She Belongs To The Mafia

Chapter 12

Anna Silvia's Point Of View.

Today marked the fourth agonizing day since I had last seen Cherry, and my heart was heavy with worry. I could not shake the feeling that she had been transferred to the main mansion where the Don resided, and I feared for her safety. I had tried to pry information from Lucas, but he was as tight-lipped as ever, stubbornly refusing to tell me anything. In this place, slaves like me were not allowed to wander into the main mansion unless specifically chosen, and that privilege was reserved for those whose loyalty had been tested over time.

As I scrubbed the dirty dishes, a sigh escaped my lips, echoing the weight of my concerns. Sure, the Don had his wicked ways — no one would deny that, but after all this time, I had come to understand there was more to him than met the eye. His frightening demeanor and spoiled attitude masked a complexity that most people could not see. I believed there was a good man buried beneath all that coldness, someone who acted out of necessity rather than malice, but those who understood him were few and far between.

People often told me that I was blinded by my feelings, that I was a fool for holding onto hope in a world as cruel and unforgiving as this one. They thought I was naive, delusional even, for believing there could be any goodness left to find, especially in someone like the Don, but what they did not understand was that hope was the only thing keeping me going, the only thing that kept my heart from hardening completely. If holding onto that hope made me "stupid" in their eyes, then so be it. I would rather be called foolish and cling to the faintest possibility of happiness than let go and become just another empty shell in this place. I knew it might not lead anywhere, that it could end in heartbreak and ruin. But even knowing that, I would embrace it with open arms, without hesitation, without any second thoughts. To me, the risk of losing was worth it if there was even the smallest chance of finding something beautiful amidst all the darkness.

With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I could not help but feel a deep, irrevocable love for him. I knew it might lead to my downfall, yet the risk felt worth it. Just then, a knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. I quickly turned to see Lucas standing there, his belly protruding ominously from his shirt, the buttons straining to stay closed. I suppressed an eye roll — his presence was never welcome, but I needed information.

"Good news for you!" He said with a hint of annoyance, a smirk on his face. I raised an eyebrow, curious yet skeptical.

"...and what is that news?" I asked, while my heart was racing in anticipation.

"Madame Nicole wants someone to help the fresh meat get a grip on herself. Sounds like the newbie is not having a good time in there." He chuckled, and I felt a wave of dread wash over me at the thought of Cherry's suffering.

Without wasting another moment, I dried my hands quickly, urgency driving my every movement. "Can I go now?" I practically pleaded, desperate to reach Cherry.

"Eager, hah? Sure. Follow me," He replied, while his tone was flat, as if this were just another chore for him.

As we walked to the main mansion, I could not help but marvel at its grandeur. The elegant architecture was breathtaking, but my heart sank as I scanned the area, hoping for a glimpse of the Don. He was nowhere in sight, and a flicker of disappointment shot through me. Shaking it off, I focused on the task at hand and followed Lucas down the hallway to the last room.

"I will give you an hour," He said, while his voice was dripping with authority as he opened the door for me. I could not wait for him to leave, while my anxiety was growing as I stepped inside.

The room was small and plain, but it was a step up from Cherry's previous accommodation. A bunk bed sat against one wall, and a tiny window overlooked the garden, but my eyes were immediately drawn to the figure curled up on the bed. Cherry's silhouette was almost unrecognizable — she was huddled in a ball, her legs pulled tightly to her chest as if she were trying to shield herself from the world. My heart ached at the sight; what had they done to her?

I took a cautious step forward, gently placing my hand on her head. She flinched at my touch, and it tore at my heart. "Cherry... It's me, Anna. I am here. Please, wake up," I whispered softly, my voice trembling. I wanted to pull her back from the edge of despair, to bring her back to me.

Slowly, she turned her head, and when our eyes met, I nearly broke down. There was a haunting emptiness in her pale blue eyes, a stark contrast to the vibrant girl I once knew. Tears began to well in her eyes, and I couldn't hold back my own. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her shaking body, pulling her close as I whispered soothing words. "Shh... I am here, Cherry. You are not alone."

Her silent cries soon morphed into hysterical sobs, and we both collapsed onto the bed, holding each other tightly. As we cried, it felt like we were washing away all the burdens we had carried—her pain and my helplessness intertwining in shared grief.

After what felt like an eternity, her sobs began to quiet down. I gently pulled her back, sat up straight and took her body with me.

"Cherry, you need to overcome this," I urged, my voice filled with desperation. "I don't know everything they have done to you, but you have to fight! You must promise me that!"

Her eyes, still filled with tears, reflected a flicker of life. "I am tired," She finally whispered, her words like a punch to my gut.

"Hey," I said firmly, cradling her face in my hands to make her look at me. "Don't you dare give up on me. You have endured so much, and you can not let this shake you. You have to be strong, Cherry. Promise me!"

At my insistence, she seemed to focus on my words, the haze of despair beginning to lift. "I promise," she croaked, while her voice was fragile but determined.

Relief flooded through me, mingling with the sadness. I pulled her close again, knowing we would face whatever came next together.