"It was the way he said 'mine', like I wasn't a person, but a possession he had every right to protect."
*****
Alessia was fast asleep when a loud knock woke her up. She sat up slowly, still half-asleep, and looked at the clock. It was late. Very late.
She yawned and got out of bed, her feet touching the cold floor. The knock came again, louder this time.
"Who could that be?" she murmured, walking slowly to the door.
As soon as she opened it, two tall, strong men grabbed her. She tried to scream, but one of them covered her mouth. She kicked and struggled, but they were too strong.
"Let me go!" she screamed as they dragged her inside and forced her to sit on a chair.
Her heart was beating fast. She didn't understand what was happening.
Then, a man walked in slowly, dressed in a suit. He pulled a chair and sat in front of her.
"I'm sorry about the rough welcome," he said. "But I love to do things this way."
Alessia's hands were shaking.
"Who are you?" she asked, trying to sound brave.
The man gave a small smile.
"I guess your late father did not tell you about me. I have been the person you have been paying the debt your father owed."
Alessia froze and said, "La Notte Nera."
"When you started getting involved with the mafia, I knew you were brave. You're not scared to die in the hands of."
Her eyes widened. "What do you want?"
La Notte Nera leaned back in his chair, eyes locked on Alessia.
"I had a deal with your father," he said coldly. "I promised not to disturb you—as long as you keep quiet and far from trouble."
He stood up slowly and took a step closer to her.
"You got in touch with someone I hate. Someone I want erased from this world. My enemy."
Alessia gasped softly. She already knew who he meant.
"Enrico."
"You have 24 hours. If you don't..." He paused, bending down until his face was inches from hers. "Maybe you'll join your father... and rest in peace."
Her whole body trembled. Tears filled her eyes. She dropped to her knees and begged, "Please... please don't hurt me."
La Notte Nera laughed.
"La Notte Nera doesn't forgive," he whispered.
Then he stood tall again, looked down at her one last time, and turned to leave.
Before he walked out the door, he said, without turning back, "Twenty-four hours. Use them wisely."
As soon as the door closed behind La Notte Nera, she fell to the floor. Her hands were shaking as she grabbed her phone.
She dialled Champagne's number.
It rang once... twice...
"Alessia?" Champagne's voice came through, sleepy.
"Champagne... I should have listened to him. I was afraid to believe Enrico... but he was right. La Notte Nera came for me."
"What?" Champagne shouted, fully awake now. "Are you okay? What happened?"
"I'm not okay," Alessia whispered, wiping her tears. "He gave me twenty-four hours to pay the remaining money my dad owed him."
Champagne went silent for a moment.
"Alessia, what are you going to do?"
Alessia took a deep breath, trying to calm her heartbeat.
"I'm going to apologise to Enrico publicly. Maybe it's the only way to fix this."
Champagne was quiet for a second, then said gently, "I'll be there for you. Whatever happens."
"Thank you," Alessia whispered. "I'm scared... but I can't run anymore."
After the call ended, she stood up, grabbed her coat, and left the house.
Stopping a taxi, she boarded immediately. She checked the time. It was almost mid-morning.
"To the Rosetti estate."
Fifteen minutes later, she stood in front of the tall black gates. She knocked, and a guard came out.
"Good morning. Sorry I am here this late, but I need to see your boss. Tell him Alessia is here to see him."
Xavier saw her from the window upstairs.
"Boss, I think they have struck. She is here."
"Tell them to let her in," Enrico said, his seat facing backwards; only the smoke from his cigarette filled the room.
Xavier gave him a nod and went out. "Let her in."
Alessia walked into the house and bowed to Xavier.
"He's expecting you," he said, leading her through the pathway.
They stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. Xavier knocked once, then pushed it open.
She stepped inside.
The room was dark, except for the light coming from a large screen on the wall. Enrico's chair was turned away, facing the screen. He watched in silence.
Then, slowly, he spun the chair around.
His eyes met hers.
"Still waiting for your apology. I never knew you could be remorseful."
Alessia rolled her eyes and walked closer.
"Will you keep your end of the bargain?"
Enrico stood up, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt, and stepped towards her.
"I said I would think about it."
Alessia's voice rose in panic.
"There is nothing to think about! He's coming for me, Enrico. I don't have much time left!"
"I told you what to do," he said. "Go live. Apologise to me in front of everyone."
"I will," Alessia said quickly. "I'll do it. I just need to know you'll keep your word."
Enrico laughed hard.
"You haven't done anything yet. Words mean nothing."
"I'm serious," she said. "Please... I need your help."
He leaned closer. His fingers reached out and touched her hair gently.
"You washed your hair," he whispered. "Smells nice."
She slapped his hand away and took a step back.
"Go to hell, Enrico Rossetti."