STOLE MAFIA'S HEART

Slap

ELLA MIA

I found myself seated in the back of a car next to Mr. Banker, a wave of anxiety washing over me as I contemplated how to broach the subject of the meeting I had missed.

After a moment of hesitation, he tapped on the driver's window, instructing him to take me to his residence, where a servant would prepare my accommodations. He mentioned that he would be heading to his club that evening to collect debts owed to him.

To my astonishment, the servant who greeted me that day was Claudia. I held back my curiosity about how she had come to be here in New York with us, promising myself that I would ask Claudia later.

Upon our arrival at the club, aptly named the "Bankers Club." Mr. Banker stepped out of the vehicle without a word of farewell, leaving me alone inside the car with the driver.

After time,when I finally reached the mansion around half past nine, I was struck by its undeniable elegance and charm, yet it paled in comparison to Mr. Banker's own home. Claudia informed me that the family had already retired for the night and suggested I do the same, assuring me she would give me a tour the following day. I readily agreed.

Exhausted, I decided to forgo a bath, thinking it unnecessary since I would be sleeping alone.

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, I heard a man groaning from the adjacent room. Claudia explained that Mr. Grumpy had requested my room to be next to his, placing his grandmother's room adjacent to mine.

My curiosity piqued, I slipped into my gown and went to peek inside, my eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of Chase, shirtless, clutching his injured stomach with a deep knife wound.

I moved closer to assess the situation, only to be met with the alarming sight of a gun aimed in my direction.

Paralyzed with fear, I managed to stammer, "You're hurt; please let me help you."

He attempted to rise but winced in pain, retorting. "What, now you think you're a doctor?"

"You're injured, and I doubt your grandmother would want to see you like this." I replied, gesturing toward his wound.

Lowering his weapon slightly, he permitted me to approach and examine the injury.

Before I could concentrate on his wound, my gaze was inadvertently drawn to his well-defined muscles and six-pack abs, almost tempting me to lean in closer. He interrupted my thoughts, stating. "Lady, the wound is right here." while pointing to his stomach.

I shook off my distraction and redirected my focus.

"The knife caused this." I said, gently touching the wound, which prompted him to flinch.

"Just let me get my herbs." I urged before rushing out of the room.

I quickly retrieved the bag of herbs from the closet and dashed back to him.

"Please lie down in bed and tell me where I can find the first-aid kit."

"In the bathroom." he replied weakly.

I hurried to the bathroom, searched frantically, and finally found the kit before returning to find him lying in bed, breathing heavily.

I unpacked the supplies to clean his wound and prepared a mixture of healing herbs, applying it with care.

After several minutes filled with his curses and groans of pain, he finally succumbed to sleep.

With a heavy sigh, I retreated to my room and fell asleep almost immediately.

Morning arrived, and I awoke unexpectedly early, sunlight streaming through the balcony. I stretched and made my way to the bathroom to begin my morning routine.

Once I finished, I noticed a pile of clothes beside my bed. Without hesitation, I donned them, pulled my hair into a loose ponytail, and applied some eyeliner, feeling ready to tackle the day.

Just then, my phone began ringing. I glanced at the screen—my father was calling.

"Hello, Father."

"Hello, my daughter. I trust you slept well in that mansion?"

I chuckled softly. "Surprisingly, I woke up unscathed."

He laughed lightly on the other end. "I'm glad to hear that. I received a call today from the Carter family."

A wave of apprehension washed over me. I recalled the agreement made when I turned eighteen, wherein the Carter family arranged for their son to marry me once he took over his father's company.

I had vehemently rejected that arrangement, but my father insisted that to save his business, compliance was my only option. The pressure to fulfill this obligation weighed heavily on me, especially with the threat looming over my father’s business.

My father’s connection with the Carter family had always puzzled me; they never discussed their dealings with my mother or brother, Kenny, and it had been three years since we last heard from them. Their sudden re-emergence felt ominous, particularly given the rumors regarding their involvement in the drug trade, which preyed upon the youth.

When parents pushed the police to investigate the Carter family, they reported finding nothing amiss. The family operated in the shadows, their influence palpable, while Chase had made it clear he was not someone to be trifled with.

"Father, please tell me this isn’t about the arranged marriage." I said, my tone laced with boredom. I had no desire to marry someone I didn’t love, yet I also didn’t want my father’s business to collapse.

"I'm afraid it is, dear. They’ve set a date, and you’ll be meeting that young man in two days. After the marriage, our business will be stabilized."

I had never seen the man I was supposed to marry, only knowing Mr. Carter and his wife. "Alright, Father, I’ll meet him in two days, but what if he’s too much older than I am?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice. What if he turned out to be unkind?

"My dear, let's hope he is of a suitable age. Remember, I would never force you to marry someone who would harm you or make you unhappy." he reassured me.

I understood his point; he had always prioritized my happiness, even amidst this arrangement.

"Yes, Father, I will meet him." I replied with a heavy sigh.

"What about the deal with Mr. Banker?" he inquired, aware that I would anticipate the question.

"The Carters will bring funds into the company, but what about our debts?" I pressed.

Clearing his throat, he responded. "I’m confident that the man will assist us with that after you meet him. Then I’ll discuss this with his father, alright?"

I sighed heavily. "Okay, Father. Goodbye."

"Take care." he said before hanging up.

Feeling overwhelmed, I fought back tears as I contemplated the burden of sacrificing my happiness for my family’s sake. It felt as though any reluctance on my part would lead to blame resting squarely on my shoulders.

Suddenly, I heard someone clear their throat. Turning, I found Mr. Grumpy leaning against the door, arms crossed.

"Why are you crying? Missing your family already?" he asked, a frown etched on his face.

"None of your business." I retorted, brushing past him as I exited the room.

Lost in thought, my mind became a chaotic mess as I navigated the hallway, completely unaware of my surroundings until I collided with someone.

Before I could utter a word, I felt a sharp slap across my face.