𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆!!!
PROLOGUE
F:- " Tell me where were you the whole night".
I:- " Actually Mom, I fainted, a girl and her brother help me I was with them". I told the truth to them.
D:-" Then why didn't you contact an...
Her mother's harsh words shattered Isabella completely. Tears streamed down her face as a sharp pain surged through her head. Her body felt paralyzed, and a deep ache gripped her heart. She cried uncontrollably, but this time, her tears weren't for being treated as an object. They were for the piercing betrayal and hate from her own mother the woman who had sold her to these people. She didn't know why, but this time, she couldn't stop the wave of emotions from breaking free. Francesca left the room leaving her alone.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud thud. Isabella didn't even look up.
A warm presence engulfed her from behind. She knew who it was the familiar scent of his cologne was unmistakable. Turning around, she buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. He didn't speak, but his silence was louder than any words. His hands gently caressed her back, offering solace. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep in his arms.
He carefully laid her on the bed, wiped her tear-streaked face, and tucked her under the duvet. Without another word, he left the room, his steps heavy with anger.
Downstairs, his piercing gaze cut through her family like a blade. He marched to Francesca, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to her feet.
"What did you say to her?" His voice was like ice, cold and dangerous.
Francesca's face turned pale as sweat dripped from her brow. She stammered, her voice trembling, "I-I didn't s-say anything to her."
His glare was unwavering. Before he could press further, his father intervened, pulling him toward the study. Francesca collapsed back into her sofa, trembling.
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In the Study
Father (F): "What happened? Why did you behave like that?" Him (H): "I don't know. Seeing her in that condition did something to me. F: "In what condition?" H: "She was crying, trembling, like her world had been ripped apart. But I don't know why."
F: "Are you forgetting your promise?" H: "No, Dad. I want to break her so completely that she forgets the meaning of pain."
F: "Then why did you react like that?"
"Because I want to earn her trust first before I shatter it into a million pieces. I want to destroy her, just like—" He stopped abruptly; the words caught in his throat. His father placed a hand on his shoulder, a silent reminder. Without another word, they left the study with him. Mr. Russo had a small with Conti's, then he left for some work. In a short while the Conti's also left for their house leaving Isabella behind, who is sleeping unaware of everything.
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Later that night, he returned to Isabella's room. The sight before him stopped him in his tracks Isabella, asleep while clutching his pillow. Her tear-streaked face and swollen eyes stirred something within him. He watched her for a moment before retreating to his gym to vent his emotions.
After a workout, when he was moving to his room, he saw his mother heading toward Isabella's room with a plate of food. Taking it from her, he assured her that he would handle it.
In the room, Isabella sat up weakly when he entered. He asks her to get fresh till he settled the plate on the small table near the sofa. She returned quickly; he instructs her to eat. She ate silently, avoiding his gaze. When he handed her medicine, she mumbled. "I'll take it later." He arched a brow but didn't press her.
She was startled when he disappeared into the walk-in closet and returned in a grey lower and white t-shirt. Realizing it was his room she was staying in, she blushed. He chuckled softly, his amusement fleeting as he handed her the medicine again. This time, she obeyed, grimacing at the bitter taste.
Later, as they lay in bed, he pulled her close, his arm wrapping around her waist. His breath tickled her neck as he murmured, "Sleep. Don't use that pretty brain of yours." Her heart raced at his words, but she closed her eyes, letting the medication lull her to sleep.
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The Next Morning
Isabella woke up to a surprise—a dress laid out on the chair with a note.
"Good morning 😊 Wear this and come downstairs. Waiting for you at the dining table."
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Asoft smile graced her lips as she got ready. At the table, she greeted everyoneshyly, receiving warm responses except from him. She is confused by not seeingher family, but her mother-in-law cleared it by saying.
"They left last night, don't worry my son will drop you home to them after breakfast."
She sat beside him, eating quietly. After breakfast, He drop her home. His gesture left her smiling, but she couldn't shake the unease thinking about her family.
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In the car, she rubbed her arms, trying to ward off the chill. Without a word, he retrieved a blanket and tucked it around her legs. Pulling her closer, he rested her head on his chest. Her heart fluttered at the proximity, but she let herself relax in his arms.
When they reached her home, he escorted her inside. After a brief conversation with her parents, he left but not before warning her to rest, eat, and take her medicines on time.
The moment he was gone, her family's glares turned venomous.
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1. What was the most emotionally intense moment for you in this chapter?
2. How did you react to Francesca's betrayal being called out—was it satisfying or unsettling?
3. Do you think Isabella's fiancé is genuinely conflicted, or is he just playing a long game?
4. What do you think Isabella's reaction to the dress and note says about her emotional state?
5. What do you think he meant when he said, "Just like—"? Who or what is he referring to?
6. Is Mrs. Russo truly unaware of her son's intentions—or is she playing her own game?
