Chapter 3 Leaving home

Maya struggled to maintain eye contact, her entire body screaming from the pain. The pressure of his grip around her neck was unbearable. She tried to loosen his hold by clutching his wrist, but it was useless. This man would kill her, and no one-not even her father-could stop him.

"Good," Don Damon sighed, clearly satisfied. This was only the beginning. He was going to make her suffer in ways she couldn't yet imagine. He wanted her to beg.

"Do you know why you're coming with me?"

She tried to shake her head, but his firm hand kept her in place. The hatred in his eyes deepened her terror.

"Speak with your lips, puttana!" (Whore!)

"No, maestro!" she cried, her voice shaky but clear. She sounded fragile, just like she looked-an angel on the brink of being dragged into hell.

His brows furrowed in anger. "Did I hear you call me 'sir'? You didn't even read the papers you signed, did you?" He released her neck only to snatch the papers from the table and shove them into her face. "Here. Let me explain. It says you're my slave now. I own you. When I say jump, you jump. When I say die, you die."

"Y-y-yes, maestro," she stuttered, hoping to avoid more pain.

He chuckled darkly. "That's better. Don't call me 'sir'-call me maestro. Understand?"

She nodded quickly, terrified. Seeing his hand raise as if to strike her again, she blurted out, "Yes, maestro!"

Instead of the slap she anticipated, he reached forward, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. A cruel smile curled on his lips as he watched the fear rippling through her.

"Good girl," he muttered. He let her go, and she fell back onto the chair, rough and defeated. His fingers trailed along her tear-streaked cheek, as if savoring her broken state. "Wipe your tears." He ordered, clearly relishing the sight of her vulnerability and exposed body beneath the damp white fabric.

Maya glanced at her father, searching for help. But his eyes remained indifferent, cold. It felt like a betrayal. She had signed her life away, and the consequences were becoming clearer by the second.

"Go pack your things and wait in the car. You have ten minutes-no more." Damon's voice was sharp, final.

"Yes, maestro," she whispered, wondering if these would be the only words she'd speak for the rest of her life. Tears welled up again, but she fought to keep them at bay, knowing that showing weakness would only make things worse.

She bowed her head and hurried from the room, the pain wracking her body from all angles. She felt shattered, her hair wild and disheveled as if it belonged to someone else entirely.

Once she reached her room, Maya collapsed to the floor, sobbing into her palms. The weight of what had just happened was too much to bear.

Dora, the older woman who had always treated her with kindness, rushed in when she saw Maya on the ground. Her face was filled with pity.

"It's okay, Maya. It's not the end of the world," Dora said, though even she seemed unsure of her own words. Everyone knew the Don was ruthless, and there was little hope for someone as innocent as Maya.

"He's going to kill me, Dora," Maya cried into the woman's arms. "He wants to kill me."

Dora held her tightly. "There's nothing we can do now. I'll pray for you."

Remembering Damon's orders, Maya shot up suddenly.

"We packed everything we think you might need. It's in the car waiting for you," Dora said gently, offering a small glimmer of relief.

Outside, three limousines were lined up. Maya saw Damon-her maestro-waiting by one of the cars, his eyes fixed forward. Even in the cold night air, she was sweating with fear.

Her bags were lying on the ground near the trunk of the limousine. She hesitated, unsure what to do.

"Why is my luggage on the ground?" she asked one of the men standing nearby.

"Capo said you wouldn't need them," the man replied bluntly.

The chill from his words seeped into her bones. She moved quicker, her steps faltering only when she saw Damon beginning to look impatient. She climbed into the car, closing the door behind her.

He gave her a single glance before returning his gaze forward. Maya stared out the window, watching the house she had grown up in disappear into the night. At the last moment, she caught sight of Anna at her bedroom window, grinning mischievously.

"Start the car. Let's go," Damon barked.

Maya flinched at the sound of his voice. He had her exactly where he wanted her-terrified, submissive, and alone. And this was just the beginning.

The car ride was long and silent, broken only by Damon's sharp commands over the phone. When they finally arrived, Maya's eyes widened at the sight of the enormous mansion before them. It was much grander than her father's house. Her mouth fell open in awe.

As they reached the door, a young girl-about Maya's age-ran up to Damon, throwing her arms around him. He hugged her tenderly, a side of him Maya hadn't expected.

She recognized the girl from the party. She was Don's sister.

"You left without saying goodbye! I'll replace you with Derinem as my favorite brother!" the girl teased.

He smiled softly. "We'll do the outing another day, Maria. I had important business today."

Maria's gaze shifted to Maya, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Who's she?"

"She's the new servant," Damon replied, his tone growing cold again.

Maria approached Maya with a friendly smile. "Hi, what's your name?"

Maya whispered, "Maya," feeling Damon's burning gaze on her.

Before Maria could respond, Damon cut in. "Now's not the time for introductions. Maya, follow me."

Maya obeyed without hesitation. She had no choice. She would do everything he commanded-it was the only way to survive.

He led her to a room and locked the door behind them. The next thing she felt was his hand striking her face.

She crumpled to the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks as her face throbbed from the pain.

"Spilling your name without my permission. What were you thinking, stupida puttana?" (Stupid bitch)

She sobbed silently, her face pressed against the cold floor.

He grabbed her by her clothes, yanking her back up. Her red eyes widened in fear, and he savored the sight.

"One more warning, Maya," he whispered dangerously close to her ear. "Do not breathe until I tell you to. Capito?"

Her voice cracked as she answered, "Yes, maestro."