4. The Dangerous Mafia Life
After a tense lunch, Luca left without saying a word, leaving Amelia alone in the large room. A few moments later, a large man with a serious expression entered the room. The man introduced himself as Alfonso, one of Luca’s trusted subordinates.
“Miss Amelia,” Alfonso said in a deep voice, “Mr. Luca asked me to look after you while he’s gone. This afternoon, you will be picked up to attend an event at Mr. Luca’s club.”
Amelia looked at Alfonso hesitantly but nodded without saying much. Alfonso then called a cold-faced woman named Isabella to help Amelia prepare herself. Isabella took Amelia to a room filled with luxurious clothing and makeup equipment.
“You must get ready. "As a madam, you need to look your best,” Isabella said.
Amelia felt awkward, but she had no other choice but to follow the orders. Isabella quickly directed her to sit at the vanity, then began to apply her makeup. While Isabella was busy, Amelia started trying to have a conversation to ease the tension.
“Isabella, sorry to interrupt, but do you know what kind of event I’m supposed to attend?” Amelia asked.
“I don’t know, I’m just here to do your makeup,” she replied coldly.
Amelia fell silent, observing Isabella as she continued working on her face with the makeup tools. From what she could tell, the girl named Isabella wasn’t friendly. But she couldn’t expect much. After all, in a mafia household, there probably weren’t any friendly people.
Isabella glanced at Amelia briefly with an unreadable expression, then spoke again.
“Luca is a man who has everything, including power. I can’t understand why he’d involve you in a relationship, even if it’s just a temporary marriage.”
“I’ve had bad luck,” Amelia answered.
“What do you mean?”
“I owe him $100,000, so I have to face the consequences,” Amelia explained.
“$100,000, that’s quite a sum. " No wonder he can’t let you go, he’s not the type of person who just lets go of his money,” Isabella said with an air of knowing.
Amelia swallowed hard, a bad feeling stirring inside her about what her future might hold. Isabella paused for a moment, then looked at Amelia with a sharper gaze.
“Have you ever been married?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“What happened to your ex?”
“He divorced me,” Amelia replied.
“The fool, you’re beautiful,” Isabella said with a flat expression.
“Thank you, but…”
“But what?”
“Do you think Luca will send me at his club today? " Is that why he asked you to do my makeup?” Amelia asked.
“It’s possible, but I’m not sure. " You’ve made a marriage vow, so I don’t think he’ll sell you,” Isabella answered.
Amelia sighed. Isabella’s answer only made her more nervous and uncertain.
"Are you scared?” Isabella asked.
Amelia nodded, and seeing this, Isabella smiled faintly.
“It’s natural that you’re scared. The world you’ve entered is not an easy one. Luca has many enemies. " But if you remain loyal to Luca, he’ll protect you,” Isabella said.
“Protect me?”
“Yes! He lives in a harsh world, but he won’t be cruel to someone loyal to him. " Look at me, I’ve been able to live peacefully here as one of his subordinates because I remain loyal to him,” Isabella replied.
Instead of feeling reassured, Amelia became even more uneasy. What kind of loyalty did she need to give Luca? On the very first day, the man had already attacked her in her room. All of this felt so far removed from the normal life she once knew.
Not long after the conversation, Isabella finished doing Amelia’s makeup. The result was impressive. Amelia, who usually had a plain face, now looked completely different—more elegant, more beautiful, and more captivating. Isabella suggested that Amelia wear a red gown she had chosen, a gown that looked very expensive and suited her new appearance perfectly.
Amelia felt awkward and a little uncomfortable with her new look, but on the other hand, she realized that all of this was part of the role she had to play in this new world that now dominated her life.
When the time came, Alfonso escorted Amelia to Luca’s club. The club, named Crimson Veil, was a place that completely deceived Amelia. She saw many visitors enjoying themselves there, but unlike her, Alfonso led her deeper inside. Into a room she had never visited before.
There were many women inside, all dressed in beautiful and sexy clothes, but most of them were accompanied by men with grim faces. Liquor, nighttime entertainment girls, and loud music filled the air. But as soon as Alfonso entered with Amelia, all eyes seemed to focus on her. Everyone in the room stared at her in admiration, and Amelia felt as though all the attention she never wanted was now centered on her.
Luca, who was already sitting in the corner of the room with several other men, looked at her with a sharp but indifferent gaze. His eyes scanned Amelia from head to toe, though his face remained expressionless, as though he was not impressed.
Amelia tried to remain calm, though her heart was racing. Everything felt so foreign to her. Suddenly, the atmosphere, which had initially seemed luxurious and elegant, turned tense. A man who appeared to be working at the club was dragged by two large bodyguards to the center of the room.
Luca, sitting calmly, raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on here?” he asked in a low voice, which sounded like an order.
Alfonso, who was standing beside Amelia, explained, “He’s a traitor, Boss. We caught him trying to betray our business.”
“How dare he, beat him up!”
With just a few words from Luca, the violence began. One of the bodyguards immediately struck the man, beating him until he collapsed, bloodied and bruised. Amelia screamed, then quickly covered her mouth, terrified by the violence unfolding before her eyes. The world she was facing was becoming more real—more terrifying than she had ever imagined.
As the man lay there, blood flowing from his body, everyone around them seemed unfazed. It was as though this was a normal occurrence. Amelia was silent, cold sweat starting to cover her body. She felt utterly frightened.
“Don’t worry, Miss,” whispered Alfonso beside her. “This is just part of the job.”
Amelia held her breath. Her body trembled as she witnessed the brutality right before her eyes. This was not the world she knew. Everything felt too foreign and frightening. Amelia continued to stare at Luca, who was still sitting calmly, showing no expression on his face. Maybe this was what Isabella meant—Luca wasn’t just a man of power, he was someone who would do anything to protect his authority. And Amelia, even though she didn’t want to be further involved, was now trapped in this very dangerous world.