HER REVENGE

23.

Paola was in the gym, her hands wrapped in boxing tape as she punched the heavy bag over and over again.

She was moving with purpose, the sweat glistening on her skin as she pummeled the bag, her breath coming in short, controlled bursts.

She was in the zone, her mind focused on her movements, the only sound the steady thud of her punches and the swish of the bag.

Gabriel walked into the gym, and Paola immediately stopped what she was doing, her expression hardening as she turned to leave.

"Paola, wait!" Gabriel called out, "You're avoiding me!"

"I'm not avoiding you," Paola snapped. "You're the one who told me to stay away from you."

Gabriel swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "But don't you think you're taking things too far?"

"I'm just respecting your wishes, The last time we spoke, things didn't end well, and I'd like to respect your space."

Paola hurried to the bathroom, her hand covering her mouth as she felt her stomach lurch.

Gabriel followed her, his face creased with worry. "Are you okay?" he asked, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder.

"I'm fine," Paola said, but her voice sounded weak,

"But you don't look fine, You look pale, and you're shaking."

"I said I'm fine," Paola snapped, turning away from him and storming out of the room. Gabriel stared after her, his mind reeling.

★★★

After Isabella wrapped up her photoshoot, Matteo approached her,

"You should take a rest," he said. "You've been at this since this morning."

"Is that okay?" Isabella asked,

"Of course it's okay," Matteo said, his voice reassuring. "You can't work yourself into the ground. You need to take care of yourself" Isabella nodded

"I hope Mr. Alessandro doesn't mind," Isabella said, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Why are you so worried about him?" Matteo asked, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Besides, he's not even in his office right now. And I'm your photographer, so I'm giving you the order to rest."

Isabella couldn't help but laugh at his mock-stern tone. "Alright, Mr. Photography," she said, giving him a playful salute. Matteo chuckled

"Let me treat you to a cup of coffee," Matteo said, offering his arm.

"That sounds nice," Isabella said, smiling. She looped her arm through his, and they walked together to the coffee shop.

★★★
"Boss, are you sure Chiara will follow through on what you asked her to do?" Giovanni asked,

Massimo took a puff of his cigarette, the smoke curling into the air. "Of course she will,"

"Boss, are you sure?, The way I see it, Chiara seems like she's trying to make Alessandro fall for her."

"You're letting your desire for revenge cloud your judgment, I have complete faith that she'll do things my way."

He took another puff of his cigarette, his smirk widening. "And if Chiara doesn't come through, I'll have no choice but to take matters into my own hands."

"What about Michele?"

"That bastard still hasn't released him," Massimo growled.

"Yes, boss,"

"Then what are you waiting for?" Massimo snapped. "Find a way to kill him."

Giovanni stiffened, his hands clenching into fists.
★★★

Chiara was eating breakfast when Alessandro came downstairs. He walked past her without a word, and opened the front door, only to find it locked.

"Open the door!" Alessandro barked,

The maid, Lil, jumped at his tone, her eyes wide with fear. "I'm so sorry, sir, but Miss Chiara has the key," she said, bowing her head. Alessandro's jaw clenched, his temper flaring.

"What is this woman playing at?" Alessandro muttered to himself,

He turned to Chiara, his eyes flashing with anger. "Give me the key!" he demanded.

Chiara ignored him, continuing to eat her breakfast as if nothing had happened. Alessandro's temper flared, and he felt his blood boil.

"I think I'm talking to a real person," Alessandro said,

"And I think there are no animals here," Chiara said, 

"Then give me the key," Alessandro said, his patience running thin.

"Sorry, honey, But nobody is allowed to leave the house today."

Alessandro ground his teeth, his fists clenching at his sides."Are you crazy?,I have a meeting to attend this morning!"

"Did you just swear at me?"

"Give me the key,"

"No,.Not until you apologize."

"For what?" Alessandro demanded, his temper rising.

"For yelling at me, of course," Chiara said, her eyes narrowing."And for pushing me this morning,"

"Did you want to die?" Alessandro growled,

"What?" Chiara gasped, taken aback. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, of course not, I'm just trying to get you to give me the key."

"I'm not going to do that until you apologize,"

"This is ridiculous," Alessandro huffed, "We're going in circles."

Alessandro stormed to the back door, but Chiara stood in front of it, blocking his way.

"You need to be punished for this,"

"Punished?, What do you mean?"

Alessandro ignored her question. "Fox!" he called

"Yes, boss?" Fox said, appearing from around the corner.

"Collect the key from her and lock her in her room," Alessandro said, his voice cold and commanding.

"You can't lock me up!" Chiara cried

Fox took a step toward her, his expression impassive.

"Don't you dare touch me!" Chiara yelled, backing away from him.

"Do your job within three seconds, or you'll be fired," Alessandro snapped,

Without hesitation, Fox moved toward Chiara and grabbed her. He took the key from her hand

Alessandro smirked as he said, "See you later, little wifey."

Chiara glared at him, her eyes burning with rage. "You jerk," she hissed,

Fox carried her through the door, and Chiara continued to struggle.

"Hey! Let me go!" she yelled, writhing in his arms. "I'm warning you - if you don't put me down right now, I'll kill you "

Fox ignored her and pushed open the door to her room. He tossed her on the bed, and she landed with a thud.

Fox locked the door behind him, and Chiara scrambled to her feet, rushing to the door and banging on it with both fists.

"Let me out! Open the door!" But there was no response. Chiara sank to the floor,

"That jerk," she muttered, "How dare he lock me up?"

...............