Chapter 1
Chapter 1
“Thank you again… I should go now.”
“Congratulations, Ms. Rousseau. You got the job.”
A wide smile spread across my face. I couldn’t believe it—I finally got the job. After trying so hard, I had finally achieved something. My degree wouldn’t go to waste anymore.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Bernadi. You won’t regret hiring me,” I said, smiling brightly.
“I hope so too, Ms. Rousseau. Would you like to start teaching tomorrow, or do you need some time to settle in?”
Honestly, I needed time. Everything in my life had changed so quickly.
I grew up in America. My father was French, and my mother was American. They met in France during one of her business trips, fell in love, got married, and had me. I spent my whole childhood in America with them.
But recently… I had to leave everything behind. Even thinking about it scares me. I came to Italy to start a new life—a fresh beginning, far away from my past. I don’t know why I chose this place, but I believe this is where I can finally begin again.
“Mr. Bernadi, can I start on Monday instead?”
He nodded and signed a paper.
“Of course, Ms. Rousseau.”
He handed me the document. It was my contract. I had to teach here for one year because their English teacher was on leave due to pregnancy. Even if it was temporary, this job meant everything to me. I needed it to survive in this new country.
“Thank you, Mr. Bernadi.”v We shook hands, and I left the office with a big smile on my face.
I walked towards the bus stop, which was five minutes away. Since I didn’t have a car, I had to rely on public transport for now. Luckily, I caught the bus just in time. It was already getting dark, and I wanted to reach home before night.
When I got down at my stop, I quickly walked towards my apartment. Unfortunately, I had to pass through a dark alley to get there. It always gave me chills. Because I didn’t have much savings, I had rented a small apartment in a bad neighborhood. During the day, it didn’t seem too scary. But at night… everything changed.
People wandered around like shadows. Some of them even carried guns. One look at them was enough to tell they were dangerous.
As soon as I reached my apartment, I let out a breath of relief and dropped onto the couch. I was exhausted. I wanted to sleep, but the apartment still needed cleaning. Even though I could do it tomorrow, I already had plans.
With a sigh, I forced myself to get up and clean. Three hours later, I was completely drained. All I wanted was food and sleep. I checked the fridge… but it was empty.
I frowned. I hadn’t eaten anything since morning. If I didn’t eat soon, I might faint. Looks like I had no choice but to go out again.
I grabbed some money and locked the apartment before stepping outside. As I walked, I kept turning around, making sure no one was following me.
Suddenly, I heard screams coming from a nearby house. I froze for a second… but didn’t stop. I knew better. Getting involved here meant danger. I quickened my pace and finally reached the store. After buying the essentials, I headed back home. But I didn’t notice the footsteps behind me. Suddenly, a rough hand covered my mouth.
“Stay quiet, honey, if you want to live till morning. Am I clear?”
I nodded quickly, fear taking over my body.
“Good girl.”
The moment he removed his hand, I tried to scream. Even though I knew no one would help me… I still tried.
“You bitch.”
Before I could react, he punched me. I fell to the ground, my lip splitting open as blood filled my mouth.
“You’re going to pay for this,” he growled. I quickly stood up, my legs shaking, and ran.
“Stop running! You won’t get away!”
I didn’t stop. I kept running as fast as I could. But he caught my wrist.
I screamed as his grip tightened painfully.
“Now I’m going to have fun breaking you.”
“Please… let me go,” I begged.
He just laughed.
“Never.”
Tears streamed down my face as he dragged me along the street. People watched… but no one helped. Some even laughed. At that moment, I knew—this was the end.
“She said let her go.” A deep voice suddenly echoed behind us. The man holding me turned around, annoyed.
“And who the hell are you?”
There was a pause. Then the man spoke again.
“Sinister.”
The name alone changed everything. The man holding me froze. His grip loosened immediately.
“Sinister… I didn’t know she was yours,” he muttered nervously.
He pushed me away and ran like he had seen death itself. I slowly turned to face the man who saved me.
He wore a black hoodie, hiding his face, but his presence… it was terrifying. Powerful. Dangerous.
“Thank you… for saving me,” I said softly.
He didn’t reply. The silence felt heavy.
“Thank you again… I should go now.”
Still no response. I quickly picked up my things and rushed back home. The whole way, I felt like someone was watching me. But I didn’t dare turn around.
When I finally reached my apartment, I locked the door and sighed in relief.
“What a day…” I whispered.
I went straight to bed. The hunger I felt earlier was gone.
And as I closed my eyes… All I could see was him.
Sinister.
