Chapter 2 Is this the end of my life

Fabio's eyes flickered with annoyance as he turned back to Rosa.He stood over her "I don't care what you think of me" his grip tightening in her hair "Silvio is a powerful man here in Italy. You should be grateful he's chosen you. And you should be grateful to me.

My decision is final-you're his now and You belong to him"

The words hit Rosa like a physical blow, It felt like something inside her was being ripped away. Is this how my life has become, No! no way.. I'm not letting my dad detect my life.

*****

As the first light of morning streamed through the curtains, Rosa stood by her window, already dressed in a black tank top and jeans.

Her black cap was pulled low over her long hair.

She picked up a frame of her mother from the nightstand and ran her hand gently over the frame,

"Sorry Mum but I have to leave" she whispered "I can't keep living like this.. I love you" She pressed a soft kiss to the photo, then set it down carefully.

The quiet moment was shattered as the door swung open. Rosa's heart leapt into her throat,she thought it was him-her father but then she froze

"Mom?" she gasped.

Hana stood in the doorway, her own black bag slung over her shoulder, a look of shock on her face. She stared at Rosa, her eyes scanning her daughter's appearance as if trying to understand what she was seeing.

Hana stepped into the room, her face filled with disbelief.

Without a word, Hana pulled Rosa into a tight embrace. Rosa stiffened for just a moment, then melted into her mother's arms. She buried her face in Hana's shoulder

"I'm not letting him control us anymore, Hana said quietly pulling back slightly to look into her daughter's eyes "We are leaving"

Rosa nodded, This was real and she isn't alone.

Together, they hurried through the dark, silent house, Hana's fingers brushed the door handle of the sitting room.

when suddenly, a rough force yanked her hair back. Her body froze and she spun around to see Fabio's furious face.

Rosa immediately react, grabbing Fabio's arm to pull him away from her mother but he shoved her back with a force that sent her crashing hard to the floor.

"Rosa!" Hana screamed, her voice laced with panic.

Fabio's palm immediately struck her cheek. The sound of the slap echoed through the room.

Blood trickled on her lower lips, she staggered back but before she could recover, Fabio's grab Rosa's arm, yanking her backward with brutal force.

Rosa gasped, her body jerking as she tried to break free, her fingers clawing at his hand "Let go!" she cried, twisting and kicking but his grip was merciless

"You think you can escape?" Fabio snarled "not when I'm alive"

When they reached her room, he tossed her onto the bed with such force that she bounced once

"You're never leaving this room" Fabio growled, slamming the door with a bang that rattled the walls.

Rosa stood to her feet, her hands hitting the door "Let me out of here, Dad! Please!" Her voice cracked as tears blurred her vision "I'm begging you.."

Meanwhile, Fabio reached the sitting room, his eyes scanning the empty space..He paused for a moment. There was no sign of Hana but just as he turned to walk away, a faint sound behind him made him stop.

In an instant, something heavy crashed into the side of his head.

The pricing crack of porcelain was the last thing he heard. His legs collapsed and he hit the floor with a brutal thud, his hands flying to his head as blood trickled from the gashes

The world tilted around him, pain blooming in

his skull. His breath came in jagged gasps.

"Hana... you won't get away with this" he growled

Hana stood over him, calm and composed. She didn't flinch as she looked down at him, her expression cold.

She reached into his pocket, taking his keys.She crouched down slightly, meeting his gaze "I already did my dear husband" she said quietly "you are pathetic"

She turned and walked swiftly toward Rosa's room, not looking back. The door swung open and there stood Rosa, huddled at the edge of the bed. Her face was puffy and tear stained. The instant Rosa saw her mother, she rushed into her arms..sobbing without a word.

Hana wrapped her arms around her, feeling the tremble in Rosa's small frame "it's okay sweetheart" she whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter's hair "Mommy will always protect you"

Rosa pulled back slightly, her hands clutching at Hana's arms as she nodded quickly

"Let's go" Hana said firmly, her fingers tightening on Rosa's shoulder. Without waiting for an answer, she guided her out of the room

When they reached the sitting room, Hana's gaze flicked to Fabio. He lay crumpled on the floor, blood spreading slowly around him. The sight stopped Rosa in her tracks, her stomach churned as she quickly turned away.. her hand clutching at her mother's sleeve.

"Don't look" Hana said, her voice tight as she gently tugged Rosa toward the door. They stepped outside, the cool morning air sharp against their skin

The car was parked outside the house, they both got in.

The engine roared to life and they pulled onto the road. For a moment, the world outside felt unreal. Rosa couldn't help but stare at the open road stretching ahead of them, they were free.

Rosa's face lit up with a soft smile as she turned to her mother "Thank you, Mom"

Hana's fingers reached out, her hand finding

Rosa's and holding it tightly. "Don't thank me"

she said softly "It's mommy's job to protect you"

Suddenly, a brutal impact from behind slammed into their car. Rosa's breath caught in her throat.

"What's happening?"

Hana's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, her jaw tightening "We're being followed"

Rosa's gaze darted to the side mirror and color drained from her face as two black vans loomed just behind them, closing the gap with terrifying speed.

Another crash hit their bumper, sending Rosa's body forward, her head slamming into the seatbelt. The impact left her dizzy, her vision swirling.

"Rosa, are you okay?" Hana asked, her voice laced with panic

Rosa blinked, nodding weakly even though blood trickled down her forehead. The sound

of the engine revved as Hana pushed the pedal

to the floor.

From one of the vans, a voice yelled.. The window rolled down and a man in dark sunglasses leaned out, his tone sharp "Miss, I suggest you stop the car and hand over your daughter"

"Never!" Hana screamed, her grip tightening on the wheel.

Silvio's men. The words buzzed in her head like a wasp, the panic rising as she clutched the seatbelt

Without warning, the car lurched again and Rosa's body slammed into the door as Hana swerved to avoid the impact. But it was too late.

A truck appeared from nowhere, charging toward them and in an instant, their car was thrown sideways, tumbling with the sickening sound of glass shattering and the world spinning out of control.