Vincenzo Obsession

Being in a huge castle doesn't mean you are really enjoying yourself.

Just because you have all you need, that does not mean you are really happy. It can mean you are trapped. That was the feeling I had now. I felt trapped.

Just because I am in a huge mansion, just because I have everything I want, people at my beck and call, didn't mean I have everything I wanted. My life was a mess and I wasn't free to do anything I wanted.

I was hit, slapped, beaten, degraded by the people I call my family. I so much wanted to leave this life.

"Are you listening to me, Anya?" Aunt Alina asked.

"Aunt, can you please leave me alone?" I scowled.

"Mom! Call me mom, Anya." Aunt Alina said, eyeing me.

I scoffed, "I have told you times without number, Aunt, anytime we are alone in this prison," I said referring to our house. "I will call you aunt because that is who you are. Only when we are in your so called parties or club or in front of uncle's associates will I call you Dad or Mom. Other than that, don't expect anything from me because you can't and will never be my Dad or Mom." I said seething.

"Anya!" Uncle Pietro yelled.

"What Uncle? I just said my piece." I lifted my shoulder in a half shrug.

"You will do as she said." He said, threatening me.

"I will do no such thing." I said, glaring at him.

"You will or you won't get to see Erik again." He said.

My eyes flooded with tears and my walls crumbled. Those words always have an effect on me. I would do absolutely anything if that meant I would get to see my brother.

Erik is the only person my Aunt and Uncle use to threaten me and it always worked every time.

I was separated from my brother when I was twelve and he was just six now, he is thirteen. I have been separated from him for seven years now. I can't sit back and watch Erik get hurt because of me.

I gritted my teeth with tears in my eyes, "Fine Mom, Dad. Happy?"

Aunt Alina smiled, "Yes, as long as you do what we want from you."

"Are you preparing for the event later on?" Uncle Pietro asked.

"I am not going, can't I even do that much?" I asked.

"Fine, I will cook up an excuse as to why you couldn't make it." Aunt said smiling.

I looked at my Aunt and felt so much hatred towards her. I couldn't understand how my Aunt was my Mother's twin. They had different personalities.

On the outside, they were so much alike that you couldn't even differentiate them but on the inside they were entirely two different people.

My Mom was good, kind and loved helping others same as Dad but this two people sitting in front of me are evil. They don't care about anything expect their fat faced daughter, Raisa.

I glared at them one last time and marched off to my room and met the ugly fat faced, Raisa on my bed. I couldn't understand how she did not get any of her parents look, she was so ugly.

"What are you doing here, Raisa?" I asked.

"Hey cousin." She said, chewing on her gum noisily.

"Just say what you want and get out of here." I told her.

"Anya..." She drawled.

"Calm down, Anya. Why the fuck are you getting angry?" she asked smiling. She knew exactly what was wrong.

Her parents used Erik one more time to get what they wanted from me and Raisa knew how much I hated it. I was always in a bitter mood after my argument with her

parents.

"What the fuck do you want, Raisa?" I asked angrily.

"Calm down, cousin. Mom and Dad always want the best for you. They wouldn't do anything to hurt you and..."

"Spare me the boring lecture and get out of my room." I felt like being alone but Raisa was making sure I don't do that.

"I am having a girl's night. Want to join?" She made no move to stand up.

I gave her a dirty look. "No thanks."

"You need to stop living a boring life, Anya."

"That is enough, get out of my room before I lose it." I said in an angry tone.

"Fine." Raisa said and went out.

I followed her and locked the door. After I made sure no one was listening to me, I brought out a small phone and dialled an unknown number. It rang twice before he picked.

"Hey Erik."

"Anya." He said in his usual bright voice.

"How are you doing?" I asked smiling. He always brought a smile to my face.

"Fine."

"Is anyone there?" I asked.

"No. you said if anyone is here, I shouldn't pick the phone." He said whispering.

The last time I visited him, I gave him the phone and put in vibration mode, so no one can know. I made sure the phone was always with him so he could feel it when I call.

"Good. But why are you whispering?"

"Because you are whispering." He said.

It was then I realized I was whispering. Aunt and Uncle must never find out that I was talking to him without their permission or else they would take him to a place where I won't be able find him and it would hurt Erik not to talk to me.

It was already hurting him that we were separated and I don't want to add to it.

"Anya, are you there?" Erik was asking.

"Yeah, little guy. Are you okay over there?"

"Yes, Anya. But I miss you a lot. When are you coming again?"

"Honestly Erik, I don't know. But I promise, I will find a way to come see you." I promised.

"Okay, I can't wait. I miss you every day, Anya." His voice was shaking.

"Hey, sweetheart. Don't cry, I would be there before you know it . Okay?"

"Okay. I have to go now, someone is coming." he said urgently.

"Okay. Take care of yourself. If you are in danger, what did I say is our secret code?"

"I miss your hair. I won't forget that."

"Good."

"Bye Anya. I love you always." He said.

"I love you too, honey. Take care." I said and disconnected the call.

I sighed and lay down on my big bed. I stared at the ceiling feeling lonely. Outsiders may think I am a rich spoilt brat just like Raisa but not when I am alone. My whole life is a facade.

Nobody knew the truth behind the Chirkov's family. To everyone I was Chirkov's heir, a rich, conceited and rude brat. No one knew Pietro and Alina Chirkov were not my real parents.

To the outside world, they were Vitali and Zina Chirkov, my parents. When Mom and Dad died, my uncle and aunt came for Erik and me.

Erik was just a baby when they died, I thought Uncle and Aunt loved us but what I did not know was that they were after Mom and Dad's fortune.

It was when they took over Mom and Dad's life and name that I knew they were the one who killed them. I was supposed to die with them that night but I lived and Aunt has always hated me for that.

She does not even bother to hide her displeasure. I was starved for weeks, I was beaten by both of them and I was almost raped by one of Uncle's associates. They both knew that but they kept quiet like nothing happened.

My mother married a twin and Aunt has always been jealous of Mom so she married the twin brother of Dad. Mom and Dad made a fortune for themselves and Uncle and Aunt killed them and took everything from us.

I did almost anything to defy them and even wanted the whole world to know what they did, but then, they threatened to kill Erik if I don't shut up.

They killed Mom and Dad so I knew they can kill Erik if they wanted to so I kept quiet and lived the life they wanted me to live.

They are despicable and they would do anything to get what they want so I just had to live like I knew nothing and that was hurting me so much.

They are the worst people I have ever met in my life and I would do absolutely anything to free myself from their ugly shackles.

It was 9am in the morning when I got out of bed. I did my morning activities and went downstairs. Everywhere was strangely quiet and I could not see any of the maids around.

I paused in front of Uncle's office when I heard raised voices. His door was half opened and I inched closer to hear what they were saying. It was then I knew why everywhere was quiet.

I spotted Maksim, the Bratva's boss sitting on Uncle's chair. I was scared of Maksim. He was the one who tried to rape me some years back.

He is a dangerous man.

Uncle was involved in the mafia world and it was because of him, I was almost raped. I suspected my Uncle knew about it but remained quiet.

I stared at Uncle Pietro and watched as he paced around with a disturbed look on his face.

"How could you be so stupid, Pietro? You very well know who he is." Maksim yelled.

"I didn't know," Uncle said.

"Oh please. You very well know what you were getting yourself into. You messed with a whole Vincenzo Cassano. Even I don't want to mess with him." Maksim ran a hand through his hair.

Uncle Pietro took in a long breath and massaged the back of his neck.

"Chirkov, you know we have an unfinished business with him, so how could you add this to it?" Maksim was saying.

What on earth did Uncle do to make him this agitated? And with Vincenzo Cassano of all people. I knew how much that guy was dangerous. He is the only name that brings terror to the heart of the Russian boss, Maksim.

"So what do you suggest I do?" Uncle asked.

"You can always give him what he wants."

"You want me to give him my daughter so he can destroy her? No way!" he ruffled his hair roughly.

"You have a second option." Maksim smirked

"Which is?"

"Anya." He simply said.

I reeled back in shock. Uncle wouldn't give me to him right?

"Yeah. I could give him Anya." He said

Maksim smiled, "So you don't mind giving him Anya?"

"I don't give a fuck what happens to that bitch." Uncle said.

He doesn't hate me that much, right?

I can't believe he was thinking of selling me to Vincenzo. That guy was going to destroy me. Without thinking, I burst into the office and they both turned their heads in my direction.

"Anya, what are you doing here?" Uncle Pietro asked.

"You are not going to give me to Vincenzo, right?" I clenched my fists.

"How much did you hear?" Maksim asked.

I ignored him and turned to face Uncle Pietro. "Answer the damn question."

"You are right about that. We are giving you to Vincenzo." Uncle Pietro said like it was no big deal.

"Why should I be the one to pay for your mess?" I asked both of them.

"Because we say so." Maksim said.

"Stay out of this, you scumbag." I said to him, I know I wasn't supposed to say that to him but I was so pissed off to care.

"Anya, don't talk to him like that." Uncle warned me.

"Let her be. She is going to him no matter what." Maksim said.

"And to Vincenzo of all people. Uncle, that guy is going to destroy me." I cried.

"Take a look at me, Anya. Do I look like I care?" He asked nonchalantly.

The words hit me harder than any slap ever could.

I stumbled back, my legs shaking and my breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

He didn't care. He never did.

My hands curled into fists at my sides, my nails biting into my palms so hard they might draw blood. My whole body trembled, my veins burning with the kind of rage that made thinking impossible.

"I won't go anywhere."

"Then you know what will happen to Erik." Uncle Pietro walked to me.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I screamed. "I am your blood for Christ's sake." I threw my hands in the air.

"So? That doesn't change a thing." he said.

"I wish it was you and Aunt Alina who died instead of my parents, then I won't have to take this your shitty behaviour." I spat, my voice thick with venom.

The slap came so fast I didn't even see it coming.

A sharp pain exploded across my cheek, my head snapping to the side. A second blow followed, harder than the first, knocking me off balance.

My knees buckled, and I caught myself just in time, my hands pressing against the cold floor.

The coppery tang of blood filled my mouth. My lip throbbed, split open from the force of his hand. The sting was sharp, but I refused to react.

I wouldn't cry. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I laughed. A raw, broken sound that didn't even feel like my own.

Maksim made his way to me and grabbed my hair in a death grip. "You are going to do as we say." He thundered.

I shook my head, "Not this time."

I slapped his hands away and walked out of the room. I met aunt outside of the room eavesdropping. I hissed and walked past her.

Enough of all this, I am sick and tired of them telling me what to do. I am so sick of being their pawn.

I should have died that night, and then I won't have to be facing all this torture from the very people I called family.

I picked up the small phone I normally use to call Erik and put it in my pocket. I took some money that I hid in my closet for emergency purpose and put on a jacket. I am leaving this place for good.

I knew where Erik was staying this time, so I was going to get him and go someplace where no one can find us.

After making sure no one saw me or noticed me, I escaped from this prison I call a home. Some of my clothes were in Zoya's place so I headed to her house.

Zoya is my best friend of five years. There were only three people in this fucking world that I loved and trusted. Erik, Zoya and Alek, my boyfriend. I met Alek two years ago in one of aunt's party.

We fell in love and started dating. Of course, uncle and aunt were not aware. These three people were the only friends I have in this pathetic world.

I arrived at Zoya's small apartment and put in her passcode before entering. Her living room was a mess. I chuckled and shook my head. She was nowhere in sight but I knew she was home because her car was outside.

I called her name and when there was no response, I headed to her room. I opened the door and the sight that greeted me was extremely shocking.

Zoya was right there on her bed having sex with Alek, my boyfriend.

I stood there looking at them in shock and my feet wouldn't move. I was trembling in anger and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Alek was the first person to see me. He pushed Zoya off him and stared at me. Zoya started to protest but she followed Alek's gaze. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me.

I turned and walked to her living room. Bitter tears spilled from my eyes. The people I trusted the most betrayed me like this and it was like multiple arrows were sticking in my heart. It hurts so much.

"Anya." Zoya called and stood in front of me fully dressed. Alek stood further form us wearing only his jeans.

"Anya. I can explain." She bit her lip.

"Explain what? I caught both of you in bed and you still have something to explain to me?"

"Anya, what happened to your face?" she asked worriedly.

"Let's not talk about my face. I can't believe you guys would hurt me like this, you are supposed to be my best friend." Fury roared through my mind.

"I am sorry, Anya." She pleaded.

I chuckled bitterly, "Like that is going to help. I can't believe you, Alek. You said you loved me, so how could you do this to me, with my best friend of all people?"

"Anya, I did not mean to hurt you." Alek said.

I sighed, "Zoya, Alek. I want both of you to be honest with me, how long has this be going on?"

I looked at Alek and he lowered his head. I turned to Zoya and she turned her face away.

"Alek? Zoya?" I needed to know how long they have been deceiving me.

"Anya, just know I did not mean for any of this to happen. It just happened." Zoya said.

"How long, Alek?"

"Well, for about a year now." He said, ruffling his hair.

I scoffed bitterly. A year?

My shoulders sagged and I swayed on my feet. I quickly sat down to avoid falling.

Zoya sat down beside me and wanted to touch me but I pulled away.

"Don't touch me, you betrayer!" I yelled.

"I am sorry, Anya." She said.

"I am sick and tired of you telling me sorry when we both know you don't mean it." I said angrily.

"Anya, calm down." Alek said coming to sit in front of me.

"How was it?" They both stared at me blankly.

"Was it fun toying with me? You claimed you were my best friend and you, my boyfriend," I pointed to Alek. "Did you guys enjoy playing with me? You betrayed me, both of you. You knew what I was going through. You guys said you will always be there for me, so how could you hurt me like this?" I cried out.

It hurts so much. The betrayal and their lies hurt so much. I trusted them so much, they were my second family and now I have been deserted. I was all alone in this harsh world. I had no one to run to anymore.

Thank you so much, universe. I screamed internally.

"Anya, please." Alek pleaded.

"For a whole year, you both lied and pretended in front of me. You must be feeling so triumphant. How could you be so heartless?"

So this was how betrayal felt like. It was like being left alone in the desert at dusk without any warmth or water. It left your mouth broken and dry.

"Stop crying, please Anya." Zoya said, tears pooling in her eyes.

"So this is it, Zoya. You know the saddest thing about betrayal, is that it never comes from your enemies, it comes from friends."

"Anya, listen to me. I..." Alek was saying but I cut him short.

"Look guys, forget you ever knew me and if we ever happen to meet in the future, pretend you don't know me. I wish you both good luck." I stood up and walked out.

"I really loved you, Anya!" Zoya shouted.

I kept on walking not even minding my environment.

Betrayal happens after trust...

It hurts to know we are not betrayed by enemies

It's actually by those we trusted.

I should have known or better still, I knew. The signs were there but I chose not to see it. They were always together each time I visited either of them and they were always talking about each other but I chose not to believe it.

What did I expect? No one had ever stayed close to me. They either left or betrayed me and that feeling alone was so painful.

A sound to my left startled me and my eyes widened. I realized I was deep inside the woods. Fuck. I did not even recognize where I was going. I tried to find my way back but it was all pointless.

I kept my eyes straight that I did not see the slope in front of me. I slipped and fell.

Pain exploded through my body as I tumbled down. The world spun around me, nothing but dirt, rocks, and chaos. My arms flailed, grasping at empty air.

Branches scraped my skin, tearing through my clothes. My back slammed against something hard, a rock, a tree, I didn't know.

I kept rolling, my body bouncing against the ground like a ragdoll and my ribs felt like they were being crushed. I tried to stop myself, to grab onto something - anything, until I hit the ground, hard.

The air rushed from my lungs, and for a long, terrible moment, I couldn't breathe.

My whole body throbbed, pain pulsing through every inch of me. My head swam, dizziness making it hard to focus.

I swore underneath my breath when I felt a sharp, stinging sensation burning through my leg. I forced myself to move, biting back a groan as I lifted my head.

My jeans were torn, and blood seeped from a deep gash along my shin. The sight of it sent a wave of nausea rolling through me.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the panic rising in my chest.

With shaking hands, I tore a strip from my ruined shirt and wrapped it tightly around the wound. The pain was unbearable, but I clenched my jaw and tied the shirt as best as I could.

I picked myself up and continued walking despite the pain. I don't know how long I kept on walking, my wristwatch was broken and I lost my phone during the fall.

I came to an abrupt stop when a mighty force pushed me down. I looked up and saw a bloodied man looking at me with panicked eyes. My legs were wobbly when I stood up.

"Who are you?" I muttered.

His response was to shove a bloody parcel in my hands and he took off. I stared at the parcel in confusion and was contemplating what to do with it when I looked up and saw three guys pointing their guns at me.

My eyes widened in fear when the middle guy shot the guy who was running away. I started moving back slowly but paused when I felt a sharp searing pain at the back of my head.

My knees buckled and I tried to keep my eyes open but I was failing badly. I heard voices around me but I couldn't point out what they were saying, I tried to remain awake but darkness pulled me in.

**************

I woke up to the incessant banging at the back of my head. My head hurts so much. I opened my eyes and everywhere was spinning.

I stayed in my position until my vision cleared. I looked around me and saw the three guys from before.

"Matteo, she is awake." The tall, cute looking guy said.

"Welcome back, sleeping beauty." The guy called Matteo said.

I realized he was the one who shot that bloodied man.

I stared at this big burly guy in front of me. He had a hollow jaw, pointed chin, a long nose and his lips was set in a hard line.

This man was beautiful. I tried to move my body and I realized I was tied and my mouth was taped.

"Who are you?" I asked even though they couldn't hear me.

Matteo motioned to the tall guy to remove the tape from my mouth. He walked closer to me and removed the tape from my mouth aggressively. I winced and glared at him.

"Who are you guys and what am I doing here?" I seethed. I looked at their dark clothing and it was then it dawned on me that I have been kidnapped.

This was too much for me to bear. I can't take so much in one day. First, I was to be sold to Vincenzo, then Zoya and Alek's betrayal and now this.

This was too much. The universe is really against me.

"The question should be, who are you working for?" Matteo asked.

I stared at him like he's grown two heads. What nonsense is he is saying now?

"Why did you steal it?" He asked again.

"Steal what?" Now I was confused.

"Don't pretend you don't know what we are talking about."

"Hey! Why would I want to pretend about something I obviously know nothing about?" I asked angrily.

"The parcel was right in your hands, so you must have known that guy." He said.

"What are you talking about? I did not know that guy." I insisted.

"Then what were you doing in the woods?"

"I lost my way." I said.

"You expect me to believe that?" He smirked.

"Yes, because that is the truth."

"Take her away." He ended the conversation just like that

The two guys came forward and untied me and led me away. I looked around for possible means of escape when Matteo's voice stopped me.

"Hey, if you don't want to die right now, follow them quietly."

I gulped fearfully and allowed myself to be dragged. I was taken to a small room and the asshole who brought me here pushed me to the floor and slammed the door.

I winced at the pain I felt in my legs. It was hurting so much, I massaged my legs to ease the pain.

This is my shitty life.

I suddenly thought of Erik and I remembered I lost the phone during the fall.

If this people kill me now, Erik would be left all alone. I can't leave him all by himself in the hands of my uncle and aunt. That was too dangerous.

The thought of not seeing him again broke my heart. I had to find a way to get out of here alive. I looked around and noticed that this room had only one small window but it was big enough for me to pass through.

I was so small so I knew I could fit through the window. I looked around for something I could climb and found a stool. I brought it closer and climbed it. My legs were hurting but I ignored the pain.

I tried to fit myself through the window, it was hard but I succeeded. There were trees everywhere. I looked down and saw the guys who kidnapped me but they were with another guy.

I couldn't see his face. I calculated the distance from the window and the nearest tree, it wasn't that far.

With all my strength, I jumped and caught the attention of the guys below.

Damn! They can't catch me now.

I jumped from trees to trees. I heard shouts from the guys below buy I did not concentrate on them. I kept on jumping until I slipped and fell on my bad leg. I looked back and saw them closing in on me.

With great difficulty, I picked myself and continued running. I ran with everything in me and the next thing I heard was a gunshot. I gasped and came to a stop.

Everywhere was spinning. I gasped and gasped for air. Memories from the past came crashing on me. I held my head in pain, I couldn't breathe. I felt someone holding me but I couldn't look up.

"Hey, calm down." He told me but I couldn't. I kept on hearing the sounds of gunshots.

"Breathe in, breathe out."

I concentrated on his voice and he kept on repeating "Breathe in, breathe out." I did everything he said until I was calm. I looked around and all eyes were on me.

I need to leave but this guy was still grabbing me.

"I need to leave, please." I begged.

"You need to die." The guy that was holding me said. I couldn't look at his face, his voice sounded scary.

"Please, I can't die, he needs me now." I cried.

"You need to die." He said again.

"No please. I did not steal anything." I pleaded.

"That is what they all say. But at the end, you will confess."

"I won't."

"Then you will be making everything hard for yourself. By the time I am done with you, you will be begging for death but death won't find you." He said in a very cold voice and right there I made up my mind.

I was going to tell them what they want to hear, then maybe they won't kill me. After all no one listens to me unless I say what they want to hear. My feet was shaking, I won't find Erik again and that made me shed silent tears.

We walked back into the mansion and a bloodied guy ran outside. He saw us and tried to run away but one of the men outside grabbed him and pushed him towards us.

"Boss, please I am sorry." He said to the guy holding me.

"You tried to run away from me." He said.

"Please boss."

The boss guy left me and brought out a knife. He kicked the man and he fell on his knees. He stabbed his knees and dragged it downwards. Both the guy and I screamed. I turned and threw up whatever I had in me.

He wouldn't do that to me, right? I watched in horror as he sliced the guy's finger except his thumb in one go.

"This is what I do to people who lie and try to run away from me." He said, looking at me.

I gulped fearfully when he told them to take me inside.

My life is a mess right now, what on earth were they going to do to me in this place?