SURRENDER

The steady beep of the heart monitor echoed through the hospital room, a rhythmic reminder of life's fragility. The fluorescent lights above cast an eerie glow on the pale walls.Alessia sat beside the bed, her slender fingers intertwined with those of the woman lying motionless.

Her mother's hand felt limp, yet warm.As she gazed down, Alessia's eyes traced the contours of her mother's face. Even in repose, her beauty shone through – high cheekbones, delicate nose, and full lips.The only sign of life was the shallow rise and fall of her mother's chest. Alessia's grip tightened, as if willing her mother to awaken.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Alessia's head lifted, her gaze shifting toward the newcomer. Soon her mother's doctor Dr Thompson entered, his expression somber. "Alessia, I'm afraid we have a critical situation." Alessia's gaze locked onto his, her eyes searching for answers."Your mother's tests revealed a brain tumor," Dr. Thompson explained, his voice measured.

"It caused a severe stroke. We need to operate immediately."Alessia's face paled. "What are the chances?"Dr. Thompson's expression turned grave."The tumor is aggressive. Without surgery, the prognosis is... grim. With surgery, there's a 30% chance of significant recovery." Alessia's grip on her mother's hand tightened.

"What about the risks?""There's a 20% chance of complications, potentially leaving her with severe cognitive or physical impairments," Dr. Thompson replied. "But without surgery, the outcome is certain."Alessia's mind reeled. The weight of the decision settled upon her shoulders.

Dr Thompson's expression turned solemn. "Alessia, there's another consideration. The surgery and subsequent treatment will be... expensive." Alessia's grip on her mother's hand tightened. "How expensive?"Dr. Thompson hesitated. "The estimated cost is upwards of $500,000 to $1 million. "Alessia's face fell. Her family's financial struggles flashed through her mind."

We don't have that kind of money," Alessia admitted, desperation creeping into her voice. Dr. Thompson's expression softened. "I'll speak with the hospital administration. We can explore options, but time is crucial.".

Alessia nodded " Can you give me some time to think?" She asked. Dr. Thompson nodded sympathetically. "I'll give you some time to think. We'll discuss options later." He exited the room, leaving Alessia alone with her mother.Alessia's gaze returned to her mother's pale face. She gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Mom, I'll figure something out. I promise," Alessia whispered, her voice trembling.Just then, her phone buzzed. A text from her father: "Come home. Now. " Alessia's heart sank. What did he want?She leaned forward, kissing her mother's forehead. "I'll be back soon, Mom. I love you."

With a heavy heart, Alessia stood up and walked out of the hospital room.The bright hospital lights blurred together as she navigated the corridors. She pushed through the automatic doors and stepped into the crisp evening air.

Alessia raised her hand, hailing a passing cab. The driver pulled over, and she slid into the backseat. "Where to?" the driver asked."Take me to Olimpia hill ," Alessia replied.The cab pulled away from the curb, leaving the hospital – and her mother – behind.

As the city lights whizzed by, Alessia's mind swirled with questions " What did her father want? How would she pay for her mother's treatment?The cab's meter ticked away, echoing the ticking clock in her mind.

Alessia gazed out the cab window, lost in thought. The glittering skyline of New Nova unfolded before her. Sleek skyscrapers, their facades shimmering with holographic advertisements, seemed to stretch on forever. Neon lights danced across the city's main thoroughfares, casting a vibrant glow.

New Nova, the city of rebirth, rose from the ashes of San Francisco after the devastating earthquake known as "The Big One." The disaster had reshaped the North American continent, creating a new landmass separate from the mainland United States.

During the aftermath of the clean up attempts, New Nova's founders seized the opportunity to forge an independent government and country, free from the oversight of the United States. Today, New Nova stood as a beacon of innovation and progress, alongside the US as a separate yet allied world power. But there was another side to New Nova's success story – the Enhanced.

Born from the secretive Gen X program, developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, these super-soldiers possessed extraordinary abilities. As the US and other world powers countered with their own Gen X variants, a new generation of Enhanced emerged. After the Cold War's end, many migrated to New Nova, seeking refuge from global scrutiny and persecution.

Now, the Enhanced lived openly in New Nova, their presence woven into the city's fabric. Some worked as protectors, joining elite teams like the Guardian Corps. Others used their gifts for personal gain or simply blended into society she herself had enhanced in her bloodline and she's gained powers as well but not nothing that can be useful in saving her mother right now.

Alessia spotted Enhanced symbols etched into building facades – subtle reminders of their presence. The cab navigated the city's bustling streets, passing by iconic landmarks like the Nova Spire and the Aurora Center .As the cab turned onto Alessia's street, lined with upscale apartments and high-end boutiques, her heart sank. She was almost home.

As the cab turned onto Alessia's street, the scenery shifted to opulent mansions and villas, each one a testament to New Nova's wealth and excess. Lush gardens and precision-manicured lawns stretched out behind high walls, shielding the residents' private lives.

The sidewalk gleamed, spotless and empty. Parked along the curb, luxury cars – Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis – seemed to vie for attention. Alessia recognized a customized Aston Martin Vanquish, its sleek design and vibrant blue paint job belonging to her neighbor, billionaire entrepreneur Marcus Thompson.

The cab pulled up to Alessia's family estate, a stunning villa with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Ivory marble and crystal glass facets danced in the fading light, casting a warm glow.Alessia's heart sank as she gazed at the villa's imposing facade. Her father's summons still lingered in her mind, heavy with unspoken questions.

As Alessia stepped out of the cab, two imposing security guards emerged from the villa's entrance. Their sharp eyes scanned the surroundings before settling on her."Alessia Rizzo," one guard confirmed, his deep voice firm.Alessia nodded, accustomed to the rigorous security protocol after all her father was a very influential and wealthy man. The guards flanked her, their movements synchronized.

"Please, Miss Rizzo, follow us."They led her through the villa's outer perimeter, past the manicured lawn and ornate fountain. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of security drones .At the entrance, a third guard stood post, eyes fixed on the retinal scanner. "Clear," he announced, stepping aside.

Alessia walked through the scanner, its soft beep confirming her identity. The guards followed, their firearms discreetly holstered. Inside, the villa's opulent foyer unfolded: crystal chandelier, marble floors, and a sweeping staircase. Desmond, her father's butler, awaited her wearing a crisp butlers uniform ."Welcome home, Miss Alessia," Jenkins said, his voice impeccable. "Your father requests your presence." Alessia's instincts tightened. What did her father want?.

As she stepped furthur into the villa's grand foyer, surrounded by opulent displays of wealth. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting rainbow hues across marble floors. Flemish tapestries adorned walls, while priceless artwork hung alongside them.Maids moved silently, their uniforms crisp, as they attended to their duties. Alessia recognized some, exchanging subtle nods. Maria, the eldest, offered a brief smile.

Alessia's gaze swept the space, familiarity mixing with resentment. This villa, a symbol of her father's success, felt both intimate and foreign. Her eyes lingered on the Rizzo family crest, emblazoned above the staircase.The irony wasn't lost on her. She bore the Rizzo name, but her mother, Elara, had been a housekeeper, not a family member. A brief affair between Elara and Dominic Rizzo had resulted in Alessia's birth.

As she navigated the villa, Alessia's thoughts turned to her dual existence. By day, she worked alongside these maids, cleaning and serving. By night, she wore the mask of Dominic Rizzo's daughter.

Alessia climbed the staircase, her footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. Portraits of Rizzo ancestors watched her, their eyes seeming to weigh her worth.

She reached the second floor and turned toward her father's office. The door, adorned with an intricate wooden crest, stood ajar. Her father's bodyguard Jenkins, waiting outside, nodded. "Your father's inside, Miss Alessia." With a deep breath, Alessia pushed open the door and entered.

Alessia stepped into her father's office, the door closing softly behind her. The room exuded power, with dark wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the villa's gardens.

Dominic Rizzo, her father, stood behind his massive mahogany desk, his tailored suit impeccable. His piercing amber eyes, a trait Alessia inherited, narrowed slightly as she entered.

To his right stood his Victoria Rizzo, her stepmother. Victoria's stunning beauty was undeniable – porcelain skin, raven hair, and sapphire eyes that sparkled like diamonds. Her slender figure was showcased in a designer gown, accentuating her curves. Dominic's gaze flicked to Alessia, his expression curt. "You're here."

Alessia felt a familiar sting from his distant tone.Victoria's smile was radiant, but her eyes held a calculating glint. "Darling, you look...presentable." she comments her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Alessia's eyes narrowed. "Why did you ask me to come here?"Dominic's expression shifted, a hint of warmth creeping into his eyes. He walked around the desk, his movements fluid."Let's talk, Alessia," he said, his voice softer. Alessia's skepticism deepened.

This wasn't the Dominic Rizzo she knew the man who has constantly mistreated and abused not only her and but also her mother .He stopped at the wet bar, pouring a glass of fine scotch. "Drink?" he offered, extending the glass. Alessia's instincts screamed caution. The only times her father and Victoria showed her kindness were when they wanted something. "What's going on?" Alessia asked, her voice firm, ignoring the drink.

Victoria's fake smile faltered, her eyes flashing irritation. Dominic sat down in the leather chair, his eyes never leaving Alessia's. "Very well, let's dispense with the pleasantries."He steepled his fingers, his expression turning cold and calculating."

I need your help with a...delicate matter," he said, his voice measured.Alessia's instincts screamed warning. What could her father possibly need from her?. "What is it?" she asked, her voice cautious. Dominic leaned forward, his eyes glinting with determination. "A powerful business partner of mine has expressed interest in a mutual arrangement. The key to securing this alliance lies in a marital agreement.

"Alessia's world tilted. "What?" she whispered. Soon Dominic's next words dropped like a bombshell:

"Your going to marry Leonardo Reigns".