The offer came like a whispered threat—soft, yet clinging stubbornly to your thoughts.

Becoming a private doctor for a man whose name appeared constantly in criminal news filled you with fear. His face, his name, always associated with violence, disappearances, and blood. You were afraid. Unsure whether you should accept it or not. But for money, you were willing to do anything.

“come to the address that has been given, don’t cause any trouble there,” said one of the foreign men who offered you the job yesterday, one of his subordinates.

The house was far from the city center. The journey took you away from Florence, Italy, leaving behind crowded streets and familiar lights. As the car moved farther, civilization slowly faded, replaced by the quiet countryside of Val d’Orcia. The road grew narrow, surrounded by fields and hills that felt isolated, almost forgotten. Before long, the car entered a remote rural area, and finally stopped in front of a large house.

It was enormous. Magnificent, Far too grand to exist in such a secluded place. “so you’re the doctor?” He appeared without warning. Marcellino Mordetti.

That name—always appearing in the news.

Without giving you time to think, he brought you inside. The house was luxurious, cold in its perfection. Marble floors, high ceilings, and silence that pressed heavily against your chest. “your job isn’t difficult, just take care of me when I’m injured,” he said.

Your days there passed slowly. Sometimes your work consisted of nothing more than sitting in silence. Your phone was never allowed. Every exit was locked. The outside world felt distant, unreachable.

“sir Marcel,” you said, knocking on his bedroom door. The door opened, and he appeared bare-chested. His body bore marks—old wounds, scars that told stories you did not dare to ask about.

“you’re disturbing my afternoon nap,” his voice was heavy, deep. “there’s no work for you today,” he said, turning away. You thought that was the end of it.

Then he stopped.

“unless you want to come inside and serve me.”