Lysa's eyes widened as she stared at the imposing figure standing in front of her, a suitcase by his side. Her small apartment, once a sanctuary, now felt suffocatingly small. The dim lighting and cluttered furniture seemed to close in around her, making her skin crawl.
"Mr. Donato Moretti" she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. "I didn't expect you to arrive so soon."
Donato's piercing gaze swept the room, taking in the sparse furnishings and Lysa's evident unease. A faint smile played on his lips, sending a shiver down her spine. "I've come to collect what's mine," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Lysa's heart skipped a beat. She had signed the contract, desperate to save her family's business from ruin. But now, faced with the reality of her decision, she felt a creeping sense of dread. The memory of their meeting flashed through her mind - the sleek office, the persuasive words, the tantalizing promise of financial security.
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to stall.
Donato's smile grew wider, but his eyes remained cold. "You know exactly what I mean, Lysa. You're mine now. For the next year, you'll be my wife in every way that matters."
Lysa's face flamed as she realized the mistake she'd made. She had thought it was just a business arrangement, a way to pay off her family's debt. But Alexei's words suggested something far more sinister... something that made her heart race with fear. She took a step back, her eyes locked on his, searching for any glimmer of kindness. But there was none.
"I...I don't think I can do this," she stammered, trying to find a way out.
Donato's expression didn't change, but his voice took on a hint of steel. "It's too late for doubts, Lysa. You signed the contract. You're mine now."