LAURA'S POV

I took a deep breath as the plane lowered to the ground. I looked out the window and observed the scenery that stretched over the nearby lands.

Two years. I still lived in disbelief at the fact that it's been two years since I left this country. Two years after my only family, my father was assassinated in a staged accident. Two years of seething in rage and plotting my revenge.

“Ladies and gentlemen. We have now arrived in the beautiful city of Astoria” the pilot's voice jolted me from my thoughts.

I brought my eyes back to the plane and watched as the other passengers lined up to get off. I was amused by that, everyone was going to get off anyway. I watched a little girl trip and my instincts kicked in. But before I could even get up, a man grabbed her.

“Daddy!” She called out to him in her cute little voice.

Oh. He was her father. I watched their interaction and something stirred in my chest. I remembered my own father and some of the moments we shared. My palms clenched on their own and I muttered under my breath.

“Valentino Ricci, I will make you pay”

I watched everyone get off before finally leaving my seat. I grabbed my little backpack- the only belonging I brought with me- and turned on my phone as I exited.

As expected, a message popped up the moment I turned it on. It was an address. As I walked past the double doors, I paused for a moment to look at myself. I looked dull even to myself. I was no longer that bubbly little girl. My obsession with pink hair was gone, and my hair was an ugly brown. I kept walking.

I boarded an airport taxi and went straight to the address.

He was already waiting. I paid the driver and walked to him.

“Hey, shawty!” The guy smiled while licking his lips. I could tell he was trying to sell a seductive stance, but he only looked cringy to me.

Completely ignoring his action, I stretched my hand out and demanded. “My package?”

“Relax, girl. What do you say, ice cream?” He ignored me and continued. By now I was getting agitated.

“My package or you can kiss your balance payment goodbye.” I wasn't here to play around.

His expression changed and he stretched his hand out. I grabbed the envelope without hesitation and tore the seal.

Great. It had everything I wanted. A new ID and a new phone. I brought out my old phone and sent his balance to his account. I showed him the screen, and he put his hand out for a handshake.

I only gave a tiny smile in response before asking. “The other thing?”

He brought out a bag from behind him and I received it. “Thank you”

I looked around to make sure nobody saw before leaving. I rounded the bend before getting into action.

I wired the remaining money in my account to my new number before smashing the old phone to the ground. I made sure it was beyond redemption after which I switched my clothes out and wore one from the bag.

Though different from my regular cute chic outfits, I forced myself to wear the simple but seductive dress. I threw my old clothes in the trash before boarding another taxi. I arrived at the local hotel, if it could be called that, and checked into a room. I shuddered at the discomfort but consoled myself it would only be for a while.

I sat down and ran through my plan again. It had to be perfect. I kept checking at the time and at exactly 7pm, I left the hotel.

It was time to swing into action.

I arrived at Rossi's at the exact time I intended. I walked to the entrance and waited for my target.

Soon a yellow sports car arrived. I adjusted my dress to show cleavage and walked to the entrance. I was well aware I wouldn't be allowed but still went nonetheless; after all,, that's the only way the first phase of my plan will work.

The bouncer at the door requested my ID and I brought it out and showed it to him.

“You can't go in” his rough voice rang out coldly.

“But I want to,” I insisted. Contrary to my expectations, he remained calm. I was running out of time.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see him approaching. I had to act fast. Without thinking twice, I pushed my way in and the bouncer blocked me and pushed me brutally without hesitating.

I closed my eyes and braced myself for the impact but it didn't come. Instead of the cold, hard floor, my back landed on something softer.

“Yo! Watch where you're going” The playful voice rang out in my ear.

Great. It worked.

I turned around and came face to face with Richard Rossi. The infamous playboy of Astoria, a spoiled second generation and the owner of this bar but most importantly, a friend and business associate of my real target- Valentino Ricci.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry Mr Rossi. I didn't mean to bump into you,” I said in a tiny, coy voice that made bile rise up my throat.

It was cringe but it was what I needed to do.

Richard lets out a short chuckle. “You know me?”

“Who doesn't know you, Mr Rossi” I replied while playfully landing my palm on his chest.

“Well. No one” he replied with a real laugh this time. “And what is a beauty like you doing here alone and tripping on a fine night like this”

My ears popped. My chance is here.

“I was denied entrance Mr Rossi and when I forced my way in I was thrown out”

“Denied?” He asked, raising a brow.

“It was expected. After all, I am a girl without status” I lowered my head and my voice to sell my story.

“If you don't qualify to enter. Then why are you here?” He threw another question at me.

“To see you, Mr Rossi”

“Me? Why? For what?”

I dropped to my knees. “I need a job, sir. I will do anything, and I know this is where I will find you”.

“Come on. You don't have to kneel. Get up” Richard grabbed my shoulders and helped me up.

“Come” he urged as he took my hand in his.

“She's with me,” he said to the bouncer.