**New Beginnings**

I stepped out of the car and onto the university campus, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the sprawling green lawns and modern buildings. I felt a sense of freedom wash over me, like I was finally leaving my past behind. I had driven for hours, trying to put as much distance between myself and the small town I grew up in. The town where my father...where I was trapped. My eyes scanned the campus, taking in the bustling students rushing to class. I had always dreamed of attending university, of becoming a nurse and helping others. But growing up, my father made it clear that my only purpose was to take care of him, to cater to his every need. I was his personal servant, his punching bag, his plaything. The memories still lingered, but I was determined to move on. I grabbed my suitcase from the trunk and slung my bag over my shoulder, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. I had applied for a nursing program, and I was eager to start my journey. As I walked towards the student union building, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I was doing this. I was taking control of my life. Just as I was about to enter the building, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated for a moment before pulling it out. My heart sank as I saw my father's name on the screen. I hadn't spoken to him in months, not since I told him I was leaving. I considered ignoring the call, but something compelled me to answer. "Hey, kiddo," he said, his voice dripping with false affection. "I hope you're settling in okay. I was thinking, I have some...business to attend to, and I was wondering if you could help me out." My gut twisted with anxiety. I knew what he wanted. He owed money to some people, people he couldn't pay back. And now, he was offering me up as payment. The thought made my skin crawl. "Listen, Emerson," he continued, his tone turning menacing. "You owe me. You've always owed me. And now, it's time to pay up. You're going to meet someone, someone who's been...patient. He's been waiting for you." My heart racing, I tried to process what was happening. Who was this person? What did he want from me? "Emerson, are you still there?" my father asked, his voice growing impatient. I hesitated, trying to think of a way out. But I knew I couldn't escape. Not yet. "Yeah, I'm here," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Good. I'll send you the address. Be there at 5 pm. And Emerson?" "Yeah?" "Don't try to run. You can't escape him. No one can." The line went dead, and I was left standing there, feeling like I was staring into the abyss. Meanwhile, in a luxurious office across town, Lorenzo sat behind his desk, staring out the window at the city below. His eyes narrowed as he thought about the conversation he had with Emerson's father earlier that day. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Lorenzo was the head of the Italian mafia, and he didn't tolerate disobedience. Emerson's father owed him a substantial amount of money, and now, he was offering his daughter as payment. Lorenzo's eyes gleamed with interest as he thought about the innocent 18-year-old who was about to enter his life. He stood up and walked over to the window, his eyes scanning the city. He knew that Emerson was on her way to meet him, and he couldn't wait. He had a reputation for being ruthless, but there was something about this young woman that sparked something in him. A sense of possession, of ownership. As he turned back to his desk, a smile spread across his face. He was going to enjoy this.