The Don's Captive Heart

Amelia's POV

Every step I took felt heavier than last. Gravel stones crunched under my shoes as I walked toward the massive mansion ahead. Its dark windows looked like empty eyes, watching my every move. Behind me, the iron gates shut with a loud clang, locking me inside.

The mansion buzzed with energy. Servants rushed around, carrying trays and decorations. Everyone was preparing for tonight: Alessandro Rossi's coronation as the new Don.

The name sent a chill through me. Rossi. It was the name that had haunted me for years.

I could still hear my father's trembling voice: "Stay hidden, Amelia." The gunshots came next. My mother's scream. Then silence. The kind of silence that leaves scars and stays with you forever.

When it was over, they were gone.

My grandfather took me in, and with him, I learned the truth: "The Rossi family killed them. Alessandro Rossi gave the order. Never forget."

I never did and that's why I was here.

"Amelia Garcia?"

A sharp voice broke through my thoughts, yanking me back to the present.

I turned to see an older woman with a hard expression plastered on her face and eyes that seemed to pierce through mine. She looked like she hadn't smiled in ages.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice hoarse.

"You're late," she snapped, staring at me with disgust.

"I'm sorry...I..."

"No excuses." She cut me off with a death glare. "Follow me. And keep up."

I swallowed hard, clutching the straps of my bag as I ran after her. The sound of her heels echoed through the marble halls as she listed off my duties, her voice void of any emotion.

"There are only three things expected of you in this mansion," she barked. "You'll clean, you'll serve, and you'll stay out of sight. Fail, and you'll be gone faster than you can blink."

I nodded mutely, trying my best not to be kicked out on the first day. My plan here was simple: get close to Alessandro and when the time is right end his reign. Not hard right?

She gestured abruptly to another maid, a girl with bright red hair and a mischievous grin. "This is Isabelle. She'll show you around. Let's see if you can keep up, but I doubt you will."

With that, the woman walked away, leaving me with Isabelle. The moment she was gone, Isabelle leaned in, her grin widening.

"Welcome to the Rossi's mansion," she said cheerfully. " That was Madam Serena by the way, the head maid of the house, she's like that with everyone, so try to stay on her good side."

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling overwhelmed by the new surroundings.

Isabelle's eyes softened as she saw my nervousness. "You'll be fine. Just keep your head down. And whatever you do, don't mess up tonight."

"Tonight?"

She raised an eyebrow. "The coronation. It's not just a party. It's Alessandro Rossi's debut as the new Don. The city's most important people will be here tonight.

I nodded firmly, trying to grasp every bit of knowledge about my parents' murderer.

*******************

The evening came by quickly, and the grand ballroom screamed luxury. Diamond chandeliers hung from the ceiling casting a warm glow on the sea of tuxedos and gowns in the room.

I was arranging the flowers when I sighted Madam Serena glaring at me from across the room. Her eyes were laced with curiosity as she observed me, causing me to feel a little nervous. Was I doing anything wrong? I thought to myself.

My hands suddenly started trembling as I adjusted the vase causing one of it to trip over.

"Careful!" Isabelle hissed, grabbing it before it fell. "You're lucky no one saw that."

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding, thankful she had caught it in time, before Madam Serena would scold me. But before I could say anything, the mood in the room changed.

All eyes seemed to look scared as they stared at something, more like someone.

I turned around, and there he was. Alessandro Rossi. I'd never met him in person before but I didn't need anyone to describe who he was.

He entered like he owned the air itself. He was tall, with broad shoulders, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His blond hair was slightly messy, something he intentionally did to make him look gorgeous.

But it was his eyes that held me captive, they were dark, cold, and intriguing. He scanned the room as if he was searching for something and it stopped when he locked eyes with me.

Why is he looking at me? My hands were shaking slightly as I tried to focus on the flowers, but his gaze held me in place, as if daring me to make a mistake.

"Don't," Isabelle hissed, nudging me to look away.

I immediately dropped my eyes, but it was too late. He was already walking toward me.

The crowd seemed to part for him, creating a path as he approached. My heart raced rapidly as I felt his gaze still trained on me. He stopped right in front of me, and I slowly looked up to meet his eyes.

He was incredibly attractive, gazing at the flowers I was putting together.

"Is this where you were assigned to?" he asked, his voice low.

I froze, panic surging the "I.....yes, sir."

He stared at me for a moment, his face unreadable. Then he reached out and adjusted the flowers himself.

The action felt more unsettling than if he had scolded me.

"Sloppy," he muttered, his voice like ice. "If this is the best you can do, you won't last here."

Heat spread across my face, humiliation washing over me. My fingers gripped the edge of the table trying to keep myself steady. "I....I'm sorry," I stammered.

"Sorry doesn't fix incompetence." His eyes met mine. "What's your name?"

"Amelia," I whispered.

"Amelia," he repeated, slowly. Then His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile.

"Where are you from?" he asked suddenly, his voice smooth but laced with quiet authority.

"The city, sir," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"The city," he repeated, amused. "How vague." He stepped closer, and I felt the space between us growing tight.

I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. A flicker of something passed through his expression

Pity? No, not pity. Something darker.

"You're new here," he continued. "You have no idea what kind of place this is, do you?"

"No, sir," I admitted. All I could think about was destroying him for taking my parents' life away. The sight of him, smirking before me, only intensified my hatred towards him.

He looked at me for a moment before saying, "You will work as my maid from now on."

His maid? "What? Why?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped closer. "You're weak," he said bluntly. "This house will eat you alive. The others....they're too clever, too jaded. I don't trust clever people."

I blinked, confused. "I....I don't understand."

"Of course, you don't." His faint smirk chilled me. "I've seen enough trembling hands and downcast eyes to know the truth. Consider yourself lucky. If you're under my watch, you might last longer than a week."

At this point, I was beyond confused, why did Alessandro single me out? Did he know who I was? Did he suspect something?

A smile made its way to my lips. Being his maid wasn't a bad idea after all, it would bring me closer to him, making it much easier to end his life.

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, his command echoing behind him.

"Follow me."

I walked behind Alessandro as he led me to his private quarters. As I expected, the room was dark and imposing, filled with the smell of leather and wood.

He settled at his desk, his pen tapping idly against the polished wood. I couldn't help but trace his features. He was truly stunning, especially for a murderer. But I remembered he was a Rossi and the Rossi's were monsters.

"Do you have a reason for staring?" he asked suddenly, tilting his head and studying me like a puzzle he wasn't sure he wanted to solve.

I turned away. "N-no, sir."

"Pathetic," he muttered, his voice cold and sharp.

"Let's make something clear, Amelia. I don't tolerate failure. In this house, there are no second chances, but I'm giving you an exception. The next time I see you falter, you'll wish you'd never stepped foot in this mansion."