The Mafia’s Innocent Revenge

Chapter One: The only ticket out

The sound of the pouring rain tapped heavily against the library windows, but Lana did not look up. Her eyes were glued to her thick medical textbook. Her fingers moved quickly as she took neat, detailed notes. For Lana, this university was not just a school. It was her single golden ticket to escape a miserable future of poverty and endless struggle.

She was completely alone in the world. Her parents had passed away years ago, leaving her without a safety net. Her only family were her two elderly uncles, who worked grueling, exhausting hours in a foreign country. Every single month, they worked tirelessly just to send money back home to cover her high university tuition fees.

"I cannot fail them," Lana whispered to herself, her voice soft and full of determination.

She was a pure, innocent soul. She had never been to a party, never stayed out late, and had never stepped foot inside a club in her entire life. Her world was simple. She needed to study, survive, and make her uncles proud.

"Oh, look, the library nerd is still alive," a mocking voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lana looked up to see Chloe and Sarah standing over her desk. They were her university classmates, girls from wealthy families who wore expensive clothes and spent their weekends spending their parents' money. They hated Lana. They were deeply jealous of her natural beauty, her sharp intelligence, and the praise she constantly received from the professors.

"Get up, Lana. You are coming out with us tonight," Chloe said, tossing a flashy dress onto Lana's neat notes.

"I cannot, Chloe. I have a major exam on Monday, and I need to prepare."

"Oh, come on! It is my birthday," Chloe lied smoothly, putting on a fake, sad pout. "Are you really going to ruin my night? Just come for one hour. If you do not come, it means you think you are too good for us."

The peer pressure was suffocating. The other students in the library started whispering and staring. Lana felt her throat tighten. She did not want to cause trouble, and she did not want to be bullied at the university. Feeling completely trapped and uncomfortable, she finally gave in.

"Fine," Lana whispered reluctantly. "Just for one hour."

(Not knowing this would change everything for her)