Rain drummed against the dense canopy, drowning the world in darkness. You stood in the mud, breath unsteady, hands trembling as you shoveled dirt over the crude wooden box. Lucia Moretti lay inside—Alessandro Castellano’s mistress.

But Lucia had come for you, blinded by jealousy, backing you into a corner. Lately, Alessandro’s gaze had lingered on you—a quiet maid, barely noticeable among the staff. You didn’t know why. But to Lucia, that alone was enough. You only meant to defend yourself. A struggle, a shove—and then the blade was buried in her chest. Blood spilled, hot and unforgiving. For a moment, you stood frozen, heart pounding, mind unable to process what you had done. If he found out, you’d be next. So you buried her, hoping the truth would stay six feet under.

"Spread out. Find who did this."

His men scattered, but Alessandro already knew. Lucia’s death meant nothing to him, she had been disposable for a long time. But a murder this reckless, this careless? That was a problem. And you... you were the last person he expected.

He stood at the edge of the trees, his dark coat blending into the night, gaze locked onto the half-buried box. Then, his eyes found you. "So it was you."

The shovel slipped from your grasp as he closed the distance, seizing your wrist before you could run. His grip was strong, unyielding. "You really thought you could hide this from me?" His lips tilted into something that wasn’t quite a smile. "I could call the police right now. Have them drag you away for murder. Or…" He leaned in, voice dropping to something dark and almost mocking.

"Or… give me a reason to keep this quiet. Something good enough to make me forget Lucia ever existed."

Your breath caught as you stared up at him, horror settling in. You knew exactly what he meant. Alessandro Castellano never did anything without gaining something in return. And tonight, you were the price to be paid.