Bond and Betrayal: Saved by the mafia brothers

Lily’s POV

As I slipped into my red bodycon dress, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension about attending yet another one of Luke's meetings. Sure, I was his lucky charm, or so he claimed, but deep down, I knew there was more to it than that. Luke had a way of making me feel indispensable, like I was an essential part of his success. And maybe I was, in some strange, intangible way.

But as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress and smoothing out imaginary wrinkles, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to life than being someone else's good luck charm. Wasn't there something more meaningful I could be doing with my time? Something that didn't involve standing silently by Luke's side, nodding and smiling at the right moments?

I shook my head, pushing aside those thoughts for now. Tonight was about Luke and his meeting, and I would do whatever it took to support him, even if it meant putting my own desires on hold once again. With one last glance in the mirror, I took a deep breath and made my way downstairs to join Luke.

"Finally, there you are," Luke said, a hint of impatience in his voice as he looked me up and down approvingly. "You look stunning, as always."

I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at his compliment. Despite my reservations, there was something undeniably comforting about the way Luke looked at me, like I was the most important person in the room. And maybe, in his eyes, I was.

Together, we made our way to the car, the night air cool against my skin.

I trailed behind Luke, feeling a familiar pang of disappointment gnawing at my heart. Once again, he had failed to notice the effort I had put into my appearance. It wasn't like I dressed up for his validation, but a compliment now and then would have been nice, a simple acknowledgment of my efforts.

But as we stepped outside, there was no mention of my outfit, no admiring glance or appreciative word from Luke. It was as if he didn't even notice. And maybe he didn't. Maybe he was so consumed by his own thoughts and ambitions that he didn't have the capacity to see beyond himself.

I shook my head, pushing aside my hurt feelings as I followed Luke to his car. As he climbed in without so much as a glance in my direction, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration. Was it really so difficult for him to open the door for me, to show me even the smallest gesture of chivalry?

But then I remembered his explanation, the countless times he had tried to reassure me that his lack of compliments wasn't a reflection of his feelings for me. He just didn't know how to express himself in that way, he said. And so, I had learned to let it slide, to accept his shortcomings as part of who he was.

But that didn't make it any easier to swallow. Three years together, and not once had he offered me a genuine compliment. It was a bitter pill to swallow, a constant reminder of my own inadequacy in his eyes.

As I climbed into the car and closed the door behind me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment building inside me. Was it too much to ask for a little appreciation, a little recognition of my worth? Or was I doomed to spend the rest of my days playing second fiddle to Luke's ego?

I shook my head, banishing those negative thoughts from my mind as we pulled out onto the busy street. Tonight was about Luke and his meeting, and I would do whatever it took to support him, even if it meant putting my own feelings aside once again.

But as the miles stretched out before us, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. Was this really what I wanted? To spend the rest of my life with someone who couldn't even muster up a simple compliment?

As we arrived at our destination and Luke hurried off to his meeting, leaving me to fend for myself in a sea of unfamiliar faces, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness creeping in. Was this what my life had become? A constant struggle for validation in the eyes of someone who couldn't even be bothered to notice me?

But then, just as I was on the brink of despair, a familiar voice cut through the noise of the crowd. It was Luke, beckoning me over with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. And in that moment, as he took my hand in his and pulled me close, I realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to our relationship than meets the eye.

Maybe Luke's inability to express himself in words was just his way of showing me how much he truly cared. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough for now.

As we entered the pulsating club, the thumping bass reverberating through the air, Luke's hand firmly clasped in mine, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement mixed with trepidation. This wasn't exactly my scene, but tonight was different. Tonight, we were heading straight for the VIP section upstairs, where the air was thick with anticipation and the drinks flowed freely.

Navigating through the crowd, we finally reached the stairs leading up to the exclusive area. As we ascended, the noise from the dance floor below faded into the background, replaced by the muted chatter of the VIP guests. I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration as we made our way towards one of the private booths, tucked away from prying eyes.

But as we stepped inside, the sight that greeted us made my stomach churn. An aged man, his wrinkled hands roaming over the scantily clad body of a young girl seated on his lap. The scene was like something out of a nightmare, a grotesque tableau of power and exploitation.

I recoiled in horror, instinctively tightening my grip on Luke's hand, silently pleading with him to leave this den of depravity behind. But to my astonishment, Luke did the opposite of what I expected. Instead of turning on his heel and walking away, he stepped further into the room, pulling me along with him.

My heart pounded in my chest as Luke cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the haze of alcohol and lust. "Mr. Agabus, sorry to interrupt you," he began, his tone polite but firm. "We can reschedule if now is not a good time."

I stared at Luke in disbelief, unable to comprehend what was happening. Was he really going to engage with these people, these monsters who preyed on the vulnerable for their own sick pleasure? I wanted to scream at him to leave, to run as far away from here as possible, but the words caught in my throat.

Mr. Agabus, the man who had been engaged in his lecherous activities, looked up from his companion, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Ah, Luke, my boy," he said, his voice oozing with false charm. "No need to reschedule. We can discuss business while we enjoy the finer things in life, can't we?"

I felt sick to my stomach as I watched the exchange unfold, the realization dawning on me that Luke was deeper than I had ever imagined. He wasn't just attending a meeting; he was colluding with these despicable individuals, trading in his integrity for a seat at their table.

With a steely determination, Luke met Mr. Agabus's gaze head-on, his voice unwavering as he spoke. "Of course, Mr. Agabus," he said, his tone betraying none of the turmoil that raged within him. "Let's discuss business."

“Who might this beauty be?.” Mr Agabus asked Luke as his eyes ran over my whole body while he licked his lower lips.

I shiver in disgust as I try to hide behind Luke who was holding me firmly.

“Behave!”. Luke whispered into my ears as he tightened his hold on me.

As Mr. Abagus’ eyes raked over me, I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that washed over me like a tidal wave. His gaze was predatory, lingering on every curve of my body in a way that made my skin crawl. Suddenly, I regretted my choice of attire, the form-fitting bodycon dress that had seemed so appropriate earlier now feeling like a glaring invitation for his lecherous stares.

But I had to play it cool. After all, Mr. Abagus was Luke's special client, and it was crucial to maintain a facade of professionalism, no matter how uncomfortable the situation became.

"I am Lily, Luke’s fiancée," I replied, forcing a smile as I extended my hand for him to shake. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.