11."The Hidden Truths"

Emma

After the engagement dinner, when the guests and his family members finally departed, I felt a momentary relief. Being introduced to his family had made me extremely nervous; marrying him weighed heavily on me. It was evident that they were involved in the worst criminal activities, and this reality was hard to ignore.

With a sigh of relief, I kicked off the uncomfortable heels and walked to the balcony. The cool night breeze calmed my nerves as I gazed at the stars in the sky. The distant sounds of the city, mixed with the silence of the mansion, created a contrast that made me reflective. The mansion's view was breathtaking, but I knew that behind the beauty, there was a terrifying darkness.

Sitting on the balcony, I began to reminisce about happy moments with my father and the life I used to have before being dragged into this dark world. I remembered how my father used to take me to the park and tell bedtime stories. I recalled the laughter, the smiles, the sunny days when