The Mafia's Collateral

Episode 2:THE MANOR

Ariel couldn’t believe what she had just seen.

Her father had sold her,

He had sold her to someone she didn’t even know

Not only her, but her brother too.

She turned around slowly, looked at her father, and laughed. Her laughter was mocking and filled with pain. A man she had tolerated and taken care of for as long as she could remember just treated her like she was nothing, a property.

“No wonder mom left you… you’re just so selfish, irresponsible and a failure. I hate you. I hate you with everything in me. I won’t ever come back here, and now you can suffer on your own and worry about how you will keep yourself alive without me.”

She threw the document at him and walked away.

She entered the car, James crying in her arms.

Peter stood there, startled by his daughter’s outburst. He had thought she would understand, like she always did.

She managed one more look at him as the car sped away.

Peter immediately started chasing the car, tears streaming down his face as his heart filled with regrets. He fell to the ground with a thud. All these years, the departure of his wife had left him in pain that he became blind to the two people who he should have cared for. For the first time, he realized he was selfish and a terrible person.

He sat there for hours. He later stood up, and his feet led him to the bridge, where he jumped into the water.

James turned to Ariel, “Are we ever going to see dad again, big sis? Where are we going?”

Ariel’s mind was a mess.

How could she tell him their father had sold them to clear his debt?

It would ruin him forever.

“Don’t worry James, you’ll always have me by your side,” Ariel managed to say.

They were now orphans left to navigate this cruel world alone.

Ariel’s hands trembled as she followed Joshua’s men through the winding streets. Her chest ached—not from fear, exactly, but from anger. How could her father sell her like she was an object, even James, who was only a child?

“I—” she began, stopping, but no words could come. Rage and betrayal tangled in her stomach.

Ariel swallowed her feelings. She had no choice. “We’ll be okay,” she whispered, though neither of them really believed it.

The car slowed as they approached the manor. Ariel’s breath caught. Massive gates loomed ahead, carved with intricate patterns that shimmered in the moonlight.

The gates opened and what they saw left them mesmerized. The entire surrounding was so large that you couldn’t even see the end. It was like an estate. As they drove inside, greenery stretched along both sides, the road was smooth without a trace of dirt. Security men and cameras were stationed at every point, it felt like a cage but a pretty one.

They finally reached the main house and James’s mouth hung open in awe. He gasped. “Wow…”

Ariel was also surprised. Her eyes took in the large fountain in front of the house. Its water sparkled under the sun. There was also a large garden by the side of the house, its leaves were manicured with frightening perfection.

Ariel forced herself to look away, scanning every detail. She wanted to remember to ensure their safety.

A sharp voice broke through her thoughts. “Miss Rein, this way.”

A tall middle-aged woman with impeccable posture, sharp eyes, and a warm smile appeared. Ariel felt safe. She introduced herself as Rose, the head maid, explaining the rules: obedience was rewarded; mistakes had consequences. Ariel nodded, her stomach twisting.

Ariel was about to follow her alongside her brother, but she was stopped by Tiger. She looked back confused.

“You won’t be staying together,” Rose said softly. “Your brother has been assigned separate quarters.”

Ariel stood stunned. She was about to protest, but Tiger’s words stopped her.

“Your brother cannot stay with the women and his duties are different from yours, Miss Rein,” he said politely.

James’s face fell, and he hugged her tightly. “Don’t leave me, Ariel…”

Ariel pleaded with them. “My brother is still a child, please just let him stay with me for some time. This is a new environment for him.”

Tiger cleared his throat. “We can’t go against the rules of the boss, Miss Rein. Your brother would have to come with us. And besides he’s thirteen. When I was thirteen I was already handling a gun.”

Ariel’s eyes bulged, and she pushed James behind her. “Is that what you guys want to do with my brother? I won’t let you take him.”

“Miss Rein, I’m being calm with you because you’ve been through a lot today. You are pushing me to use violence.” Tiger threatened.

Ariel shook her head, moving backwards away from Tiger.

Rose noticed the tension and decided to step in. “Miss Rein, you don’t have to worry. Your brother is in safe hands. Nothing bad will happen to you. When the boss returns, you can speak to him.”

Ariel looked back at Tiger for confirmation and he nodded.

Ariel had to comply. It’s not as if she could fight them. She turned to her brother and gave him a hug. She told him not to be afraid and to obey any instruction he was given. Tiger took him away.

Rose led her to the servant quarters, and she was in awe. The place seemed too good to be meant for servants. It was neat, the marble floors gleamed and chandeliers sparkled.

Rose showed her around, introducing her to people they saw on the way. Rose took her to the kitchen. The kitchen was big and well-furnished. Her stomach growled immediately and Ariel was embarrassed.

Rose then led her to a small room. It had moderate furniture and silk curtains. She also had a roommate, Jasmine. A shadow fell over Ariel’s heart, she didn’t even know where James was spending the night. She showed her clothes she could change into and informed her a bell would be rung when it was time for dinner.

While Ariel was taking a shower, she remembered Tiger had mentioned a gun and that meant his boss was a very dangerous person. She didn’t want her brother to be entangled with any shady business. She wanted him to go to school, graduate and live a good life. She didn’t care if she was stuck here forever. She made up her mind to talk with the boss as soon as possible.

The bell rang and she quickly left her room for the dining area. She saw round tables of tens and fifteens. She joined the queue, collected her meal and advanced towards an empty table.

She took her first bite and moaned in satisfaction. When last had she had a meal so good? As she was eating, three girls came to join her table. One of them was her roommate Jasmine and two other girls, Ruby and Olive. They were nice people and soon laughter could be heard from their table.

Everyone later retired to bed. Ariel found out that Jasmine had been saved from human trafficking by the boss, whose name was Joshua, but he had to be addressed as master or sir. Ariel also told Jasmine her story. Jasmine sympathized with her but reassured her that she would be fine as long as she obeyed all instructions.

Ariel discussed with her about her plan to talk to Joshua about her brother. Jasmine said Joshua was a very difficult person and may not listen to her. Ariel's expression immediately fell, but she gave herself hope.

JAMES POV

Tiger took him to the male quarters, and he was led to a spacious room with a large bed. It was Tiger's bed. Tiger gave him clothes to change into and showed him the bathroom.

James entered the bathroom and started crying. He had never spent a night without his sister. He was scared, but he didn’t dare to cry loudly. He followed Tiger to the dinner hall. He saw many muscular men and even boys of his age too. Everyone stared at him as they passed by. He just sat quietly waiting for Tiger to bring his dinner.

After dinner, he watched as the men dispersed into groups. Some watched football matches, others wrestled and some played games and drank. Right now he misses his sister.

As he sat in a quiet corner, a boy about his age came up to him and introduced himself as Jonathan. He invited him to join a group of boys for a game. After much persuasion, James went with him. The group of boys were playing with knives and catapults. James watched as they tried to accurately aim their knives at assigned points. He found it fun and soon became comfortable.

He later retired to bed with Tiger, who allowed him to sleep on the bed. He closed his eyes thinking of his sister and having more fun tomorrow as well as eating good food.

It seems Ariel is worrying too much as James seems to be coping quite well.

THE NEXT MORNING

Jasmine had woken Ariel up by 7am as they had to begin their duties. They had their baths and changed into the maid’s uniform. They also had a light breakfast and everyone left for their designated duty areas. Ariel was assigned to clean the living room since it was Jasmine’s duty area.

The living was enormous: polished marble, velvet chairs, golden decorations. Large chandeliers hung on the ceiling, the windows were huge and there were up to three televisions. She was in total awe, but Jasmine warned her to be very careful. They first dusted the vases and ornaments, then went ahead to sweep the floor. After sweeping, it was time to mop.

Ariel carried a bucket of water, carefully moving between tables and chairs, when disaster struck.

Ariel stumbled. Water splashed everywhere. She looked up—and froze.

Joshua, the boss, stood before her, tall and imposing. He was handsome, she noticed. Cold blue eyes, straight nose, thin lips and perfect jaws. Her eyes went lower to his shirt, she could see his firm muscles. Unfortunately for her, the water she had spilled touched him and ran down his perfectly tailored suit.

He stared. The room went silent. Ariel’s heart pounded in her ears.

“I—I’m so sorry!” she stammered, dropping the mop.

Joshua’s lips curved into a faint, cold smile. “Clumsy,” he said softly, though his voice cut sharper than any blade. “Do you always destroy everything you touch? I guess that’s why your father sold you without a second thought.”

Jasmine was already saying a prayer for Ariel in her heart.

Ariel felt the burn of humiliation and pain. Her cheeks flushed hot. She wanted to disappear, to melt into the floor beneath him. As she looked up, tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She caught a flicker in his eyes—a dangerous, calculating spark. Something deeper than anger.

“You’re not even pretty, how would I get my money back?” Joshua said, frustration in his voice.

Joshua’s gaze lingered for a moment longer, and then, just as suddenly, he turned and walked away. The echo of his footsteps left the room heavier than any words. Ariel shivered.

She thought he had let her go until she heard his next words.

“Meet me in my study Miss Rein. We have a lot to discuss, especially on how to fix that clumsiness of yours.”

Ariel’s heart hammered hard. She ruined their first meeting.

She was in deep trouble…