Chapter 1 THE BARGAIN

Liya Glensdale stared blankly at her untouched coffee while the rain washed against the windows of the little diner she sat in. She constantly picked at her nails with nerves unsettled as the minutes flew by on the wall clock, drawing the inevitable meeting with the man who could decide her brother's fate, closer.

When the bell above the diner rang, Liya's eyes popped up as she watched a man enter and shake the rain off his trench coat, his presence immediately changing the atmosphere of the entire room. Her heart began racing as she watched Damian Viktor approach her table.

He was by far taller than she had thought, with a scrawny face and a smile that made him look more sinister and cruel than kind. Even with his sharp suit that emphasized he was well-off, his appearance screamed that he was a dangerous man, the kind you don't get involved with. He sat down across from her, skin spread like he owned the place.

"Liya Glensdale," he said with a flat yet rough voice. "I've been anticipating this meeting.

Liya gulped, her pulse racing. "Let's cut to the chase. This is about my brother"

"Oh, Liam". Damian cut in. " What a rash and audacious boy. He has quite a gift for making enemies but is lucky enough to have a dear sister to beg on his behalf."

"I'm here to strike a deal, not beg. Name your price and I'll pay you back." Liya shot back with a shaky voice despite her bravery.

Damian let out a hollow laugh that made her shiver in her seat. " Oh darling, trust me, you would not be able to afford what Liam owes me. Except..." He narrowed his eyes as he calculated her.

"Except what?" Liya asked

" Ever heard of the saying one good turn deserves another? Well, someone owes me a favor and you'll be the perfect settlement to make us even." Marcus spoke as though he was talking about the weather or the latest fashion.

Liya's stomach knotted " And what do you mean by that."

Leaning forward, Damian gives her a wild wide smile. "I want you to marry Aldo Marino."

She sucked in a choked breath at the name. A name that ruled the city. Everyone knew Aldo Marino- a billionaire who allegedly had ties to dangerous people. He was feared as he was respected and no one dared to rupture the fort he had created around his private life.

"That must be a joke. Are you insane?" Liya said disturbed.

" Not at all," Damian said, joining his fingers. "Aldo and I have...a complex history. He owes me a good deed, and you are going to make sure he pays it. In return, I'll wipe your brother's debt clean."

Her mind raced. The idea was ridiculous and impossible. She didn't know Aldo, but he was the kind of guy your mother warned you to stay away from. However, the vision of Liam-beat, bloody, and petrified flashed in her mind. If she didn't act fast, Damian would make good on his threats.

"What if Aldo rejects the idea." She voiced quietly.

"He won't," Damian said with confidence. "Aldo doesn't have the luxury of refusing. You are going to be his salvation. Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Liya stared at him in disbelief "Why me?"

Damian's smile became wicked. " simple. You're the best option. Beautiful, clever, and desperate enough to do anything. Aldo will see your worth just as I do."

Liya wanted to yell and tell him he was out of his mind. But the burden of her brother's life weighed heavily on her, drowning any argument.

"What if I refuse?" she asked, already terrified by his answer.

Damian's gaze clouded. "Then Liam's debt becomes yours. And trust me, my tolerance for repayment is shorter than you think."

Her chest tightened at his words. She thought of her brother, her careless, lovable brother who always found himself in some kind of trouble. She had spent her life tidying up his messes but this...this took the crown.

"I'll do it," she whispered, the words tasting like ash in her mouth.

Damian clapped his hands, his grin stretching. "Excellent. I knew you were wise." He slid her a business card. "Be at the address tomorrow evening. Aldo will be expecting you."

"And you promise Liam's debts will be wiped clean?" Liya asked him instead.

"Spotless," Damian said standing. "As long as you don't play me, your brother is a free man. I'm a man of my word, Liya."

With that, he turned and left the diner. Leaving Liya alone with her thoughts and the gravity of what she had just agreed to.

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Liya couldn't sleep that night. Anytime she closed her eyes, images of Aldo Marino danced in her mind. Though she had never met him, his influence was terrifying and she dreaded getting involved with him.

The next evening, dressed in the only formal wear she owned, stood before the gigantic gates of Aldo's estate. The entire mansion looked like an inaccessible castle with stone walls and sky-high windows screaming both wealth and isolation.

The gates automatically opened and a sleek black car approached her. The driver stepped out, nodded, and opened the door for her.

"Miss Glensdale, Mr Marino is waiting," he said.

She hesitated, her mind yelling at her to walk away from the madness. But she had to stick to her words. Straightening her posture, she climbed into the car.

The ride to the mansion was long, and the driveway felt like an eternity. When the car finally stopped at the entrance of the mansion, new waves of fear washed over her. With her stomach in knots, she stepped out, her heels clicking on the pavement as the door swung open.

A lady stood at the door, her stern face softened only by the slightest hint of curiosity.

"Miss Glensdale," she asked.

"Yes," Liya said in a shaky voice.

"I'm Melinda Gusto, Mr Marino's assistant." The woman said stepping aside to let her in. "He's waiting for you in his study."

Liya followed Melinda through the winding halls, her footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The house was cold and unwelcoming, just like she had guessed. It was filled with furniture, paintings, and dim lighting which gave it an eerie look.

When they reached the study, Melinda knocked once before pushing the door open.

"Mr Marino," she announced " Your visitor is here."

Liya stepped inside, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on him.

Aldo Marino stood by the fireplace, his talk frame broad back to her. He turned slowly, his electric blue eyes fixating on hers.

He was extremely handsome, but there was an edge to him, a quiet fierceness that made her blood turn ice.

"Liya Glensdale," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I've been expecting you."

She opened her mouth to respond but no words came out. Aldo's gaze was hard to read, his appearance a mask of calm and authority.

"I believe Damian went through the arrangement with you," he said, stepping closer. "Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

She gulped, her throat dry. "Why would someone like you agree to something like this?"

Aldo gave a faint, humorless smile. "Let's say I have my reasons. Just like you."

His reply only added to her restlessness. Before she could question him further, he extended his hand.

"Shall we," he asked.

Liya hesitated, she felt like she was about to dive into the unknown. As her hand touched his extended hand, the lights suddenly flickered, and then there was a smashing sound followed by the sound of glass shattering.

"What's happening?" Liya demanded in a panicked voice

"Don't leave this room," Aldo ordered as he moved towards the door.

She looked through the window, the shadows running and shifting. And that's when she saw it, a figure stood in the darkness, watching her beyond the glass.

She could see the outline of a weapon aimed at her.

Suddenly, the window shattered, and Liya let out a loud scream.