Chapter 6
631 Words
Chapter 6: No Escape
The sun was dipping behind the stone buildings of Florence University as Shanaya left her final lecture for the day, violin case slung over one shoulder. She had plans to rush home and help Matteo with his homework — he had been pestering her about a science project for days.
But as she stepped into the courtyard, a black luxury car pulled up in front of her.
Christian Moretti leaned against it, sunglasses in one hand, a dark gleam in his eyes.
"Shanaya," he called, his voice deep and smooth.
She froze. She didn’t know him—at least, not personally. She had seen him in passing once at the mall, maybe, but only at a distance. Still, something about the way he looked at her made her skin crawl.
"I don't speak to strangers," she said firmly and turned to walk away.
Christian followed. “I’m not just anyone. I came to see you.”
“I’m not interested,” she replied, picking up her pace.
He suddenly stepped in front of her. “You’re different from the rest. I want you, Shanaya.”
She blinked in disbelief. “What? You’re mistaken. I came here to study. I’m not—whatever it is you’re looking for.”
Christian smirked. “I know exactly what I’m looking for. And I always get what I want.”
Before she could back away, he reached out and gripped her wrist tightly. She winced.
“Let me go!” she cried, struggling.
He leaned in closer, his voice low. “You can’t escape me. I’ll make you mine.”
“Please,” she begged, her voice trembling. “Leave me alone.”
He tightened his hold and slid his hand around her waist, pulling her in until she could feel the heat of his breath.
Tears welled in her eyes. “Help,” she whispered, hoping someone might hear.
Christian smiled coldly. “No one will help you. I’m not just a man, Shanaya. I’m Christian Moretti — ruthless mafia heir. No one dares defy me.”
Her eyes widened in horror.
Then, just as suddenly as he’d grabbed her, he let go.
“You’ll come around. Soon,” he said, turning and walking back to his car.
Three days later.
Chaos erupted in the house.
“Matteo’s missing!”
Shanaya’s auntie’s voice rang through the hallway, trembling with fear. “He didn’t come back from school. The teacher said he left hours ago!”
Calls were made. Friends contacted. The police alerted. But there was no trace of Matteo.
Shanaya’s phone buzzed. Unknown number.
She answered immediately. “Hello?!”
“Did you miss me?” Christian’s voice purred on the other end. “I thought I’d give you a little push.”
Her breath caught. “What have you done?”
“Matteo is with me,” he said coldly. “Don’t worry — he’s unharmed. For now.”
“Please,” she sobbed. “He’s just a child. Don’t hurt him!”
“Then listen carefully,” Christian said, his voice like ice. “You will marry me. If you don’t, your precious nephew and your entire family... disappear. I don’t make idle threats, Shanaya.”
Tears streamed down her face as her knees gave way.
“I’ll do it,” she whispered. “Please. Don’t hurt them. I’ll do anything you say.”
“That’s better,” he said. “I’ll bring my family to meet yours soon. Prepare yourself.”
The call ended.
Shanaya clutched the phone to her chest, unable to breathe. Her auntie came rushing in.
“What happened, dear?”
Shanaya broke down, sobbing into her arms.
“I have to marry him,” she whispered. “I have no choice.”
- Writer
