Claire's POV
I applied some make-up around my eyes gently, staring into the mirror, my blue eyes blinking back.
I need to get back to my life, but before I do that, I have to ensure a safe exit.
I packed my white hair into a bun as I looked into the mirror, my suit giving me a professional vibe...
I looked through the car window as the car drove through the road slowly.
Today is the day Victor finally allowed me to go out after somewhat ages.
So, I decided to go see my family, because I didn't really have much friends after marrying Victor.
Oh, hi, totally forgot you'd be probably wondering how I got here-
Well... I used to live a normal life back home, almost abnormal btw.
My sister, Lena - the life of the house... And there's me, the wanna be perfect daughter.
All for my dad, cause... he wasn't really present in my life, ever since my step mother, Evelyn showed up at our house when I was seven, to 'take care' of Lena and I.
My mum had died mysteriously when I was younger, and my dad has been avoiding that conversation in forever!...
But that's not my problem.
Neither is Evelyn my problem too.
My real problem is Victor Hale, my forcefully wedded husband, who I had to give up my dreams on because of family.
Yeah!... Family.
The same family that never really regarded my opinions, or even cared about me, all they cared about was their stupid company...
That generated millions, that funded my 'baby girl lifestyle'-but whatever!
The fact still remains that I was never put into consideration at any point, I had to get married to a man I didn't love, for a reason only God knows why.
And sooner or later, I'm gonna find out about my marriage to Victor.
And also, what happened to my mom...
I stepped out of the car, guards following behind me as I looked around the very environment i used to spend school holidays back then as a kid.
'To be honest... this wasn't the life I really wanted'. I heaved a sigh.
All I ever wanted, was to be free.
Free from the noise, gunshots, and all the danger associated with 'The Obsidian Circle', an elite group involving the most dangerous....
And also the most wealthiest gangs in Italy, with a lot of powerful people tied to their name.
And my father, as the "Top Doug", controlling and overseeing...
Every. Single. Operation.
I stepped into the penthouse, the fragrance of roses and fine perfumes instantly greeting my nostrils.
Gold and white lights majestically positioned everywhere, on the ceilings, the white-painted walls, floor...you name it.
And all as good I remember too.
Even though my step mother never liked us, there was one thing that she could never stop loving...
Her love for cleanliness.
And that was our only point of contact in life.
The rest? We don't get along.
And it's better we keep it that way.
A butler approached where I was standing with my guards and gave me a bow.
"He says you should come meet him in the balcony". He said lowly, head faced down to the floor.
"Okay, you may leave now". I replied in a soft tone.
I walked out of the elevator, heading down the hallways.
The sound of my heels clicked along the tiles as I went deeper, pushing open a wide glass door.
The smell of cinnamon and cigars hit my nose immediately, making me feel dizzy for a split second.
The balcony gave an open view to the estate, and the blue sky above it.
The vast land across was covered in grass, where the cows were grazing.
I gazed at the chubby figure smoking and sitting in front of me, his long gray hair weaved all back, bringing out his wrinkled face.
"Is that how you greet your father after seeing him again?". A deep baritone voice spoke in an Italian accent.
"I'm sorry dad, good morning". I said dryly, bowing my head.
"Now that's my girl". He replied, pouring more wine for himself.
I rolled my eyes without him noticing.
"I came to see you father". I said as I stood in front of him.
"Sit". He drank from his glass of wine.
I sat down across him, crossing my legs. "It's been a long time since we've talked, you know.... like father and daughter". I said in a soft tone, a butler pouring out some wine for me.
"You're a married woman now Marianna, why would you want me pestering you?". He called my nickname, smoke escaping his mouth and nose.
"Actually, I wanted to-". His phone call cut me off.
"Sorry Mi amor, I have a meeting to attend, we'll talk about it later". He carried his phones and walked out with his guards.
I heaved a sigh, realizing I was now alone.
I stood up after a while to take my leave, walking down the hallways.
I was hoping to see Lena, but it doesn't look like she's here, and I can't even wait for her.
I have to be back home after two hours, and it took us almost forty minutes to get here.
Thank God I didn't meet Evelyn though.
"I really wanted dad to hear me out, even if it was just this once". I heaved a sigh.
I got into the car and sat by the window as it drove off, thinking about life with Victor which has been going on for four years now, even though it wasn't always like this.
I had tried remembering the voice from the phonecall, but it didn't really clear out.
A text came in on my phone, snapping me from my thoughts...
I paced around the room angrily, waiting for Victor to come back.
"Ding-Dong!". The doorbell rang, Victor's footsteps rise as he was approaching the room.
He pushed the door open, closing the door behind him.
"Oh, you're back, how was your day darling?". He asked with a smirk on his face.
"You know what you did Victor!"
"What did I do?". He asked innocently, removing his shoes.
"You fucking removed two hundred million dollars from my foreign reserve, knowing fully well that's my life savings". I spoke out, tears welled up in my eyes but I fought them back.
Victor came closer.
"And what are you going to do about it, huh?".
"Don't you fucking say that!"
"Whack!"
A stinging slap landed on my face.
He pushed me on top of the bed, walking closer to me.
"Everything you have belongs to me now". He said angrily, his eyes now red.
