Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

Chapter 3. Between Safety and Strife.

THIRD-PERSON POV:

Isabella was confused. He cleared his throat, and she glanced at him for a fleeting second before lowering her gaze. He approached the bed and sat beside her. She continued staring at her lap, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

He took her hands in his, but even then, she refused to look up. Releasing one of her hands, he placed his finger gently under her chin, tilting her face toward him. She met his eyes for a brief moment before attempting to avert her gaze again. However, his firm yet soft touch made her hold his gaze once more.

Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill. She blinked rapidly, trying to keep them at bay, but her efforts were futile. Her vulnerability ignited something in him, and he spoke sharply without weighing his words.

"What were you thinking when you got in the car? Why didn't you wear a seatbelt? Are you insane or what?" He lashed out, his tone harsh.

His words struck her like a blade, shattering her already fragile heart.

Isabella froze, shocked by his outburst. Silent tears streamed down her face as she quickly looked down, trying to hide her pain. A knock on the door interrupted the moment. He let go of her hands and walked to the door. In the meantime, Isabella discreetly wiped her tears.

Her mother-in-law entered with a glass of juice. She handed it to Isabella with a warm smile. Isabella managed to drink only half before returning the glass with a small, appreciative smile. Understanding her delicate state, her mother-in-law didn't insist about her finishing it. Instead, she helped her lie back on the bed and instructed her about some medicine before leaving the room.

From his place on the sofa, Isabella's fiancé watched silently. Once Isabella had fallen asleep, he moved to her bedside. Gently, he brushed his fingers against her face. Her peaceful expression stirred something within him, yet his words betrayed any tenderness.

"I will make your life a living hell." He whispered coldly before storming out of the room.

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A FEW HOURS LATER...

ISABELLA'S POV:

I woke up in darkness. My heart raced as fear gripped me. I hated dark rooms; they always terrified me.

"Mom?" I called out, my voice trembling, but there was no reply.

I tried again, "Mother-in-law?" Still, no answer.

Panic set in as I fumbled around, desperately searching for a light switch. After what felt like an eternity, my fingers brushed against a door handle. I opened the door and saw someone standing a short distance away.

The figure looked familiar, and when he turned, my fears momentarily melted away. It was him my fiancé. Though I should've been angry, but relief washed over me seeing him.

Without thinking, I ran toward him and wrapped my arms around him. He stood still, seemingly stunned by my sudden gesture. Tears streamed down my face, dampening his shirt, but he remained silent.

Moments later, I felt his arms hesitantly encircle me, holding me close. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe.

Pulling back slightly, he tilted my face toward his.

"I'm sorry." I said quickly, my voice breaking. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just...I was scared of the dark."

His expression softened slightly. "It's okay." He murmured.

As he turned to leave, I instinctively grabbed his hand, silently pleading with him to stay. He held my hand firmly and guided me back to the room. With ease, he turned on the light, leaving me stunned, I hadn't been able to find the switch earlier.

He led me to the bed, handed me a glass of water, and gave me a few tissues. I wiped my tears and thanked him softly. Without a word, he made me lie down and turned on a small night lamp. Then, to my shock, he climbed into the bed beside me.

My breath hitched as he wrapped an arm around my waist, his face nestled in the crook of my neck. His voice was calm, void of the usual coldness.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to do anything. Just sleep." He said gently.

Surprised by his tone, I closed my eyes and, within minutes, drifted into a peaceful sleep.

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THIRD-PERSON POV:

Once Isabella fell asleep, he left the room and headed to his car, disappearing into the night. Meanwhile, her mother and mother-in-law arrived at the room. Concerned about disturbing Isabella's rest, her mother-in-law decided not to wake her.

Several hours later, Francesca, Isabella's mother, entered the room. Her usual stern expression hardened as she approached her daughter.

Francesca shook Isabella roughly, jolting her awake.

Isabella's groggy eyes met her mother's angry glare. Fearing her wrath, she held her ears and murmured, "I'm sorry."

Francesca's response was cutting. "Sorry, my foot! What do you think you're their daughter-in-law?" Isabella is shock to say anything else, but she can say anything her mother continued.

"No, my dear. You're just a toy. A thing for their son's entertainment. Nothing more." Her harsh words pierced through Isabella's heart like a dagger.

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1. Which moment in this chapter made your heart ache the most?

2. Do you think Isabella's fiancé is beginning to change—or is his tenderness just temporary?

3. What would you do if someone made you feel safe one moment and threatened the next?

4. How do you interpret Isabella's silence and instinct to apologize—habit, trauma, or something else?

5. How does this chapter challenge the idea of family as a source of comfort?

6. How did Francesca's final words affect you as a reader?

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Thank you so much for supporting me and keeping patience.