Elina was just a broke waitress trying to survive another double shift when a feared mafia boss entered carrying his baby son. The child supposedly rejected everyone—bodyguards, nannies, even family. But the moment he saw Elina, he reached desperately for her and refused to let go. When she finally held him, the baby instantly relaxed against her chest. His father went pale. “Only his mother could do that.” Then Elina noticed an old photograph behind the bar—and froze. The woman in it had her eyes, her smile…almost her exact face.

I did not sleep a single wink that night.

Maria's terrifying warning echoed in my mind until the sun finally peeked through the velvet curtains.

I left my room at dawn, determined to find the maid and demand a proper explanation.

The massive estate was eerily quiet as I walked through the endless marble corridors.

I found Dante standing in the main foyer, surrounded by five heavily armed guards.

His face was a mask of pure, unadulterated fury.

What is happening? I asked, clutching my silk robe tightly around my shivering body.

Dante turned to me, his dark eyes devoid of any warmth or mercy.

Maria was found floating in the garden pool an hour ago, he stated coldly.

My knees buckled, and I grabbed the stair railing to keep myself from collapsing.

Dante ordered the estate into a total lockdown, demanding his men find the traitor who killed her.

I realized with horrifying clarity that I was a prisoner inside a very beautiful, golden cage.

I spent the afternoon hiding in my room, holding the baby closely to soothe my own racing heart.

When Leo finally fell asleep, I decided to explore the forbidden west wing of the mansion.

Dante had strictly ordered me never to enter that section of the house.

The wooden floors creaked slightly as I pushed open the door to a grand, dusty master bedroom.

It was perfectly preserved, looking exactly like the room of a woman who had just stepped out for a moment.

I opened a small drawer hidden beneath the ornate vanity mirror.

Inside was a small, leather-bound diary locked with a tiny brass clasp.

I used a heavy hairpin to pick the simple lock, my hands shaking violently.

The pages were filled with elegant handwriting that detailed a life of absolute terror.

I flipped to the very last page, which was dated the exact day Isabella was killed.

The final entry sent a sickening chill straight down my spine.

When my newborn 'passed away,' my mother-in-law leaned in and said

My Husband Left Me Alone in My Car While I Was in Labor

“You’re Dead When We Get Home,” He Snapped

My husband found out about the money, the diary read.

I know he is going to kill me today.

Chapter 4 - The Forbidden Diary