, moved with an unnerving grace. His eyes, dark and fathomless, not with appreciation but with the calculated assessment of a predator. Alessandro took a slow step forward and this jerked her back to reality. "It was... a long time ago," she began, her voice gaining a fragile strength. "When I was seventeen. There was a fire. Not just any fire, but one that consumed everything. My family home." She looked past Alessandro, her eyes unfocused, seeing not her vibrant gallery but flickering flames and the acrid smoke stinging her lungs. "I was inside. Trapped. I remember the heat, the roar, the way the air just... evaporated. And the screams. Not just mine, but..." She trailed off, a shiver running through her. "The screams of someone I couldn't reach. Someone I couldn't save." She finally met his gaze again, and for a quick moment, she thought she saw a flicker of understanding, ormaybe something darker, "The crimson... it's not just blood. It's the memory of the fire. The way it bled into everything, stealing color, stealing life. And the black..." Her voice dropped, becoming a haunted whisper. "The black is the ash. And the silence that came after." Alessandro’s gaze lingered on Isabella, with a cold stare "These games," he finally said, his voice lower now, almost a murmur, "they've become… softer." He wasn't looking at the painting anymore, but at Isabella, his eyes searching hers. "They tell you it's about chance, about luck. But the real games, the ones with true stakes, they strip you bare. They show you what it means to truly lose."A dark, humorless smile touched his lips. "I understand what it means to be left with nothing but the ash and the silence, Miss. To have everything you built, everything you believed in, turned to dust in a single moment." He paused, his gaze drifting back to her crimson canvas, a new light in his eyes – not of assessment, but of grim recognition. "The kind of loss that sears itself onto your soul. The kind that changes the very air you breathe."He didn't elaborate, didn't offer details of his own ruin, but Isabella didn't need him to. The resonance in his voice, the depth of emotion in his dark eyes, spoke volumes. “I need a piece from you for the upcoming Moretti annual Gala “ , he blurted out. “That will be a pleasure, when do you need the piece sir”. “ The event is on the twelfth “ Isabella froze, her face now full of panic.” Twelfth?”She repeated. “Yes, that soon”. Alessandro was not wearing what looks like a smirk.” You see, If it will be too difficult and your workers are not enough I could bring extra hands.When you were recommended to me I was told you kept to time so well and I really like your work”. Still Isabella was not having him.”I’m sorry to disappoint you but I don’t think I’d be able to take this contract.These, all of these is too soon and I can’t do it”. Alessandro was now walking up very close to her. Now In front of her, he gradually took his hands to her face and pulled her closer to him ,Isabella’s heart was racing so fast and she could hear her own heart beat.His mouth was coming towards hers but in an instant he diverted it to her ear.” You see, he started, how you do it is none of my business.And you better meet up because I don’t even want to think about the consequences of going against me.I don’t think you want that too.”He pulled back as quickly as he came in her and was now smiling coldly acting like he didn’t just threaten her.”Oh how I hate days like this and the people In it.” Isabella thought loudly. Alessandro was now walking towards the door and the men in clad suits which seemed like his bodyguards followed closely. He was now shouting across the door” I will send someone later in the day to inspect your prepositions and the contract agreement. Viola”. Isabella caught that cold dark smile as he spoke the last word. This wasn’t how she planned her day!!!