Chapter 1

My heart was filled with joy as the driver pulled up in front of the event center, I was going to be getting married to the love of my life, Roberto.

I stepped out of the car and made my way into the event center, my footsteps kept on echoing in the air as I made my way to Roberto who was standing in the alter.

It just remained three steps to get to Roberto when I found out their was another bride right beside Roberto. Looking at the bribe I found out it was my best friend, Sandra.

"What is going on here"I asked, my voice trembling as I stared at Roberto and Sandra

"I'm sorry, Stephanie"Roberto replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean by that? Why are you sorry?"I said, staring at Roberto already close to tears.

"I won't be getting married to you, Stephanie"Roberto replied

"What!!!"I exclaimed, bursting into tears.

"I'll be getting married to Sandra instead, she's currently one month pregnant for me"Roberto said.

"So you have been having a secret affairs with my fiance, Sandra you're my best friend, how could you"I replied, tears flowing freely from my eyes.

"As you can see, am pregnant. It wasn't intentional"Sandra said as she rolled her eyes at me.

I felt my heart was shattering into thousands of pieces that moment. Roberto was my first love, he was my hope of getting out of my wicked family.

He was the one I gave my virginity to. Why will he break my heart all of a sudden, and it was even on my wedding day.

"Why did you propose to me at the first place? Why did you make me to fall in love with you? Why?"I yelled, as hot tears steamed down my cheeks.

"It wasn't my fault, I hope you find another man for yourself, I'm really sorry"Roberto replied.

I ran out of the event center, with tears on my face. My makeup was a total mess due to the tears on my face.

I boarded a taxi and drove back home, instantly. When I arrived back home I met my parents and younger brother, their beloved son.

I was born into a very rich family, my parents Mr and Mrs Marano were business partners. But I worked as a cleaner in one of the company in Italy. My family believed that I was a nobody and they treated me like a total stranger.

My younger brother Niccolo, was the one taking over all the family companies and he was highly cherished by my parents while I was like a stranger in my home.

My hope of getting out of the hell fire I call a home was getting married to Roberto and all my hope was already shattered.

I let out a heavy sigh as I arrived in the sitting room where my parents were seated with my younger brother.

Without a word, I started making my way to my bedroom, upstairs. I was about climbing the stairs when my dad voice came;

"If you move a inch again"he yelled

I stood still already frozen with fear, I felt like a hot blood was running down my spine.

"Here comes the bastard, once I am taking to you, then I expect you to turn back and look at me"He said.

I turned back slowly, my eyes locked onto his

"You're a waste of time, I know you're the one that killed your late mother"Mrs Marano, my step mom replied.

I lost my mother when I was ten years old and since then my dad got married to my step mother, his attitude changed towards me and always treated me like a trash.

"Didn't I warn you not to get involved with Roberto"Niccolo said

But then I found my voice back

"You don't tell me what I have to do, Niccolo. I need to move on, am 25. I need to get married and leave this house"I replied

Mrs Marano walked up to me slapping me three consecutive times"How dare you think back to Niccolo"she said.

"Why are you all treating me like this? What have I done wrong"I yelled in tears.

"Look here, as long as you remain in this house, we won't allow you get married to anyone. You've been used as a collateral and soon they will come for you"Mr Marano replied.

"Who?"I asked, looked very confused

"Soon, you'll find out"Mr Young replied.

★BACK TO THE PRESENT★

The word collateral has been ringing in my head since yesterday.

How can my dad be so heartless, why would he use me as a collateral for the family company.

"Who is coming for me"I asked myself.

I'm currently 25 years old yet my parents wouldn't want me to move out of their house.

I just feel like going afar, to a strange land where no one knows me where I won't set my eyes on my heartless parents. It high time I leave the hell fire that I call a home.

I got down from my bed as I removed my clothes, walking into the bathroom. I turned the shower on and the water rushed out of it.

My nerves was gradually getting low as the water poured down on my body. I stared at the mirror in the bathroom and I could see a glimpse of myself.

I could see a broken woman, my eyes was very swollen and I quickly had a brief bath before walking out of the bathroom.

I arrived back in my bedroom, grabbed a towel that I used in covering my body.

I was busy drying my hair when my phone buzzed on the lamp stand, I took a glance on the screen and I saw that it was Clara calling.

Clara was my fellow cleaner in the multi-millionaire company that I was working. Since my dad refused to cater for my needs I decided to take up a cleaning job.

I picked the call and said"Hello Clara"

"Hello baby girl, I hear about all that happened, am really sorry about it"Clara replied.

"It's fine"I said, my voice trembling.

"I wanted to come and visit you but ......"Clara replied before I interrupted

"Please don't come, my parents dosen't allow anyone to visit me, they will kill me if you come"I said

"Okay I understand. So would you be coming over to the company today"Clara asked

"I won't, till tommorow, I just want to be left alone today"I replied

"Okay, we'll meet tommorow"Clara said, ending the call.

I let out a heavy sigh, as I made my way to the sitting room, I knew that no one will be at home.

But as I was about entering the sitting room when I saw my dad shaking hands with a man who was putting on a black suit and trouser.

I quickly hide myself behind the door as I peep and my gaze met with the man, a small smile appeared on his lips and he walked away.

My mind began racing with different thoughts

"Who is the man? What business does he have with my father? What is my dad doing at home by this time of the day?"I asked myself.

★

In the world of Mafia and high classes of billionaire, a ruthless family existed, popularly known as THE BULLS. Their family name

DE LUCA, lived in Italy. They are the ruler of all the Mafia organization in Italy.

The De Luca family's estate, Villa De Luca, is a majestic and secure compound located in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy.

The exterior boasts a cream-colored stone façade with ornate carvings, imposing wooden doors adorned with the family crest, and symmetrical wings housing lavish living quarters, offices, and entertainment spaces. The grounds feature manicured gardens, a private fountain, and a helipad.

Inside, the villa showcases marble floors with intricate inlays, high ceilings with frescoed artwork, lavish chandeliers, bespoke furniture, and rare artwork. The expansive library houses ancient manuscripts and rare books, while state-of-the-art security systems and hidden passages ensure the family's safety.

Private quarters include Don Leonardo's expansive office with a commanding view, Francesca's elegant salon featuring priceless art, and luxurious bedrooms, studies, and private balconies for family members.

Recreational spaces include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, private golf course, indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, private cinema, game room, and wine cellar.

To ensure security, the villa features perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, armed guards, biometric authentication, and secure communication systems.

A person visiting De Luca Family's estate for the first time could get lost due to the way the estate is big.

Villa De Luca is the epicenter of the De Luca family's influence and power in Italy's high society and mafia underworld.