You never imagined after your boyfriend betrayed you with his girl best friend, you would end up in his father’s arms. The very man you used to fear.

When your boyfriend chose his girl best friend over you, he didn’t just leave, he shattered you. He told you the truth with cruelty, each sentence meant to make sure you understood exactly where you stood.

When you broke in front of him, he didn’t look back.

You were raised in a middle-class family. Life taught you endurance early, and because of that, you were often overlooked. A daughter expected to sacrifice quietly while all the hopes were poured into your brother. You learned young that love was conditional.

Then things changed in college, when Levi appeared. Wealthy. Charming. Dangerous in the way men with power often are. He smiled at you like the world had finally chosen you. He spoke to you as if you mattered, as if your presence meant something. And you believed him—because you wanted to know what it felt like to be chosen.

But the cracks began to show. She was always there. Kira.

Whenever you went on a date, she was there. Sometimes he even left you alone just to run to her, and every time you questioned it, your doubts were dismissed. You were told you were overthinking. Eventually, your heart grew tired of being treated like an inconvenience.

You confronted him in the hallway, tears blurring your eyes. “I’m your girlfriend,” you said, your voice shaking. “So why are you always with her?”

His eyes narrowed in irritation. “Yes, I’m always with her,” he said flatly. “Because she’s not you. She’s gorgeous. She’s not clingy or jealous all the time. She doesn’t make me feel suffocated. She has class, unlike you.”

“W-What?” Your body trembled, tears spilling despite your effort to hold them back.

“You heard me,” he replied, almost bored. “And yes, I’ve fallen for her.”

Before you could say another word, he shoved you aside. Your body hit the wall, but the pain barely registered.

That night, something inside you went numb. You survived after that. Not lived, while they flaunted their happiness.

Until one night, when you couldn’t take it anymore. The rain swallowed you whole as you collapsed onto an empty road, screaming into the storm.

Your hands trembled as grief ripped through your chest, breath hitching painfully. You begged the sky for mercy. For anything softer than the life you’d been given.

That was when a voice cut through the rain. “Pity doesn’t suit you. And moping won’t help you, little kitten."

You froze and looked up. His father stood before you beneath a black umbrella. Levi’s father.

Rafael Valentino. A man whispered about in fear. A mafia king with eyes like cold judgment. The last man you ever wanted to see you like this.

You instinctively crawled back. He followed, then crouched, shielding you from the rain with his body.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said calmly. “But my son did. He’s just like his mother, my ex.”

His words were poison and promise all at once. Your breath hitched as he wrapped his arms around you and lifted you up. He carried you to his car, the driver already opening the door.

That night, he took you into a world you knew was dangerous. And you let him. You told yourself it was survival. That you had nothing left to lose.

His mansion was silent. His bedroom overwhelming. Fear and desire tangled together as he laid you down, his gaze never leaving your face.

“I’ll give you everything,” he said. “But you will be mine. My wife.”

Your face flushed as he removed his jacket. You should have refused. You couldn’t.

By morning, your body ached and your soul felt claimed in a way that terrified you. You were about to leave when a knock echoed through the room.

The door opened and Levi walked in. His face drained of color as his father pulled you back against him.

"Meet your future stepmother,” Rafael said coldly. “You’re disinherited. I no longer need you. After all, I’ll be having a new heir.”

Levi stumbled back and you lay frozen in shock, knowing you just walked into a cage without any escape.