Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

Chapter 5. Shadows of Pain

THIRD PERSON POV:

TRIGGER WARNING:

This section contains mature content, including harassment and abuse. Readers who may find this uncomfortable, please skip this part.

Isabella comes near them, but Francesca grabbed her by the hair and dragged her inside the kitchen quietly. Before Isabella could utter a word, Dario stepped forward, forcing her hands behind her back, tying them tightly, and covering her mouth with tape.

Francesca slapped Isabella harshly, causing her to fall to the ground. Taking her by the hair in a vice-like grip, Francesca made Isabella face her. Shock filled Isabella's teary eyes as she saw this monstrous side of her mother. Francesca slapped her again, four or five times, before walking out of the kitchen.

Dario approached next, yanking Isabella by the hair and punching her throat with brutal force. Pain shot through her body as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. He left the kitchen with a cruel smile, nodding at Bianca and Emma, who returned the gesture before beginning their torment.

Bianca and Emma kicked and slapped Isabella multiple times, their cruelty knowing no bounds. They emptied five bottles of ice-cold water over her, draining her of every ounce of strength. Isabella collapsed on the floor, unable to fight back. Satisfied, her sisters left her there.

Trigger Content Ends

Fifteen minutes later, a maid cautiously entered the kitchen. Seeing Isabella, she hurriedly untied her hands, removed the tape from her mouth, and helped her sit up. She guided her back to her room discreetly, ensuring no one saw her aiding Isabella.

Once inside her room, Isabella locked the door and collapsed on the floor, exhaustion and pain overwhelming her.

Sleep consumed her as tears dried on her cheeks. Meanwhile, the Conti family carried on with their day as if nothing had happened.

Later that evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Francesca's phone rang. Her eyes widened when she saw the caller ID.

Francesca (F): "Hello, Mrs. Russo."

Mrs. Russo (R): "Hello, Mrs. Conti. Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask if we could take Isabella shopping tomorrow. Would that be alright?"

Francesca's surprise turned into calculation as she answered.

F: "Of course. I don't mind, but Isabella gets nervous in public. Perhaps Bianca could accompany her?"

R: "That's a wonderful idea. Thank you. Good night."

After hanging up, Francesca informed her family of the plans before everyone retired to their rooms without telling Isabella anything about it.

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The Next Morning

The sound of her alarm jolted Isabella awake. Weak and aching from the previous day, she struggled to get up. Panic set in as she realized the noise could bring punishments. Summoning all her strength, she crawled to turn it off.

After finishing her morning routine through gritted pain, Isabella dressed in simple jeans and a high-neck top, covering her face with a scarf. She grabbed her backpack and went to the dining room, wishing everyone good morning before leaving for college.

Reaching her college 20 minutes later, Isabella attended her lectures silently. Afterward, she returned books to the library and settled in a corner with her new selections.

Twenty minutes passed when someone sat beside her. She ignored the presence until a deep voice shattered her focus: "Isabella, babe."

Her head snapped up, and her eyes widened in shock. Sitting beside her was none other than her soon-to-be husband. She quickly composed herself, looking down to avoid his piercing gaze.

He took the book from her hands, setting it aside as he spoke in a low, commanding tone.

"Did you forget about our meeting? Or are you avoiding going shopping with me, babe?"

Panic washed over her as she realized she had no idea about the arrangement. "I'm sorry. I lost track of time while studying. It won't happen again. Please forgive me." She pleaded, her voice soft and trembling.

His eyes softened slightly, and he nodded. Together, they walked out of the library to his car, where Bianca was waiting. She immediately took the passenger seat, leaving Isabella in the back.

During the ride, Isabella leaned back, closing her eyes to escape the growing pain in her body. Her fiancé kept glancing at her through the rearview mirror, wondering why she let Bianca take her rightful seat without protest.

Upon reaching the mall, Bianca stepped out as a bodyguard opened her door. Her fiancé opened Isabella's door, gently shaking her awake. She nodded and followed him to the mall, where Mrs. Russo stood waiting with bodyguards and assistants.

"Good afternoon." Isabella greeted softly; her voice barely audible.

Mrs. Russo (MIL): " Good afternoon. But why are you covering your face with a scarf, dear?"

Isabella (I): "I caught a slight cough after drinking cold water and eating ice cream. But don't worry. I'm fine now."

Her excuse seemed to satisfy Mrs. Russo, who nodded kindly. "Take care, dear. Now let's go find your engagement dress."

Inside the store, Mrs. Russo browsed with an assistant while Isabella wandered with Bianca and her fiancé.

While Bianca picked out two dresses for herself, Isabella didn't select anything.

She simply roamed the racks, hesitant and unsure.

After 30 minutes, Mrs. Russo returned, shocked to see Isabella empty-handed. She exchanged a questioning look with her son, who merely shook his head.

MIL: "Isabella, why haven't you chosen anything yet?"

I: "I... I'm sorry. I couldn't decide."

Mrs. Russo smiled warmly. "It's okay, dear. Choose whatever you like. Even if you buy the whole mall, it won't affect my son's bank account."

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1. What was the hardest part of this chapter for you to read—and why?

 2. Did her excuse to Mrs. Russo feel like survival, shame, or something else? 

3. Should Isabella have told Mrs. Russo the truth—or was silence her safest option?

4. Why do you think she let Bianca take the front seat without protest?

5. Will Mrs. Russo eventually notice Isabella's suffering?

6. Do you think her fiancé will confront her family again —or stay silent?

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