MARRIED TO THE ENEMY'S HEIR

The car took a sharp turn at the junction, its tires screeching against the asphalt as three black cars came tearing after it. They didn't slow down despite the narrow road. Their headlights flashed violently against the darkness, while the sound of gunshots echoed through the night and bullets slammed into the fleeing vehicle. Inside the car, a man sat in the back seat, one hand pressed tightly against his abdomen as blood seeped between his fingers. More blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to breathe. “Luca, we need a solution,” he said weakly. “These people won't stop.” Luca tightened his grip on the steering wheel and glanced at the rearview mirror. The three black cars were still behind them, closing the distance with every passing second. “They won't stop until they get you,” Luca said, pressing harder on the accelerator. The car surged forward. A bullet suddenly shattered the rear windshield. Luca ducked instinctively, then immediately straightened and regained control of the vehicle. “Damn it!” He took another sharp turn, and the narrow road suddenly opened onto a highway bridge stretching over the dark water below. For a brief moment, Luca thought they might have a chance then he looked into the rearview mirror.The three black cars were already closing in. Men leaned out of the windows, their guns raised as another storm of bullets tore through the night. The wounded man's eyes narrowed. “Drive into the water.” Luca's head snapped toward him. “What?” “Drive the car into the water.” “But that could kill you!” Luca exclaimed. “You're already badly wounded. Why would you choose this option?” “To fake my death.” Luca stared at him. The man's breathing was becoming heavier, but his voice remained calm. “I need a new hiding place.” “I can't think of anywhere right now, boss.” The man leaned his head against the seat, forcing himself to remain conscious. For several seconds, his eyes remained closed then they opened. “The Castellanos.” Luca's eyes widened. “What?” “They won't look for me there.” Luca stared at him through the rearview mirror. “Think about it, Luca.” Another bullet struck the side of the vehicle, Luca flinched. “You're right, but...” “Just drive into the water!” The man's voice suddenly thundered through the car despite his weakened state. “We're almost at the end of the bridge. It is now or never.” Luca looked ahead. The end of the bridge was only a short distance away, behind them, the black cars were gaining fast. There was no time left, Luca took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Then he turned it sharply as the car swerved violently across the road. The men in the pursuing vehicles barely had time to react before the black car smashed through the bridge barrier. Metal groaned. Glass shattered. Then the vehicle plunged into the darkness below. SPLASH! Water swallowed the car whole. The three pursuing cars screeched to a stop at the edge of the bridge. Men immediately jumped out, guns in hand, and rushed toward the broken barrier. They stared down at the dark water below. Nothing. Just the black surface of the water swallowing the wreckage. One of the men raised his gun and fired several shots into the water. “Search the area!” But they didn't know the two men had already escaped. Far away from the wreckage, Luca dragged himself onto the shore, gasping for air. Water streamed from his clothes as he immediately turned around. His boss was lying several feet away, barely moving. “Boss!” Luca crawled toward him and grabbed his shoulder. The man coughed violently, water spilling from his mouth. He remained on the ground for several seconds, struggling to breathe then his eyes slowly opened. Luca watched him carefully. “You almost gave me a heart attack.” The man ignored him as he pushed himself onto his elbows, then slowly forced himself to his feet. His body trembled from exhaustion, and blood continued to seep through his clothes. Luca quickly reached out to steady him but the man shook his hand away. “I can't die, Luca.” His voice was low, cold, and certain. He turned his head and looked back toward the bridge, where the men were still searching for his body. A faint, sinister smile appeared on his lips. “Instead, they're going to die.” Luca stared at him for a moment then he smiled. He knew his boss. If he was still standing after everything they had just survived, then the men hunting him had made the biggest mistake of their lives. The man turned toward the street and began walking. Luca followed behind him. Neither of them looked back as they disappeared into the cold streets of Valerca City, unaware that their decision to seek refuge with the Castellanos would change everything. **** A woman stepped out of her car with her clothes stained with blood. She didn't seem bothered by it. Her expression remained cold as she walked toward the Castellano mansion, leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind her. The dining room was unusually peaceful. Rafael Castellano sat at the head of the table, calmly eating his breakfast while his wife, Clara, sat beside him. Across from them, their youngest daughter, Mia, was busy scrolling through her phone. “I killed Fred.” All three of them looked up. Alessia walked toward the table as though she had just announced that she had gone shopping. “He was beginning to slack,” she continued casually, reaching for an apple. “And, Dad, that bodyguard you got for me is so weak. I need someone stronger, not a weakling.” Rafael didn't even flinch. “I'll give you another one, Alessia.” “Make sure he's actually useful this time.” Clara slowly lowered her fork and stared at her daughter. “Why don't you go wash up? You are dripping blood all over my lovely dining room.” Alessia glanced down at herself. Only then did she seem to notice the blood covering her clothes. “Right.” Mia leaned back in her chair, a grin spreading across her face. “And when you're done, you're coming to train with me.” Alessia looked at her younger sister. “I was just going to freshen up and sleep.” “You're not escaping this time.” “Mia. I just raided a whole gang. I'm tired.” “So? You can sleep after training.” “I'll think about it.” “Better.” Alessia turned and walked out of the dining room without another word. The moment she disappeared from sight, Clara's expression changed. “She is becoming way too cold, Rafael.” Rafael remained silent, his eyes stayed fixed on the doorway through which his daughter had disappeared. Clara reached across the table and gently took his hand. “She wasn't always like this.”