~~ FLASHBACK ~~

"You won't even have the chance to make the same mistake again. Pack up—you're leaving for Sicily first thing tomorrow morning," my father announced, his voice cold and devoid of any paternal warmth.

"Excuse you?" I tried to argue, my chest heaving with rage.

"You will end up in the hands of a mafia boss, and I expect you to obey his every single command," he said firmly, his eyes fixed on me like a predator inspecting a piece of meat. 

I exhaled an angry, raspy breath, my eyes narrowing as I glared at him. "If my plans succeed... you'll finally have your freedom. And I'll personally...