Chapter 4

Before Henry could get any closer, Zara panicked. She slapped him hard and shouted, “Help!”

The noise was loud enough that Margret and Ann came running, only to freeze in shock at the scene in Zara’s room. Henry stood there, looking startled, while Zara’s nightdress added to the confusion.

“Henry, honey!” Ann cried, grabbing his hands. “This woman is evil! She tried to ”

Zara froze, her mind racing. “That’s not true! He”

But Henry quickly jumped in with a rehearsed story. “I only came to ask for some water,” he said smoothly, “because you said she runs everything here. I didn’t want to disturb you since you were sleeping. When I reached her, she grabbed me, and I had no choice but to defend myself. She tried to make it look like I was the aggressor.”

Zara’s heart pounded. Before she could respond, Ann slapped her across the face. “How dare you try this with my man!”

Just as Henry moved to retaliate again, a strong hand gripped his wrist. Everyone turned in shock.

Dante’s eyes blazed. “That’s enough,” he growled, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Ann, my wife didn’t do such a thing,” Dante said firmly.

Everyone froze. Zara’s heart skipped a beat. Was he really siding with her?

Dante turned to Henry, his eyes sharp and cold. “I know you’re lying. But it’s late, and I don’t feel like being a bad man and throwing you out bleeding. It’s better for you to leave my house right now.”

Zara couldn’t believe it. Her husband defending her?

Henry snapped angrily but had no choice. He stormed out, with Ann glaring at Zara before following him. Margret simply walked away, stunned and silent.

Zara stayed frozen, staring at Dante. Is this the same man who burned my documents and pushed me earlier? Why is he siding with me now?

“Zara… are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Dante asked gently.

“No,” she whispered, still in shock, unsure what to make of his change in behavior. What is he planning?

Before he left, Dante added softly, “I’m sorry I pushed you. And about the documents… we can get new ones.”

He walked away, leaving Zara standing there, stunned. She had never heard him speak to her like that gentle, concerned, almost… kind.

A strange mix of relief and fear settled over her. Is Dante finally coming around?

“Henry, stop!” Ann called, grabbing his arm. “Don’t go, it’s late.”

“But your family thinks I’m a pervert,” he protested.

“I don’t think so,” Ann said softly, her hand still on his arm. “I believe you. Please… don’t go.”

Henry hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and left. Ann’s face darkened with anger. “You’re going to pay for this, you woman,” she muttered under her breath.

Meanwhile, Dante knocked lightly on his mother’s room.

She clapped her hands like a proud general. “Genius, my son! Bravissimo! You made her think you care about her, so she’ll fall right into our trap.”

Dante smiled, his expression cold and calculating. “Yes, Mother. We need to get her out of our way. And about Ann’s boyfriend I don’t think she could be that shameless.”

They both nodded, their hatred for Zara clear, though even they could admit it was obvious she hadn’t done anything wrong.

Later, Zara fell asleep with a faint smile, feeling a rare sense of relief. If Dante was truly on her side now, she thought, maybe just maybe things could start to get better.

Early the next morning, Zara went to check on Lilly and was surprised to find Dante happily playing with her daughter.

Her stomach tightened. What is he planning? she wondered.

“Mommy, come here!” Lilly called out. “Daddy’s been here since…”

Dante looked up and smiled. “Oh, good morning,” he said warmly.

Zara replied cautiously, her voice slow.

“I might not be able to go with you to the park,” Dante continued, “I’ve got work. But I’ve prepared a car for you to take her around and here are the tickets. Everything’s already paid for .”

Zara’s eyes widened. She hadn’t sat in his cars for ages.

Lilly pouted. “I thought we’d go with you?”

“No, honey,” Dante said smoothly, “I got busy. But you’re going to have lots and lots of fun.”

Zara couldn’t help but smile faintly at his words.

He rose from the bed, glanced at Zara, and added, “Okay, safe trip,” before turning to leave.

Zara crouched down and said gently, “Okay, little queen, let’s get you ready.” She helped Lilly dress, and soon they were done.

Happily, Zara led her daughter to the car, already fueled and ready. She helped Lilly into the front seat and fastened her seatbelt.

From the doorway, Dante watched them enter the car, a strange, unreadable smile on his face. 

Dante turned to his mother, a satisfied glint in his eyes. “I think it’s done now.”

She raised her glass, and they toasted in quiet triumph.

A slow, wicked smile spread across her face. “Well done, my son,” she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Dante mirrored her expression, the corners of his mouth curling into a subtle, cold smile. Inside, both were pleased with the trap they had set everything moving exactly as they had planned.