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ELENA'S POV
The truck had rumbled to a stop, and my heart raced. The gate in front of us opened slowly, revealing a grand mansion that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. Antonia, my cousin, and Uncle Julio were all dressed up, elegant and fancy.
But there I was, dressed in cheap clothes that looked like I was in rags. The guards greeted Antonia and Uncle Julio with respect, but when their eyes met mine, I shrank under their gaze. We stepped inside the huge house, and it was like entering another world.
Dark paintings hung on the walls, and the floors were so shiny that I could almost see my own reflection. The theme colors of the mansion were strange but beautiful – black, amethyst, and gold.
It was both enchanting and intimidating. We moved through grand hallways, and I couldn't help but admire the beauty around me. Finally, we reached the dining room.
A long table was set with fancy dishes, and at the head of it all was Dante, the man who ran this place. He looked just as powerful as people described him, and everyone said he was the big boss. Antonia and Uncle Julio greeted Dante with smiles, but I just stood there, like a little mouse in a lion's den.
Uncle Julio had been to this grand house before, talking about Antonia's marriage. Antonia and Dante were to get married. But every time he came back, he seemed more like a mere slave, bound by invisible chains.
As we entered the dining room, Uncle Julio started with his usual cheap talk, trying to make Dante laugh. "Ah, Dante, my friend! You know, they say laughter is the key to a long life. So, let's share a joke or two, shall we?" He chuckled nervously, but Dante's face stayed as serious as ever. Dante glanced at me, and I felt his eyes lingering, but I avoided his gaze.
Antonia, on the other hand, started engaging in strange talk with Dante. "Oh, Dante, I have always imagined myself as the next mafia princess. I have these fantasies," she said, trying to sound seductive.
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