Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 9. The Bitter Goodbye

ISABELLA'S POV:

It's been two months since I discovered the bitter truth, but my mom still refuses to tell me about my real family. Every time I ask, she raises her hand to slap me. I've stopped asking now because I know she won't reveal anything. Yesterday, she warned me that if I ever bring up the topic again, she would stop giving me food for days.

I can't afford that, especially when I already have to endure the torture Bianca and her group put me through at college.

I glance at the clock. It's 7:15 am. I need to leave for college soon. Quickly, I start getting ready, grab my things, and leave.

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FRANCESCA'S POV:

I was training a few college students for an upcoming dance competition. Most of them were struggling with stretching techniques, and I was guiding them. Suddenly, someone from the institute approached me.

"Ma'am, someone's here to meet you." He said, I nod in acknowledgment.

I left the practice session after instructing the students. As I walked to the reception, I noticed Dario was there, along with someone who made my heart skip a beat my ex-husband. He wasn't alone; he had brought two young men with him, our sons.

I hurried toward them, but before I could hug him, my eldest son gave me a cold look.
"Don't you dare touch me." He said sharply.

I froze in my tracks. Desperate, I turned to my youngest son, but he held up a hand.
"I don't like being touched by strangers." He spoke.

Their words shattered my heart into pieces. I feel pain in my heart hearing them both.

Dario walked up to me, placing a hand on my shoulder as he spoke. "We'll talk about this at home."

Without a word, I nodded. Dario and I took a half-day leave and brought them back to the house.

Once there, my ex-husband finally spoke.
"I'm here to take Isabella with me." He announced, his tone cold. "And Francesca, you know the consequences if you dare go against me."

Dario and I exchanged nervous glances before agreeing. Just then, Isabella walked in through the main door, unaware of the storm brewing in the room.

"Good afternoon." She greeted politely before heading to her room.

I quickly instructed the maid to tell her to stay in her room for the rest of the day, I don't want to let her leave but I can't go against by ex-husband. He is a very powerful man.

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ISABELLA'S POV:

As I entered the house, I saw a group of guests seated in the living room. My mind raced with thoughts, but I managed to stay composed. After greeting them with a polite "Good afternoon." I hurried to my room.

A wave of relief washed over me when I saw no clothes laid out on my bed. I was safe for now. Moments later, the maid knocked on my door to deliver Mom's message: I wasn't allowed to leave my room until called.

After freshening up, I lay down to rest.

Evening came, and a knock disturbed my sleep. I opened the door to find Emma standing there.
"Mom is calling you." She spoke rudely, nodding at her I quickly went inside to get fresh.

Ten minutes later, I made my way to the living room. Everyone was seated, their expressions unreadable. Mom gestured for me to sit, and once I did, she dropped the news.

"You need to pack your bags and leave tomorrow." She said coldly.

"Where am I going? And why?" I asked, trying to mask my fear.

"Your father came this afternoon. He wants to take you with him, and we've agreed."

I nodded silently not wanting to anger her before leaving, even if she doesn't love me, I still love her and care for her. I stood to leave for my room.

Back in my room, I started packing. I didn't have many belongings most of my clothes were hand-me-downs from Bianca. Mom always insisted we share everything since they couldn't afford much for three kids.

I packed the few books I owned, many of which I had won in competitions or bought with saved-up money. I separated the ones borrowed from the library to return the next day.

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Dinner time arrived, but as usual, I wasn't called to join. After everyone finished, I went to the table, only to find it empty. Not even scraps were left on anyone's plate.

I drank some water and returned to my room, stomach growling. Soon, Bianca called me to her room. As I opened her door, she began hurling clothes and shoes at me.

Emma started crying, wailing loudly for Mom and Dad well Uncle Dario.

I knew what was coming next. Mom slapped me across the face, and Uncle Dario roughly grabbed my arms, shoving me out of the room.

"Thank God your father is here to take you away." Mom sneered. "You're such a spoiled brat."

I retreated to my room, my face burning with pain and humiliation.

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The next day, I woke up early and completed my morning routine. After returning books to the college and the nearby library, I went back home.

The living room was tense, everyone waiting for me.

"Where were you, Isabella?" Mom asked.

"I went to return books to the college and the library nearby." I explained truthfully.

"Fine. Now go get your things. Your father is waiting." she said dismissively.

I nodded and went to collect my bags.

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1. What moment in this chapter made you feel the most for Isabella?

2. Did Isabella's silent packing and goodbye feel empowering, heartbreaking, or both?

3. Should Isabella have confronted her mother one last time—or was her silence a form of strength?

4. Do you think Francesca's pain at seeing her sons reject her is genuine—or a drama?

 5. Why do you think Francesca refuses to reveal Isabella's real family history? 

6. What do you think Isabella's biological father's intentions are—protection, control, or something else?

7. Will Isabella find healing in her new home, or face new challenges?

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