DIE! OR MARRY ME

A clear evening sky cools the campus courtyard. The light of the sun slowly faded, warming Selena Quintanilla's body, which was sitting leisurely under a shady tree. A classic novel opens on her lap, while large headphones cover her ears, playing music that brings calm in between the rush of her routine. Around her, other students pass by, busy with their own affairs, but Selena feels comfortable in her own world-a quiet world away from her family's dangerous shadow.

Selena enjoyed this rare moment. Despite her status as the only daughter of a well-known mafia family, she feels as if she is an ordinary girl, who only needs to think about books, classes, and music. Suddenly, the calm was broken.

Her phone vibrated on the bag lying beside her. She almost ignored it, thinking it was just a message from her friends, but the vibe continued. With a slight annoyance, she removed the headphones from her ears, put the book next to her, and reached for her cell phone.

The name displayed on the screen made her heart suddenly pound. ** Antonio* * - his father's personal assistant. He rarely calls, except for important matters that cannot be postponed.

Selena swallowed, feeling an uncomfortable feeling that slowly crept in. She knew, every time Antonio called, that something was going on. Her eyes looked at the phone screen for a few seconds, as if hoping that the call was just a mistake.

However, reality cannot be ignored. She sighed deeply, then shifted the screen to accept the call.

"Yes?" her voice sounded calm, although her heart was racing.

"Selena"" Antonio's deep voice sounded at the other end, leaving no room for pleasantries. "I need you to come home immediately."

Selena was silent for a moment, a sense of anxiety began to fill every corner of her mind. "What is it?" she asked briefly, trying to remain calm.

"Your father... Passed away this morning."Antonio's voice sounded deeper, loaded with seriousness.

Selena's world stopped for a moment. The novel she is holding fell to the ground silently. The music in the headphones still hanging around her neck suddenly sounded distant, like an illusion that was no longer relevant to reality.

"What do you mean?"her voice trembled. She needed to be sure, even though her heart already knew the answer.

"Your father is dead, Selena. And ... there's something you should know," Antonio continued, his tone more emphatic. "It's about the legacy and the choices he left for you. I'll explain more when you arrive."

Selena clasped her phone tightly, her eyes blinking without focusing on anything around her. She never thought that this seemingly ordinary day would turn into a nightmare. In the midst of the quiet of college, Selena's world begins to crumble, and she knows her life will never be the same again.

**

When Selena was a child she always looked at her father as the perfect figure. A respected successful businessman, who with one touch of his hand can change the fate of their family. Mansions, luxury cars and holidays abroad were commonplace in her life. In the eyes of little Selena, her father was a hero, a man who ruled the business world with unparalleled elegance and authority.

However, everything changed one evening, when Selena was 10 years old.

That night, she overhears a conversation between her father and someone who has just come to the House. The man in the black suit looked nervous, while his father stood in front of his study window, his back to his guest. Selena hid behind the door, intrigued by the seemingly unusual serious talk.

"I've given you enough time," her father's voice sounded cold, far from the gentle figure Selena knew. "If you can't pay off your debts, then your family will bear the consequences."

The man in front of his father begged, his voice full of fear. "Please, Sir. Give me some more time, I will definitely pay for it. I just need a little more-"

"There is no more time."His father turned around, his face hard and unforgiving. "You already know the consequences when borrowing from me."

Selena didn't understand all those words. But what she did know, that night something dark and sinister began to unfold. The man's fear, the coldness of his father's attitude, and the threat implied in every word made her fur bristle.

Since that night, Selena began to notice more and more things. The faint conversations heard on the phone, the tense-faced guests who came and went, and the presence of large men who always followed his father everywhere. The more Selena asked, the more secrets were revealed. Until finally, one day, she learned the harsh truth-her father was not just a businessman. He is the feared mafia boss in this city.

An indescribable sense of disappointment filled Selena's heart. Her father, the hero of her childhood, turns out to be a figure full of violence, threats and power defended with blood. From that moment on, Selena decided to stay away.

At the age of 15, Selena began talking to her father. Selena stood in front of the man she was once proud of.

"I don't want to be involved in the family business, Dad," she said in a trembling but determined voice. "I want to live independently, without the frills of our surname."

Her father just looked at her from behind the table, as if studying the decision her daughter had made. "You know it's not as easy as you think, Selena. The world is cruel, and without the protection of family, you will fall."

"I'd rather fall and stand on my own feet than live in the shadow of your power," Selena replied, her eyes full of determination.

Her father was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly. "We'll see how long you can hold out, Selena. The outside world is not as beautiful as you think."

Selena was undaunted. She's made up her mind. From then on, she worked hard to stay away from the big name of the family. She chose to continue her studies abroad, hoping to live as an ordinary girl away from the dark world of her family.

In college, Selena was known not as the heir to the mafia throne, but as an independent and intelligent girl. She occupied herself with her studies, friendships, and hobby of reading books. However, even though she tried so hard to escape, the shadow of her extended family always followed. Whenever she sees the news or hears stories about the atrocities of the mafia in her city, the image of her father always comes to mind.

Even so, Selena promised herself that she would continue to walk forward. The mafia world is not for her and she will do whatever it takes to stay on a different path-a path away from blood and violence.

***

Selena took a deep breath, looking at the small apartment in which she had lived for the past few years. A sheet of paper containing next week's graduation announcement lay on the table, overlapping a stack of cookbooks and culinary notes. The Master's degree in Culinary that she has been pursuing is just a step away. However, at the moment Selena's thoughts are not at all focused on graduation or the celebration that should make her happy.

On the floor, several suitcases were wide open. Selena quickly tidied up her clothes, books and things in suitcases. Her movements are hasty, irregular, like a person pursued by time.

Clara, her best friend and roommate, stood in the doorway, leaning her shoulders against the wall with a puzzled expression. "Selena, what are you doing? Aren't we going to graduate next week? Why pack now?" She asked, the crease on her forehead became clearer when she saw Selena, who looked chaotic.

Without stopping her movements, Selena replied in a calm but slightly trembling voice, "I have to go home, Clara. There's something important at home. I can't wait until graduation."

Clara stepped closer, looking at the suitcase that was getting full of Selena's things. "What? Go home now? But, this is our graduation, Selena! You've worked hard for years for this. Why do you suddenly want to leave everything?"

Selena paused, her hand clutching a seemingly worn-out cookbook, a gift from one of her most respected professors. Her brown eyes looked blank as she stared at the book, as if her thoughts were far from their cozy apartment. "I have no choice, Clara. My family needs me... now."

Clara frowned, clearly dissatisfied with that all-too-common answer. "Your family? Didn't you always say you wanted to get away from them? You never even talk much about them, and now, suddenly you want to go home. What is it, Selena?"

Selena sighed deeply, then put the book carefully into the suitcase. "It's complicated, Clara. Very complicated."

She did not know how to explain that she was not just an ordinary student pursuing her dream in the culinary field. She was the daughter of one of the most feared mafia families, and now, after years of trying to stay away, her family is pulling her back. The death of her father has brought down the walls she had built, and now that great responsibility rests on her shoulders.

Clara sat on the edge of the bed, looking anxiously at Selena. "Selena, you know I'm here for you. If you need help or need a story, I'm always there. But I really don't understand why you have to go now, especially before our graduation."

Selena smiled faintly, although her eyes showed great fatigue and heaviness. "I know, Clara. You're the best friend I've ever had. But, this is something I can't tell you right now. Trust me, if I could, I'd still be here. But ... the family was always behind me. And now, they need me more than ever."

Clara still seemed hesitant, but she chose not to pressure Selena any further. "Alright... but promise me, after all this is over, you'll come back and we'll celebrate your graduation. The culinary world needs someone as talented as you, Selena."

Selena smiled again, but this time her smile was full of bitterness. "I don't know, Clara. I don't know if I'll have a chance to go back."

After that, Selena returned to tidying up her things. Her mind raged between a sense of responsibility and a desire to run away from it all. The future that she had imagined so clearly was now suddenly blurred, covered by a dark cloud coming from her past.

**

Selena stared out of the plane's window as the metal wheels began to touch the runway, creating a gentle vibration that felt all the way through her body. The landscape of her hometown began to unfold before her eyes, vaguely shrouded in thick puffs of clouds that signaled the beginning of autumn. After six years of leaving this place, her feelings were mixed-a deep longing as well as an inevitable fear.

The plane slowed down and finally stopped at the arrival gate. As the landing announcement echoed throughout the cabin, Selena took a deep breath, feeling the tension build up in her chest. She knew that returning home was not an easy decision. Every step she takes from here will bring her back to the world she once avoided.

As the doors of the plane opened and the passengers began to move out, Selena grabbed her handbag, adjusted the scarf around her neck, and stepped into the aisle. Her legs felt heavy, as if every step she took.

At the arrival terminal, the airport air was filled with the sounds of people busy with their suitcases, joyful laughter, and flight announcements that continued to flow. However, Selena could only feel the tension around her chest getting stronger. The glass automatic door in front of her opened with a hissing sound, and she stepped out.

Right there, in the middle of the crowd, was a sight that could not be ignored. A group of men in black suits stood in a neat line, welcoming her. Their eyes are sharp, their bodies are stout and full of authority. Although they were dressed formally, their appearance was far from the impression of thugs. On the contrary, the aura of elegance and power emanating from them made every woman around the terminal turn her head with admiring glances, even some of them whispered in awe among their groups.

Selena noticed how the women at the airport seemed fascinated by the presence of her father subordinate group, some of whom even deliberately stood for longer, hoping to catch glances or smiles from the men. However, none of them paid any attention to it. All the piercing glances of the men in black suits were fixed only on Selena.

In the middle of the group, an older man stepped forward. His face is stern, with silver hair that adds an impression of maturity and authority. Antonio, his father's personal assistant, who for many years was the family's right-hand man, looked at Selena with a calm but respectful look.

"Welcome back, Miss Selena," his voice sounded low but clear, carrying a slight nostalgic vibe in Selena's heart. Antonio gave a slight formal nod, his arms wide open as if in a gesture of welcome. "We've been waiting for you."

Selena stood for a moment, feeling the cold of the airport touching her skin. Although he knew that this entourage would definitely pick her up, seeing them here, with such a formal and professional appearance, only reinforced the new reality she was about to face. They were no longer mere shadows of the past-they were a part of her life that she couldn't escape.

She took a deep breath, mustered up the courage, then walked forward towards the group. Antonio's eyes remained on her respectfully as he arrived before her.

"We'll drive you straight home, as instructed," Antonio said, gesturing to several men behind him to retrieve Selena's suitcase.

Selena nodded, a little reluctant but knowing that she had no choice. "Thank you, Antonio," she replied in a tone that tried to remain calm, although in her heart she felt erratic.

Without saying much more, Selena followed Antonio and his entourage out of the terminal, passing the envious and admiring glances of the women around them. Luxurious black cars were already lined up outside, ready to take Selena back to the place she used to call home-a place where her inevitable destiny awaited her.

**

Selena dropped her body on the family room sofa, feeling the softness of the pillow touching her stiff back. Since arriving a day ago, she has barely had time to rest properly. The sun had already set a few hours ago, but fatigue was still pressing on every nerve in her body.

The Big Sofa was comfortable, but there was nothing that could drive away the fatigue in her head. Her father's funeral this morning was one of the hardest moments of her life. Mourners took turns, faces she mostly did not recognize, offering condolences in a formal, empty-sounding tone. Selena doesn't care. It all felt like an endless nightmare.

"Selena," a soft but heavy voice startled her. Antonio, as usual, stood at the door with an attentive look. "Some guests are still waiting in the living room. They came to pay their last respects."

Selena closed her eyes for a moment, feeling tired just by hearing the word "guest."Since her return, this house has never been empty of people who have come to pay their respects to her father, Don Quintanilla. The business associates, the politicians, even some faces are clearly part of the criminal underworld that her father led for many years. All came to make sure they were seen, maintaining the relationship they had built with her father.

"I need a break, Antonio," she whispered softly, keeping her eyes closed. "Can they come back tomorrow?"

Antonio was silent for a moment before finally answering in a low tone. "They came from far away, Miss. I understand it's not an easy time for you, but some of them are very influential... they want to make sure you're okay."

Selena opened her eyes, staring at the high ceiling with a crystal chandelier hanging above. Ironically, her father may be gone, but his influence still dominates Selena's life. Even in his death, Don Quintanilla still required him to fulfill the social obligations built up over the years.

"I will come... give me a second, " Selena finally gave up, her voice barely audible. She knew that refusing to meet with them could lead to unnecessary rumors, something her father would definitely never allow. Even in these conditions, the image of the family must be maintained.

Antonio nodded slowly and turned out of the room, leaving Selena in silence. She took a deep breath, trying to gather strength from nowhere.

Her gaze moved to the photo of her late father hanging on the wall of the family room. The man seemed strong, invincible, as always. Since childhood, she thought that her father was a successful businessman who controlled various businesses in this city. She never knew, until she was a teenager, that all success was rooted in the power and darkness of the mafia world.

Since then, Selena has been trying hard to stay away. She built her own life, pursuing her dreams abroad, far from the shadow of the great name Don Quintanilla. But now, sitting in this room, with a tired body and a raging mind, she can't avoid the fact that in the end, the family always pulls you back.

Selena reached for a glass of water on the small table next to her, taking a slow sip. She knew this was just the beginning. The death of her father only opened a new chapter of the burden she had to carry. The world she had been avoiding was now waiting for her with open arms.

Putting the glass back, Selena slowly got up from the couch, though every muscle in her body screamed for rest. She walked to the door, preparing herself to meet the guests who were still waiting.

There is no more time to relax. No more time to dodge.

Selena stepped into the living room, trying to keep her posture calm even though fatigue still haunted her every step. Upon entering the room, her eyes immediately met the figure of a man sitting on one of the black leather sofas. Jonathan Bregg-or as he used to call Uncle Jon as a child-smiled faintly when she saw him. His face has hardly changed, it is still the same one that Selena remembers. The middle-aged man was dressed in a neat dark gray suit, with slightly gray hair on the sides.

"Selena," Jonathan's voice sounded friendly, in a familiar tone. He stood up and opened his arms, gesturing to hug Selena. "You're big now. I'm sorry to have to meet you in such a situation."

Selena nodded slowly, accepting his brief embrace before returning to maintain a polite distance. "Thank you, Uncle John. Good to see you again after so long."

Jonathan nodded while looking sympathetically at Selena. "Your father was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for his loss. He may be gone, but his legacy will live on."

Selena smiled a little, although her heart felt heavy hearing that sentence. Don Quintanilla, with all the power and shadow he left behind, was not easily forgotten. But for Selena, the legacy was more like a burden than a pride.

" You know, Selena, " Jonathan continued as he sat back on the couch, patting the back of the chair next to him as a sign for Selena to sit down, "if there's something you need, or there's a problem you're having a hard time dealing with, you can always count on me. Your father and I have worked together for a long time. We share many things, including in the culinary field, that you may still remember."

Selena smiled again, this time more sincerely. He is often reminded of Jonathan's restaurants, especially when his father often takes him to one of the man's most luxurious restaurants. Those childhood memories were quite warm, in contrast to most other memories associated with his father.

"Thank you, Uncle Jon. It means a lot to me," Selena replied, her voice soft but sincere.

However, as the conversation progressed, Selena's eyes caught a glimpse of Antonio's expression standing in the corner of the room. The man's face looked tense, far from the neutral and calm demeanor he was used to showing. There was obvious discomfort from the look in his eyes. Selena was surprised, but she decided not to think too much about it at the moment.

"Food is the world you love, isn't it?"Jonathan asked suddenly, distracting Selena from Antonio. "Your father used to talk about how proud he was of your success in this field. I am sure, he will be very happy to see you continue your career in a field that is so close to your heart."

Selena was a little surprised to hear that. His father? Proud? It feels almost impossible. Throughout her life, her father rarely showed any signs of pride in what she did, especially after she decided not to get involved in the family business. However, hearing Jonathan say it, Selena felt that something was strange. Is it possible that her father was indeed proud, even though he never expressed it?

" I don't know, " Selena answered hesitantly. "Dad rarely talk to me about it."

Jonathan smiled faintly, nodding as if understanding Selena's feelings. "Don is not a man who shows his feelings easily, that's true. But trust me, he cares about you more than you might think."

Selena only nodded slowly, not wanting to get too bogged down in thoughts about her complicated relationship with her father. She felt quite overwhelmed by the current situation, and the chatter about her father's hidden feelings only added a layer of complication.

" Well, " Jonathan continued, glancing at his watch, "I won't disturb your rest for long. But, Selena, remember, if you need any help, I'm always there for you."

Selena smiled slightly, thanking once again. However, as Jonathan stood up to leave, Selena's gaze fell back on Antonio, who now seemed to more clearly show displeasure on his face. After Jonathan left the room, Selena finally spoke.

***