Freda's POVI took a deep breath as I leaned against the wall of the bathroom, placing my palm on my forehead, and cleaning the sweat that dripped down my face. I exhaled rapidly as I could not understand why Hardin had decided to treat me in such a way. I hated this feeling and I cursed the day I met him. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to calm my racing heart. Everything played in my head like a movie and I could not help but sob. This is not the life I planned for. I thought.Being stuck with a Mafia Lord because of a one-night stand was never part of my life plans. But thanks to Jake who broke my heart, I ended up stuck with a Mafia Lord. Now all my life plans have been disoriented. My mind wandered off to Miranda, who was still in his den, going through torture because of me. I felt guilt weighing down on my shoulders and also clouded my heart. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through my mouth, slightly opened. What have I gotten myself into, all in the name of

Freda's POVI felt my heart skipped a beat. I gasped again and breathed through my mouth as if my nose were blocked completely. I heard footsteps approaching me from behind, and I could not help but close my eyes. My body trembled in fear as I didn't know what to do next. I placed my shaky hands on my chest and I felt my heart beating erratically. I opened my eyes and the only thing I could think of was to run. I tilted my head to the left and ran as fast as my legs could take me.“Stop!” I heard loudly from behind as he chased me, but I didn't stop. I kept running and gasping for air in fear. I didn't know what he was going to do to me if he caught me. Not long after, I heard him pull out a gun from its holster.“If you don't stop, I will shoot you.” He said in a sharp voice, and I halted immediately, breathing heavily in fear and fret. He moved closer to me slowly, and I shut my eyes tightly, not knowing what to do. I felt regrets, washing all over me.“You really think you can esca

Freda's POVI could not help but stand up abruptly, but my legs trembled, and could barely hold my weight. I stumbled back onto the chair, with my hazy eyes. I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my stomach as a result of the fear of what was happening around me. I have never seen a person being killed with a gun before. Hardin was so perfect with it as he put the bullet in between their eyes, and they fell right to the ground. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but it only got worse. I then understood fully why Hardin called himself the law. He was above the law. Just when I thought he was about to be arrested, he showed his power. I could not believe my eyes as a pool of blood filled the office. I tried to scream but as I looked at Hardin's face, I decided to suppress the scream, but I felt uneasy. This was the most painful punishment I have ever experienced. How was I going to heal from all this trauma? I asked in my head, but the only reply my brain gave was time. “

Freda's POV My heart skipped a beat when he asked me to put on the mask.“Why?”I inquired and he furrowed his brows, I didn’t need to be told twice and I hastily put on the mask. “You should be on your best behavior” he growled in a low tone and stepped inside the hall, I followed closely behindMy eyes darted around as soon as we stepped inside, I noticed people’s laughter and they were all masked, I was confused about what was going on here, so I tilted my head and asked."What are we doing here?" my voice barely above a whisper. The sight before me was overwhelming, masked figures mingling and conversing in hushed tones. Hardin turned to face me, his eyes glinting with mischief as he revealed a black lace masquerade mask from his pocket."Watch and see," he said as he put on his mask, he brought out his hand and gestured for me to hold on to it, As we moved through the crowd, a sea of extravagant costumes and elaborate masks surrounded me. Each person exuded an aura of secrecy, t

Freda’s POV“Adjust your dress and get inside the car” Hardin yelled at me angrily as he released his grip from my hands. I immediately did as I was told so as not to get him angry again.I got inside the car and sat at the extreme end, I was trying so hard to control my emotions, I didn't want to look weak but my emotions got the better of me as the tears rolled down from my eyes. I could still feel the pain coursing through my body.Hardin entered the car and ordered the driver to drive, he turned to look at me when he noticed I was crying, but I didn't think he cared. He just focused his attention back to his phone ignoring me completely.My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the fear that consumed me. Thoughts raced through my mind, each one more desperate than the last. I knew I had to find a way out, to break free from the suffocating grip of Hardin's control.My mind swayed back to Andre and the conversation we were having before Hardin interrupted.Flashback******“Freda, what