All she ever wanted was a simple life. But what happens when fate intervenes and brings together a demon and an ordinary person? Gun Lucifero Madrigal Ruthless. A demon personified. A cold-blooded monster. Feared by everyone. Capable of killing in an instant. What will happen when their worlds collide? Will she survive his wrath, or will she change his heart? This is a tale of danger, love, and the unpredictable twists of destiny.
Chapter 1 Her graduation
Chapter 1
A week had passed since her graduation. She didn't know where to start-or if there was even something she needed to start. She had no idea where life would take her. Should she start looking for a job?
She probably needed to, or else she might end up bathing in a canal and eating grass for sustenance.
She grew up independent and aware of how hard life could be. Perhaps it was because she had experienced hardship at a very young age.
Truthfully, she didn't have any real dreams. When people asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would randomly pick a course that came to mind.
She often wondered if she was the only one feeling this way because almost all her friends and classmates seemed to know exactly what paths they wanted to take. Meanwhile, she was just... existing.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw a couple whose sweetness could attract even ants to sugar. They were so close that not even a fly could pass between them.
"Ugh, show-offs," she muttered.
She continued walking, determined to find a job. Sweat poured down her face as her stomach growled from hunger.
"Hang in there, my little worms. We'll eat soon," she whispered to her rumbling belly.
"Think positive! I can do this!"
She reminded herself of her situation-no money for food, no job prospects, and possibly no roof over her head if she didn't find work soon.
Talking to herself like a lunatic, she noticed the odd stares from people passing by. Ignoring them, she trudged on.
Two hours passed. She had entered seven establishments in her job hunt, only to leave each one disappointed.
"They're all looking for someone with experience," she grumbled.
"Heartless people!"
"Lord, please help me. Let someone hire me tomorrow or the day after, I beg of You," she prayed quietly. She even vowed to offer a thanksgiving Mass if her prayer was answered.
She wiped her forehead as she felt something wet. Water? She looked up. Was it about to rain? But it had been so hot earlier.
Before she could take another step, the heavens opened, and a torrential downpour soaked her.
"Well, so much for being lucky," she sighed.
She walked slowly under the rain, drenched like a wet chick. She didn't even bother to run or seek shelter. What was the point?
At least she got a free shower, saving her water. She'd just shampoo her hair when she got home.
When she reached her tiny apartment, she took a proper bath and changed clothes. Forcing herself to eat dinner despite her lack of appetite, she felt a heavy weight in her body. Was she coming down with a fever?
Times like this made her miss her late mother's care. Back then, someone would place a damp cloth on her forehead, check her temperature every hour, and cook meals for her.
"I miss you, Mama. I wish you were still here."
She decided to sleep it off, hoping she'd feel better by morning. Her throat was itchy, and her vision was spinning slightly.
The next day, she woke up earlier than usual but felt even worse. It was as if her head was being hammered, and her body felt twice as heavy.
Still, she ignored it. She needed to find a job, or she'd be evicted-two months behind on rent was no joke.
She stood up slowly, clutching the wall for support as she felt dizzy. After washing up, she ate breakfast and left to continue her job hunt, disregarding her worsening condition.
Reaching the main road, she walked quietly, clutching her throbbing head. Should she go home?
No. She couldn't. She had to find a job.
"I can do this. Keep fighting," she encouraged herself.
Looking around for job postings, she spotted a sign: URGENT HIRING in a building across the street.
Excited, she quickly moved to the roadside, waiting for a chance to cross.
"Please, let me get this job," she prayed silently.
But the road was too busy. Cars zoomed by, and she couldn't find an opening to cross. Even though only a few minutes had passed, it felt like an eternity.
As she waited, a black van suddenly stopped right in front of her. She glanced at it briefly but quickly looked away.
Of all the places it could stop, it just had to be in front of her.
"Whatever," she thought, rolling her eyes, though the action made her feel even dizzier.
Then, out of nowhere, the van's door burst open, and two men in black wearing masks jumped out.
"Grab her! Hurry!" yelled someone from inside the van.
Her eyes widened in shock. Me? They're taking me?!
Of course, they meant her. Who else could it be? She was the only one standing there.
Her mind raced, but her body froze. She couldn't move, couldn't scream. Fear gripped her frail frame as the two muscular men approached.
One of them grabbed her forcefully, lifting her with ease, and shoved her into the van.
She sat there, stunned, unable to process what had just happened. The other man slammed the door shut as the driver sped off.
She wanted to scream, to move, but she couldn't. Was it fear? The fever? Or the trembling in her body?
"Boss said to bring her to him," one of the men said, removing his mask and cuffing her hands to ensure she couldn't escape.
Her thoughts swirled. Who are these people? What do they want from me?
She had no enemies, no debts. She was dirt-poor. What could they possibly gain from taking her?
Could it be her organs? Or worse, would they sell her into some trafficking ring?
No. I won't let that happen. If it comes to that, I'll end my life first. I won't let them profit from me.
She shook her head, trying to clear the dark thoughts. She had to survive this. If anyone deserved to be buried, it was these kidnappers.
Glancing around, she noted that none of them had blindfolded or gagged her. What kind of incompetent kidnappers were these?
The van sped on, silence filling the air as no one spoke. It was already growing dark. How long had they been driving? She felt her legs and backside going numb from sitting too long.
Without realizing it, she dozed off from exhaustion.
The young woman awoke with a jolt as cold water was poured on her.
"Wake up, dear princess! This isn't your palace to sleep all day!"
She opened her eyes and looked around. They seemed to be in some kind of warehouse-she wasn't entirely sure.
Concrete walls and floors surrounded her. Rusty metal beams lined the edges, the cement floor was filthy, and the air reeked of a foul stench. Cobwebs dangled from the ceiling.
She turned her gaze toward the man who had poured the cold water on her. He was grinning like a devil, and his three companions wore the same sinister smirk.
She looked down at herself. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her legs were bound to a chair.
"A princess, huh? But where's the prince? Doesn't look like anyone's coming! Hahahaha!"
The men erupted into laughter.
She glared at them despite the trembling in her body and the fear clawing at her chest for her life.
"W-What do you want? I haven't done anything to you!" she said in a weak yet brave voice.
She needed to stay strong. She knew, deep down, that no one would come to save her. She didn't even have friends who would notice her disappearance.
"To us? Nothing. But to the one who ordered your abduction? A lot! So, start praying, because you won't live to see the sunrise tomorrow!" the bearded man said with a cold, menacing tone.
Her lips trembled as terror coursed through her body, hearing his words.
Never in her life had she imagined that something like this would happen to her.
All she ever wanted was a simple, peaceful life. She focused on her studies, never asked for more than what was given, and was content with God's blessings.
She had never wronged anyone, never hurt anyone.
Yet here she was, tears streaming uncontrollably from her eyes.
What grave sin had she committed to deserve such punishment?
She sobbed softly, her mind racing for a way to escape or even a slim hope that she could. But the odds seemed impossible-unless, by some miracle, her knight in shining armor arrived, riding a white horse to rescue her.
Seriously? A white horse? A knight in shining armor?
She might really die delusional.
Blaaaggg!!
Her frantic thoughts were interrupted by the deafening sound of the door being kicked open.
Everyone turned toward the source of the noise, herself included.
A man entered the room.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Imposing.
And terrifying.
The light from the door behind him obscured his face as he moved toward them. Or perhaps, toward her?
The silence was deafening. All attention was fixated on the newcomer.
He walked with the confidence of a model.
Commanding.
Intimidating.
And utterly magnetic.
His presence exuded power.
Was this it? Was this the man who would save her from this nightmare?
Her knight in shining armor?
The love of her life?
"B-Boss?" one of the kidnappers stammered nervously.
Her gaze darted between the kidnapper and the man.
Boss?!
The man didn't respond but continued to approach her.
He's the boss? Not her knight in shining armor?
Her shoulders slumped, and her dreams shattered. She was such a fool. Her expectations had been far too high.
As the man stepped into the light near her head, she gasped audibly.
Her jaw dropped.
If earlier he looked like a model, now, seeing his face clearly, he resembled a Greek god.
Handsome.
Hot.
And utterly irresistible.
Was she drooling? He didn't even look like food, yet she found herself mesmerized.
Could a face like his even exist?
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She forgot she was tied up, forgot he was the one who had her kidnapped.
The man smirked, his piercing gaze scorching her as though he could see through her very soul.
"Are you ready to die?"
His words were cold, chilling, and firm.
Her entire body froze, goosebumps running up and down her skin.
His face betrayed no emotion, but his eyes burned with fury.
"W-What do you want?" she stammered, unsure where she found the strength to speak.
"Boss, I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow," one of his men interjected. "We were hoping to have some fun with her before you finished her off. She looks... appetizing."
The boss didn't flinch, didn't even glance at the man.
"And besides, boss, we could still-"
The man didn't get to finish his sentence. The boss swiftly drew his gun, cocked it, and fired a shot into his stomach without hesitation.
Her jaw dropped.
The gunshot echoed throughout the room. The injured man writhed in pain, clutching his wound, while his companions stood frozen in shock before rushing to his side.
"Aaaahhhh!" the man groaned weakly, agony evident on his face.
"I don't like noisy people," the boss growled, his jaw clenched as he glared coldly at the others.
One of the companions tried to lift the injured man, but the boss's commanding voice stopped him.
"Don't you dare help him. Let him suffer and feel the pain."
No one dared move. No one dared defy him.
This man was terrifying.
Merciless.
A devil incarnate.
"And you..." he said, turning his attention back to her. "You will be the first to experience it."
He slowly raised his gun, pointing it directly at her forehead.
Her face drained of color.
"I-I haven't done anything to you! Please, let me go!" she begged desperately.
Instead of showing her mercy, he smirked, looking like a devil delighting in his prey's despair.
Was this how it would end? Was this how she would die?
"C-Can I at least make one request before you kill me? Please... shoot me in the heart, not the head. I want to look pretty at my wake..."
"What are you talking about?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
"...If you do that, I promise I won't haunt you. I won't scare my family, and I'll rest in peace," she added weakly.
She hadn't even gotten halfway through her plea, yet her death felt imminent.
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