Chapter 4 Erika

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

All through the night, I barely slept a wink. My mind was tormented by the demons of depressing thoughts and foreshadowing events that awaited my family should I fail to marry the man my mother had not so dearly selected for me, the man whom everyone thought to be our savior. My conversation with Nana floated into my mind once more. After Nana had told me who the Don was, confronting him didn't seem to be an option anymore, Don Stefano Vitale. The man whose name ignited fear in the hearts of many. A man who was closely affiliated with danger and brutality, a man who no one dared to defy. That was the person my sister decided to cross. I shut my eyes, feeling a lump form in my throat. I was caught at a crossroads. For the life of me, I didn't know where Avery could be; she could as well be on the other end of the earth. What could she have possibly needed the money for? What if she was in trouble? My heart skipped a beat at the thought. Growing more restless, I tossed and turned on the bed until I finally made up my mind. Getting out of bed, I trot into the bathroom, taking my sweet time in silent hope to come up with another solution, but I came up with none. Exiting the bathroom, I settle for a brown plaid skirt, a cream button-up shirt, and brown flats. Tying my hair in an updo style, I wrapped my hair in a light brown scarf, while my rosary rested on my left wrist. Saying a silent prayer, I looked at my reflection in the full-body mirror before leaving my room, not forgetting to grab my purse on my way out.

As I trot down the stairs, I hear my mother's voice ring out behind me, "And pray tell, where are you off to, my dear?"

Turning to face her, "I'm off to take a stroll, Mother, to clear my mind." I answered, fiddling with my purse. My stare wavered, feeling riddled with guilt. I wasn't necessarily going on a stroll, as I had a mission in mind, but I also wanted to use the opportunity to take a stroll, which I hoped would help clear my mind. So I wasn't technically lying, yes?

She raised a brow at me before walking down the stairs, coming face to face with me. Raising her hand, her cool fingers swept softly across my cheek as she smiled.

"Mmmmm, very well. Take care, darling. Be sure to be back home before dinner, alright?" Nodding in response, I tarry not a second longer before hastening out of the house. I was glad to not have run into Nana because I didn't know if I could face her without telling her what I was going to do, knowing she wasn't going to approve.

As I walked down the gravelly streets, I recalled the stories Nana told me of how people mysteriously disappeared or met their doom for the slightest error when they got involved with the Vitale family. The weight of my decision weighed down heavily on me as I drew near to my destination, but a small voice at the back of my head reassured me that I was making the right decision. I was doing this for a greater cause...family.

Arriving at the estate, I felt a looming sense of foreboding. The towering, magnificent structure stood tall, designed impeccably to stun whoever set eyes upon it. Standing before the tall gates, I debated on how I would get through them. What would I say brought me here? Who would I tell them I was?

Just as I was about to speak into the intercom, the large gate slowly swung open, surprising me. Taking the opportunity, I slipped through the gates, eyeing my surroundings, which were surprisingly silent. I had expected to see guards roaming around, given the rumors I had heard about the Vitale estate being heavily guarded. Perhaps the rumors were wrong.

But even as I walked down the path, it felt as if there was someone or something watching me from the shadows. Nevertheless, I continued on my journey, the only sounds being heard being the faint echo of my footsteps. As I reached the steps leading up to the entrance, I inhaled deeply before climbing up the steps, my heartbeat quickening with each step. As I reached the last step, I saw a bulky guard dressed in a black suit, staring off coldly. His cold eyes watch me like a hawk with detached interest; he doesn't say a word, merely staring at me as I approach.

"Hello, sir, I...I...I'd like to meet Don Stefano, please." I mutter quickly, afraid of his response. Luckily for me, he doesn't speak a word but merely motions for me to follow him. Following him in, my lips parted slightly, dumbfounded by the sheer beauty of the insides; it was beyond beautiful. The house felt like a maze, with long corridors and beautiful, glistening chandeliers that lit up the hallway, and the air had this very pleasant scent that I liked.

I followed the buff guard until he came to a stop before a tall oak-wood door that had gold handles. Giving me a nod, he turned and walked away, leaving me looking after him and wondering what to do next. Do I knock? Or do I simply go in? Deciding to go with the former, I knocked timidly on the door. A chilling voice that sent shivers down my spine called out, "Come in."

Letting out a shaky breath, I pushed open the door to reveal a large study with a large man who sat behind an enormous desk. He had a dangerous aura coming off him in waves as he sat still, his cold eyes assessing my every move. I instantly knew this was the feared mafia Don, Stefano Vitale. At this moment, I regretted the very decision I made to come here. What was I thinking?

Unconsciously, I took a step back, followed by another, freezing in my steps when I heard a low, cold chuckle.

"Leaving so soon, and that too without a proper greeting or even saying why you're here, Erika?" His voice was as cold as death itself, willing me to tremble at every word he spoke. Reaching for my rosary, I caressed it softly, hoping it would give me the strength and protection I desperately craved.

"Don Stefano." I whispered softly, my meeting finally meeting his. Lord save me, this man had eyes that made me feel like I was falling into the abyss. Did the devil reside in him, or was he the devil himself? "How did you know my name?"

I saw the corners of his lips lift into a cruel smirk, but it was gone as soon as it was there. Perhaps I had even imagined it: "Would you like to sit?" He asked, ignoring my earlier question. And just like that, I regained feeling in my legs as I felt them begin to ache. Managing a grateful smile, I occupied one of the seats before him.

"Good, now you're curious as to how I know your name, yes? You really think I'd let a stranger and a potential threat into my home?" Realization dawned on me. He knew of me; Christ, perhaps he had even been expecting me. Studying him, I couldn't help but take note of how handsome he was. He was truly blessed by the good Lord. He was one of the very few handsome men I had ever come across in my life, and I had only met less than a handful. I knew without a doubt there wasn't a speck of dust within a mile radius of him. His clothes and everything about him, down to the hair on his head, screamed luxury.

"Miss Erika, would you care to tell me why you have come to me, or would you need more time to drool over me?" My cheeks heated up in embarrassment at his words while I tore my eyes away from him.

"Have you perhaps come to bargain or beg in respect to the debt your family owes me?" He asked, causing me to look at him.

"Yes, sir, I mean, yes, Don. I have come on behalf of my family."

He hums, "I see. Do you have my money?"

I shook my head in response, feeling deeply ashamed. "I...I don't, sir."

"So why are you here?" He snapped coldly, causing me to shrink back in my seat in fright.

"I have come to beg for some time. I need time to earn the money to repay you. Please, Don." I begged, hoping by some miracle he'd agree, which I highly doubted. But even at that, how much time would be enough to gather the money to pay him back? It'd take years and years of hard work.

"Time?" He chuckled, "I'm afraid your family has run out of time. I have been generous enough to give them two months to repay the loan, but they've done nothing about it." Two months? That wasn't nearly enough.

He leaned forward, my breath caught in my throat as we locked gazes. "Your family's desperation is quite palpable. But I wonder, are you willing to do anything to save them?" Without thinking twice, I nod fervently in response. Perhaps I could work my way out of repaying the debt.

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood up, placing his palms flat on the smooth surface. "Your family's fate is sealed, Erika. There's nothing left for you to do except decide on what you're willing to give up to save them." His words stirred fear and nervousness within me, especially when he made his way over to me. My soul nearly left my body when he leaned over me, perceiving his masculine cologne so strongly.

"What are you saying? What do you want from me?" A cold shudder ran down my spine.

Giving me a cruel smile, "Your soul, Erika, that's what I want. If you're willing to do anything to ensure your family's safety, give me your soul. Else, your fairytale world and everything you care about will burn."