The Mafia's Sleeping Pill

Isabella's POV

The grand foyer of the Ferraro mansion was overwhelming. As I stepped through the massive doors, I was struck by the sheer opulence surrounding gleaming marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and rich, dark wood paneling that seemed to whisper of wealth and power. The reality of my situation sank in with each step I took, and I tried to steady my trembling hands.

"You can't back down now, Isa; you're already here," I muttered to myself as I walked even more into the room, gulping down in sheer nervousness.

The evening party was already in full swing. Guests in designer gowns and sharp suits mingled with glasses of champagne, their laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. I moved through the crowd with a sense of disconnection, acutely aware of the whispers and curious glances.

They were all celebrating while I was here, wallowing in sorrows as I walked towards a corner of the room to avoid their gaze.

Everything happening right now just felt like a massive betrayal to me, but what could I do? Isabella could only do as she was told.

Just a few days ago, I came home all excited and happy but was met with dire news: my parents had been involved in a ghastly motor accident a few days before and died instantly.

It was then my entire world shattered into pieces. They were rock, they were my life. The only ones who truly cared for me.

I hadn't even finished mourning them when my uncle came in with another terrible news: They were losing the company.

My extended family pleaded with me to save it; at first, I didn't understand, but just a few hours ago, I did.

They were selling me off to a billionaire Mafia boss in exchange for more funds to keep the company going.

I wanted to disagree. I didn't want to do this, but I also couldn't sit back and watch my parent's blood and sweat die when I could have done something about it, so here I was... In the midst of some of the wealthiest folks in the entire country waiting for the said Billionaire.

"Please don't let him be here," I begged shutting my eyes as I took in deep breaths. I wasn't ready... No, not for anything that would happen next.

The worst part of this entire ordeal was that I didn't even know the face of my new ' owner ', only just his name... Antonio Ferraro. Despite the fact that his face remained unknown, before coming here I had heard several rumors about him, and that only made me much more scared.

"Ms Isabella Moreno?" A voice called from behind me.

My entire body froze, apart from my heart, which began to beat even faster than before.

Swallowing down the contents that had risen to my throat, I turned around to answer. "Y...Yes."

I was met with the solemn expression of a man dressed in a black suit and shades, with a white earpiece sticking out of his ear.

' Why is he wearing shades inside? In the evening? ' I would have thought, but I was too terrified to even think.

"Come with me." Those were the next words the serious-looking man said before he turned around and began leading me through a corner, away from the noisy party.

I followed quietly, trying my best to calm my frantically beating heart, but all the minutes I spent calming my heart disappeared, and my feet stopped when I spotted a man by the fountain. He stood apart from the other wealthy people in the room, class in an impeccably tailored suit and an aura of coldness around him.

The man with shades who came to call me walked up to him and bowed. "Boss"

That was him, Antonio Ferraro, the most powerful man in the country, or otherwise known as the Mafia boss.

The rumors I had heard about him... his cruelty, his power...had painted a picture of a man to be feared.

The expressionless man in shades motioned for me to move closer towards Antonio as he took a step back, probably to allow us speak in private.

My breathing hitched as I forced myself to move even closer to him, my lips trembling. Even without him looking at me, I could already feel the coldness emanating from his demeanor.

Then suddenly he turned around and our eyes met, a shiver immediately ran down my spine. There was a cold intensity in his gaze that made my heart race. He approached me with a measured stride, his movements deliberate and controlled.

All my instincts screamed for me to run, but I didn't. Not because I didn't want to, but because my feet were planted on the ground, and because of his strong gaze on me, they refused to budge.

"Isabella Moreno," he said, his voice low and clipped. "You've arrived."

If I wasn't so terrified right now, my eyes would be all round in appreciation of this man's beauty. It was literally undescribable, the only word that came to my head was... God.

' Say something Isa! ' I scolded myself internally, when one of his brow shot up.

"Y...yes, Mr. Ferraro," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I struggled to maintain my composure, but the fear was palpable.

"Do you know why you're here?," he asked, turning without waiting for a response.

I followed him through the mansion, my footsteps echoing in the silence. The walls were lined with exquisite art and antiques, each piece a testament to Antonio's wealth and taste. I tried to keep my gaze forward, my mind racing with anxiety. What had I gotten myself into?

My head desperately searched for an answer to his question, as I followed him.

"I'm here in exchange for your help to my parents company." I replied after thinking for a while.

We reached a secluded terrace that overlooked the city. The view was breathtaking, but it did little to calm the storm within me. Antonio leaned against the railing, his posture relaxed but commanding, he had a smirk on his face and I instantly brought my head down when his eyes met mine.

"That's an explanation." He said, the smirk still dancing between his lips. Then he pointed at the door which was behind him. "You will stay here for the time being," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. "Do not cause any trouble."

I nodded, my throat dry. "Understood."

The silence between us was heavy. I could feel the weight of his presence, and the rumors I had heard seemed to come alive in the cold night air. The terror I felt was almost tangible, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows of this luxurious prison.

As the night wore on, Antonio's demeanor remained as inscrutable as ever. He escorted me back to my quarters with a brief nod and a terse "Goodnight." The brief contact of his hand as he opened the door sent a jolt through me, and I quickly withdrew, my heart pounding.

His lips pulled up in a smirk that only made his godlike facial features more prominent before he turned around.

"Wait..." I called back before he left. "Can I change my mind?" I asked, my heart pounding.

The smirk on his face slowly came down until it was replaced by a frown and a cold glare.

"Never." He muttered coldly before sweeping his gaze one last time over me and then leaving to probably head back to the party.

My eyes watered and I truly realized my situation.

What have I done to myself?

Isabella's POV

Alone in my room, I lay on the bed, staring at the ornate ceiling in tears. The luxury that surrounded me felt like a mockery of my predicament.

I was here and I couldn't leave.

Just the thought made me release a laugh, mocking myself and my shitty situation.

"This is all your fault!" I yelled into the only picture I had of my parents which I had carefully snuck into the mansion. I wasn't allowed to bring in anything, not even fucking clothes! But I was able to keep the picture because I hid inside my clothes.

This was all their fault, my parents. Why did they die? How the fuck did they die?!!!

They just left me to face this world on my own, with a failing company... This was not fair!

"You shouldn't have gone now, you left me all alone in this world." I cried, clutching the picture even tighter in my hands.

This and the company were the last things I had to remember them; the rest of the things they owned would be given to my uncle and my sister, Lucia. She was still so young, she would definitely be devasted right now... And the worst part of these was that I couldn't leave to see her.

"I'm sorry Lucy... But I'm doing this for us."

The company can't fail; I won't let it. Even if it means staying in a dangerous man's house and doing unthinkable things, I'll do it.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread. My new life was shrouded in shadows, and the path ahead was fraught with challenges. The fear of the unknown weighed heavily on me, and I could only hope that somehow, I would find a way to navigate this dark new world.

...

The beauty of the Ferraro mansion felt more like a cage with each passing day.

Today was the third day in this huge house and I was starting to get the hang of it.

I did nothing here really, just roam around the house with a smile on my face trying to convince the servants that work here that I was okay; even though they didn't ask, I could see the question in their eyes.

But there was one thing I was really grateful about; Antonio never came home.

When I first got here, I had thought my first night would be a nightmare with screaming and crying in pain of being molested, but nothing like that happened, even with the following nights.

It turned out, Antonio left her a business trip that night of the party, and hasn't come back.

Isn't that great?!

I also heard from one of the maids... well the only maid who actually talk to me unlike the others who just look at me with worry, anger or curiosity and leave... Elena said that he always did stuffs like that.

He could go in trips for weeks, sometimes even months and not come back.

Deep down inside, I knew it was not the regular business trips wealthy men got for, Mr Ferraro wasn't just an average billionaire.

Elena confirmed most of the rumors I had heard about him, and they were more than terrifying.

She spoke of his ruthless power and unyielding control, and now, being in his world, those rumors seemed to have a darker edge.

The other servants were jealous because at first they thought I was one of them, and so did I but then I wasn't allowed to do any chores and they just suddenly started calling me young miss... That was when I realized the difference.

It then became clear to me that my extended family hadn't just sold me to servitude in exchange for help for the company; they had sold me to be his possession, to fulfill his most private needs. The very thought made my stomach churn, but I kept on holding the fact that Antonio was almost never around. There wouldn't be a time for him to use me.

I now understood why he smirked that night when I told him what I was here for... He knew better.

"It won't be that long Isa." I said to myself closing my eyes, then my younger sister's pretty face popped into my head.

I just hoped someone was with her right now, she must be devasted.

"Young Ms, you look happy today." I heard someone say behind me.

I opened my eyes and then turned around.

It was Elena.

My smile got wider as I walked towards the maid. "Elena, how many times have I told you not to call me young miss? My name is Isabella"

She shook her head almost immediately. "I dare not call you my your name, the boss could have my head."

Yeah, as if he cares about that. I inwardly rolled my eyes.

"I just came to inform you about the party this evening..."

Party? My eyes closed and then opened slowly as my brain processed what she said.

"Party? Wasn't there one when I came here few days ago?" I just had to ask.

What was with rich people and throwing parties?

Despite the fact that my family was well to do, we never threw unnecessary banquets and parties lile this.

' You can't compare the wealth of the Moreno's to the Ferraro's, or actually any other person who attended his parties '

"We have to get you ready."

Ready?

Oh, there was another thing I found fascinating, shocking and very troubling, and that was my room.

The first day I stayed there, I was too tired from all the tears I had shed to look around. When I did the next day, I found out that the room already had all I needed. From the toiletries to the clothes and even down to the underwear! And the worst part was that, they were all my freaking size!!!

It's explainable to know my size of clothes fine, but underwear?

"...Young miss are you listening?" Elena shook my shoulders bringing me back to reality.

"I said we have to get you ready."

Memories of the party few days ago came back to me, the way the guests looked at me as if I was trash... No, I couldn't bear that again.

I suddenly held on to Elena's hands grabbing it tightly. "Do... Do I have to attend this party? I can just stay upstairs in my room and pretend to be invisible." I begged.

Elena eyes widened in shock, but she recovered quickly and shook her head. "I'm sorry, it was the boss's orders to get you prepared for the party."

The boss's orders? That meant Antonio right?

W.. why would he want me to go to the party?

I suddenly became afraid and my breathing uneven.

Does that mean he was going to be there? Was he coming back?!

Isabella's POV

As the evening approached, the mansion transformed once again into a scene of grandeur and excess. Another party was in full swing, and I found myself once more drifting through the crowd, attempting to blend into the background. The guests were as opulent as the surroundings, their conversations a blur of superficiality and pretense.

But that wasn't what surprised me; it was how I looked right now that was the shock, more precisely, what I wore.

"Dazzling." A man whispered as I walked past him.

I couldn't agree even more.

Elena knocked on the door of my room around ten in the morning and said she was tasked to get me ready for the evening. At first, I was overwhelmed with fear, but as she continued, I became curious; ' What seriously was she doing with my hair? '

After she was done with my long, brown, usually frizzy hair that was usually tied into a tight bun, she left the room for a few minutes and then came back with a box.

In the box, I saw the most beautiful dress I had ever seen in my life!

It felt so smooth to the touch, and the colors... No words could describe how exquisite it looked.

What was in my mind when I saw the dress was:

' How the hell am I going to pay for this? '

Antonio Ferraro practically bought me in exchange for helping my parent's company, yet he was giving me an expensive dress like this? What was he playing at?

I tried to refuse the dress, explaining to Elena how I might ruin it but she wasn't hearing any of it. Elena dragged me to the closet forced me to put it on, and then dragged me back towards the mirror.

My mouth hung open when I saw who looked back at me from the mirror.

It was not the grieving girl who had just lost her only anchor; her parents, just after graduating from college, but a beautiful-looking person, two things I had been made to believe I was not.

The dress had a large opening at the back and the front also, with a long split from the mid-thigh down to the edge of the garment. Compared to what I was used to wearing, this felt very revealing, but its beauty was undeniable.

I looked... I looked, stunningly sexy!

It took a while before I was able to convince myself it was me in the mirror and by the time I was able to do that, the party had already begun.

Even though I was dressed like them, I still found it difficult to associate with any of them, so I stuck to the shadows, carefully scrutinizing every one of the guests.

The party wasn't looking like the last one a few days ago; this time, the people here were different.

There were two types of guys here. The first wore an emotionless face with a visible scowl planted on their lips, whereas the second wore an emotionless face with a visible smirk planted on their lips.

Do you get the difference?

The scowling guys looked like they were forced to be here while the ones with a smirk looked like they were just going with the flow of things.

Both reminded me so much of Antonio Ferraro and our brief encounter.

He both scowled and smirked.

While the females, there were also two types; the young, pretty ones wearing almost nothing were moving around the men, and then the older ones had a stern look on their faces, the first more numerous than the second.

"Why were they dressed like that?" I wondered, a frown appearing on my face as I stared at them.

If I had thought my dress was revealing... Then they were practically wearing nothing!

Some of them were among the waiters while the others just danced around the men, waiting for them to be called, but after they were, the men groped them harshly, slamming them on the floor... But guess what? They come back!

What was wrong with these people? Did they enjoy getting beaten up?

At a point, I just had to look away; my fragile heart was unable to bear what was going on.

"Why were they doing that?" I asked myself in a panicking tone. Was that what Antonio was going to do to me?

I shut my eyes taking in deep breaths before I would think myself to having a panic attack.

"No signs of him so far, thank goodness," I muttered releasing a sigh of relief before resting my back on the wall.

My heart has been beating non-stop from the second I stepped foot in the party.

I wasn't ready to meet Antonio again, especially after figuring out what he intended to do with me.

But it seems like God wasn't ready to listen to what I was ready or not ready to do.

A man suddenly climbed up the stage and picked up the mic.

My brows came together in confusion as I twirled the glass of wine in my hands.

' What does he want to say? ' I wondered.

This was not my kind of party. Well, I didn't attend parties, but even if I did, it wouldn't be anyone like this.

"The boss is here." He announced curtly before looking towards the main door.

All the guests looked towards the main entrance also.

My frown deepened. "What's going..." The rest of my words got stuck in my throat as my eyes caught sight of the one person I so wanted not to see.

Antonio's arrival was heralded by a sudden hush. He moved through the room with the same cold grace, his presence commanding immediate attention. The guests parted to make way for him, their deference evident in their posture and expressions. I watched from a distance, my heart pounding in my chest.

He was here. He was freaking here!

' What was I expecting? Of course, he'll be here. How can he throw a party and not come? '

When Antonio's gaze finally swept across the room, it seemed to pause on me for a moment before moving on. I couldn't be sure, but the brief flicker of his attention sent a jolt of anxiety through me. I was all too aware of the power dynamics at play, and the subtle shift in his gaze felt like a reminder of my precarious position.

I looked away from him taking a huge gulp from the glass in my hand. My second hand went to my chest, gently patting it so I would breathe better.

"Maybe he was only here for a few hours and would return." I comforted myself, repeating the words over again until it sank and I calmed down a bit.

Maybe I was being paranoid, or maybe I was right, but I felt as if all the chatter had died down and everyone, I mean everyone, was looking at me.

My heartbeat, which I tried too hard to calm, sped up again, and I looked down to the floor, pretending to be scrutinizing its design when really, I was freaking out.

' Why were they all looking at me?! '

"The reason for this occasion is to celebrate Isabella Moreno..." Antonio's voice boomed very loudly from the mic.

When did he get up there? And more importantly, what did he just say about me now?