Her Love and Betrayal by Angie José

Evelyn

The sound of my father's voice echoed through the empty hallway, sharp and desperate. I paused outside his study, my hand hovering over the doorknob. I wasn't supposed to be here. He'd made that clear the last time I'd interrupted one of his "business meetings." But something about the way he was speaking, frantic, almost pleading-made me stay.

"I'll pay you back," he said, his voice trembling. "I just need more time."

I pressed my ear to the door, my heart pounding. Who was he talking to? And why did he sound so afraid?

"Time?" a cold, unfamiliar voice replied. "You've had enough time, Marco. The debt is due. And if you can't pay it, I'll take what's mine."

I froze. The voice was calm, almost bored, but there was an edge to it that sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't need to see the man to know he was dangerous.

"Please," my father begged. "I'll do anything. Just don't-"

"Anything?" the man interrupted, his tone sharp. "Then you'll give me your daughter."

My breath caught in my throat. No. He couldn't mean me. He couldn't.

"Evie?" my father said, his voice barely a whisper. "But she's just a girl. She has nothing to do with this."

"She's the only thing of value you have left," the man replied. "Either you give her to me, or I take everything. Your business. Your home. Your life. The choice is yours."

I stumbled back from the door, my mind racing. This couldn't be happening. My father wouldn't- he couldn't- agree to this. But deep down, I knew the truth. He'd already made his choice.

The door swung open, and I came face-to-face with the man who'd just sealed my fate. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a sharp jawline that looked like it had been carved from stone. His dark eyes swept over me, cold and calculating, as if I were nothing more than a piece of property.

"Evie," my father said, his voice shaking. "This is Don Alessandro Romano. He's... he's here to help us."

I wanted to laugh. Help us? This man wasn't here to help. He was here to take.

Alessio stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "You'll come with me," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Tonight."

I shook my head, my throat tight. "No. I won't."

He tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You don't have a choice."