Falling For The Father: Chapters 1–5

The ballroom of the Marino mansion glowed under the glass chandeliers that reflected light like scattered stars. The air was filled with the scent of fresh roses from the family’s private gardens and expensive cologne, mixed with the aroma of traditional Italian appetisers being served by staff who moved with precision.

Armed guards dressed in tailored suits stood at strategic points, their earpieces occasionally catching the light. They maintained their positions with military precision, a small reminder that this wasn’t just a celebration, it was a display of power.

Standing on the raised platform at the head of the room was Antonio Marino. His sharp Armani suit and perfectly styled hair framed a face that could intimidate and charm in equal measure. At 26, he was already a name whispered in respect and fear throughout the underworld. By his side stood Daisy Fontana, her soft blonde hair flowing freely over her shoulders, her blue gown clinging to her delicate body. She radiated beauty and elegance.

In the far corner of the room, Vincenzo stood apart, his presence commanding despite his silence. He was a man of few words. Tonight, however, his sharp gaze seemed fixed on Daisy. He barely acknowledged the greetings of the many guests who approached him, his piercing eyes studying her every move with unnerving intensity.

Antonio raised his glass, breaking the sound of conversations, and commanding attention with ease. "Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate with us. Some of you have known me since I was a boy, you watched me grow into the man who will one day lead our family." His eyes swept the room, acknowledging the powerful families present. "Tonight isn't just about celebrating love, it's about the future of our organization."

The crowd gave a brief applause, and Daisy’s heart fluttered.

He turned to Daisy and continued. "It's my pleasure to finally introduce my fiancée to our world. As expected of the next Don, I'm supposed to marry someone worthy of our name, someone who can stand beside me when I become the next Don of the Italian mafia. So allow me to introduce Daisy..."

"No!" The sharp cry disrupted the moment. "You can't possibly be serious about this farce."

The voice cut through the applause, silencing the room and drawing every gaze to its source.

Near the centre of the crowd, Sofia Fontana stepped forward. Her fiery red gown hugged her figure like a second skin, the bold colour reflecting her brash personality. Her dark eyes gleamed with something between triumph and hatred.

"You can't get engaged to her," Sofia declared, her voice filled with confidence.

"Sofia, what's the meaning of this?" Daisy asked, her voice low.

Antonio's grip tightened around the microphone, his knuckles turning white. "What exactly are you implying, Sofia?"

"Oh, I'm not implying anything." Sofia's dark eyes gleamed with malice as she moved closer to the platform. "I'm just stating facts. You're the heir to the most powerful family in Milan. You're supposed to marry someone with value, someone whose blood is worth something." Her lips curved into a cruel smile. "Not some bastard who doesn't even know who her real father is."

"How dare you..." Daisy started, but Sofia cut her off.

"How dare I? How dare you!" Sofia's voice rose with rage. "You've been parading around like you belong in our world, like you're worthy of the Marino name. Tell them, dear sister. Or should I even call you that?"

"I don't know what you think you're doing Sofia, but you're getting on my nerves," Antonio muttered.

"My father only has one daughter, and that's me, not her. I didn’t say anything while you two dated because I thought you'd realise that eventually. But it seems this bitch has been making a fool of you this entire time." Sofia glared at Daisy. "So before you make any decisions you might regret, I thought you should know the truth."

Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. Donna Russo, wife of a rival family’s capo, leaned toward her husband. "I always said the Fontanas were hiding something," she murmured, loud enough for those nearby to hear. Other mafia wives who had fawned over Daisy moments ago now turned their backs, gravitating toward Sofia like moths to a flame.

In the corner of the room, Vincenzo tilted his head, his gaze hardening. His eyes hadn’t left Daisy even once, watching her reaction as if her every move was a puzzle he intended to solve.

Antonio turned to Daisy, who stood frozen, her face pale. "Is this true?"

"Antonio, please," Daisy reached for his hand, but he pulled away. "This isn't how I wanted you to find out."

But Sofia wasn’t done. She took a step forward, her voice laced with mock concern. "Of course it's true. Go on, tell him how your mother couldn't keep her legs closed. Tell everyone how your mom had an affair with some random guy while she was married. Tell them how Dad didn’t know you were a bastard until three months after your mother died."

Daisy’s composure cracked, her voice rising. "Shut up, Sofia! Don't you dare talk about my mother!" Daisy's composure finally shattered. "At least my mother wasn't the one who broke up a marriage! Or did you forget how your mother, the maid, was screwing my father while he was still married to mine?"

The crowd's murmurs grew louder. Vincenzo’s eyebrow raised slightly at this new piece of information.

Sofia smirked, unbothered. "Careful, Daisy. You’re letting secrets slip that might not work in your favour. Dad’s not going to be happy about this."

"Enough!" Antonio’s voice cracked like a whip. He turned to Daisy, his eyes cold. "How long were you planning to keep this from me?"

"Believe me, it was never my intention, I wanted to tell you so many times, but I couldn't." Daisy pleaded, tears threatening to fall down her eyes.

"Because you're a liar," Sofia interjected smoothly. "Just like your mother."

"Please, she's always been jealous and always tried to ruin things for me. This is what she wants." Daisy’s voice cracked.

"Oh, am I?" Sofia's eyes glittered dangerously. "Should we talk about the men you've been seeing behind Antonio's back? Like mother, like daughter, right?"

"That's not true!" Daisy shouted. "Antonio, you know me. You know I would never..."

Antonio raised his hand, silencing her. He stared coldly at her, as though he was seeing her for the first time. "Do I know you, Daisy? Do I?"

"Yes," she whispered, reaching for him again. "Are you gonna throw everything away just because of her?"

He caught her wrist before she could touch him, his grip tight enough to make her wince. "How many more lies have you fed me?"

"I'm not lying," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why don’t you trust me?"

His laugh was hollow. "Trust? Do you want to talk about trust? When were you planning to tell me about your real father? Or should I have waited until after the wedding to discover I'd married someone with no valuable connections?"

From his corner, Vincenzo’s gaze hardened. He set his champagne glass down, his fingers tapping against the table. His stare was unwavering as if he could read every unspoken word passing between Daisy and Antonio.

Antonio’s lips curled into a sneer. "I can't marry you, Daisy."

The words hit her like a physical blow.

"What?"

"There's nothing to gain from our marriage," he said, his tone detached.

The truth finally dawned on Daisy. "This... this isn't about trust at all, is it? It's about power. About connections."

"What else would it be about?" His voice was clinical, detached. "Love? Don't be naive, Daisy. How many mafia dons do you know who married for love? It’s just a weakness."

As Antonio spoke, Daisy’s mind flashed back to when they first started dating a year ago. He would show up in front of her with roses, promising her the world. "You're different," he had said then, his charm seemingly genuine. "You see past all this." Now, watching his mask crack, she realized she'd been seeing what she wanted to see all along.

She took a step back, her heart shattering with every word. "Y... you don't love me?"

Antonio’s smirk deepened. "I never loved you. I only wanted our families to merge. You were just a means to an end."

Daisy’s vision blurred as tears spilt down her cheeks. The crowd’s murmurs felt like daggers piercing her skin. Antonio turned back to the room, his voice steady and commanding once more.

"I apologize for the interruption. Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Ms Sofia Fontana."

The room erupted into cheers and murmurs as Sofia ascended the platform, her radiant smile piercing Daisy’s chest like a blade. She took Antonio’s hand, and together they faced the crowd like a royal couple.

In the corner, Vincenzo’s lips thinned. He watched Sofia with a flicker of distaste before his gaze returned to Daisy, now trembling at the edge of the platform.

"I'll make you regret this, Antonio. Even if it’s the last thing I do." Daisy thought, her nails digging into her palms.

As she turned to leave, her eyes locked with Vincenzo’s. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. His piercing gaze was unreadable, but it held an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. Was it pity? Curiosity? Or something more? Daisy broke the gaze and marched toward the exit, her heart pounding. Just as she stepped out into the cool night air, a plan began to form in her mind.

"I think it's high time I take that job offer," she muttered, remembering Vincenzo’s proposal from last week: 'I heard you require a job. Why don’t you come to work for me? I need a new assistant.' At the time, she had thought it would be inappropriate if she accepted. But now... her lips curved into a grim smile. "I just hope his offer still stands."

Vincenzo’s sharp eyes caught what others missed... the slight straightening of Daisy’s spine even as tears fell, the calculated pause before each step toward the exit. Unlike the trembling victim others saw, he recognized a predator awakening. In his eyes, she looked like a lioness retreating to plan her hunt.

His son had just made a grave mistake, but Vincenzo wasn't sure whether to be concerned or intrigued.

From the ballroom, Vincenzo watched her retreating form through the glass doors. For the first time that evening, his lips curved into a faint smile.

Daisy’s POV

I sank into the plush armchair in my father's living room, the fabric still carried a faint scent of expensive cigars. I let out a sob as fragments of the party replayed in my mind, the shocked gasps, the pointing fingers, Sofia's triumphant smirk. My mascara streaked down my cheeks as I cried. Through my blurred vision, I caught my reflection in the antique mirror across the room. I hardly recognized the broken girl staring back at me.

"I can't believe Antonio threw everything away," I whispered, my voice cracking. "All because of her lies. What does it matter if I'm a Fontana or not?" I tried to stop the tears from flowing but I couldn't. "I've been such a fool. I thought he loved me. I thought I could finally escape this nightmare. What am I going to do now?"

I reached for my phone, ready to call my brother, Dante, but the familiar sound of my father's voice reached my ears. They were home. Panic set in as I scrambled to my feet, desperate to get to my room before they saw me.

"Stop right there, young lady!" My stepmother's annoying voice cut through the air, freezing me in place.

I ignored her, attempting to retreat upstairs, but my father's iron grip on my arm stopped me.

"Didn't you hear her?" His voice was low. "What the hell was that stunt you pulled at the party?"

I winced as his fingers dug into my arm. "Ouch, dad please! You're hurting me!"

His face twisted into a frown, and with a sudden shove, I stumbled to the ground.

"How dare you call me that?" He spat, crouching down to grab my chin roughly. He stared coldly at me. "Haven't I told you not to call me that in this house? You're lucky I'm in a good mood tonight, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be punished for humiliating me today."

My throat tightened, fear rising in my chest. "I'm sorry... I..."

"Enough!" His voice boomed. "You're just like your mother, useless and pathetic. But don't worry, I'll find a use for you soon."

He released me with a force that made my head snap back, and I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out. He straightened and strode up the stairs without another word, leaving me trembling on the floor.

As I gathered myself, I noticed Sofia didn't return with them. My stepmother's smug laughter rang out behind me.

"Oh, poor thing. You're probably wondering why Sofia isn’t home," she said, her tone icy. "She's with her fiancé, where she belongs."

I shot her a glare, my throat burning with unshed tears.

"Fiancé?" My voice cracked.

"Oh? Don't tell me you've gone deaf now. Didn't you hear him introduce her to everyone present as his fiancée?" She said, her lips curling into a sinister smile. "Did you really think someone like you could ever hold on to him? Sofia deserves to be the Don’s wife, not you."

Her words hit me like a blow. "You and Sofia planned this, didn’t you?" My voice cracked as anger replaced my despair.

She chuckled. "Of course, we did. What did you expect? I wasn’t about to let you walk out of here and live the life your mother never could. My Sofia deserves everything, and you deserve nothing."

Tears streamed down my face as I rose to my feet. "What did my mother ever do to you? What did I ever do to you?"

"She existed," my stepmother said coldly. "And you’re just a constant reminder of her. Every time I look at you, I see her smug face. But don’t worry, it won’t be for much longer. Soon, you’ll be gone for good."

Her words sent a chill down my spine. What did she mean? Before I could question her further, she sauntered off to her room, leaving me standing there in shock.

---

I had just finished showering and putting on my pj's when Carlotta came into my room. She's the elderly chief maid. Her face was filled with worry.

"Daisy," she said, her voice sounding urgent.

"Ms. Carlotta?" I put down my hair dryer. The elderly maid had been more of a mother to me than anyone since I was a little girl, sneaking me cookies when I was sad and tending to my scrapes and bruises, both visible and hidden after my father's rages.

She glanced around nervously before shutting the door and speaking in hushed tones. "You must leave tonight, child. I overheard your father. He plans to sell you to some men at dawn."

My blood turned cold. "What? Sell me? But... how..."

There's no time for questions, she interrupted, gripping my hand. Your brother isn't here to protect you, so you must go. "I'll pack a small bag for you, I've prepared the back exit." She went to my wardrobe and started putting some clothes into a small tote bag.

"But the guards..."

"I took care of them," she whispered. "They've been... distracted for now. But you must hurry."

"What about you? If they find out you helped me..."

"Don't worry about me," she said firmly. "Just promise me you’ll stay out of sight until Dante returns."

I hesitated, tears brimming in my eyes. "Thank you, Carlotta. I don’t know how to repay you."

"Live, Daisy. That’s all the thanks I need. You deserve to be happy."

She handed me the bag and ushered me out into the night.

---

The hotel lobby was quiet when I arrived. As I approached the desk, I nearly collided with someone stepping out of the elevator.

"Mr Marino?" I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise.

Don Vincenzo Marino stood before me, his commanding presence making the air feel heavier. Unlike Antonio's boyish good looks, there was something dangerous about Mr Marino's refined features; his gaze reminded me of the lions I'd seen at the zoo, beautiful but lethal. His eyes bore into mine, and for a moment, it felt like he could see every crack in my armor, every secret I was trying to hide.

"Daisy," he said, his voice low.

Hearing my name from his lips sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. He had never addressed me that way before... It was always Ms. Fontana.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered. "I didn’t mean to bump into you. But I'm glad I did."

His gaze never wavered. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I... I was looking for a place to stay for a while. Things at home are... complicated."

His brow arched. "Complicated, you say?"

I swallowed hard. "Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about something. If you have time, that is."

"Speak," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

I took a deep breath. "You once offered me a job as your assistant. I was wondering if... if the offer still stands."

For a moment, he said nothing, his eyes locked on mine. The silence was suffocating.

"I promise to take the job seriously," I added quickly. "I... I need this, Mr Marino. I won’t let you down."

Something flickered across his face. Amusement. Perhaps but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"Don't be late tomorrow," he said finally. "I despise tardiness."

My heart leaped in my chest. "Does that mean I got the job?"

"Wasn't that clear?" He said.

"Thank you," I said, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much, sir. I won’t let you down."

"We'll see about that."

Was it me, or did I see him smile? I think I imagined that.

With that, he turned and walked out of the lobby, leaving me standing there.

As his car pulled away, I clenched my fists. "Just wait, Antonio," I muttered under my breath. "You'll regret humiliating me."

The naive, trusting girl who'd walked into that party was gone. In her place stood someone else, someone who understood that in this world of wealth and power, love was just a myth.

For the first time that night, I felt a spark of hope igniting in my chest. I finally got my chance, and I wasn’t going to waste it.

---

I reached for my phone, my lock screen still showing that photo of Antonio and me at a restaurant last month. We had been so happy then, or at least I'd thought we were.

My trembling fingers dialed Dante's number for the tenth time. "Please, please pick up," I whispered as it went to voicemail again. Where was he? My brother had never been unreachable when I needed him before. I'm sure this was all that witches' idea. She must have planned this. I'm sure she made dad send him on some business just to get him away.

"Dante, it's me again. Everything's falling apart. I need you. Please call me back as soon as you can."

Daisy’s POV

The sound of my phone vibrating against the nightstand jolted me awake. I reached for it, squinting my eyes at the screen. My stomach dropped when I saw the name flashing across it. Dad. I rejected the call, my heart pounding in my chest. The phone buzzed again almost immediately, and then again. He kept calling, over and over, relentless as always. I let it go to voicemail this time, squeezing my eyes shut as if that would block out the mess my life had become.

But then, reality struck.

"Oh, no." I sat upright in bed. It was my first day at work, and I was going to be late if I didn't get my ass out of bed.

I rushed into the bathroom. The cold water on my face helped, a little, washing away the remnants of last night’s tears. I stared at my reflection, my pale face staring back at me.

"Get it together, Daisy. You’ve got this," I whispered to myself. "You've survived worse. You can survive this as well."

Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror, checking my outfit. I was wearing a white blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers, paired with nude heels. My outfit was simple and professional enough. I tied my hair into a low ponytail and grabbed my bag.

As I stepped into the elevator, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text. I didn’t want to open it, but my curiosity got the best of me.

Dad: Come back home this minute or I swear I won’t spare you for embarrassing me a second time.

I laughed under my breath. Embarrass you? What did he expect? That I'd sit still while he sold me off to God knows who?

I scoffed, a bitter smile gracing my lips. "Good luck with that," I muttered, deleting the message without replying. I had other things to worry about.

---

I stood in awe, in front of Vincenzo’s company. The glass skyscraper in front of me screamed money, power and intimidation. It was everything Vincenzo was rumoured to embody.

I took a deep breath, clutching the strap of my bag for courage, and pushed the doors open. The lobby was a work of art.

I approached the reception desk, where a woman with perfectly manicured nails was busy tapping away on her phone.

"Hi," I began, trying to sound confident. "I'm Daisy Fontana, the new assistant. Could you direct me to Mr Marino's office?"

She glanced up, eyeing me like an insect. "Do you have an appointment?"

"I'm his assistant," I repeated, forcing a polite smile.

"Assistants don’t look like that." Her eyes scanned my outfit. "You look like you’re here to seduce him, not work for him. I'm sorry but Mr Marino doesn't do bitches."

I clenched my jaw. The nerve of this woman. Look here lady, I'm sure your boss already told you I'd be coming in today. I just need to know where his office is. Can you...

"Miss Fontana?"

The deep voice startled me. I turned to see a tall man approaching. He's handsome.

"Yes," I said cautiously.

"The boss asked me to come get you." He gestured toward the elevators.

Before I could thank him, the receptionist stood, her chair screeching against the floor. "Wait! She doesn’t have an appointment..."

It's obvious she has feelings for Vincenzo. But that's not my problem. She wouldn't be a receptionist if he was interested in her.

The man cut her off with a cool glance. "You're relieved of your duties. Effective immediately."

Her mouth fell open. "You can't be serious..."

"The boss doesn’t tolerate incompetence, and delaying his assistant on her first day? That’s unforgivable," he said, his tone ice-cold. "Pack your things."

The receptionist’s face turned beet red, but she sat down without another word.

"Shall we?" He said, turning to me.

I nodded, following him into the elevator. My heart was pounding, not just from the interaction but from the ruthlessness I’d just witnessed. Vincenzo’s reputation wasn’t exaggerated. If anything, it was understated.

For a brief moment, doubt crept in. Could I work for a man like him? I shook the thought away. There was no turning back now. This was my only way to get close to Antonio again and make him see me in a new light.

---

The elevator opened to reveal a stunning office space with black furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline. Original artwork adorned the walls, a massive desk, and behind it stood the man himself.

"Are you here to admire my office or to work?"

The voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned and there he was, Vincenzo Marino. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in his tailored charcoal suit that made my simple outfit feel like rags. But it wasn’t just his appearance. It's the way he carried himself like he owned not just the room but the very air we breathed.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered, lowering my gaze.

"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.

I obeyed, my palms sweating.

"This is Marco," he said, nodding toward the man who had escorted me. "He'll show you around and brief you on your responsibilities."

"Nice to meet you," Marco said, offering me a kind smile.

I offered a small smile in return and extended my hand for a handshake.

Vincenzo cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the room like a knife. "This isn’t a social gathering. You'll have plenty of time for introductions later."

I nodded quickly. "Understood, sir." I pulled my hand back, swallowing hard.

"Good. Marco, take her around. I expect her to be up to speed by the time I call for her." Vincenzo said, dismissing us with a curt nod.

"Yes, sir," Marco replied, leading me out of the office.

---

Marco led me through the maze of hallways, explaining everything as we went.

"Your main job is to manage his schedule, handle correspondence, and make sure everything runs smoothly." He said, showing me to a desk outside Vincenzo's office. "He's particular about punctuality, so don’t ever be late. The computer system is customized, I'll help you set up your passwords later."

"I won't be late," I assured him, taking in the dual monitors and elaborate phone system.

"He starts his day at 7 AM sharp with a review of international markets. You'll need to have reports ready by 6:45. Coffee... black, no sugar. It should be on his desk by 6:50. He takes lunch at exactly 1 PM unless otherwise specified, and all afternoon meetings must end by 6 PM."

I nodded, mentally cataloguing each detail. "What about his business interests? What should I focus on learning first?"

Marco smiled slightly. "Smart question. He's heavily involved in real estate development, particularly luxury properties. The travel sector is his newest venture, high-end hotels and resorts. You'll need to familiarize yourself with both industries, their key players, and current market trends."

"What's he like as a boss?" I asked hesitantly.

Marco hesitated, then chuckled. "Let's just say he doesn’t tolerate mistakes. But if you work hard and prove yourself, he can be... fair."

That's reassuring, I muttered, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. How was I supposed to get him to notice me if I had to do so much work?

After a while, we stopped outside the restroom. "Take five if you need it. We’ll continue the tour after."

"Thanks," I said, slipping inside.

I barely had time to breathe before voices reached me.

"Did you see her? The girl whose engagement got called off last night?"

"Yeah, and now she’s working here? Talk about desperate,"

"Desperate and manipulative. She already got Sarah fired on her first day,"

"Classic gold-digger move."

My hands curled into fists. I pushed open the stall door and stepped out.

The three girls froze, their eyes wide.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked, my voice cold. "Run along before I decide to get you fired too."

One of them stepped forward. "Who do you think you are..."

"Don't," I interrupted. I rinsed my hands and turned to face them fully. "There are people in this world I can’t stand up to. But you? You’re nothing. So, unless you want me to personally scratch those smug expressions off your faces, stay out of my way."

Then, just for good measure, I flicked the water from my hands onto their faces and walked out.

"Bunch of idiots," I muttered under my breath, my chin held high.

---

I had barely settled at my desk when Vincenzo's voice came through the intercom.

"Miss Fontana. My office. Now."

Taking a deep breath, I smoothed my blouse and walked in, notebook ready. He stood by the window.

"There's a real estate conference next week in Bergamo," he said without turning around. "I need you to arrange everything."

"Everything, sir?"

Now he did turn, his dark eyes assessing me. "Hotel booking, car service, dinner reservations for each night. I'm meeting with five different developers. Research them. I want detailed profiles on my desk by tomorrow morning."

Five developers to research, logistics to arrange, all by tomorrow? "Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?"

His lips curved into what might have been amusement. "Let's see how you handle your first task. Your performance determines if you get to keep working here or not."

Oh my God, did I just get challenged by my boss?

---

By two o'clock, my eyes were burning from staring at the screen. I'd managed to book everything for Milan and was halfway through the developer profiles.

"Hey, new girl." A voice interrupted my concentration. A young girl with black hair stood by my desk. "I'm Isabella. Want to grab lunch?"

I hesitated, surprised by the sudden friendliness.

"Come on," she insisted. "You look like you could use a break."

"Sure." I finally gave in.

---

The small café across the street was packed with office workers. Isabella ordered for both of us, waving away my protest.

"So," she said once we were seated. "You're either very brave or very stupid."

I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "Excuse me?"

"Taking this job. Nobody lasts as Vincenzo's assistant. The last one had a nervous breakdown after two weeks."

"Thanks for boosting my confidence," I said dryly.

Isabella leaned forward. "Look, I'm trying to help. Vincenzo Marino isn't just your average CEO. He's... different. Dangerous. And the way he looked at you when he passed by your desk earlier..."

"The way he looked at me, what?"

"Never mind, just be careful, and don't overwork yourself."

---

I was heading back from the copy room when I heard his voice. My heart stopped.

"Dad, do you have a moment?"

Antonio. Here. Of course he's here, Vincenzo is his father. I just didn't expect to see him today.

I froze,clutching the papers to my chest. Should I turn around? Hide? But before I could decide, he rounded the corner and saw me.

The colour drained from his face. "Daisy?"

I forced myself to stay calm, though my heart was racing. "Antonio."

"What are you doing here?"

"Working," I said coldly. "Or is that too difficult for you to comprehend?"

"You're working for my father?" His voice rose slightly. "After what you did?"

"After what I did? That's rich, coming from you. How's Sofia? Enjoying my ring?"

"You lied to everyone," he hissed, stepping closer. "You're not even a real Fontana."

"No," I agreed, meeting his gaze. "I'm better. Because unlike you, I don't need a family name to prove my worth. And let's not forget who the biggest liar is here. All those fake promises, telling me you loved me when you were only using me to get more power."

"Is there a problem here?"

We both were startled by Vincenzo's voice. He stood in his doorway, his expression unreadable.

"No, dad." Antonio said. "I was just leaving."

"Good." Vincenzo's eyes turned to me. "Daisy, those reports won't copy themselves."

I nodded, slipping past them both. But not before I caught the look of fury on Antonio's face.

One point for me.

---

That night, I sat in my hotel room surrounded by research papers and takeout containers, my phone buzzing with a text from an unknown number.

"Impressive first day. Keep it up. V"

I stared at the message, a smile slowly spreading across my face. I guess I have to work harder to get his attention.

My phone buzzed again. This time it was my father.

"You can't hide forever, Daisy. Come home now, or there will be consequences if I find you myself."

I deleted his message without responding and turned back to my work. Let him threaten. Let Antonio seethe. Let them all underestimate me.

I promise I'll make everyone regret all they've done to me.

Daisy’s POV

The conference was huge. Big bright chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and people were everywhere. The kind of people who had power, money, and everything I didn’t. I stood next to Vincenzo, trying not to feel small. My black dress was nice, but here, it felt plain.

I had spent hours preparing for this moment. Marco had drilled me on protocols, how to stand, how to listen, and how to blend in.

"You're not just an assistant," he had told me. "You're an extension of Vincenzo Marino. Every move you make reflects on him."

Vincenzo leaned down slightly to speak to me, his voice low. "I need to take care of something. Don’t wander too far."

Before I could say anything, he walked off. He blended into this world like he owned it. Well, probably because he did.

I stayed where I was, pretending to listen to the people around me. It was boring. Nothing they said made sense to me. I thought about how I'd gotten here. Just a while ago, I was a girl about to be engaged, living a life I thought I wanted. Now, I was an assistant to a man who'd just as easily kill someone like it meant nothing.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from Sofia.

"Enjoying playing secretary? I don't think Antonio would get back to you. You'll never belong in this world."

I deleted the message, my fingers pressing harder than necessary. I had no time for her mind games. But, if she already knew I was working for Vincenzo, then it wouldn't be long until my dad found me. I thought about asking Vincenzo for help but that didn’t seem possible. I mean, why would he want to help me?

After a while, my feet started hurting, and I got tired of standing. I decided to go find Vincenzo. What's taking so long? I thought the assistant was supposed to be everywhere her boss was.

I walked out of the conference hall, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses fading behind me. The estate was massive, with expensive art on the walls of the long hallways. I wandered around for a bit, not sure where I was going until I found the garden.

The garden was beautiful. The smell of roses filled my nose. For a second, I forgot about the party, and everything else. I felt calm.

Then I saw him.

Vincenzo stood at the far end of the garden. But he wasn't alone. Three men stood with him, and one man was kneeling on the ground. My heart started pounding as I got closer. I wasn’t stupid, I knew what kind of man Vincenzo was. But this... this was different.

I moved closer so I could hear what they were saying, trying my best to stay in the shadows. Of course, I didn’t want them to see me, but I couldn’t look away. I tend to be extremely curious sometimes.

The man on the ground was crying. His face was swollen, and blood was dripping from a cut on his lip. He was begging.

"Please, Mr Marino," he said, his voice shaking. "I have a family. Two kids. They need me. I’ll pay you back, I swear. Just give me more time."

Vincenzo’s voice was cold as he spoke. "I think your time is already overdue. Don’t you agree?"

The man shook his head frantically. "No, no, I swear I was going to..."

"I gave you time. More than enough." Vincenzo said. "And you thought you could play me. You thought I’d forget."

"No, I wasn’t trying to play you!" The man’s voice cracked. "It was a mistake! I’ll fix it! Just a little more time, that's all I ask."

Vincenzo tilted his head like he was thinking. "Don't worry about your family," he said. "They'll be taken care of. But you? Your time is up. I'm sure they'll be better off without you."

The man screamed, begging for his life as Vincenzo pulled out a gun.

"Please..."

The gunshot was loud, ringing in my ears. The man fell forward, his body hitting the ground with a thud.

I gasped before I could stop myself. My hands flew to my mouth, but it was too late. Vincenzo’s head snapped up, his dark eyes stared at me.

I panicked. Without thinking, I turned and walked away as fast as I could. I didn’t run, I was too scared they’d come after me if I did. My heart was racing, my stomach twisting in disgust as I remembered how the bullet went through that man's head.

I made it back into the building, my heels clicking on the marble floor. I just wanted to leave. To get away from this place, from him. I think this was a dumb idea. There's no way I could get a man as ruthless as him to notice me. What if he realises what my plans are and then kills me too? No, never, I can't risk my life for this stupid revenge.

I felt a hand on my waist, causing me to flinch.

"Where do you think you’re going, little woman?"

It was Vincenzo. His voice was calm, but there was something in it that made my skin prickle. I turned to face him, trying to hide how scared I was.

"I... I was just heading back," I said, my voice shaky. "I'm tired."

He raised an eyebrow, his grip on my waist firm. "Tired? Or running away because of what you saw?"

I froze. "I don't know what you’re talking about, Mr Marino."

"Don't lie to me. Daisy." His hand moved to my chin, tilting my face up. His touch was soft, but it felt like a warning. "I hate lies."

"I wasn’t... I didn't mean to see anything, I promise." I said quickly. "I was bored. I went for a walk. That’s all."

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes held mine. Then he chuckled, low and dark.

"You're scared," he said.

I nodded. What else could I do? I was terrified.

"Good," he said. "You should be."

He leaned closer, his face was so close I could feel his breath. My heart was pounding so hard I thought he might hear it.

"You came to me on your own, Daisy," he said, his voice soft but firm. "You could have stayed away after everything, but you didn’t. And now that you’ve seen how I am, don’t try to run. Because I won’t let you."

I didn't know what to say. His words confused me and scared me. Did he mean he’d hurt me? Was it because I saw what happened earlier? But I'm not a threat. I wasn’t planning to tell anyone, even if I did, there's nothing the police can do about it.

"I don't understand, sir," I whispered.

He straightened, letting go of my chin but not my waist. "Come. I'll drop you off at home."

"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. His eyebrows went up, and I rushed to explain. "I'm not going home. You can just drop me at the hotel where we first ran into each other."

"You're still staying at the hotel?"

"Yes," I said. "I mean, just until I find an apartment."

He didn't say anything, but I could tell he was thinking. After a moment, he nodded. "Fine."

He led me to his car, his hand resting on my lower back. His touch was light, but it made me nervous. Or maybe it made me feel something else. No, what's wrong with me? I just saw him kill a man a few minutes ago.

When we got to the car, he opened the door for me. I slid into the seat, my hands folded in my lap. He got in on the other side and instructed the driver on where to go.

The ride was quiet. I stared out the window, trying to calm my racing thoughts. What had I gotten myself into?

But despite everything that happened tonight, I wasn’t as terrified as I thought I would be. The only thing I thought about was the way he looked in the garden, calm and in control. The way he had touched my chin and held my waist earlier.

I wasn’t scared of Vincenzo Marino.

I was fascinated by him. A part of me wished I could be as ruthless and commanding as him. Maybe my life wouldn't have been a complete mess. My father wouldn't have so much power over me. And I could kill everyone who hurt me.

"You're not afraid, Daisy," Vincenzo said suddenly. It wasn't a question.

I looked at him. "Should I be?"

He laughed, q real laugh this time. "Most people would be terrified. But you, you're different."

"Different how?"

"Calculating," he said. "You're trying to understand, not judge."

I thought about my life. About Antonio. About Sofia. About everything I'd gone through. I remained silent, not knowing what to say.

His eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. Something passed between us... understanding. Some kind of connection.

---

That night in the hotel, I couldn't sleep. The image of the man in the garden kept replaying. I should be terrified. I should be planning on how to stay far from Vincenzo.

Instead, all I could think about was what it'd be like if my father knelt in front of me while I put a bullet through his head.

Daisy was in the hotel room, getting ready for work when she heard a knock at the door. She paused, staring at it. It was too early for room service, and she hadn't ordered anything.

"Who is it?" She called cautiously, walking to the door.

There was no response. Her heart raced. Maybe it was just the staff, she thought, trying to convince herself as she opened the door. But the moment it swung open, her blood ran cold.

Her father stood there, staring coldly at her. Three of his men stood behind him.

"Dad," she whispered, taking a step back.

Before she could slam the door, he shoved it open with force, the impact sending her stumbling back. His hand came up faster than she could react, landing a hard slap across her face. Daisy fell to the ground, clutching her stinging cheek.

"You thought you could escape me?" He hissed, towering over her.

"I was... wasn't trying to escape. I swear," Daisy stammered, her voice trembling.

"Liar!" He barked, kicking her hard in the stomach. The force of it left her breathless, and she doubled over in pain.

She tried to crawl away, her fingers clawing at the carpet as tears blurred her vision. But her father grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her up.

"Strip her," he ordered his men coldly.

"No!" Daisy screamed, her voice filled with desperation. "Dad, please I'm sorry! I made a mistake!"

Two of his men stepped forward without hesitation, their hands roughly ripping her shirt apart. Daisy sobbed, struggling against them, but it was no use.

"I'll teach you not to make any more mistakes," her father sneered, taking the whip one of his men handed him.

"Please! Don't..."

"Hold her down!"

The men pinned her to the ground, her struggles weakening as the first lash of the whip landed on her back. She let out a pained scream, her body jerking involuntarily. By the second lash, she stopped fighting, accepting her fate and reminding herself that he'd stop when he was satisfied.

He struck her twenty-four times. The agonising pain soon turned to numbness, her back was bleeding.

"The next time you try to defy me, you'll be back in the basement," he said coldly, tossing the whip aside.

Daisy shuddered at his words. The mention of the basement brought back suffocating dark memories.

"No, please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll never run again."

Her father smirked, pleased with her submission. "Good. Now, you're going to make yourself useful. I heard you're working for Vincenzo now. Keep working there. Do whatever it takes to keep him in our family’s good books. And don’t you dare cause trouble for Sofia, or go anywhere near Antonio."

Daisy didn't respond. She couldn't. Her body ached too much to speak.

"Fix yourself up," he spat, adjusting his expensive cufflinks. "You don't want to be late for work."

He paused at the door, glancing back at her crumpled form. "And Daisy? Make sure no one hears about this little... incident. And by no one, I mean Vincenzo."

The door slammed with such force that the walls seemed to shake. Or maybe that was just her. For several long minutes, Daisy couldn't move. Her body felt like it was on fire. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth where she'd bitten her lip to keep her from screaming.

When she finally managed to uncurl herself, her tears had left dark spots on the beige carpet. A hysterical laugh bubbled up in her throat. She'd have to pay extra for staining the hotel's carpet. The absurdity of worrying about that, of all things, caused her to sob uncontrollably.

After a while, she crawled to the bathroom. She sobbed when she saw her reflection in the mirror. She had become bruised, battered, and utterly defeated. She cleaned herself as best as she could, covering the fresh marks on her face with makeup. By the time she left for work, she looked composed. But inside, she was shattered.

---

At work, Daisy moved through her morning routine like a ghost. Her body screamed in protest with every step she took. The bruises on her back hurt like hell, but she forced herself to push through. She had planned to quit working here today, but now it seems she has no choice.

"Good morning, Daisy!" Isabella stopped by her desk with a steaming cup of coffee. "You look a bit pale today. Is everything okay?"

Daisy forced a smile, grateful for the layers of makeup and clothing concealing her bruises. "Just didn't sleep well. You know how it is."

"Tell me about it. These deadlines are killing me." Isabella said, studying Daisy's face. "Are you sure you're alright? You seem... different."

"I'm fine," Daisy said quickly, perhaps too quickly. "Just need more coffee."

Isabella nodded, unconvinced, but walked away. "You should get something to eat as well."

Daisy released a shaky breath, remembering her father's words. Keep working there. Do whatever it takes.

She decided to take Isabella's advice and get some food in her system. Vincenzo's voice came through her desk phone before she could go.

"Daisy, I need you in my office. Now."

She sighed, muttering under her breath as she stood up. Every movement sent a fresh wave of pain through her body, but she couldn't let it show. Not here.

When she entered his office, Vincenzo was at his desk, flipping through some documents.

"Sir?" Daisy stood in the doorway of Vincenzo's office.

He looked up from his computer. "Come in. Close the door."

Daisy did as instructed, her heart racing.

"You've been distracted today," he said. "Three typing errors in the Anderson contract. That's not like you."

"I apologize," she said quietly. "It won't happen again."

Vincenzo leaned back in his chair. "No, it won't. I'll be leaving early today, and I'll finish the rest of today's work at home."

"Oh," Daisy said, a little surprised. "Does that mean I can leave early as well?"

Vincenzo finally glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "You'll be coming with me."

Her stomach dropped. "Why? I mean, do I have to?"

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "Don't tell me you've forgotten your job description. Stop wasting time and get your things."

Daisy opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. She left the office with a sigh, muttering to herself about how demanding he was, compared to her father.

Vincenzo watched her leave, his gaze lingering a little longer than it should. Something was off about her today. She was quieter than usual, her movements were stiff, like she was being careful. He frowned, wondering if she was sick.

---

When they arrived at his mansion, Vincenzo immediately called for the maids.

"Prepare something for her to eat, and attend to every one of her needs." He ordered. His voice was calm, but the authority in it sent the staff scurrying off.

Daisy blinked in surprise, watching how everyone scrambled under his command. He didn't even raise his voice, yet they looked like their lives depended on pleasing him.

"You look tired. Go rest," Vincenzo told her. "I'll be in my office. I'll call you if I need you."

Daisy nodded, grateful for the chance to sit down. But as Vincenzo turned to leave, she felt her vision blur.

The next thing she knew, the world tilted, and she was falling.

Vincenzo heard the thud and turned around; his heart skipped a beat when he saw her lying on the floor.

"Daisy!"

He rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms with ease. He turned to the nearest guard and yelled, "Get the doctor. Now."

The guard bolted without a word.

Vincenzo carried her to the guest room, his jaw clenched. As he laid her on the bed, he noticed how warm she was. She was burning up.

"What the hell?" He muttered, frowning as he took in her appearance. She was wearing layers of clothes, completely inappropriate for the warm weather.

He carefully began removing the outer layers, intending to make her more comfortable. That's when he saw it, the red stain on the back of her shirt. Blood.

He froze, panic rising in his chest. With shaky hands, he peeled the shirt off her back. What he saw made his blood boil. Her back was a mess of bruises and open wounds, some fresh, others old but reopened.

"Who the hell did this to her?" He growled, his voice low but dangerous.

---

The doctor arrived shortly after and began examining her. Vincenzo stayed close, his arms crossed.

"She'll be fine," the doctor said after checking her vitals. "She passed out from exhaustion and stress."

Vincenzo’s jaw clenched. "And the bruises? Look at her back."

The doctor pulled up her shirt and gasped. "This... looks like a whipping. These wounds are fresh... probably from today. Who did this to her?"

Vincenzo didn't answer, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"She'll need these medications," the doctor said, scribbling on a prescription pad. "Make sure she rests and avoids any strain."

The doctor packed up, but as he glanced at Daisy, he couldn't help but say, "She's stunning. Where'd you find someone like her?"

Vincenzo shot him a deadly glare. "Get out."

The doctor chuckled nervously. "Relax, I was just complimenting her."

"Out," Vincenzo said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Fine, I'm going." The doctor raised his hands in surrender. "No need to get so protective."

---

Daisy stirred not long after. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting Vincenzo’s concerned gaze.

"W... what happened?" She asked weakly.

"You fainted," Vincenzo said. "Why didn't you call in sick today?"

"I couldn’t." She whispered.

"You should have," he said firmly. "Now, tell me... how did you get those bruises?"

Daisy stiffened, realizing she was in a different shirt. "Did you... change my clothes?"

"Yes," he said bluntly. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Not in front of me. Now answer me, who hurt you?"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she looked away quickly. "I can't."

"Daisy," Vincenzo said, his tone softer now. "You don't have to protect anyone. Just tell me who it was. Give me a name."

But Daisy shook her head, biting her lip to hold back her sobs.

Vincenzo exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Don't tell me. But whoever it is... they'll have to answer to me."

She looked at him, startled. The intensity in his eyes made her believe him. He couldn't be doing this because he was her boss, right? But why? Why did it bother him if she was getting hurt or not?

"Rest, you'll stay here from now on." He said gently.

"What?"

"I'm not letting you out of my sight until you tell me who laid hands on you," Vincenzo said firmly.

"But I have to go home."

"I wasn’t asking you to stay, that was an order."

There was a brief knock on the door, and Maria, the head housekeeper approached with concern etched on her face. I'm sorry to bother you sir, I just wanted to ask if she would like some tea. Perhaps something to eat?

"She needs soup," Vincenzo told. "Something light but nourishing. And bring some pain relievers."

Maria's eyes widened slightly at his tone. "Right away, sir."

"You can't keep me here, sir." Daisy said as soon as Maria left.

"That's not debatable. Someone hurt you, Daisy. Someone thought they had the right to..." He stopped, jaw clenching. "I protect what's mine."

"I'm not yours," she said softly. "I'm just your assistant, not some property to be owned."

"You're under my employment, which makes your safety my responsibility. End of discussion."

"Rest," he said, standing. "We'll talk more when you're stronger."

As he left, Daisy stared at the ceiling, tears sliding silently down her cheeks. She was trapped again, but this time... this time felt different. But she wasn’t sure if that was good or terrifying.