Chapter 1

The dim glow of the streetlights filtered through the cracked window, casting jagged shadows along the peeling walls of Nicole's tiny apartment.

The air reeked of stale cigarette smoke and forgotten takeout, a scent that had long become familiar.

She lay motionless on the thin mattress, eyes heavy with exhaustion, until the cold bite of reality forced her awake.

Blonde hair tumbled over her face as she sat up, raking a hand through the tangled curls.

Another day, another fight for survival.

A sharp knock jolted her fully into the present.

"Mommy."

The small voice sent a sharp pang through Nicole's chest.

She sprang to the door, flinging it open.

Emily stood there—her five-year-old daughter, small and fragile, wrapped in an oversized hoodie. Her red curls were tangled, her green eyes, so much like Nicole's, rimmed with fatigue.

Emily clutched her stomach as a soft whimper escaped her lips.

Nicole forced a smile, kneeling down to tuck a stray curl behind her daughter's ear. "Hey, sweetheart. What's wrong?"

Emily patted her belly. "Hungry."

The simple word twisted like a dagger in Nicole's gut.

She tightened her grip on Emily's tiny, ice-cold hands. "Hang in there, baby. I'll get you something soon, okay? Your favorite—peanut butter and tea. Just wait for Mommy." Her voice wavered, but she didn't let it break.

Emily nodded, trusting, as she always did, and shuffled inside, curling up on the battered couch with her one-eyed stuffed tiger.

Nicole turned away, shoulders stiff with unspoken grief. She grabbed her trench coat, slipping it on.

Her fingers closed around the hidden dagger inside the pocket, its handle cool and familiar.

"Time to work."

The night air was sharp against her skin as Nicole stepped onto the streets, phone in hand.

The message from her boss was blunt, as if the task were no different than running an errand.

Eliminate the target. Retrieve the rings.

She tapped the image attached—a man in his late twenties, blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, dressed in a pristine blue suit. His name: Axel Brando. Owner of Black Rose inc.

Nicole swallowed hard. A business mogul. Why does the G4 want him dead? But questions never mattered. Only survival did.

A sleek black car slid to a stop in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing William's ever-present smirk.

His dark eyes gleamed with cruelty under the streetlights.

"How's my favorite girl?" he drawled.

Nicole's grip tightened on the dagger. She forced a hollow smile. "Hello, sir. It's always a pleasure to see you."

William's chuckle was low, knowing. "Better. Let's go."

She slid into the backseat, stomach churning as he drove toward The Golden Arrow Hotel.

The hotel stood tall, glittering with wealth. From the shadows of the parked car, Nicole spotted her target stepping outside, briefcase in hand, his posture exuding effortless power.

"Go now," William ordered.

Nicole moved, heart pounding. Brushed past multiple people.

But just as she stepped forward, the world shifted.

Everything stilled.

The city sounds dulled. People stood frozen mid-step, cars locked in place. Only she and Axel remained untouched.

Nicole's breath hitched. "What the hell...?"

Axel turned then, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

The moment their eyes met, something surged through her—a vision of how effortlessly he could end her.

A power beyond human comprehension rippled from him, warning her.

Fear gripped her.

Nicole staggered back, chest heaving. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed by a mailbox, her entire body trembling.

Then, as quickly as it had come, reality snapped back into place.

Traffic roared to life. Pedestrians moved again.

And Axel was gone.

Panic flared through her veins. She turned, only to find William's car missing. He had abandoned her.

(Flashback)

The hospital's sterile white walls pressed in around her. Nicole cradled newborn Emily to her chest, tears streaking her face.

She had nothing. No home, no diploma, no safety net. Only the tiny life in her arms.

"Hey, baby girl… I'm your mommy," she whispered, voice cracking. "I'm sorry it's me. You deserved better. But I swear... I'll do anything to give you a good life."

But promises meant nothing to the cruel world outside.

Desperation led her into the clutches of the G4 Unit. A gang that preyed on the weak, using them as disposable tools.

She had been pregnant, starving, begging for help when they found her.

And when she killed for the first time, they made sure she could never walk away.

Emily had spent her childhood under the watchful eyes of armed men, her mother trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

Nicole had long accepted the truth—she was a terrible mother.

But Emily was her everything.

(End of flashback)

By the time she stumbled back to her apartment, Nicole's body ached with exhaustion. Her stomach cramped, but hunger was nothing compared to the gnawing dread in her chest.

Her building loomed before her.

Something was wrong.

William's car sat parked outside.

Her pulse thundered in her ears. "Emily!" she screamed, bolting up the stairs.

Reaching the second floor to find her room door was open.

Nicole burst inside, breath hitching.

William lounged in her chair, Emily curled on his lap, tears streaming down her small face. His hand rested lazily on his gun.

"What happened?" he asked casually.

Nicole's world narrowed. "Please... I—I'll do better. Give me another chance."

William sighed. "You've outlived your usefulness. But don't worry," he mused, gripping Emily tighter as she sobbed. "I've found a replacement."

Rage surged through Nicole. "LEAVE HER ALONE!"

She lunged, dagger flashing—

The gunshot rang out.

A searing pain exploded in her stomach.

She crumpled, the dagger slipping from her grasp.

"MOMMY!" Emily's screams filled the room as darkness claimed Nicole.

William stepped over her, unbothered. He lingered at the door, looking down at her pitiful form.

"You were always a disappointment. But it's a shame. I'll miss your warmth."

Then he was gone, taking Emily with him.

Nicole lay still, her crimson blood spreading, staining her clothes.

The cold crept in.

But then… time froze.

A soft light filled the room. Nicole's fading eyes caught a figure by the window.

Axel.

He sat on the sill, a diamond ring in hand. His voice was gentle.

"Hello, fallen child. It's not your time yet. Not until you've experienced the joy of happiness."

He placed the ring on her finger.

Light consumed her.

A sudden prompt echoed in her mind.