006 — First Night; Cara Rossi

Bella's POV

TWO YEARS AGO — Italy.

“Kiss Mom goodbye,” I said softly, smiling as warmly as I could. I squatted down low so my face was level with Lila’s. Her small arms wrapped tightly around my neck. Her soft baby hair tickled my cheek and carried all the sweet smell of strawberry shampoo. Her warm breath brushed my ear as she hugged me real tight.

“Your new hair is pretty,” she whispered, her little voice full of pure joy for her mum.

A lump formed in my throat. I hugged her back a second longer, breathing in her innocent, sweet scent. “Thank you, my baby girl.”

She pulled away, gave me one last bright smile, and ran toward the daycare door, waving her tiny hand,  excited to start her day in Italy in her new school.

I waved back until she went inside. The moment she was gone, a hot tear slipped down my cheek. It felt heavy and warm. I wiped it away quickly with the back of my hand, my skin still tingling from her hug.

“Let’s go,” I told Felix, my voice steady back again.

We entered the car, the cool leather seat pressed against the backs of my thighs. I looked out the window as the Italian streets rolled by — the golden sunlight dancing on old stone buildings, the distant sound of scooters buzzing, and the faint smell of fresh bread and roasted coffee drifting through the car window.

“Make sure to attend to Lila,” I said, my voice low and quiet. “She’ll need time to get used to the new school.”

“Sure thing,” Felix replied, his eyes fixed on his tablet.

I lifted a hand and touched my black hair. It still felt so foreign between my fingers — thicker, darker, and so not mine. I missed the soft blonde strands, but Lila had said it looked pretty. That single compliment made it easier for me to bear. I checked my reflection in the small mirror. The new face stared back at me — sharper cheekbones, darker eyes, a stranger that I had to become.

“Here’s your new ID,” Felix said, handing over to me the plastic card.

“Cara Rossi,” I read out and frowned. The name felt a bit heavy and wrong on my tongue. “Couldn’t you pick something better?”

He stayed silent, ignoring  my whining. I slipped the ID into my bag and leaned back against the seat. The car engine hummed low beneath us, vibrating softly through my body.

“The apartment is hidden, right?” I asked again, my chest tight.

"It's the highest floor. The building is heavily guarded. She’ll be safe.” He said again, reassuring me 

I took a slow, deep breath. The warm Italian air filled my lungs. My mind kept drifting back to Lila’s laugh, the way her small fingers held mine, how her body felt so light when I carried her. Bringing her here alone was dangerous, but the thought of leaving her behind made my stomach twist real hard, leaving me in discomfort.

The car finally stopped in front of the tallest penthouse in the city.

"Felix, make sure Lila eats well. Put her to bed — "I said, my hand fixed at the car door, still not at ease. I won't be able to see her as I should, because I have to keep her safe and hidden, completely out of this nasty part of me.

"I know the drill. I would take good care of Lila. No harm will come to her. I promise." He said, earnestly, putting me out of my worry, his gaze fixed to mine, promising. 

I took one sharp glance at him, my hand still at the car handle. "Forget about me. Take care of Lila for me." 

I stepped out. The midday sun warmed my skin instantly. A light breeze carried the faint scent of blooming jasmine from nearby gardens. I looked up at the massive building. Tall glass walls rose high into the bright blue sky, reflecting sunlight like giant mirrors. 

Inside, my heels clicked sharply on the marble floor. The entrance hall smelled of fresh white lilies in tall vases and expensive wood used in the interior. Crystal chandeliers above sparkled softly, sending tiny rainbows across the walls. Everything felt rich, and so perfect.

“Cara Rossi?” a man in a dark suit asked.

“Yes,” I answered, keeping my voice smooth.

He led me deeper into the penthouse. We reached the main living and dining area. Soft classical music played from hidden speakers. The rich aroma of roasted meat, garlic, herbs, and aged red wine hung thick in the air. The long dining table was set with fine china and silver that gleamed under warm lights.

I unbuttoned the top button of my shirt, letting the fabric part just enough. Cool air kissed the skin between my breasts. Then I took a step forward.

“Mr. Tony, this is your new PA, Cara Rossi,” the man announced.

I lowered my head politely. The weight of their eyes settled on my body like heavy hands, pressing me down. Slowly, I raised my gaze. The whole Valenti family sat around the expensive table. Elena Valenti ate quietly, her fork scraping softly against her plate. Mrs. Juliana Valenti sat close to her son, her manicured fingers resting on his arm.

And there he was.

The heir. The golden successor. He sat with perfect posture, his expensive suit crisp and spotless. At the head of the table sat his father, the true head of the family, watching everything like a king on his throne.

My pulse quickened. A slow heat spread through my chest as I stared at my real target right there. These people had gained everything when my father lost it all. The thought made my jaw tighten.

“You need to eat well,” Juliana’s voice cut through the air.

Then her sharp eyes landed on me. “You.”

“Yes?” I stood straighter, my shoulders back, feeling the cool air on my exposed collarbone.

“Come pour us a glass of wine?” She dragged the words out real slow, like she was testing how well I obeyed. I already knew how she's going to treat me for sure.

I walked toward the table, smiling softly. My heels clicked softly on the marble with every step. I reached for the crystal bottle of red wine. The cool, smooth glass felt heavy in my palm.

I tilted the bottle carefully. The dark, rich liquid poured out in a slow, steady stream, making a soft sound as it filled the first glass. A deep, intoxicating aroma rose up immediately — ripe black cherries, dark chocolate, and a hint of warm oak. The scent curled into my nose, it felt rich and heavy. 

I moved to the next glass, then the next. The deep red wine caught the light and glowed like fresh blood. A small drop spilled onto my finger. It felt warm and slightly sticky. I could almost taste the boldness on the back of my tongue just from the smell of it.

My hands stayed perfectly steady, but inside my chest, my heart beat like a war drum.

This was only the beginning.

For Lila.

For my father.

For every piece they had stolen from us.

I would tear this perfect family apart from the inside.