Chapter Five

Isabella's POV

I signed the contract, my hand trembling as I scribbled my signature on the blank dotted line provided for it. Lorenzo's eyes brightened with triumph, but I knew I had bought myself a year of bondage. One year to figure a way out, to escape this prison.

As soon as the pen left the paper, Lorenzo's demeanor changed. He became more relaxed, almost affectionate.

"You're mine now, Isabella," he whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear. “You don't have to worry about anything. I'll take good care of you. I'd make sure you don't lack anything,” he cooed, reassuringly.

He took the contract papers from me and dropped it on the table. He then drew closer to me, his gaze lingering on my face. I pulled away, trying to process the emotions brewing inside me; fear, anger, resentment – but also a spark of curiosity. Who was this man, really? A monster, or a protector?

Lorenzo's hand reached for the bottle of champagne on the table and cocked it open. He poured its contents into the two wine glasses next to it.

Lorenzo handed me a glass of wine, his eyes never leaving mine. "To our new arrangement," he toasted, raising his own glass to the air.

I raised mine and clinked it with his, feeling a sense of unease. What had I just gotten myself into? What if I was playing games with the devil himself?

As we sipped our wine, Lorenzo began to reveal more about his business dealings, about the world he operated in. I listened intently, trying to understand the complexities of his empire.

“As you know, I'm the most powerful and influential mafia lord in the city, not someone you fiddled with for any reason! I own and control more than half of the city! I always call the shots!” He disclosed, hitting his chest boastfully, basking in his pride.

Irritated by his arrogance, glared at him and looked away. He still didn't stop.

“I own the malls, the storehouses, the restaurants, the bars, the clubhouses, and other businesses! So many of them!” He continued, adding to my aggravation.

“And who cares about that?” I rolled my eyes uninterestedly.

“Well, you should know. And that's because you'll be working with me soon! I'd be your boss and you'll be my special servant!” He grinned satisfactorily.

“Servant?” I arched my brows in bewilderment, unsure whether I heard that right.

“Yes, servant. Don't worry, when you get to that bridge, you'll cross it!” He said eerily, patting gently on my shoulder.

I thought about what he meant by those words but couldn't make a thing out of it. My mind kept drifting back to Giovanni, to the threat he posed. Lorenzo seemed so confident that he could protect me, but could I truly trust him? How could I even trust him, when he's responsible for the death of my own mother?

Suddenly, Lorenzo's phone rang, shrill in the silence. He picked it up, his face etched with eagerness and anticipation.

“Hello boss! Some strange armed men are at the entrance of the estate. They demanded to see you. Can I let them come in?” The caller said, as soon as the call connected.

“Strange armed men?” His expression darkened. “ What exactly do they look like?”

“They're all uniformed in black outfits and matching black masks that concealed half of their faces,” the voice on the other end explained, without trepidation.

“Don't let them in!” Lorenzo ordered, authoritatively.

“Sure sir. As you please sir,” he replied.

Just as the man finished speaking, a gunshot was heard from the other end, which was accompanied by a painful groan and then, a loud thud. There was abrupt silence afterward - They must have gunned him down. I shivered at the thought of it.

As Lorenzo ended the call, his eyes locked with mine.

"We need to leave now. Giovanni's men are coming in soon!" He instructed, his voice tinged with urgency.

"What is it? What's going on?" I asked in a low tone, sensing tension.

"Giovanni's men were spotted outside the estate," he growled. "It seems our friend isn't willing to let you go."

My heart skipped a beat. Was I trapped in a war between two powerful men?

I hastily dropped my wine glass on the table, ignoring it, although I was only half way gone and we rushed out of the room. But instead of heading towards the exit, Lorenzo led me deeper into the mansion. We strolled through an unending hallway of rooms and paused at a secluded area close to the end.

"Where are we going?" I asked, confusion mounting up my face.

"To the safe room," he replied, his voice low and urgent.

We reached a hidden door at the extreme, and Lorenzo punched in an unknown code. The door swung open, revealing an expansive well-furnished high-tech room.

He ushered me in cheerfully. I trudged behind him, with trepidation.

"Welcome to your new home, Isabella," Lorenzo said, his smile eerie.

My eyes widened at the glorious sight before me. I had wanted to acknowledge his warm welcome, but I was too carried away by what my eyes saw to remember

Suddenly, the room filled with screens flickering to life. Images of Giovanni, my father, and Lorenzo himself flashed by. I was astounded by the unexpected animation.

"What is this?" I inquired, my eyes scanning the screens closely.

Lorenzo's eyes gleamed with a strange excitement. "The truth. The truth is your father didn't sell you to me. He's in league with Giovanni. They're using you as bait to bring me down!"

My world crumbled. Betrayal and shock coursed through my veins. How could my father be so heartless to me? Was leaving Mum and I alone for his gold-digger mistress not just enough? How can I be a pawn in their games of power tussle and supremacy?

"No," I whispered, sharply.

Lorenzo's voice dripped with foreboding, "Yes, my dear Isabella. You're caught in a web of deceit. And I'm the only one who can save you!”