‹I'm leaving you, Antonio. But first, you need to know this. Leonardo is coming. He's planning something big, something dangerous, and I'll die if I remain with you.I know you think can protect me, you think you can keep me safe, that everything will be fine. But let's face it. I'll only be a burden to you. I won't be able to live with myself if you die because of me. Please, don't look for me. Stay focused and end Leonardo once and for all. Live for me. Live for our babies. I'll be carrying a piece of you with me always, and I hope fate brings you back to me when all this is over. I love you. More than life itself.›Antonio's hands shook violently as the letter fell from his grip. His vision blurred as tears brimmed in his eyes. It couldn't be. It had to be a dream. A nightmare. His Isabella couldn't be gone. But reality hit him hard when something round and shiny fell out from the handbag. He leaned down and picked it up, staring in horror at the diamond engagement ring he gav
All through the night, Isabella didn't sleep a wink. Her heart was unsettled and she dreaded what would happen. By morning, she looked a mess. Dark circles appeared under her eyes and her skin lost its healthy tone. She looked sick. Antonio grew worried, and not just because he knew something was bothering her. He could clearly see fear in her eyes. She was terrified, and he felt helpless because he couldn't do a thing about it. "Mi amore." He pulled her into his arms. "I'm worried. What is it?"Isabella tore her gaze away from the clock which she had been staring at all morning. It was past 7AM, which meant she had less than an hour to get to the mall and meet with Leonard. She swallowed past the lump in her throat, trying to calm her racing heart. "Mi amore." Antonio repeated. "Mhm, what?" She looked at him, finally noticing how worried he looked. "What's wrong? Why do you look so worried?""You." Antonio murmured. "I'm worried about you. Should I call Emilio? Maybe he can pre
Isabella just folded the letter and slipped it into her bag when the door opened. She shoved the book and pen into the bag, dropped the bag beside the couch and turned away from it. Antonio stepped inside and paused at the door. "You're awake." He smiled. "Yes. A while ago." She smiled back. "I heard you talking in the study, but I didn't want to disturb you." "You know nothing you do would ever be a disturbance." He shut the door and joined her on the couch. Then he pulled her onto his lap. "I want to apologize for how I spoke to you that day." She started to say, but he drew her close and silenced her with a kiss. Her arms immediately went around him, pulling him closer as she poured all her love into that kiss. It soon turned intense and she only pulled back when she became breathless. "Don't do that." He rasped. "Don't apologize for anything. It's in the past. I shouldn't have burdened you with so many questions, not when your emotions are all over the place.""Still, it wa
"Mi amore, are you okay?" Antonio asked, his voice filled with concern. He returned that morning from his business trip, and was now cuddled in bed with Isabella. But even while he talked with her, he realized how distant she sounded. It was like she was pulling away from him, slowly but gradually. She looked at him, and even when she smiled, he noticed it didn't reach her eyes. "You've asked me that question numerous times." She said softly. "I'm fine. Don't I look fine?""You do, but I feel you're troubled." Antonio murmured. He cradled her closer and kissed her forehead. "What is it? You know you can talk to me if something is bothering you.""I know, and I'm fine." She repeated. "Maybe it's just my pregnancy hormones. I'm getting closer to my due date and I'm trying not to freak out."Antonio knew that wasn't it, but he didn't want to press. "You don't have to be worried about that." He said. "I'll be by your side all through.""I know." She sighed. It hurt her greatly to lie
Mario knew something was off. He had been standing in front of the shop Isabella entered, yet no other customer had made an attempt to enter. The windows were covered with thick curtains, preventing him from seeing what was happening inside. Then he looked back at the security guard. Now that he took his time to scrutinize him, the guard looked strange. He wasn't wearing the usual uniform the other security guards were wearing. The differences were clear, and it immediately roused his suspicion. He should have followed Isabella inside. Something was definitely off.He was about to drop his gun and enter the shop when the guard suddenly moved. He lifted a device to his ear and listened for a moment, then muttered a response and walked away. Mario's suspicions increased. He started to follow him when the door opened and Isabella stepped out. She wasn't hurt, and she was emptyhanded. But he took one look at her face and knew immediately that something happened. "Are you okay?" He
Leonardo was staring straight at her. He was seated on a couch, one leg crossed over the other. He smiled suddenly and waved. Isabella turned immediately to leave, but the blonde woman blocked her path. "Get out of my way." She ordered. "Now miss, behave yourself." The blonde woman lifted her jacket and Isabella saw the gun tucked into a holster. How did she bring a gun in here when Mario got stopped? "Who are you people?" She whispered. "We don't want to hurt you." The woman continued. "Just turn around and walk towards Don Russo. I promise, you won't be harmed."Isabella had no choice. She didn't want to risk screaming and getting hurt. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and walked towards Leonardo. He was seating beside the cash register, holding a thick unlit cigar. He looked exactly the same as the last time she saw him at Vincenzo's home. Menacing. Brown hair slicked back, eyes intense and probing, dressed in all black outfit. A diamond watch shimmered on his wrist w