SOLD TO THE MAFIA LORD

CARLY'S POV

I nervously checked my appearance in the mirror one last time before grabbing my purse and heading out the door. Tonight was the night I had agreed to meet up with Max, the guy I had been texting with online for the past few months.

We had chatted online for a very long time now, and it was finally time to take the leap and meet in person. He had suggested going to a popular nightclub in the city, and I didn't even think twice before accepting. I couldn't resist the excitement that bubbled within me.

Standing in front of my room door, I arranged my hair one last time. "I'm in college now, even though I still live with my parents, I have the right to go out," I said to myself as I took a deep breath.

"Relax, this is not your first time sneaking out. You're already a disappointment. What's worse than that?" I added, realizing the fact that no matter what I do, my parents will never be proud.

I checked my cellphone for a message from the Uber driver I had ordered earlier on. It took a while, but I finally received the message that he was waiting at the front gate. I tiptoed my way down the stairs, hoping not to wake anyone. Finally, I managed to sneak out of the house in one piece.

The drive to the night club was peaceful and quiet, mixed with anticipation and nerves.

The city lights blurred past, casting fleeting glimpses on the empty street only occupied by the finest building in the state.

In no time, we arrived at the club.

As I stepped out of the car and approached the club, the thumping bass of the music vibrated through the air, welcoming me to the vibrant world behind those doors. The line snaked around the block, filled with eager partygoers ready to dance or maybe drink the night away.

Spotting Max near the entrance, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Max?" I called out over the music, hoping he would hear me. He turned around, a smile lighting up his face. He was just as charming as he seemed online, his eyes twinkling as he smiled and waved me over.

"Carly! I'm so glad you made it!" Max shouted back, his voice barely audible over the noise. I walked over to him, smiling. We hugged, and the warmth of his embrace immediately eased my nerves.

We entered the club together, the pulsing lights and energetic atmosphere engulfing us. The music was so loud that it felt like it reverberated within my chest. Max and I squeezed through the crowd, finding our way to a dimly lit corner where we could talk.

"You look so beautiful, Carly, more beautiful than your pictures," he complimented, and I couldn't help but blush.

"Thanks," I shyly replied.

"Come on, let's dance," I said as I dragged him to a free spot. We danced and laughed; it was the happiest I had been in a while. I just wanted to spend all my days with him.

As we danced, I looked up at the VIP section to see Alessandro De Luca, the infamous mafia Lord whose ruthless reputation sent shivers down the spines of all who crossed his path. But somehow, he managed to steal the hearts of every girl that crossed his path, especially that of my sister's, but I literally didn't care about him.

Rumors had it that he was both a cold-blooded killer and a mastermind of organized crime. Worst of all, my dad worked with him, or maybe for him, I don't know and I definitely don't care.

To my dad, he was perfect, the most perfect son a father could ask for.

Alessandro looked captivating, I won't deny that. His dark eyes gleamed with an enigmatic charm that drew everyone's attention, his perfectly tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders, and a faint hint of danger lingered around him like a magnetic aura. Well, the danger literally lingered because he was surrounded by armed men.

I tried to look away, but despite my discomfort, I kept finding myself looking up at him. The third time I looked up, our eyes met, and he gave me this death stare that made me so uncomfortable. I looked away immediately, but when I looked up again, he was still staring.

"Hey, let's find a spot and, um, talk or maybe have some shots. I really need that," I whispered to Max, wanting to escape the weight of Alessandro's gaze.

"Sure," he immediately agreed, and we walked away from that spot.

ALESSANDRO'S POV

Leaning against the railing of the VIP section, gazing downward, my mind wandered back to the heated clash I had with my dear ol' ma.

She had an unyielding drive to see me settle down and get married.

Ever since my Dad's unfortunate demise, she assumed the mantle as the de facto head of the family's mafia syndicate, a formidable and dreaded gang in the criminal underworld.

Her reach and dominance stretched far and wide, and she wielded it to safeguard our family's interests. Without hesitation, she passed the torch to me when I came of age, and that has become my life's mission, not some marital union.

The prospect of being tied down to anyone holds no allure for me. My sole focus lies in expanding our operations, maintaining control, and keeping our enemies at bay. Love and marriage are but frivolous distractions in my realm.

I actually came to this club to finalize a lucrative business transaction, and since the environment was soothing, I decided to linger for a while, perhaps even ensnare a captivating beauty to accompany me home.

Speaking of beauty;

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder, interrupting my thoughts.

I turned around to find Marco, the head guard of our family, standing there with a mischievous grin on his face. He was a loyal and trustworthy ally, but that didn't mean I let my guard down around him.

I've grown not to trust anyone around me, everyone is literally capable of anything when it comes to me.

"Boss, I've got someone I think you'll want to meet," he said, his voice low and filled with excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his words.

"And who might this be, Marco?" I asked, allowing a hint of curiosity to creep into my tone.

He signaled towards a beautiful girl whom he introduced as Marcella.

A smile played at the corners of my lips as I watched her walk seductively towards me. Marco had done well, indeed.

"Nice, she is just what I want for tonight." I said smirking.

I took her by the hand, and wrapped my other hand round her waist pulling her closer to myself, feeling her boobs on my face.

I imagined all I was going to do to her and it made my adrenaline rush.

"Gentlemen, it's time to leave." I ordered as gently pulled her away.

"You're coming with me." I said to Marcella and I could see her blush ear to ear.

We walked out of the club with Marcella walking close to my side.

CARLY'S POV

As the night wore on, I saw Alessandro leaving the club I'm the company of his body guards and a young beautiful girl, wrapped around his arms like some prized possession.

Exactly what I expected from someone like him, well I just pity my Sister who seems to be head over the heels for someone who won't even notice her and even if he does, he won't take her serious.

"Forget about your family's business, you're here to have fun." I muttered to myself.

"Hey one more shot." I ordered laughing hysterically.

After taking it, I ordered another one.

"That's enough Carl, you have had enough." Max said taking the cup from me.

"That's not fun, you're not fun." I said still unable to control my laughter.

"You really need to get a hold of yourself Carl." He said holding me tight.

"Yes, yes I'll." I said trying to focus on one of him.

"Here have this." Max said giving me a glass of water.

"Thanks." I managed to say after gulping the full cup.

He made me seat next to him and as we sat and talked, I couldn't help but lose track of time. The drinks flowed, and the conversations blurred together. The next thing I knew, the clock on my phone flashed 2:30 a.m. Panic surged through me as I realized how late it had become.

"Shit! I have to go," I said as soon as I saw the time.

"You can come back to my apartment with me," Max said, looking straight into my eyes.

"Please." He added pulling me closer to him.

"I really wish I could, but I can't. I have this class tomorrow morning, and I can't miss it again," I said, although the main excuse wasn't the class. I didn't even know which class I had tomorrow, and whatever class it was, I could miss it if I wanted to. The main excuse was my parents and how almost everything I do ruins their reputation as the perfect family.

"We will definitely meet again, maybe after school tomorrow, I'll text you to meet me." I added because I really wanted whatever was going on between us to continue.

"Alright, I'll be expecting that text." he replied, then leaned in and kissed me. I felt the whole world stop for a moment, but then reality came crashing back.

"I have to go. Goodnight," I said softly.

With a pounding headache and the anticipation of probably getting yelled at by my parents, I bid Max a hasty goodbye and made my way to the exit.

The cool night air hit me like a welcome relief from the intense heat of the club. I took a deep breath and attempted to steady myself as I waited for the Uber driver.

In no time, he arrived, and I hopped in quickly.

"Please drive as fast as you can, it's urgent." I pleaded with him, but he just nodded.

"Not much of a talker?" I added, but he just nodded again.

As we approached my house and made it through the gates, I could see the soft glow of the living room lights shining through the windows, and immediately my eyes cleared, literally.

"Curse it, what are they doing awake," I said under my breath as I watched both my parents seated by the kitchen table, talking.

They must be talking about me and how they can't wait to get rid of me, because they do that a lot.

I sighed and immediately ran to the backyard, heading for the back door.

Trying not to stumble, I fumbled for my keys and unlocked the door as quietly as possible. I entered and closed it softly, hoping my heart wouldn't jump right out of my rib cage.

As I gently made my way in, every creak of the floorboards beneath my feet felt like an explosion in the silence of the night.

I tiptoed through the hallway, desperately trying to maintain my balance. I couldn't afford to bring anyone's attention to me, especially my perfect sister's because obviously she's going to scream for the whole world to know I snuck out.

I moved slowly, my heart pounding with each step. As I reached the staircase leading to my room, relief washed over me. The hardest part was over. All that was left was to make it to my bed undetected.

With the grace of a seasoned ninja, I carefully ascended the stairs, hoping not to get caught at the finish line.

As I reached the last step, I held my breath, listening for any signs of movement.

Satisfied that the coast was clear, I continued on my stealthy mission.

Finally, I arrived at my bedroom door. The soft, warm glow of my bedside lamp beckoned me inside. I closed the door as quietly as I could, feeling a surge of relief. I had successfully snuck back into the house without a trace for the umpteenth time.

I immediately got changed into my pyjamas, and collapsed onto my bed, my head spinning from the combination of alcohol and exhaustion. Despite the throbbing headache, the fast heart beat, and the regret that I didn't have enough time with Max, I still felt good and couldn't stop myself from blushing.

I smiled, took out my cellphone, and texted Max:

{I'm home. Thanks for tonight.} I sent the message and then dropped my cellphone.

Few seconds later, my phone buzzed, I took it up it was a reply from Max.

{Can't wait to see you another time. Goodnight.} I smiled, happy that someone longs to see me.

I just couldn't wait to meet up with him the next day and possibly rub it on Judy's face that I have a hot guy who's tripping for me.

I kept daydreaming about Max until I finally fell asleep.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

"Carly, get up from bed! You are supposed to resume school today! You've already missed a whole week!" Carly's mom yelled from the door.

"I'm coming, mom. Let me sleep for a while. It's not 7 yet," Carly whined as she turned to the other side of her bed.

"Come with me this instant, young lady! Can't you be more like Judy?"

"Fine, Mom. I'm coming. You've ruined sleep for me anyway," Carly replied sadly as she reluctantly climbed down her bed and followed her mom. She hated being compared to her perfect sister, Judy, and that's what she endured every day.

Carly, a young college student and the daughter of a wealthy businessman who struggled so much to meet her elder sister's standards.

Judy was more beautiful and smart, and she never got into trouble. Carly, on the other hand, didn't possess these qualities. She was pretty, but she wasn't particularly smart or a good student. Carly was the child who got into trouble at school and at home, and she hated school.

After managing to graduate from high school with just a passing grade, she thought all the high school drama would end, and she would have the opportunity to start afresh with a better identity, not just the identity of the dumb pretty girl. Unfortunately, things only got worse in college.

Penny and her friends never missed an opportunity to taunt her and remind her of the embarrassing moment she had on their high school prom night when her date left her for Summer, a friend of Penny's. That evening, she was waiting for her date Lucas to pick her up, but instead, he drove up with Summer sitting in the front seat, while Penny and her date occupied the back seat.

"Sorry, Carly, you just don't do it for me," Lucas mocked, while the girls laughed. And before she could say anything, he drove off, leaving her all by herself.

That day, she felt like a piece of shit, but she managed to put herself together and attended the prom alone.

College was meant to be a fresh start. She thought she would probably make friends. Unfortunately, Penny and Summer had to go to the same college as her.

As Carly dragged herself downstairs, she bumped into her sister Judy already dressed and having breakfast.

"Sleepyhead, just a reminder, you have a test today, and you know Mr. Harris is always strict with his test questions and attendance. Have fun writing something you don't know," Judy mocked.

"You should have told me this last night while we had dinner, but no, you were being selfish as always," Carly snapped.

"Do I look like your school timetable? Are we in the same level? You're always lazy with schoolwork, so a little lesson is what you need," Judy snapped back. "And just because we're taking the same course doesn't mean I should keep tabs on your schedule," she added rudely.

"It's better to not have a sister than to have one as selfish as you. Judy," Carly said sadly as she went back to her room to have her bath. Right before she entered the bathroom, Henna came knocking.

Henna, a woman in her mid-40s, worked in their mansion.

"Who's that?" Carly asked.

"It's me. I'm here with your breakfast since you didn't end up eating it with your sister downstairs," she replied.

"Come in," Carly reluctantly said.

Henna came in and kept the tray of food on the reading table. She was the only one in the house who looked out for her.

"Anything else, ma'am?" she asked.

"Nothing, and please, for the 100th time, it's Carly. I'm not 'ma'am.' Maybe my sister forces you to call her that, but I'm not comfortable with it," she corrected.

"Ok, Carly," Henna replied with a faint smile. "I'll be leaving now. Call me when you need me," she added and left.

Carly, who had been standing next to her dresser all this while, took her cellphone and walked into the bathroom. She loved listening to songs while she bathed. It had become a habit, but her mom didn't like it.

"That's the reason you always spend more time than you should in the bathroom!" her mom would always tell her, but as usual, she wouldn't listen. The way she was being treated in her father's mansion made her think she might be adopted or something. She didn't see herself as the real daughter of Richard Davison, the CEO of Davison Hotels. The privileges her sister received were much greater than what she got, and most of the time, she had to be scolded before she would be given something.

Entering the bathroom with her head filled with different thoughts, she played a slow romantic song on her cellphone and placed it in a safe spot, hoping it would give her happy thoughts.

"Think happy thoughts, think of Max," she muttered to herself.

She took so long in the shower, lost in daydreams of a perfect life with Max and a perfect family. When she finally finished, she realized she was already running late.

She ran to the door in her towel and slightly opened it so her head could fit through.

"Henna! Did you bring out my crop top from the dryer like I asked you to?" she yelled out to their maid.

"Yes, I'm coming with it," Henna replied as she quickly headed to Carly's room. In no time, she reached the door, and Carly stretched her hand to grab the top. As soon as she did, she dressed up hurriedly. She wore a pink crop top, black jeans trousers, a black leather jacket, and pink sneakers.

The moment she finished putting on her clothes, she grabbed her bag, which was already prepared, ate a few spoonfuls of her food, and rushed out without makeup on, leaving her messy beautiful blonde hair to rest on her back.

As soon as she got downstairs, she discovered her sister had already been taken to school by the driver.

"Arrrgh, how I wish I could slap her right now!" she said in a fit of rage. She knew that every minute she spent hanging around was risky, so she took the bike she was prohibited from riding after getting into an accident and drove to school.

When she arrived at school and ran to her first class, which was the test, she bumped into Fred. Fred was a senior and her sister's 100th crush. Her sister seemed to have a crush on almost every hot guy around.

Carly hated everything about her sister and therefore despised everyone she liked too.

"Watch it!" she yelled and immediately continued running to her class. By the time she arrived, they had already started the test, and she resorted to begging the professor to let her in.

"Carly, you need to take your education seriously. I'll let you write the test because I don't want you to fail my course again," Mr. Harris warned.

"Thank you so much, sir," Carly said as she hurriedly entered and sat on an empty seat at the back.

"You have 20 minutes remaining, and that includes you, Miss Carly," the professor reminded her, which caused her to panic.

First of all, she didn't understand the questions, and second of all, how was she supposed to answer something she never attended a class for and hadn't even come across? She looked at the questions again, and they all seemed like a foreign language to her. She raised the paper, looked at it, put it back on her desk, and started ticking randomly. She was a bit glad that the questions weren't essay questions, and she could maneuver her way through by guessing.

"No way will I fail everything," she assured herself before she began ticking the answers randomly without even attempting to read any of the questions.

"Time's up. Leave your work on your desk and leave!" the professor instructed.

Carly reluctantly left her paper on the desk as instructed and walked out. But as she reached the door, she bumped into Fred again.