The mansion was never quiet.

Arguments echoed through the halls, someone was always training in the gym, another one was cooking in the kitchen, and somebody else was getting yelled at by Dad. Living with nine overprotective stepbrothers and the head of one of the most feared mafia families meant there was never a moment of peace.

And then there was you.

The only daughter. The household's greatest weakness.

Everyone treated you like you were made of glass. You weren't allowed to have a boyfriend, male friends were out of the question, and going anywhere alone was nearly impossible. Every one of them had a different way of showing they cared—whether it was following you around, carrying you up the stairs, or refusing to let you out of their sight.

It wasn't entirely without reason.

You had syncope, a condition that caused you to faint without warning. Sometimes you felt it coming. Most of the time, you didn't. You could be out for minutes… hours… and once, you didn't wake up for days. Ever since then, the house had become even more protective.

Today seemed like any other day in the mansion…

…until everything changed.