"You're free to go."
The guard's cold voice echoed through the cold, gray walls as he unlocked my cell. The metal door opened, and I stepped into the blinding light outside.
Finally! I was released from the cage that kept me trapped for two long years. I still remember how I took the fall for my stepbrother, Luca Bianchi and served two years in this brutal prison.
Meanwhile, he was busy building and expanding his empire and playing the dutiful family man.
"I had to save my family's reputation," I whispered under my breath.
After giving it a long thought, the first thing I did after my release was to call home. I was eager to surprise them as I imagined their relief, and their happiness to hear from me again, but the response was…silence.
"Uncle, I'm out."
Before I could say more, the line went dead. Richard, my paternal uncle, my father's only brother had hung up on me. It was so unlikely of him.
My throat tightened and my stomach churned. The next moment I hailed a cab and headed straight for home. My heart was accelerating at the highest speed as I hoped that everything would be alright there.
When I reached there, I heard the whispering of voices. All of them were familiar yet cold, echoing through the front door.
My hand froze on the handle as I recognized Celestia—Luca’s wife—and my stepmother, Gracia's voice.
"Why is she returning home?" Celestia’s voice was cold, almost panicked. “Of all days, she had to get out today. I had something important to deal with."
Within seconds, my stepmother, Gracia's reply came. “It’s for the best. Don't worry, she won't be here for long. Now with records like her, she’ll even struggle to find a job. Nobody is going to accept her as a Mafia princess."
When I heard their icy words, it felt like a knife pierced my heart. My mother, who had died protecting this family’s legacy, had been replaced by a woman who was treating me as nothing more than a hindrance.
And my father… he would have killed Gracia if he would have been alive.
Meanwhile, Celestia’s voice turned more aggressive.“I’m not living with an ex-con. Let her fight for herself—she’s not my family."
My blood ran cold. The people who I thought would welcome me back were already conspiring to get rid of me.
But just as I stepped towards the door, shaken, I felt the sharp press of a gun barrel against my spine. As I turned back, I only saw one of Luca’s guards, his gaze cold and predatory.
“Miss,” he said, forcing a smirk, "You aren't allowed inside."
Before I could comprehend his words, he shoved me back from the door, the metal of the gun shining under the dim light.
Due to the sudden commotion, Gracia opened the door. Her eyes widened as she found me on the ground. Her face settled into an expression of forced surprise.
“Victoria!” She gave me a long look. Her gaze roamed over my worn clothes and tired face. “You’re… home? My poor girl, prison must’ve been tough on you.”
There was a hint of mockery in her wrinkled eyes.
“Yeah, but I managed,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady and stood up.
Without delay, I stepped inside, but before I could take another step, Celestia rushed forward with a bottle of disinfectant spray.
Her lip curled in distaste. Without hesitation, she emptied half the bottle over me, drenching me from head to toe.
“Don’t take it personally, Victoria,” she mumbled. “Just making sure you’re not bringing any bad luck with you.”
I clenched my fists, the sting of humiliation burning through me, but I kept silent. I knew my place there was shaky and fragile, and for now, I didn’t want to fight. I just wanted to be home.
Without another word, I turned toward my room. As I opened the door, I froze.
Boxes and bags filled the space. The clutter was filling every corner. My belongings were nowhere to be seen.
I turned to Gracia, who was standing in the hallway, her gaze averted. “Mom, what happened to my room?”
She bit her lower lip as she avoided my eyes. “Well… you were gone for so long, and Celestia needed the space. We had to use your room for storage.”
“And my things?” I was blanked. I opened my mouth twice but no words came out. Even though I already dreaded the answer, still I forced myself to ask,
She looked away. “We got rid of them.”
Every word hit me like a slap, but it was my uncle, Richard, who twisted the knife deeper.
From the sofa, he barely glanced at me. “Victoria, Celestia's five months pregnant. She needs a clean, open space for the baby. You didn’t need those things anymore.”
I stood there. It wouldn't be a lie if I said that I was feeling like a stranger in the home where I’d once dreamed of returning to. I was abandoned by the people I’d sacrificed everything for.
My heart sank further as I looked around. My chest tightened. But just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. With an unconscious mind, I pulled it out and saw a new message.
“Thank you for protecting my daughter.”
At that moment, my mind went back to the prison. I remembered the girl I’d protected there. The one who was targeted by other inmates simply because of her family’s wealth and status
Despite the bruises and injuries I'd endured, I’d kept her safe. Later on, I got to know that she was the daughter of the most influential and powerful business tycoon. His empire was stretched deep into the underworld.
Another message buzz brought me back to the present moment. I blinked twice, rereading the words as it was a bank notification.
"A hundred million dollars has been credited to your account."
