Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

Chapter 6. Forgotten Shadows

ISABELLA'S POV:

I was in complete shock after hearing my mother-in-law's words. Was she serious, or was she just pulling my leg? Before I could process anything, my soon-to-be husband's next words confirmed her statement.

Him: "Yes, Isabella, Mom is not lying. You can take whatever you want. Don't worry about the money."
Me: "Okay."
Him: "Go ahead and select something. I'll be back after attending this call."
Me: "Okay."

He left the store, and I started walking alongside my mother-in-law. After five minutes, I saw him returning, but he stopped midway. Following his gaze, I noticed Bianca standing close to him. He didn't stop her as she approached him.

I froze as I watched him help Bianca select a dress. The sight was unbearable, so I turned in the other direction, trying to focus on something else. Yet, no matter how much I walked around, nothing caught my attention. Frustrated, I made my way back toward my mother-in-law, only to find her engaged in a conversation with someone.

Feeling suffocated, I informed a store helper that I needed a break and stepped toward the exit. I made my way to the washroom. After finishing my business come out of the toilet stall, but I was stunned. Bianca was standing there with a cruel smirk on her face.

Before I could say anything, she marched toward me, grabbing my hair in a tight fist.

"Stay away from him!" she spat, slapping me hard across the face.

I staggered back, but she pushed me further. My head hit the wall behind me, sending waves of pain through my skull. Before I could recover, she pulled out a leather belt and began beating me with it. Her kicks landed painfully on my stomach several times. She only stopped when she seemed satisfied. Then she left from there leaving me alone.

I lay there for a moment, gathering whatevercourage I had left. Slowly, I washed my face, adjusted my dress, and exited thewashroom. Outside, a helper waited to guide me back to my mother-in-law. Wewalked to another store where I found him engrossed in his phone. Mymother-in-law was busy selecting dresses, and Bianca was nowhere to be seen muchto my relief.

"Comehere, Isabella." My mother-in-law called out, and I joined her. We browsedthrough several dresses, and she insisted I pick something grand for theengagement. I politely declined, settling on a simple, long-length dress. Ididn't want to waste money, nor do I like heavy dresses. After trying it on andarranging for some minor fittings, we were done.

He paid the bills for my single dress, Bianca's five dresses, and my mother-in-law's selections. He didn't say a word about Bianca's extravagance, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

We headed to a nearby restaurant. Everyone settled down, and just as I was about to sit next to him, Bianca slid into the seat. I stayed silent and sat beside my mother-in-law. They placed our orders, and soon the waiter left.

No one paid me any attention not even him. He was busy listening to Bianca and scrolling through his phone. My mother-in-law excused herself to the washroom. I sat there, trying to distract myself, but the hunger gnawed at me.

When my mother-in-law returned, she looked concerned.

"Isabella, why aren't you serving yourself? Don't you like the food?" She asked gently.

I shook my head. "No, Mom, it's fine."
"Are you sure? Do you want me to order something else for you?"

"No, Mom, I'm not hungry. I had lunch at the college canteen, so I'm fine. You all enjoy your meal."

"Are you sure, dear?"

"Yes, Mom. Please don't worry about me."

Although I was starving, I couldn't remove my scarf. My bruises would be exposed, and I didn't want my mother-in-law to question me or judge my parents. After all, they are still my parents, no matter what had happened yesterday, no matter how many times it happened before but they are my parents and I can't ruin their reputation.

Excusing myself, I told them I would walk around the mall and meet them later. No one objected, so I quickly made my way to the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor. As the ground floor is of food court and we had roamed the other 2 floors already.

I wandered into a music store. My feet carried me to the guitar section, and my eyes landed on a beautiful guitar. I love playing the guitar, but I never owned one. My parents always dismissed the idea as a waste of money.

Without thinking, I picked it up and startedplaying. The melody flowed naturally, and I lost myself in the music.

WhenI stopped, I was startled to hear applause. Everyone in the store was clappingfor me. Embarrassed, I thanked them politely and left the store.

My mother-in-law had sent a helper and two bodyguards with me. As we returned to the food court, I was surprised to find no one there.

The helper made a quick phone call and then informed me, "Sorry, ma'am, but Mrs. Russo left for some urgent work, and Sir left with your sister."

I was stunned. Everyone had forgotten about me.

"Mam, shall I call another car for you?"
"No, thank you. I'll manage on my own." I replied politely.

I retrieved my bag and engagement dress from the restaurant and left the mall. As I walked, my head began to throb, and dizziness overtook me. Before I knew it, I collapsed onto the pavement. Darkness consumed me fully before I could register anything.

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1. Did her decision to hide her bruises feel brave, tragic, or both?

2. How did you feel when she was left behind at the mall?

3. Why do you think her fiancé paid for Bianca's dress without comment?

4. If you were Isabella, would you have accepted the helper's offer to call a car—or walked away like she did?

5. What does Isabella's connection to the guitar reveal about her inner world?

6. Do you think fiancé will regret leaving her behind —or was it intentional?

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