Unty
1140 Words
Here's the scene in the present tense:
Bella's eyes are fixed on her parents, her heart racing with terror. Alessandro's men drag them into the dining room, their wrists bound.
"Please, Alessandro, mercy!" her father begs.
Alessandro's smile is cold, calculated. "You had chances to repay your debt, Marco. Now, it's too late."
Two shots echo through the room. Bella's mother slumps, her father following. Their lifeless bodies crash to the floor.
Alessandro's gaze shifts to Bella. His gun trains on her, its barrel gleaming.
Bella's survival instincts kick in. She sprints toward the dining table, diving beneath its protective shadow. The tablecloth envelops her like a shroud.
"please don't kill me!" she whispers, her voice trembling, I'll be a good girl she adds.
Bella's desperate words hang in the air. "Please don't kill me, I'll be a good girl."
Alessandro turns to Victor, his loyal and ruthless guard, a sly grin spreading across his face.
He lets out a low, menacing laugh, the sound echoing through the room like a chilling promise.
Victor's expression remains stoic, but his eyes flicker with understanding.
Alessandro's laughter grows louder, more sinister.
The sound seems to envelop her, a cold reminder of her precarious situation.
Alessandro approaches, his footsteps deliberate. He bends down, his eyes piercing the darkness.
"Come out, Bella," he says, his voice devoid of emotion.
Bella holds her breath, praying she can remain hidden.
Alessandro's voice is closer now. "Come out, Bella. Don't make me come in there."
His gaze lingers, then he turns to Victor. "Bring her."
Victor approaches the table, his large frame looming. "Out, kid."
Bella hesitates, but Victor's firm grip guides her from under the table.
Alessandro's eyes narrows."come with me".
He leads her to the living room.
"Sit," Alessandro orders.
Bella obeys, her heart racing.
Alessandro leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Your parents owe me.
Bella trembles, her eyes pleading. "Don't kill me, please! I promise I'll study hard."
Alessandro's expression transformed, a cold, mirthless laugh escaping his lips once again.
"Study hard?" he repeated, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You think that'll save you.
Bella's confusion deepened, fear etched on her face.
Alessandro's laughter faded, his gaze intense. "We'll discuss your future later."
Alessandro's gaze lingers on Bella's tear-stained face. "Your parents owed me a lot of money, Bella,"he whispers.
Bella's eyes widen. "I'll pay it back when I grow up!"
Alessandro's eyebrows rise, surprised by her naivety. "You think it's that simple?"
Victor steps forward. "Sir?"
Alessandro nods. "Bring her along."
Bella's face sets in defiance. "I don't want to go anywhere with you!"
Victor approaches her, his massive frame looming.
Bella tries to step back, but Victor's grip wraps around her arm.
"Let me go!" she struggles, kicking at Victor.
Alessandro watches, unmoved. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
Victor lifts Bella off the ground, her legs flailing.
"Please put me down!" she screams.
Alessandro turns, walking away.
Victor follows, Bella still struggling in his grasp.
Two more guards materialize, flanking Victor and Bella.
Marco and Santo, their faces expressionless, fall into step beside Victor.
Marco's grip reinforces Victor's hold on Bella, ensuring she can't escape.
Santo scans their surroundings, ever vigilant.
Alessandro leads the group, his long strides eating up the distance.
Bella's struggles weaken, her body trembling with fear and exhaustion.
"Where are you taking me?" she whispers.
Alessandro doesn't respond, his silence ominous.
The group disappears into the night, leaving Bella's home and her past life behind.
The next morning, Bella wakes up in a lavish room, surrounded by unfamiliar opulence. She sits up, rubbing her eyes, taking in the sleek furniture and marble floors.
She notices she's wearing elegant, unfamiliar clothes. Panic sets in as memories of the previous night flood back.
Bella throws off the covers and rushes to the glass wall, gazing out at the breathtaking city view.
Suddenly, the door opens behind her. She flinches, turning around.
Alessandro stands in the doorway, his presence commanding attention. His eyes lock onto hers, his expression unreadable.
Bella's heart races as she leans against the glass wall, her hand instinctively raised as a shield.
Alessandro's eyes narrow slightly at Bella's defensive posture.
He stops inches from her, his presence commanding the space.
"Good morning," he says, his deep voice low and even.
Alessandro reaches out, his hand hovering near Bella's shielded face.
He gently pulls her hand away from her face, his touch surprisingly gentle.
"Breakfast is waiting," he says, his gaze sweeping the room.
Bella follows his glance, noticing a lavish spread on the adjacent table.
Alessandro releases her hand, stepping back to give her space.
"You'll eat, then we'll discuss your...arrangements," he states.
Bella's wariness deepens, unsure what "arrangements" means.
Alessandro's expression remains unreadable, his eyes lingering on hers.
Bella simply stares, her eyes locked on Alessandro's, her mind racing.
The silence stretches, thick with tension.
Alessandro's gaze holds hers, patient, expectant.
Bella's thoughts swirl: What does he want? What are these "arrangements"?
Her stomach growls, reminding her of the breakfast spread.
Alessandro's lips curve into a subtle smile. "Eat first, then questions."
He gestures to the table, laden with pastries, fruit, and steaming coffee.
Bella hesitates, unsure if she should cooperate.
Alessandro's expression remains calm, but his eyes seem to bore into hers.
She slowly moves to the table, her eyes never leaving his.
Here's the continuation in the present tense:
Bella savors each bite of breakfast, her childish delight in the simple pleasure evident. Across from her, Alessandro observes, his expression inscrutable.
Weeks have passed since Bella's arrival, and she has grown accustomed to Alessandro's silent presence.
This morning, Victor's knock on Bella's door shatters the tranquility.
"Enter," Bella calls out.
Victor strides in, his face stern. "Why aren't you ready for school?"
Bella's eyes widen as Victor's tone sends shivers down her spine.
"I-I was just..." she stammers.
Victor's glare silences her. "Get up, now!"
Bella's tears well up as she scrambles off the bed.
"What's wrong?" Victor demands.
Bella's voice trembles. "I just got my period."
Victor's expression twists in discomfort.
"Maria!" he barks.
The maid arrives swiftly.
"Help Miss Bella," Victor instructs.
Maria guides Bella to the bathroom.
Bella returns, composed, and descends the stairs.
Alessandro awaits at the dining table.
"Good morning," Bella whispers.
Alessandro's gaze searches hers. "Why the delay?"
Bella's voice barely registers. "Sorry."
Victor leans in, whispering to Alessandro.
Alessandro's eyes narrow.
Victor's whisper to Alessandro is brief, but Bella sees Alessandro's expression change. Alessandro's eyes flick to Bella, understanding and concern etched on his face.
Alessandro turns to Victor. "See that Maria provides everything she needs."
Victor nods curtly.
The tension dissipates, replaced by an awkward silence.
Bella pokes at her food, feeling self-conscious.
Alessandro's voice breaks the silence. "Bella, eat. You need your strength."
Bella obeys, her eyes downcast.
- Writer
