All Chapters of I Faked My Death to Destroy My Husband: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Mateo’s POV The rain was heavy today. The raindrops against the black umbrellas like the sky was mourning too. I stood in front of the casket that was was made of mahogany with gold handles. It was closed. Of course it was closed. They told me I couldn't see her. “The fire was too severe, Mr. Santiago.” The coroner had said. “It is better to remember her as she was.” So I stared at the wood, unable to forget the picture of her innocent face. “Happy Birthday, Mateo.” Her voice echoed in my head. She used to wish me sharp at 12 every year. In my head, they were louder than the priest’s Latin prayers. I wanted to break the casket. I wanted to see her face one last time. I wanted to hold her. I wanted to scream until my throat bled. But I stood very still. I tried to imagine her face inside, sleeping. But all I could see was the fire. All I could smell was the smoke. Around me, the crowd that I didn't call was gathering. For them, it was an event for business. "My poor

Isabella’s POV I thought I had misheard him. The man who had just saved me from hitting the floor, the man who had fired my bully with a single word, was now firing me. What kind of sick joke was this? “Fired?” I repeated. I thought of the empty Bitcoin wallet. I thought of the rent in Rome. I thought of the ultrasound tucked into my bag. Dante didn't explain. He simply turned his back on me, already leaving. “Wait!” I called out. The other analysts gasped. Nobody shouted at Dante Galante. He stopped and turned his head just enough to look at me over his shoulder. “You saw what happened.” I said, my voice gaining strength from pure desperation. “He shoved me. I didn't break the protocol. I have worked sixteen hours a day for a month. I am the most efficient analyst on this floor.” Dante turned fully now. He took a slow, predatory step toward me. He was so tall I had to lift my neck to see him. “Miss. Moretti. You heard me. You are fired. I decide who leaves and

Isabella’s POV I could feel his gaze on my pale skin, the dark circles under my eyes, and the way my hands were still shaking near my midsection. I tried to summon my pride. I tried to stand tall, but my legs felt like water. "What are you doing here, Signore Galante? Did you drive two hours to fire me from the cafe, too?" A muscle leaped in his jaw. "I told you.” He paused as he took a step closer, crowding me against the counter. "I like watching people fail. But I am not sure I liked this one." “What do you expect?” I snapped. “You fired me. You didn’t even give me a reason.” “You want a reason?” Dante stepped closer, filling the space. “Fine. First reason: You walked into a high-pressure job knowing your body couldn’t handle it.” His eyes dropped to my stomach. My breath caught. “Second reason: I don't keep distractions in my SOC. And you, Alessia, are a very loud distraction.” “A distraction?” I laughed bitterly, gripping the table to stay upright. “I sat in a co

Isabella’s POV After taking shower, I wore one of the few clean dresses I owned. It was a simple dark green wrap dress. Exactly at 8:00 PM, a knock sounded at the door. It was an older woman in maid uniform. She came in and smiled. "Signorina Moretti? I am Maria. Dinner is served in the formal dining room. Please, follow me." She said in Italian. I followed her down the stair and reached the dining room. Dante was already there. He was sitting at the head of a long wooden table. He wore a black shirt with his sleeves rolled up, showing his muscular veiny arms. When he noticed me, he pointed to the chair opposite of him. “Sit.” I did. Another servant came almost immediately and placed a plate in front of me. Seared salmon, vegetables, and grains. “You’re not going to eat?” I asked as I noticed his plate only had a small piece of steak and a glass of red wine. “I already ate.” He said. Nodding, I picked up my fork. “You haven’t asked me how I ended up working

Isabella’s POV I hated that he had to call me out like this. I hated how he managed to offend me even though just now he literally admitted that he needed me. It was like he was respecting the line I had drawn, even while he was killing my defenses. "But be assured, Alessia. I don't care about the father because he is a fool for not taking care of his family.” He growled. "And I don't care about your real name because the woman standing in front of me is the only one I am interested in. I need a partner. An equal.” I didn't wait anymore. I stepped in front of him, facing him as I suddenly felt the spark of confidence. “Partners don’t get paid, Dante.” I shot back. “They get shares.” His lips twisted in a sneer but it vanished before I could tell if it was real. “You want a share of Inferno, Alessia?” He leaned closer, challenging me. “Or of me?” My breath caught. “Forget it.” I said quickly. “I was just messing with you.” I immediately took a few steps backward. But I moved so fa