Marco navigated the winding roads, the luxurious car's engine purring softly. Mia sat beside him in silence, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape

The scenery shifted from the urban sprawl to rolling hills and finally, towering iron gates swung open, revealing a breathtaking mansion

Mia's thoughts remained consumed by the horror of her situation. Alexander Cassano, the ruthless mafia lord, awaited her. Her new husband.

Marco's voice broke the silence. "We're arriving at Villa Cassano."

Mia's eyes flickered toward him, her expression unreadable. Marco's gaze lingered on her profile, his expression equally stoic.

As the car halted before the mansion's grand entrance, Mia's anxiety spiked. A liveried butler opened her door, and Marco stepped out, offering his hand.

With a deep breath, Mia accepted his assistance and stepped out of the car

"Welcome to your new home, Mia," he said, his voice low and measured.

Mia's response was a barely audible whisper. "Thank you"

The butler, impeccably dressed, gestured for Mia to follow him. "This way, Mrs. Cassano. Your room awaits."

Mia shuddered at the butler addressing her as Mrs Cassano.

She trailed behind the butler, her heels clicking on the marble floor.

As they climbed the grand staircase, Mia's anxiety grew. Where was Alexander Cassano? What would he expect of her?

The butler stopped before a door "Your chambers, ma'am"

Mia entered, and the butler followed, flipping a switch. Soft light illuminated the lavish space.

"Mr. Cassano will join you shortly," he announced. "He's currently attending to business matters."

Mia's gaze wandered, taking in the glamorous nature of the room and the massive four poster bed dominating the room.

The butler's voice broke the silence. "Can I fetch you anything, ma'am? Perhaps some refreshment?"

Mia shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, thank you."

With a bow, the butler departed, leaving Mia alone.

She wandered to the window, gazing out into the darkness. The stars twinkled like diamonds, a cruel reminder of her lost freedom.

As she waited, Mia's thoughts swirled with questions. What laid ahead? Would Alexander Cassano be cruel or kind?

Mia's heart skipped a beat as footsteps suddenly echoed outside her door. She smoothed her dress, bracing herself up to meet her new husband.

The door swung open, and Alexander Cassano strode in, his presence commanding attention. His tailored suit was slightly rumpled, hinting at a long, hectic day.

Mia's gaze locked onto his, and she felt her breath stop. He was even more imposing than she'd imagine, tall, broad shouldered, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into her soul.

His raven black hair, slightly disheveled, framed his chiseled features. A few stray strands fell across his forehead, softening his rugged edges.

For a moment, Mia forgot her fear, her anxiety, and simply stared. Alexander Cassano was breathtakingly handsome, exuding an aura of power and confidence.

As he approached, his eyes never left hers, their intensity making her skin prickle. Mia's thoughts raced, her pulse pounding in her throat.

"Your name?" He asked, his deep voice low and smooth

He does not even know the name of the wife that was married to him, Mia thought as she gulped hard

Her lips parted, but no words emerged. She was too scared, she felt like a small, captured bird, mesmerized by the predator before her.

Alexander's gaze roamed over her, lingering on her face, her neck, and her shoulders. Mia's cheeks flushed under his scrutiny.

He stopped before her, his proximity making her heart stutter.

"Do you not have a name or shall I just call you Wife" he said, his breath whispering against her skin.

Mia's instincts screamed warning, but her body betrayed her, responding to his presence with an unanticipated spark of attraction.

"Did Matteo dare to send me a mute girl as wife?" Alexander growled

Matteo is Mia's father

"I'm..... I can talk" Mia muttered, finally finding her voice

"Then when I ask you a question, you answer immediately, Wife"

"Y.....yes Sir"

"No no no, Husband" Alexander uttered as he cupped her tiny, fragile face with his palm "You'll call me husband"

"Husband" Mia mumbled

"Good girl" Alexander commended

He strode past Mia, his long strides eating up the distance, and settled onto the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. Mia stood frozen, her heart racing.

"Did Marco explain your duty and the purpose of this marriage?" Alexander asked, his voice low and commanding.

Mia nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes Si.... Husband. I am to give you an heir."

Alexander's gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable. "Right. So let's get down to business then"

His words sent a shiver down Mia's spine. She felt a surge of fear as Alexander's eyes seemed to bore right into her soul.

"Undress," he commanded, his voice firm

Mia's cheeks flushed, her hands trembling. She hesitated, unsure if she could comply.

Alexander's gaze narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Now, Wife."

With shaking fingers, Mia reached for the zipper of her dress, her eyes locked on Alexander's. His expression remained impassive, but his eyes burned with intensity.

As the dress slipped to the floor, Mia stood naked and vulnerable, her heart pounding in fear of what is to come

Alexander's gaze suddenly snapped to his phone as it buzzed.

He answered the call with a curt "Yes?" and listened, his expression darkening

Mia watched, frozen, as his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.

"What do you mean hijacked?" Alexander growled, his voice low and menacing.

He pause, then his face turned thunderous. "Find out who's responsible. I want heads rolling."

Alexander sprang up, his movements swift and deadly. "Don't move an inch," he commanded Mia, his eyes blazing with fury.

Mia stood statue still, her heart racing.

"I'll be back soon," Alexander stated

"And when I am, we'll finish what we started."

With that, he strode out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him.

Mia stood frozen, her heart racing, as the silence stretched out like an eternity. Fear crept in, chilling her to the bone. She began to shiver, her naked body vulnerable and exposed.

Alexander's command still echoed in her mind "Don't move an inch." Maybe it was fear, or maybe it was the powerful aura he exuded, but Mia knew better than to disobey.

Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours. Then, the door swung open, and Alexander strode back in.

His shirt was now stained with blood, his eyes burning with intensity. Mia's heart skipped as he began to unbutton his shirt.

"Shall we continue from where we left off, Wife" he said, his voice low and husky.

Alexander's fingers moved deftly, unbuttoning his shirt with a deliberate slowness that drew Mia's gaze. As the fabric parted, revealing his chest, Mia's breath caught.

The tattoos etched into his skin seemed to dance in the dim light, intricate patterns weaving across his well built torso. Mia's eyes traced the curves and lines, mesmerized.

Alexander's chest was a canvas of power, each tattoo telling a story of its own. A serpent coiled around his right pectoral, its head rising toward his shoulder. On his left, a phoenix blazed, its wings spread wide.

Mia's fascination deepened as Alexander shed his shirt, his muscles rippling beneath his skin. She felt a shiver run down her spine, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Look your fill, Wife" Alexander said, his voice low and husky, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Mia's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't tear her gaze away. Alexander's presence seemed to fill the room, his raw masculinity captivating

He strode towards Mia, his hands cupped her firm breast and Mia shuddered

"I heard you are untouched" Alexander said and Mia nodded

He moved his face closer to her ear, his hot breaths brushing against her cold skin

"I'll be gentle" he whispered

******

Mia's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft morning light streaming through the windows. She stretched, feeling a subtle ache in her body, a reminder of the previous night.

Her gaze swept the room, searching for Alexander, but he was nowhere to be seen. The bed beside her was empty.

Mia's attention dropped to the bedsheet, stained with blood. Memories of the previous night rushed back, and her cheeks flushed.

She had been braced for pain and fear, but Alexander's gentleness had surprised her. His promise had held true.

As she recalled the tender touch, the soft whispers, and the slow, sweet intensity, Mia's blush deepened.

It wasn't as terrifying as she'd imagined. In fact, the night had been... memorable.

Mia snatched the duvet, wrapping it around herself as a knock on the door broke the silence.

"Come in," she called out, her voice still husky from sleep.

The door swung open, and a middle-aged woman entered, carrying a tray laden with breakfast.

"Good morning, Mrs. Cassano," the woman said with a warm smile.

Mia felt discomfort at the mention of "Mrs Cassano". It would take time to get used to being called Alexander's wife.

"Good morning," Mia replied, trying to sound composed.

"I've brought your breakfast," the woman continued. "Why don't you freshen up while I take care of the laundry?" Her gaze discreetly flicked to the blood-stained sheets.

Mia's cheeks flushed, but she nodded gratefully. "Thank you."

The woman efficiently gathered the soiled linens, her expression neutral.

"I'll have these cleaned and changed immediately, ma'am. Your bath is ready whenever you are."

As the woman departed with the sheets, Mia let out a sigh. This new reality was overwhelming.

Mia indulged in a soothing bath, wrapping herself in a plush towel afterward. She slipped into a casual gown, her hair tumbling down her back in soft waves.

Breakfast was a solitary affair, she ate alone and in silence. Finishing quickly, Mia decided to explore the sprawling mansion.

Her footsteps echoed through empty corridors as she wandered, discovering lavishly decorated rooms and hidden nooks. Each door led to a new revelation, but one door caught her attention, its design distinctly different from the others.

Curiosity piqued, Mia grasped the handle and turned. The door refused to budge.

"Locked," a low voice stated behind her.

Mia spun to face the butler.

"This room is Mr. Cassano's personal sanctuary," he explained, his expression stern. "No one is permitted entry."

Mia's curiosity intensified.

"Why?" she asked.

The butler's face remained impassive. "Mr. Cassano's privacy is paramount."

Mia sensed a warning in his tone.

Marco approached, his footsteps echoing through the hallway. The butler nodded in respect. "Marco, sir."

"Good day, Jenkins," Marco replied, his eyes locking onto Mia.

Jenkins bowed and departed, leaving Marco alone with Mia.

"Mr. Cassano instructed me to check on you," Marco said, his gaze sweeping over her. "To ensure you're well."

"Where is he?" Mia asked

Marco's expression turned neutral. "He's busy."

Mia sensed evasion, but Marco's tone brooked no questions.

"Do you need anything?" Marco asked, his eyes lingering on hers.

Mia shrugged. "I'm just bored. There's nothing to do here. Maybe a walk out of the mansion will help"

Marco's response was immediate and firm. "No. It's not safe."

"Why?" Mia pressed.

Marco's jaw clenched. "The mafia lord has many enemies. You're his wife now, you're a target. Going out without protection would put you in danger"

Mia's heart sank, she forgot for a moment but she really is a prisoner here

"The mansion is a big interesting place, I'm sure you'll figure out a way to kill your boredom. Excuse me" With that, Marco strode off.

Days blurred together in an endless cycle. Mia felt trapped, suffocating under the weight of monotony.

Alexander's nocturnal visits were her only respite, but even those felt mechanical. He'd arrive after dark, his passion intense, yet distant. Before dawn, he'd vanish, leaving Mia feeling used and lonely.

Marco's daily check-ins offered little consolation. His polite inquiries and guarded expressions only reinforced Mia's sense of isolation.

The reality soon hit her like a cold slap, she was just a tool, a means to an end. Her only purpose was to bear Alexander's heir, nothing more.

Mia's thoughts churned with resentment. What about her dreams, her aspirations? Were they meaningless now?

Mia paced around her room, restless. Alexander was late today, and the silence in her room felt oppressive

Impulsively, she stepped out into the empty hallway

The mansion's grandeur offered a little more breath of air than her solemn room. So she wandered, her footsteps echoing off the walls.

Her path led her back to the forbidden door, the one she was told she was not allowed entry into. The butler's warning still lingered in her head, but tonight, she found the door slightly ajar.

Curiosity overcame caution and Mia pushed the door open, her heart racing.

Moans drifted from within, sending a shiver down her spine. She stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

The scene before her shattered her world.

A woman, naked and writhing, lay on the bed. Alexander loomed above, his body moving in rhythm as he had sex with her.