Ruthless Hearts

pte

o Marry

n't marry someone like that. What about my children? How can I raise them in a life like this?" Gladys cupped her face. "I know, my love and I also know how you feel right now. But I promise you, I won't hate you for whatever choice you make. This is your life. You must decide what's best for you."and no one can decide your life for you not even me or your father. She pulled her into another hug before stepping away. "I love you." Then, she left the room. Camilie's hands trembled. A choice? She had no choice. It was either marrying Luciano... or watching her parents be slaughtered. No. I have to run. Moments later, the deep rumble of a car engine echoed through the house. Camilie froze. She rushed to the window and peeked outside. Black SUVs. Her stomach turned to ice. She didn't wait any longer, she grabbed a coat, slipped on a pair of flats, and rushed to the window at the back of the house. The moment she saw an opening, she climbed out, her heart hammering in her chest. By the time they stepped into the house, she was already gone. The front door opened, and heavy boots stomped into the house. Enzo, Luciano's most trusted soldier, stepped inside his face void of emotion. His cold eyes locked onto Nikolai. "Where's the girl?" His voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument. Nikolai swallowed. "She's in her room." "Call her." Without hesitation, Nikolai turned to his wife. "Gladys, go get her." Gladys' heart pounded as she stood. Slowly, she made her way upstairs, dread filling her with every step. She knocked on Camilie's door. "Camille?" No response. She knocked again. Still nothing. Her chest tightened. She twisted the knob- The door creaked open. Her breath caught in her throat. The window at the back was wide open. Camille was gone. Her sharp scream echoed through the house. Nikolai, Enzo, and the other guards rushed upstairs. The moment Enzo saw the empty room, his expression darkened. Rage flared in his eyes. He turned to Nikolai, his patience snapping. Grabbing him by the collar, he dragged him down the stairs, his grip bruising. "You think we're fools?" Enzo snarled, shoving him against the dining table. "You planned this, didn't you?" "I-I swear, I didn't-" Enzo's eyes flashed. He yanked his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. The moment the call connected, his tone dropped. "She's gone." A pause. Then, a slow, chilling response. "Handle it." Enzo ended the call. He looked at the two guards beside him and gave a single nod. They seized Nikolai, forcing his left hand onto the table. Gladys screamed. "Please! He's telling the truth!" Enzo pulled out a dagger. The room went still. Nikolai's breath came in ragged pants. "Please-" The blade sliced through flesh. Nikolai's agonizing scream filled the house. His fingers-severed from his hand-hit the floor. Blood pooled across the wood as Gladys collapsed, sobbing hysterically. Enzo leaned in close. His voice was deadly calm. "Next time, it'll be your right hand." He straightened, adjusting his sleeves. "Provide the girl." or you die! Then, they left. Gladys, shaking, grabbed a cloth, trying to stop the bleeding. But Nikolai had already passed out. She grabbed the car key to the old trunk in the garage and made her way towards the hospital. Meanwhile, at Valeria's place, she had been trying to reach Camilie all morning, but her phone was off. Just as she was leaving for work, she turned and found Camille standing there, in front of her door, panting heavily, fear written all over her face. "Camilie?!" Valeria rushed to her. "What happened? Why do you look like this?" Camille swallowed hard. "Valeria... I'm in trouble." she shoved her aside and entered the house. "Sat on the couch" "What kind of trouble?"Valeria asks. "My dad..." She took a shaky breath. "He wants to marry me off to a mafia boss because of his debt to them." Valeria's eyes