I Was Your Salvation, Now I'm Your Curse

The luxury yacht floated peacefully on the dark ocean, its lights glowing like a palace in the night. Gentle waves lapped against its sides, hiding the chaos building on the deck.

Eve gripped the cold railing, staring at the moonlit horizon. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, but her grandmother's shocking decision to leave the family empire in Eve's hands had changed everything.

Behind her, the sharp click of heels broke her thoughts. Eve didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Enjoying the view?" Alina's mocking voice cut through the air, sweet but poisonous.

Eve sighed, tightening her grip. "If you're here to argue about Grandma's choice, don't bother. I didn't ask for this."

Alina stepped closer, her silver dress shining under the moonlight. She leaned against the railing, her beauty sharp, but her eyes full of malice.

"Didn't ask for it?" Alina repeated, pretending to be shocked. "You never have to ask, do you, Eve? Everything always falls into your lap-my father, the family's love, and now the empire. It's always about you."

Eve turned to face her, her eyes sharp. "This isn't a game, Alina. Grandma's decision wasn't mine."

Alina's smile twisted cruelly. "No, it wasn't. But tonight, I'll make my own decision."

A glint of silver caught Eve's eye. Her stomach dropped as she saw the knife in Alina's hand, its blade gleaming in the moonlight.

"Alina," Eve said calmly, though fear crept into her voice. "Put it down. You're taking this too far."

Alina laughed coldly, the sound sending chills through Eve. "Too far? Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this moment? This isn't about money. It's about justice."

"Justice?" Eve whispered, stepping back. "You're my sister-"

"Don't call me that!" Alina shouted, her voice full of rage. "Your mother stole my father, tore my family apart, and now you've stolen my future. Do you know what that feels like?"

Eve's heart raced as she tried to reason with her. "I didn't take anything from you. Your anger is with the wrong person."

Alina's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "You really don't know, do you? Your perfect mother didn't die in an accident. My mother made sure of it."

The words hit Eve like a slap. "What are you saying?"

Alina leaned closer, her voice a venomous whisper. "The phone call that pulled her away? My mother's plan. The crash? No accident. Your precious mom was a problem we solved."

Eve stared in horror, her mind racing with memories of that day-her mother's rushed goodbye, the screeching tires, the devastating news.

"You're lying," she said, though her voice shook.

"Am I?" Alina mocked. "Think about it. How quickly we moved in. How easily my mother took her place. Nothing about it was chance."

Anger boiled inside Eve. "You and your mother are monsters."

Alina laughed bitterly. "We did what we had to. And tonight, I'll finish the job."

Before Eve could react, Alina lunged. The knife plunged into Eve's stomach, and a gasp of pain escaped her lips. The world blurred, her body wracked with agony.

"You..." Eve choked, her hands trembling as she clutched the knife. "You stabbed me."

Alina sneered, shoving her back. "Of course, I did. You've always been so naive. Did you think I'd let you leave here alive?"

Eve fell against the railing, blood seeping between her fingers. With trembling hands, she gripped the knife's handle and, with a desperate cry, pulled it out. Pain surged through her as she flung the blade away, watching it clatter to the floor.

Alina smirked, stepping closer. "How dramatic. But bravery won't save you."

Eve struggled to stay upright, but Alina grabbed her dress, forcing her back against the railing. The cold metal dug into her back as Alina leaned in, her voice a cruel whisper.

"Any last words?"

Eve's voice was faint, but her eyes burned with defiance. "I'll...come back for you."

Alina's smile widened. "Rot in hell."

With a final shove, Alina pushed her over the edge.

Eve's scream vanished into the night as she hit the freezing water. The ocean swallowed her, its icy grip pulling her under until there was nothing but silence.

Eve walked quickly through the quiet marble hallways, her footsteps the only sound. The cold floor under her feet didn't bother her; the anger inside her burned hotter. She hadn't been in this mansion for years, not since Lorenzo found her as a scared, lost girl on the seashore. Back then, she had nothing-not even hope. Now, she was unrecognizable: strong, rich, and powerful enough to make her enemies afraid.

Nik had warned her that Lorenzo was back. She hated how uneasy the news made her, though she'd never show it. What did he want? The boy who had once saved her was now a man, tied to the dangerous world she had mastered.

As she approached the meeting room, her focus broke for a moment. A loud, angry voice cut through the air.

"Stay away from him, you filthy bitch!"

Eve didn't react. The voice was young, full of jealousy and insecurity. She was done dealing with petty fights. She had bigger things to handle.

When she entered Lorenzo's office, it felt like no time had passed. He stood there, tall and self-assured, with that same smug confidence in his green eyes. But now, there was something more-a powerful presence that filled the room.

"Evelyn," he said with a slow, dangerous smile, as if he was enjoying the moment.

"Lorenzo," she replied, her voice calm but firm. She wasn't the weak girl he'd saved. She didn't need anyone's help anymore.

She got straight to the point. "I want you to let me go. I'm done waiting. I'm going after them."

Lorenzo didn't flinch. Instead, his lips curled into an amused smile. "You think you can take them on alone?"

Her gaze stayed steady. "You won't know unless you let me."

Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was a puzzle. "If you want your freedom, you'll have to prove yourself. We don't hand out favors here."

Her heart beat faster, but she didn't let it show. "Prove myself? To who?"

"Marco," he said, his voice serious. "The strongest fighter we have. Beat him, and I'll know you're ready."

Eve's stomach twisted. Marco was a monster, a man known for breaking anyone who faced him. But this wasn't just about fighting-it was a test of her resolve.

"I'll do it," she said without hesitation.

---

The fight was brutal.

Marco was huge, every move he made designed to destroy. But Eve didn't fight with brute strength. She fought with precision. She was quick, calculated, and relentless. The room echoed with the sounds of punches and gasps from the crowd, but Eve didn't hear them. She was focused.

When Marco lunged, she dodged. When he swung, she countered. Slowly, she wore him down until, with a final blow, he collapsed to the ground. Silence filled the room.

Eve stood over him, breathing hard, her body aching but unbroken.

Lorenzo clapped slowly as he stepped forward, his face showing a hint of respect. "Impressive," he said. "I didn't think you'd win."

"Let me go," she demanded, wiping sweat from her face.

His smile faded. "Not so fast. There's one more thing."

Her jaw tightened. "What now?"

He leaned in, his voice low. "There's a party for International Mafia Day. The Russian Mafia king will be there. Take him out. Do that, and you're free."

Eve froze. The Russian king wasn't just any target. He was the most powerful man alive.

"You're insane," she said. "This is suicide."

Lorenzo just nodded, his expression calm. "It's your choice. Walk away, or finish the job."

Without a word, Eve turned and left the room. Her mind raced. Could she really do this? The Russian Mafia king wasn't like anyone she'd faced before.

She walked outside, her Kawasaki waiting for her. She climbed on and started the engine, the roar breaking the night's silence. As the city blurred around her, she thought about Lorenzo's words and the impossible task ahead.

Stopping at a quiet lookout, she stared at the city lights below, trying to calm her thoughts. Finally, she pulled out her phone.

Lorenzo's number was still on speed dial. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before pressing the call button.

The line rang twice before his deep, familiar voice answered. "Evelyn."

Her heart skipped, though she wouldn't let it show. "I'll do it," she said, her tone sharp, cutting through any pretense.

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a soft chuckle. "I knew you would."

"Spare me the theatrics," she snapped. "I want everything you have-blueprints, surveillance, his network. I don't care how dangerous it is. I need to know it all."

"Already in motion," Lorenzo replied smoothly. "You'll have the files by morning. But Evelyn... this isn't just another hit. He's more dangerous than anyone you've faced before."

"Good," she said without missing a beat. "That's what makes it worth it."

His silence was telling, but she didn't care. She wasn't doing this for him or for the power play he was orchestrating. This was personal.

"Be ready," Lorenzo said at last. "Once you step into his world, there's no turning back."

"I never planned to until my work with him is done," she replied, her voice a steel edge.

As the call ended, Eve pocketed her phone and gazed out over the city once more. The skyline seemed smaller now, insignificant against the storm brewing within her.

The Russian Mafia king would fall.

The call ended, and Eve slipped her phone back into her pocket. She stared at the skyline again, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She will have to kill the mafia king but it is only for her freedom

Hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a warm orange glow cast over the mansion. The atmosphere shifted. The preparation for the evening's celebration was palpable. Eve sat in her chair, eyes glued to the laptop screen, scrolling through endless pages of information. She was determined to know everything about the mafia king, but so far, she had uncovered nothing.

Her thumb instinctively found its way to her mouth, a nervous habit she thought she'd long outgrown. She bit down gently, scanning the screen for any mention of the mysterious figure. But there was nothing. No wife. No girlfriend. No personal connections. He was a ghost, a figure who existed outside the realm of real life.

Just as she was about to close the laptop in frustration, her phone rang, shrill and sudden in the stillness. Eve stood up, the phone pressed to her ear as she walked to the window, gazing out at the starry night sky.

"Boss, I found nothing,"- Kelly, her manager, spoke on the other end, her voice low and gravelly.

Eve's eyes caught sight of fleets of black cars driving through the gate. She turned her attention back to the phone. "Not even a loophole?" Her voice was firm, unwavering. The game had just gotten more interesting.

Kelly hesitated before responding. - "Nothing, boss. He's a difficult one... are you sure you can handle it?"-

Her concern for Eve was evident, though Eve was unbothered by it. She kept her gaze fixed on the men stepping out of the cars, their movements swift, purposeful. It was like watching a well-oiled machine. Then, one man rushed to open the car door. A figure emerged, and Eve recognized him immediately.

"Loren's half-brother," she muttered under her breath.

Her gaze sharpened as the men formed a protective circle around him, and the others began to bow in respect. The figure moved with an aura of authority, his steps calculated and commanding.

Eve closed the curtain, her mind already spinning with strategies. She spoke into the phone, her voice calm but filled with intent, "I'll capture his attention tonight. Have my dress sent to my room."

"Already done, boss,"- Kelly replied.

Just then, a knock echoed through the room. Eve turned, her eyes darting to the door. "I think it's here," she said into the phone.

She opened the door to reveal Nik, standing in the hallway, a long black box cradled in his hands. Eve raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Seen it," she replied briefly, ending the call. She shifted her attention back to Nik, who was waiting expectantly.

"I got you a gift, Eve," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," she replied, stepping aside to let him in. Nik entered, and she closed the door behind him. He held out the box, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Are you going on a date?" Nik teased, his voice low, his gaze filled with curiosity.

Eve scoffed and asked, "Date?" She took the package and placed it on the bed, unwrapping the crimson ribbon carefully. There, in the box, was a stunning red-colored party dress that shimmered in the dim light of the room.

Nik smirked. "This will look great on you."

Eve studied the dress, her fingers brushing over the intricate details before laying it on the bed. Just then, Nik spoke again, his voice laced with something Eve couldn't quite place.

"The mafia king," he muttered, almost to himself.

Eve's head snapped up. She froze. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned him, then immediately moved to shut down her laptop, realizing that Nik had been watching the screen.

"Mind your business," she snapped, her tone sharp, warning him not to pry.

Nik raised an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving hers. "You won't find anything about him. Trust me. I know him better than you think. So, be nice."

Eve's eyes widened slightly. She couldn't hide the curiosity that flared inside her. "Really?" she asked, her voice low.

Nik folded his arms across his chest, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Ask away," he challenged.

Eve, now seated on the bed, crossed her legs and tilted her head slightly. "How did you know him?" she asked, her voice steady, yet laced with a mix of intrigue and caution.

Nik's expression darkened for a moment. He sighed, as if the weight of the memory was heavy. "He was my boss," he said, his voice low.

Eve's eyes widened in shock. "You worked for the mafia king?" she asked, disbelieving.

Nik nodded, his smile barely there. "Yeah, back in Moscow." The revelation hung heavily in the air. Eve stared at him, her mind racing. Nik, with his charming demeanor, had ties to the mafia? It was almost too much to process.

Nik shifted slightly, sensing her growing unease. "What, you didn't think I had a past?" he asked, his tone teasing but not unkind.

Eve felt a twinge of guilt. She had always focused on her own world, her own ambitions, without bothering to learn much about the people around her. Nik was a mystery to her, but now, the layers were beginning to peel away.

"I think I don't know much about you," she said, her voice quieter now. "Do you want a glass of wine?"

Nik declined, his expression serious. "No, thanks."

Eve, sensing something was off, tried a different approach. "Why did you stop working for him?" she asked, her voice gentle but probing.

Nik's eyes clouded over, and he looked away, his jaw tightening. "Let's not talk about that," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Why are you looking for the mafia king?"

Eve eyed him closely but didn't press further. Instead, she stood and moved toward the bathroom. "You don't need to know," she said dismissively, though there was a touch of vulnerability in her voice.

Nik watched her for a moment before asking, "But why do you want to get involved with the mafia king?"

Eve stopped in her tracks, her mind whirling with her answer. She smirked, and turned to look at him. "I'm going to kill him tonight," she stated flatly.

Nik's expression faltered. He stepped back, his eyes widening in disbelief. "You're not serious, are you?"

Eve rolled her eyes, a wry smile spreading across her face. "Do I look like a clown?" she shot back.

"Why? What did he do to you?" Nik asked, his curiosity piqued.

Eve's expression shifted, and she started walking toward the bathroom, her voice tinged with annoyance. "You don't need to know that."

Nik's concern deepened. "It's impossible to kill the mafia king. You won't survive. Whoever's advising you to do this is sending you to your death."

Eve stopped, her back to him. Her voice was firm, unwavering as she responded, "Nothing is impossible."

Nik's expression darkened, his voice tinged with worry. "Eve, this isn't some game. This is real, and if you go through with it, you'll be walking straight into a death trap."

Eve turned to face him, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Nik, I don't need anyone telling me what to do," she said, her voice low and intense. "Not even you."

Nik shook his head, frustration building within him. "You don't understand," he said, his voice quieter now. "The mafia king will make you pay, and everyone around you will pay with you."

Eve's gaze softened for a fraction of a second, but then she turned and walked into the bathroom, leaving Nik to contemplate the consequences of her actions.