Have you ever felt your whole world crumble while you stood frozen, too numb to cry? That’s how it was when my mother left. I wanted to scream, to shatter, but all I could do was stand on the balcony. Ten years old, watching her walk away like I was nothing.

My name is Elisa Moretti. Eighteen in a few weeks. A princess, they call me. I prefer prisoner. Daughter of a Mafia king. Sounds glamorous? Trust me, it isn’t. Sometimes I dream about running away, changing my name, working in a diner somewhere no one knows the word “Moretti.” But every morning, I wake up to guards stationed outside my door, reminding me freedom is just a fairytale.

My mum left when I was 10 years old. So little yet, I could comprehend what was going on. She was fed up! Of what? You may ask. Well, it's one thing to be a Mafia princess, and it's another to be his wife! I stared into the gloomy blue sky lost in my thoughts. Didn't notice the maid at the other end of the balcony, calling out to me. “ Our Princess!" Immediately, I snapped out and turned to her gaze, then she continued, “Your father awaits you at his office,” she said. I left the scenery quickly as my father ain't one to be kept waiting. His goons lingered outside his office. A clear sign business was underway.

I finally arrived,

“ The office, ”

my dad's very own fortress in his mansion. The centerpiece of all deals, threats and placements made in his businesses. It had steel doors and dim lighting, definitely not a place for kids I'd say.

“Come on Princess, what are you waiting for?” he said. “Well, I wasn't sure you had me on your schedule, Mr Moretti,” I replied. We both laughed it off, but I was dead serious. Mr. Moretti, my so-called dad, had more time for his business than his princess. At this point, my guards were more like a father to me than Mr. Moretti. At least they're always there for me also the maids, Old Gianni could knot a tie with one hand and hide a bruise with the other; she hummed lullabies when storms came and once slipped me a candy she’d smuggled from a kid’s party. She was safe and proof that even care comes stamped with cost.

“Come in, Princess,” my father’s deep voice rumbled through the steel doors. I stepped inside, forcing a smile. “Wasn’t sure you'd entertain me today, Mr. Moretti.” His lips curved in the faintest smirk. To anyone else, it might look like affection. I knew better. Business always came first. “How many times have I told you to stay close during my deals?” His tone sharpened. “One day this empire will be yours.” I laughed, sharp and cold. “Too bad. I’d rather donate it all to charity ". His fist twitched, a storm ready to break, then the roar of engines outside cut the tension. I smirked. “Perfect timing." See you, Papa.” " I said as I dashed off, leaving him with a long, weary, disappointed face.

To be honest, I couldn't care less. Why would I want to run a business that keeps me from people I love? Or make me live like a hostage? Well, that's bygone. It's time to hit the roads with Valerie. She was my best friend. Typical baddie I'd say, one that fitted my father's nature. I guess it's not so hard to be one when your father is a Mafia lord. Yup! Her father saved my father when he informed him earlier about an Ambush plan one of my father’s so-called Allie made. And since then, my father became close to Valerie’s dad. However, keeping friends is not in his nature from my perspective. He always says to see everyone as a suspect. Guess he developed a tough skin as he usually gets betrayed during dealings or settlements. So, uh, since then, we the kids get to hang out. (Sighs) wish I had met Valerie earlier on, actually. Maybe, just maybe, I'd have had a fun-filled childhood.

“Girl, what's good?" "You look like you're dying in the face of business…” (we both laughed). Perfect timing, baby girl. "I wasn't ready to receive another lecture from your Mafia King," I responded. “Well, good news, we're going to the mall. "Nothing a little shopping can't fix," Valerie said, speeding straight off to the mall. “Valerie!!! With the way you shop, you could start a whole boutique with just your closet and we both chuckled. “Hey babe, how about we get lunch first? "I'm starving,” I added.

We stopped at the West coast restaurant, a restaurant with the finest dishes made in town. Luckily, the mall wasn't far off, so we could easily stroll down. We went in and were welcomed in the calm but soothing environment. It felt like a luxury to be honest, the perks of being rich I'd say. Then, not to forget, the sweet aroma filled the air, making me salivate more. We walked straight to the counter to place our orders.

Valerie flashed the cashier a grin. I watched the crowd fold when two men walked in: suits too sharp, faces blank. Conversations hushed. A waitress dropped a tray. My skin pricked. I grabbed Valerie’s sleeve. “ I don't think they’re here for lunch.” They were both in formal fits, and felt all eerie to be honest. Couldn't help but notice the change in aura, especially with the sudden fright glimpsing on people's faces. I turned my gaze to Valerie to alert her again. “Uh.." "Add 2 plates of chicken salad and some West Coast wine to our order, please,” she concluded and turned her gaze to me. I tried forming words, but she interrupted. “Let's go have our seats, babe,” she said.

As we sat down, I pointed towards the men, and she replied, “No one will dare harm the Princess of Moretti." "Shake it off, babe." She was right though, it's suicidal to harm me because not only will you be in harm's way, but so as your family. I remember how I was bullied by this girl back at school, not only was she expelled afterwards, her parents lost their job. Mind you I wasn't even harmed then. Immediately, a surge of confidence wavered through my body, and we had lunch, peacefully, if I might add.

After lunch, we stepped out and went to the mall. Mall shopping is now a thing for Valerie because she's such a Fashionista. Always interested in grabbing attention with the latest fashion in the clothing industry. A little girl bumped into me at the entrance of the supermarket, landing straight onto the floor, before I could help. The girl’s wide eyes met mine... trusting, innocent. For a second, I imagined my mother bending down, brushing dirt off my dress, telling me it was okay. But the memory didn’t exist. You okay?” Valerie asked. I nodded. She rolled her eyes. “Save the drama for your speeches, princess. We’ve got a mall to conquer.” I wanted to tell her the hollow ache was not drama. I wanted someone to notice. Instead, I gave her the smile she liked and followed.

A woman dashed out and carried the little girl while rendering apologies. I felt sad and kept wondering how life would have been if mother didn't leave.

“Over there babe, are you coming or what?” Valerie said while pulling me towards the clothing section. Followed her while she made her selections. I went for a stroll while I wandered in thoughts of what could have been. I wasn't even sure if I were to be mad at her for leaving me as a young feeble girl or feel pity for the kind of trauma dad put her through. (Incoming footsteps) I turned my gaze. Lo and behold.. it was them! The men with an eerie aura. I knew something wasn't right, they were following us. If they weren't what such well-built men would be doing in female apparel. “Probably getting clothes for their spouses or gifts for female counterparts,” I thought. Tried shaking off the feeling, as Valerie said no one would dare know what Mr. Moretti was capable of!! I walked closer to Valerie, and it seemed like she noticed too. Her eyes locked with mine and I could see it in her face. “Stay calm,” she muttered, slipping her arm around mine like we were just two carefree girls shopping. “I don't think they're just shopping, they've been watching us.” She said. I swallowed hard, heart pounding. “What do we do?” “We split. I go left, you head to the fitting rooms. If they follow, that’s our confirmation. “And if they don’t follow?” I asked. Valerie’s smile went small. “Then they know the prize is elsewhere.” The words landed like a warning.

I hesitated. “Are you sure about this?” Valerie nodded, her lips curling into a tight smile. With a confident swing of her hips, she walked off toward the accessories corner. I lingered, pretending to study a floral dress, then slid behind a rack of mannequins and made my way toward the fitting rooms. The air felt suddenly thicker, like danger was wrapped around every corner. I glanced back through the mirror hanging on the wall. One of the men was following me. The second one? Gone, probably trailing Valerie. I entered the fitting area and stepped into one of the stalls, locking the door behind me. My breathing was uneven. I grabbed my phone and typed quickly: “They’re onto me.” Send. Within seconds: Valerie: “I’ll cause a distraction and meet you by the fire exit. Behind the fitting room.” Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Valerie had known this store from the back of her hands.

Boom!

A sudden crash echoed through the store metal clattered, people screamed, and racks tumbled. Valerie, I'm sure! I burst out of the stall and ran. Behind the row of changing rooms, there it was a red EXIT sign above a steel door. I shoved it open, emerging into a dim, narrow corridor that smelled of cardboard and cleaning supplies. Footsteps thundered behind me. He was fast. I kicked off my heels and bolted barefoot down the hall. I don't even know why I was wearing heels in the first place, I'm not one to tail on being classy. My breath came in gasps, a pulse roaring in my ears. I spotted a service elevator and slammed the button. Come on, come on, come on... The button rattled, hard. He was closer than I thought. I jammed my shoulder against the stall and screamed out not for help, but to startle him. The man swore and kicked. If Valerie hadn’t made the crash, I’d have been on the floor when his fist came through. The door creaked open. I slipped in. “Wait!” A deep voice barked. I turned just as the man lunged toward me. In a desperate move, I grabbed a metal hanger from the supply cart in the corner and hurled it. It smacked his hand as he tried to reach the door. He growled, but it gave me the seconds I needed.

The elevator doors closed with a ding, trapping him outside. I slumped to the floor, heart racing, adrenaline surging. Valerie: “I’m in the parking lot. Basement level. Hurry.” I stepped out on the next floor, quickly blending into a crowd of shoppers. I slipped on my heels, straightened my shirt, and forced a calm expression. But inside, I was a storm. I found a stairwell and made my way down, two steps at a time, until I reached the underground car park. There she was, Valerie, behind the wheel of a sleek black sedan. “Get in!” she yelled. I barely got the door closed before she reversed and sped off. Tires screeched as Valerie gunned the engine.

There was a black car tailing close behind. It had an emblem, familiar yet I couldn't recognise.

“Drive faster!” I hissed.

She didn’t. “No. We can’t be reckless,” she shot back. “You think I want us swerving into police lights?”

“This isn’t about police! It’s about them catching us!” I snapped. My pulse thundered in my ears. “Valerie, who are they?” I gasped. Her jaw tightened, eyes fixed on the road. “They’re not strangers, Elisa. They knew exactly where to find us.” My chest went cold. “You think?” She cut me off. “Forget what I think." Start acting like who you are. A Moretti. A Mafia princess. You need to learn how to defend yourself. Because this? This is only the beginning.”

A phone buzzed, Valerie’s. She glanced down, face going pale. “They just sent a photo,” she said, voice hollow. She turned the screen toward me. The image was grainy but unmistakable: me, five minutes ago, in the mall, caught mid-step, an arm reaching at my elbow. Over the picture, someone had typed: You ran. We watched. Game on. Valerie’s jaw went hard. “That crest on the tail. Whoever’s driving knows the palace schedule.” She didn’t look at me when she said it. “We’re not just being watched. We’re being hunted.” The night closed in like a fist.