Chapter 6 - THE GILDED CAGEThe Mercedes SUV rolled through the iron gates of the Russo estate in the northern suburbs of Chicago, stopping beneath the grand portico of the main manor.
Through the tinted windows, I stared up at the towering stone facade, the manicured gardens, and the silent, armed security guards standing at attention near the doors. It was the same estate I had visited once, years ago, when I was just an idealistic college graduate dazzled by the glamour of corporate power. Back then, it had felt like a palace. Tonight, it felt like a fortress designed to keep the world out—and to keep me locked inside.
"We're home," Anthony said quietly from the front seat, turning back to look at me.
In the back, Liam and Luna were beginning to stir, blinking sleepily against the soft interior lights of the car.
"They're babies, Anthony," I said, my voice trembling as I clutched my coat around myself like a shield. "They don't know this world. They don't know about syndicates, enemies, and turf wars. I won't let them grow up in the middle of a war zone."
"They won't," Anthony replied firmly, opening his door and stepping out into the cool Chicago night. He walked around to my side, pulled the door open, and offered me his hand.
I looked down at his large, powerful hand. I didn't take it. I slid past him on my own, stepping out onto the cold stone driveway.
Anthony didn't look angry; he just watched me with that patient, terrifying certainty that made me feel like a bird trapped in a collector's glass jar.
Inside the manor, an army of domestic staff was waiting in the grand foyer, bowing respectfully as we walked through the double doors. But Anthony didn't let them linger. With a single, sharp wave of his hand, he dismissed everyone except an older, kind-faced woman named Mrs. Gable, who had worked for the Russo family for decades.
"Mrs. Gable, prepare the master suite on the east wing," Anthony instructed smoothly. "And set up the adjoining guest rooms for the children. Make sure everything is ready."
"Yes, Mr. Russo," Mrs. Gable said, casting a quick, curious glance at me and the two sleepy twins clinging to my legs. Her eyes softened when she saw Luna rubbing her face against my knee. "Welcome home, miss."
"I'm not staying in the master suite," I said sharply, stepping forward. "Give me a room on the ground floor, far away from you."
Anthony stopped walking toward the grand staircase and turned slowly to face me. The dark, dangerous glint in his eye returned, sharp as a razor.
"Eliza," he said, his voice dropping into a low, rumbling register that made Mrs. Gable quietly excuse herself and vanish down the hall. "You are the mother of my children. You are the only woman in this city who holds my life in her hands. You think I'm going to put you down in a guest room at the end of the hall like some visiting acquaintance?"
"I am not your wife, Anthony!" I fired back, my voice echoing off the high marble ceilings. "You don't own me just because you found me!"
"I don't need a piece of paper to own you," Anthony stepped closer, closing the distance between us until I had to tilt my head back just to meet his furious gaze. "And as for marriage... we'll get to that when you're done shouting at me."
Before I could find a reply explosive enough to match my rage, Liam tugged on the hem of my coat.
"Mommy," he whispered, looking around the cavernous marble foyer with wide, overwhelmed eyes. "Is this our new house? Where are our toys?"
My anger evaporated instantly, replaced by a cold, sickening wave of guilt. I knelt down, sweeping Liam and Luna into my arms, holding them tight against my chest.
"Yes, baby," I whispered against Liam’s hair, fighting back the hot tears stinging my eyes. "This is our new home for now."
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Anthony stood above us, watching the three of us with a silent, fierce intensity. Slowly, he knelt down beside us, placing one large, warm hand on Liam’s shoulder and the other on my back.
"You're safe here, Eliza," he murmured, his voice softening into something almost gentle. "Nobody will ever touch you again. I swear it on my life."
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