Chapter 3

Weeks had passed, and Isabella felt like a caged animal, relegated to the sidelines while her father and Dominic held their secretive meetings. The tension gnawed at her, the sense of exclusion stoking her frustration. Her days were spent in the gym, her fists slamming into punching bags as she vented her anger, or in the kitchen with her mother, listening to stories of the past while helping prepare dinner. Her mother's famous spaghetti was a comfort, a taste of home in the midst of chaos.

But every night, like clockwork, Dominic would show up in his sleek BMW, his presence a constant reminder of her sidelined status. He would laugh and joke as he entered the meeting room, his confidence infuriating her. Isabella would roll her eyes at his jokes, seething with the knowledge that she should be in those meetings, not him.

Tonight was different, though. Tonight was the annual party, a grand event that brought together family and allies from other mafias. Dominic, usually excluded, was invited this time as a gesture of their uneasy alliance. Isabella knew his presence would only add to her aggravation.

In her room, one of the maids was helping her get dressed. The maroon dress was stunning, its deep color complementing her dark hair and emerald eyes. The bodice was form-fitting, hugging her curves and accentuating her figure, while the skirt flowed elegantly to the floor. As she looked at herself in the mirror, Isabella couldn't help but feel a pang of satisfaction. At least she could show Dominic and everyone else that she was more than capable of commanding attention.

"You look beautiful, Miss Isabella," the maid said, smiling as she adjusted the final details of the dress.

"Thank you, Maria," Isabella replied, giving her a warm smile. "You've outdone yourself."

As she descended the grand staircase, the party was already in full swing. The mansion was filled with guests, the air buzzing with conversation and laughter. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly decorated hall, and waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Her mother, Elena, was in her element, moving effortlessly from group to group, her beauty and grace captivating everyone she spoke to. Isabella spotted her father near the entrance, his presence commanding respect as he greeted guests.

Isabella made her way to her mother, who smiled warmly at her. "You look stunning, cara."

"Thank you, Mamma," Isabella replied, kissing her mother’s cheek. "You look beautiful too."

Elena's eyes sparkled with pride. "Thank you, darling. Now, remember to smile and be gracious. Tonight is about showing unity and strength."

Isabella nodded, her eyes scanning the room. "Of course, Mamma. Has Papa said anything about the meeting with Dominic?"

Elena's expression tightened slightly. "Not tonight, Isabella. Tonight is about celebration, not business."

Isabella sighed, knowing her mother was right but still feeling the sting of exclusion. As she moved through the crowd, she overheard snippets of conversations, many of which revolved around Dominic's presence.

"Can you believe Dominic Romano is here?" one guest whispered to another. "I never thought I’d see the day."

"I heard he's been working closely with Don Marino," another replied. "It’s only a matter of time before he’s fully integrated into our operations."

Isabella rolled her eyes, frustration bubbling to the surface. Just as she was about to join another group, the room seemed to hush. She turned, and her breath caught in her throat.

Dominic had arrived.

He stood at the entrance, looking every bit the charismatic leader. His tailored black suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and lean frame. His dark hair was styled neatly, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the room with a mix of confidence and calculation. As he stepped inside, the guests parted for him, their whispers following him like a shadow.

Dominic's gaze locked onto Isabella, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. She could feel her heart racing, a mix of anger and something else she couldn’t quite name. His eyes held hers, and then, as if nothing had happened, he broke into a charming smile and began greeting the guests.

Isabella turned on her heel and made her way to the balcony, needing a moment to collect herself. The cool night air was a welcome relief, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Running away already?" a voice said from behind her.

Isabella turned to find Dominic standing there, a glass of champagne in his hand. His smile was infuriatingly smug, and she had to resist the urge to throw him off the balcony.

"Just needed some air," she replied coolly. "The party can be overwhelming."

Dominic took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Or maybe you just can't stand being around me."

Isabella’s eyes narrowed. "You wish."

He chuckled, taking a sip of his champagne. "You look beautiful tonight, Isabella."

She crossed her arms, her expression defiant. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Dominic."

He shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just stating a fact. You have no idea how many men in there are wishing they were me right now."

"You're insufferable," she muttered, turning away.

Dominic laughed, the sound rich and infuriatingly charming. "You can keep saying that, I won’t believe it."

Isabella clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling over. "Why do you want to help us?" she demanded, turning back to him. "You're a dangerous man, Dominic. No one can harm you, so why are you helping us?"

Dominic leaned against the balcony railing, lighting a cigarette. He took a long drag, exhaling a plume of smoke into the night air. "Why does anyone do anything in this world, Isabella?"

"Don’t play games with me," she snapped. "I know there's more to it. What’s your real reason?"

He took another drag, his eyes narrowing as he looked out over the garden. "Fine," he said finally. "You want to know the truth?"

She nodded, her eyes boring into his.

"I've kept my mother hidden from this world my entire life," he began, his voice surprisingly soft. "No one knew about her, not even my worst enemies. I ran everything by myself to protect her."

Isabella's expression softened slightly, her anger giving way to curiosity. "What happened?"

Dominic's jaw tightened. "I went to see her one day and found her dead. There was a letter, saying I couldn't hide anything from them. It was signed 'Russo.' He used to be my best man. He knew everything about me, about my operations, and he wanted to take over."

"I'm sorry about your mother," Isabella said quietly. "But why are you helping us?"

Dominic turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Because I may be an evil man, Isabella, but I wouldn't want an innocent woman like you to get hurt."

Isabella was stunned. It was the first time she had seen a hint of kindness in him, and it threw her off balance. But the moment was short-lived.

Dominic smirked, his playful demeanor returning. "But then again, you think you’re a tiger already, so maybe you don’t need my help after all."

He flicked the cigarette away, turning to leave. "Goodnight, Isabella," he called over his shoulder, his laughter echoing in the night as he walked away, leaving her alone on the balcony, her emotions a tangled mess.

She watched him go, her heart pounding. The game was more dangerous than she had ever imagined, and Dominic was at the center of it. But one thing was clear: she wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines any longer.