The Don's Captive Lover

Riches And Fear

The car glided smoothly through the bustling road, its black windows closed, concealing the identity of its occupants—Ava, in particular. As Donatello Morano's fake wife, she remained vulnerable to injuries, attacks, or even staged accidents. However, this wasn't a concern now, as the car blended seamlessly with the traffic. Only a skilled stalker could identify the car's true owner.

Ava sat in the backseat, her fingers intertwined, struggling to process Lucas's words from their recent conversation. "Will that plan work?" she whispered to herself, her heartbeat racing at the thought of potential mishaps if things didn't go as planned.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, but her steady breathing kept it in check. The driver, noticing her distress, checked the rearview mirror. His troubled expression reflected concern. "Mrs. Ava, are you okay?"

She slowly shook her head, her gaze fixed on her intertwined fingers before meeting his eyes. "Yes I am... Also, I forgot to thank you for going the extra mile to meet my friend."

The driver nodded, his expression softening. "No big deal... Although it is a bit risky, considering your situation. If you need anything, anything at all, especially with...you know, being trapped in a marriage with The Don, just reach out."

Ava smiled, grateful for his discretion. "Thanks a lot, Mister...?"

"I'm Mister Davison, but call me Mister D," he said with a warm smile.

Ava's eyes lited up. "Thank you, Mister D... I would use this as your code name." She chuckled.

The Driver smiled warmly. "... I know you're wondering why I'm helping you. The truth is clear: your marriage to The Don. But, considering your age and your background, it's unfair for you to miss out on life's good things and be tied to a life of crime..."

Ava's gaze fell as she listened, her expression introspective.

"... Being married to The Don is a fate worse than death for a woman like you. If you came from a crime family, it would be different. Forget the wealth, Miss Ava. I fear The Don will truly make you his one day."

Ava's eyes widened in alarm. "To hell with that, Mister D! I'd never agree to it."

The Driver chuckled knowingly. "It's not about acceptance, Miss Ava. It's about obligation."

Ava raised a curious eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Mister D's expression turned enigmatic. "You'll understand in time." He concluded.

The car fell silent, Ava's thoughts consumed by Mister D's ominous warning. She detested the Don, and if someone would eliminate him, she wouldn't hesitate. He was a ruthless man with a stone heart, merciless and tyrannical.

'There must be something I'm missing,' she thought, her unease growing. 'What is the Don planning that I don't know about? Why can't I shake off Mister D's words?.'

******

The car left the traffic behind, entering a secluded area. It stopped before a gated entry, where the Driver pressed his thumb on a biometric scanner and underwent retinal scanning. The device verified his identity, granting access.

Some guard inspected the car, but upon seeing Ava, immediately waved them through.

Ava on the other hand relaxed, her back against the seat, as the car glided along the winding path. Towering forest green trees flanked both sides, their canopy a vibrant contrast to the opulent estate ahead. The trees parted, revealing the majestic mansion.

No fences surrounded the main house – none were needed. This was Donatello Morano's domain. Only a foolhardy soul would dare attempt to infiltrate the mansion and face The Don's wrath.

A waiting grave awaited anyone foolish enough to challenge The Don.

The car however rolled into the garage, joining the impressive fleet of vehicles showcasing The Don's immense wealth.

Ava stepped out of the car, assisted by the Driver. Her heels clicked on the polished tiles, echoing through the garage.

Her gaze swept across the opulent garage, adorned with sleek, high-end vehicles that shimmered under crystal chandeliers. The Don's impressive collection boasted Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys, each a speaking to his vast wealth.

Her eyes landed on a familiar car, parked discreetly by the side - a black Bugatti La Voiture Noire, The Don's prized possession and favorite vehicle. It was the car he typically used for daily commutes to his "business" dealings, and also the one he had used to work, was well.

Ava's brow furrowed in confusion. Why was it here? The Don usually took that car to work, especially on mornings like this. Its presence spoke to an unexpected change in plans, that which she wished wasn't what raced in her head was about.

Nevertheless, she squared her shoulders and walked away from the garage, entering the expansive main house through a connecting doorway. Her heels clicked on the high-polished floors, echoing throughout "The Living Room 1," a grand space designed to welcome arrivals. The mansion boasted four lavish living rooms, each serving a distinct purpose, and almost fifteen rooms as well.

As she entered, two familiar faces greeted her – Vivian and Emily, the maids dear to her heart. They were the only ones aware of her secret meeting with the Don to sign divorce papers. These loyal young women had helped her pass through the Don's volatile moods, offering unwavering support and honesty.

"Miss Ava, welcome back," Vivian said, as Emily rushed towards her side.

"Welcome, Mrs. Ava. How did it go?" Emily asked, concern clearly on her face.

Ava's expression fell, and she shook her head disappointedly.

Vivian and Emily exchanged knowing glances, their eyes filled with empathy.

Before Ava could respond, Emily's words sent a chill down her spine. "Mrs. Ava, I thought you and the Don would actually arrive together, considering he came home an hour before you."

Ava's eyes widened, her pupils dilating in alarm. She rummaged through her purse, fingers trembling as she retrieved her phone. The screen displayed One PM, making her heart skip a beat. She had left the Don's office at exactly Nine AM, but her conversation with Lucas had taken much longer than expected.

"How...?" Ava's voice trailed off, her mind racing.

Emily's expression turned concerned. "Is everything okay, Mrs. Ava?..."

Ava asked, her voice trembling as her heart pounded against her chest. "How... Wait... Where is he?"

Vivian's expression turned grim. "He went upstairs, right after inquiring about your whereabouts. His tone was... unsettling."

Ava's world spun out of control. One misstep now would seal her fate. She felt the weight of the Don's wrath bearing down on her.

"What did you tell him?" Ava pressed, her words barely audible.

Vivian's voice dropped to a whisper. "I said you were out shopping, but he seemed skeptical."

Ava's mind racing, she grasped for a plausible alibi. One mistake would be fatal.