Helen’s POVI didn’t sleep that night.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the man in black and the picture of my mother on his phone.

It wasn't enough that my only brother had died just a few weeks ago. He had died while in surgery, and everyone had felt his loss, as we had borrowed everything to make sure he had the surgery. Now I was being sold by my father to repay.

By morning, my body felt heavy, but I forced myself up. I had to act normal, even though my mind was screaming.

Mama was already awake, making tea for me. Her eyes were swollen, and she couldn’t look at me.

“Mama,” I said quietly. “We can still run. Maybe we can leave the city before night.”

She shook her head. “We can’t. They’ll find us. You don’t know these people, Helen. They own half the city.”

“So I should just go with them?” I asked.

Tears rolled down her face. “If you don’t, they’ll kill your father. And maybe me too.”

I wanted to scream, but nothing came out. I walked to my room and started packing a small bag. If I was going to this place, at least I’d go with my things.

By evening, the rain started again. Mama sat near the window, praying under her breath. My father hadn’t returned home since morning — maybe hiding from what he had done.

Aria, my best friend, was not in town but had immediately texted when she heard, assuring me that everything would be alright.

When the clock hit eight, we heard a knock on the door. Mama jumped, and I grabbed her hand, squeezing hard.

The door opened on its own. Two men in black suits entered. They were the same men from last night. They stepped forward.

“Miss Rossi,” he said calmly. “It’s time.”

Mama rushed forward. “Please, sir, she’s just a child...”

He looked at her without expression. “The boss doesn’t like delays.”

I swallowed hard. “Can I at least say goodbye to my mother?”

He nodded once.

Mama held me so tight I could barely breathe. “Don’t fight them,” she whispered shakily. “Do whatever they say. Please, don’t make them angry.”

I nodded, tears falling on her shoulder. “I’ll be okay, Mama. I promise.”

But deep down, I didn’t believe it.

Outside, a black car waited. One of the men opened the back door for me. The car was luxury, and I had never ridden in anything like that, but I cared less at that point as I didn’t even know what awaited me.

As the car drove off, I looked back through the window. Mama stood by the door, crying into her hands. My chest hurt so bad that I turned away.

We drove for almost an hour before finally, the car stopped before a large iron gate. A man in a long coat opened it after a short nod.

Beyond the gate was a massive mansion. It was very huge. My heart pounded as this was not just a house — it looked like a fortress.

The man beside me spoke for the first time. “You will address him as Mr. Romano or Sir. Do not speak unless spoken to. Also, do not ask questions.”

I nodded silently.

When the car stopped, another man opened the door for me.

They led me through a long hallway with tall mirrors, and I could see my reflection — my pale face, shaking hands, and eyes full of fear.

We stopped in front of a huge wooden door. The man knocked once, then opened it.

Inside, a man sat behind a large desk, his back turned to us. He was on the phone, speaking in a low tone.

“Yes, handle it,” he said, then hung up. Slowly, he turned around.

That was the first time I saw him.

He was Dante Romano.

He looked younger than I imagined, maybe late twenties. His dark hair was slicked back neatly, and his sharp jawline made him look handsome. If not for the situation I was in at the moment, I could perfectly say he was my type of man.

For a moment, he said nothing. Just looked at me.

“Leave us,” he told the men.

When they stepped out, it was so silent that I could hear my own heartbeat.

He leaned back in his chair. “Helen Rossi.”

He called my name in a way that made my heart almost jump out of my chest.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

I swallowed hard. “Because of my father,” I said softly.

He nodded. “Yes. He borrowed money from me. A lot of money, but he decided not to pay.”

I didn’t reply, and he continued, “Normally, I don’t waste time on people like him. But he offered something else.”

My chest tightened. “Me.”

He smirked slightly. “At least he knows what has value.”

My stomach twisted. “I’m not something you can buy.”

His expression didn’t change. “You are now. For one year, you’ll work for me. You’ll stay here and follow my rules, and learn when to speak.”

“One year?” I whispered.

“Yes. After that, I’ll decide if your father’s debt is cleared.”

I clenched my fists. “And if I refuse?”

He smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. “Then your mother joins your brother in the ground. Is that clear enough?”

Tears burned my eyes as I bit my lip, holding them back. “What do you want me to do?”

He stood up and walked closer. “For now,” he said quietly, “you’ll stay in the east wing. Someone will bring you clothes. You start work tomorrow.”

I looked up at him. “Work as what?”

He tilted his head. “A maid, and my woman at night.”

My heart dropped.

He turned away, sitting back in his chair. “You may go. Luca will show you your room.”

I stood there for a second, frozen, before turning to the door.

As I walked out, his voice stopped me. “Helen,” he said, not even looking up.

“Yes, sir?”

“Don’t ever try to run. I’ll know before you take your second step.”

My throat went dry. “I understand.”

When I left the room, Luca, the man in the black suit, was waiting. He led me upstairs without a word.

When we reached the room, he opened the door and said flatly, “This is yours. The bathroom is inside. Someone will wake you at five, and the boss might visit later on.”

Then he left.

My heart rang loud as I recalled his words.

“Visit? To do what?”