Chapter 4: Chains of Fire

Opening Scene: A Locked Bird Still Has Wings

Aurora lay awake, staring at the high ceiling. Her muscles ached from struggling against Lorenzo last night. He had locked her back in the room—his message was clear.

She wasn't going anywhere.

Her hands curled into fists. She refused to be a prisoner.

The door clicked open. Aurora sat up as an older woman entered, carrying a tray of food. Unlike the armed men guarding the mansion, she had a kind face and tired eyes.

"You should eat, dear," the woman said gently, placing the tray on the nightstand.

Aurora looked away. "I don't need his food."

The woman sighed. "I'm Teresa. I've worked for Mr. Romano since he was a boy. He may be ruthless, but he's not a monster."

Aurora let out a dry laugh. "Not a monster? He kidnapped me. Forced me into a marriage I never wanted."

Teresa's expression softened. "That may be true. But if he truly wanted to break you, he would have by now."

Aurora tensed. She didn't want to think about that.

Teresa hesitated before adding, "Survival in this house isn't about fighting him head-on. It's about knowing when to push and when to hold back."

Aurora stared at her. Was that a warning?

Before she could reply, the door swung open. Lorenzo stood there, his presence dark and commanding.

"Leave us," he ordered.

Teresa bowed slightly before leaving.

Now, it was just the two of them.

A New Demand

Lorenzo's gaze swept over her, amused. "Still pretending you don't need food?"

Aurora lifted her chin. "I'm not pretending."

His smirk deepened as he sat at the foot of the bed, far too close for comfort. "You're stronger than I expected. Most would have begged by now."

She didn't reply.

He leaned forward. "Let's see how long you last."

Aurora clenched her jaw. "You can keep me here, but you'll never have my obedience."

His eyes darkened. "That's where you're wrong, dolcezza."

Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her up. She stumbled, but his grip was firm.

"You're coming with me," he said.

Thrown Into The Fire

Lorenzo led her down the grand staircase and out into the courtyard. The night air was cool, but the tension between them burned hot.

A row of black SUVs waited. Armed men stood beside them, their expressions unreadable.

"Get in," Lorenzo ordered, opening the door.

Aurora hesitated. "Where are we going?"

His patience thinned. "You wanted freedom, didn't you? Consider this your first lesson."

She had no choice. With a deep breath, she slid inside.

The drive was silent, the hum of the engine the only sound between them.

Minutes later, they pulled into a dark alley behind a luxurious nightclub. The neon lights flickered ominously, casting shadows on the damp pavement.

Lorenzo stepped out first. Aurora followed reluctantly.

Inside, the club was alive with music and power. Men in expensive suits and women draped in diamonds filled the space. But it wasn't just a club—Aurora could tell. The air was thick with danger.

Lorenzo placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her forward. The simple touch sent shivers up her spine.

They stopped at a private booth. A man in his forties, dressed in a sharp gray suit, lounged on the leather seats. His gaze flickered to Aurora, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"Well, well. The infamous Lorenzo De Luca finally decided to show off his wife."

Aurora stiffened. What?

Lorenzo's grip on her tightened. "Careful, Ricardo." His tone was calm, but the threat was unmistakable.

Ricardo smirked. "Relax. I'm just surprised you married at all. You were never one for attachments."

Aurora's heart pounded. What was this? A test? A warning to others?

She wasn't sure. But she knew one thing Lorenzo was parading her in front of his world, and she had no idea why.

And that terrified her.