The Mafia's Relentless Obsession

Hotel Bellagio, Milan – Midnight.

The crystal chandeliers glittered brightly in the lavish lobby, now in complete chaos.

"Trouble, sir! Your bride ... she's gone."

Lucien Deveraux spun around immediately, gripping the collar of the man before him tightly with both hands.

"You're useless!" he spat, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Find her! If you don't ... I'll end your life tonight!" he added, his tone firm, causing the man to gulp nervously and nod in agreement.

Minutes later, a woman named Laura Marchand was seen running frantically, her wedding dress trailing behind her on the floor.

Her breath was shallow, panic clear on her face, and her hands trembled as she quickly slipped off her high heels to run faster.

"I-I need to get out of here," she murmured, her voice shaking.

Her heart pounded, not just from the rush of her escape but from the terror that gripped her mind.

She knew exactly who was chasing her. Not the guests. Not her family-she was alone in the hotel tonight-but Lucien Deveraux, the man she had just fled from.

"LAURA!" His deep voice echoed down the hallway.

In an instant, Laura froze as two of Lucien's men blocked her path. She gasped for air, her body stiff with fear.

The sound of Lucien's footsteps grew louder, steady and relentless, like a predator closing in.

No one dared stop him-his command was absolute.

Laura bit her lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

Seconds later, Lucien stood before her, his hands casually tucked into his pants pockets.

He was tall, his black suit perfectly hugging his muscular frame. His cold gray eyes pierced through her like arrows.

"You're bold, running from me," he said, his voice icy. There was no fury in it, only a calm menace that made it even more terrifying.

"I won't marry a killer like you!" Laura finally found her voice, though it trembled.

"My father ... he died because of you, Lucien! And you think I could live with the man who killed my father?"

Lucien smirked slightly after hearing her words, but his smile was more of a mocking dismissal, as if her father's death didn't matter.

"Don't act like you know everything, darling."

"What you saw ten years ago ... that wasn't my fault."

Lucien leaned closer, whispering softly, "But it was your father's weakness that killed him."

Laura stepped back, her anger now uncontrollable, but Lucien effortlessly cornered her against the wall.

His large hand gripped her wrist-not roughly, but firmly enough to ensure she couldn't escape.

"Listen closely," he said in a low voice, his face inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin.

"You can hate me, curse me, even try to run a thousand times, but I will always find you."

"If anyone dares to hide you ... I'll tear Milan apart to find you, Laura," he whispered, grinning as he saw the defiant expression on her face, as if her fear had turned into courage.

"You've belonged to me since the day we met," he added.

A flood of memories hit Laura like a violent storm. Lucien's cold stare and deep voice triggered memories she had buried long ago.

Three Years Ago, Marseille Harbor.

The salty sea breeze stung her nose, mingling with the metallic scent of blood as two factions exchanged gunfire, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder.

Laura, just finishing work, never imagined that night would turn into a nightmare.

The sound of gunfire shattered the silence, freezing her in place. From behind the massive shipping containers, she saw a man fall, a bullet wound in his abdomen.

She should have run. She knew that. But for some reason, her feet moved her closer to him, curiosity overwhelming her.

"A-Are you still alive?" Laura asked softly.

The man, pale and covered in blood, lifted his head and locked eyes with her.

His gray eyes were sharp like a wolf's, but tired, as though death was near.

"Go," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Or you'll die too."

Ignoring his warning, Laura checked his wound, seeing the bullet lodged in his side.

"Stay still," she ordered as she ripped the hem of his shirt, trying to bandage the wound. She pressed the cloth tightly against the wound, though he groaned in pain.

"Forget about me, save yourself!" he urged, his breath labored.

"You'll die if this wound stays open," Laura replied firmly.

The man looked at her, impressed by her seriousness, then gave a small, cold smile.

"What's your name?"

Before Laura could respond, heavy footsteps echoed nearby. Male voices mixed with angry shouts filled the air.

"They're coming," Lucien whispered. "Go now!"

Laura shook her head. She saw the gun in Lucien's hand, weak from his injuries. A daring decision formed in her mind.

"Give me the gun," she demanded.

Lucien looked at her, surprised. "You can't take them on!"

"If I don't protect you, you'll die here," Laura said firmly.

"Give it to me!"

Reluctantly, Lucien handed her the gun, and Laura, who had never held a weapon before, positioned herself in front of him.

She took a deep breath as two armed men appeared before her, each holding a gun.

Her hands trembled slightly as she raised the pistol. The men laughed, dismissing her as no threat.

But when one of them moved forward, Laura squeezed the trigger without hesitation, her eyes shut tight.

The gunshot echoed, followed by a scream as one of the men clutched his leg.

Lucien, stunned by her courage, grabbed a backup gun from his belt and shot the second man with deadly precision.

When it was over, Laura collapsed to her knees, gasping for air, her hand shaking from the weight of the gun.

She looked at Lucien, who wore a small, almost amused smile-whether out of relief or admiration for her daring actions, she couldn't tell.

"Why did you save me?" Lucien asked.

"You think I could just stand by while someone's dying? You need to get to the nearest hospital before that wound gets worse."

As Laura started to leave, Lucien suddenly grabbed her hand, pulling her close, and their lips met in a kiss.

SLAP!

"Bastard! I should have let you die at the hands of those two!" she shouted, furious.