Episode 5:SECRETS BENEATH THE SILENCE
1061 Words
The house felt different that morning. Too quiet. Too still.
A voice echoed down the hallway.
"Search everywhere."
Luca sat in his chair, waiting.
Lily looked around as she spotted Luca. He wasn't smiling; he wasn't angry, but calm.
"Where is she?" he asked quietly.
Lily forced herself to look at him. "I don't know."
For a moment, she thought he would lose control, but instead, he laughed—soft and dangerous. He stood up from the chair and walked straight to Lily. His fingers clamped around her jaw, forcing her chin up.
"You think this is victory?" he asked.
Lily stayed silent.
"I'm Luca Santoro," he said, his voice smooth.
"You’ve got nerve; you tried to escape, you sent her away." A faint smile curved his lips. "Good. That means you care.”
He leaned down slightly so she could hear him.
"And that's what makes you weak."
He stood up gently.
Lily smirked, her face down and her eyes swollen from tears.
"I'll find your daughter, and when I do... you'll regret this," Luca said, his eyes sharp and burning with anger. Lily stood still.
Luca's eyes darkened.
"Lock the gates,” Luca ordered without looking back. “Increase security. No one leaves."
The door slammed shut behind him.
Upstairs, Luca stood by the window in his office, watching the security footage. "She's braver than I thought," he murmured. A smile spread across his face; “she'll be perfect.”
Inside her locked room, Lily sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. The silence around her felt unbearable.
She missed Fiona, wondering how she was doing.
Suddenly, something vibrated under her pillow. Lily frowned and lifted it; a small phone was lying there. Her heart raced; how did it get there?
The screen lit up. An unknown number was calling. With trembling hands, Lily answered.
“Hello?” A calm voice responded.
“You found the phone.”
Lily's voice trembled.
“Where's Fiona?” Lily demanded immediately.
Luciano's voice remained steady. “She's safe.”
Lily's hand tightened around the phone. “I want to speak to her.”
There was a brief pause, then a soft little voice came through.
“Mummy?”
Tears filled Lily's eyes. “Fiona! Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Fiona said softly. “They gave me food in a big room.”
Relief washed over Lily.
Luciano took the phone back.
“You see? She's perfectly fine.”
Lily's voice hardened. “Then bring her back.”
Luciano chuckled quietly. “That depends on you.”
Lily felt her stomach tighten. “What do you want?”
Luciano's voice became serious.
“I want your help.”
“With what?”
“With my brother.”
“Oh, so you suddenly have a brother now?” Lily muttered.
Luciano sniffed. “You're inside his mansion,” he continued. “You see how he operates; you see his people, his secrets.”
Lily stayed silent.
Luciano spoke again.
“You don't have to harm anyone. Just give me information.”
“And when this is over…” he paused.
“You and your child will be free.”
Lily thought to herself, “Is Luca really Luciano's brother? But how?” Lily let out a deep sigh.
This is not a threat; it's a trap. Because if Luca discovers what she is doing, everything will collapse.
Footsteps suddenly echoed outside the corridor. Lily quickly cut the call and hid the phone under the mattress.
The door opened, and Luca stepped inside, looking around the room.
“You look troubled,” he said slowly.
Lily forced herself to stay calm because now she carried a secret that could destroy everything.
Hours later, Luca entered with several maids behind him.
"Dress her," he ordered.
Lily froze, confused. "Dress me for what? Don't touch me!"
The maid hesitated under Luca's sharp glance. Lily had no other choice but to comply, so they led her toward the bathroom.
She took a quick shower; they styled her hair and brushed it until it shone. They applied light makeup on her.
Lily was confused; many thoughts flooded her mind as her heart pounded harder with every passing minute.
"Is he selling me?"
A maid handed her a sapphire evening gown, far too elegant for someone like her, along with matching heels and jewelry that caught every reflection.
"This isn't for me," Lily whispered.
Zoe walked in. "Please, Lily, just comply. It's safer."
Lily's eyes filled with tears, ruining her makeup.
"No, no!" Zoe exclaimed. "Please don't cry."
They started over.
After a while, a guard came knocking; the room fell silent.
"The Boss is ready."
"Is this a dinner date or what?" a maid whispered to another maid.
Lily put on the gown; the transformation startled even her. She barely recognized the woman in the mirror.
They escorted her downstairs.
Guards stared.
"She changed completely," one whispered.
Outside, a black car waited. Luca sat inside, checking his watch.
The guard opened the front door for Lily.
"To the back," he snapped coldly.
The guard flinched, immediately apologizing and obeying.
Inside the car, they were both silent.
Lily's thoughts spiraled.
"This is it. He's selling me," Lily said as she let out a soft sniff.
Luca adjusted the rearview mirror, catching her reflection.
“If you ruin that makeup, I won't be pleased,” he said flatly.
Lily immediately wiped her tears.
They both arrived at the Don's private reserve.
Men seated in black suits filled the room; when they entered, conversation died instantly.
Lily shook in fear, her hands trembling as she stood quietly in a corner.
Moments later, the Don entered.
The room rose to its feet.
He gestured for them to sit.
“Begin,” he said to Luca.
Without wasting time, Luca stood smoothly.
"Don,” he said with a slight bow, “this is the woman; she'll be our main collector."
The words hit Lily hard.
"Main collector?"
Several men studied her carefully.
“People trust a beautiful face,” Luca continued calmly, “and she understands survival.”
The room murmured in approval.
“She'll draw attention,” one said.
“She's convincing,” another added.
The Don nodded once.
“Where's Luciano?” he asked suddenly.
Silence fell; eyes shifted.
Luciano never missed meetings. Something is wrong.
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