Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

Chapter 23. The Vanishing Act

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THIRD PERSON POV:

Bianca carefully slipped out of Aure's room and returned to her own. After freshening up and concealing the marks on her neck, she headed to the dining room. Dinner proceeded as usual, cold and distant. No one acknowledged Isabella, as had always been the case. Immersed in her studies, she barely noticed the lack of an invitation. Hunger was the least of her concerns. She studied until 11 p.m. before exhaustion finally claimed her. The house was cloaked in silence when Bianca crept out of her room again. She walked confidently to Aure's door and raised her hand to knock. Before she could, a strong grip stopped her. She looked up, startled, to see one of the guards holding her wrist.

Guard: "Sir is sleeping. Don't disturb him. If you want to speak with him, come in the morning. If it's about Miss Isabella, I'll call him myself."

Bianca: "He told me to come!"

Guard: "Do you have proof?"

She faltered; her frustration visible. "He asked me earlier tonight!"

Guard: "Why will we believe you?"

Bianca: "Why will I lie! He himself told me to come. So let me go to him."

Guard: "Maybe he called you! But is this a time to come and meet someone? Don't you have some manners?"

Bianca: "Excuse me! How dare you to talk to me like this?"

Guard: "Excuse. Now leave and don't come here to disturb him again."

The guard smirked inwardly at her indignation as she stormed off, muttering something under her breath, with a flush face and embarrassment.

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A Few Hours Earlier

After Bianca had left his room, Aure summoned his guards.

Aure: "The girl who just left will return when everyone is fast asleep."

Guard: "What should we do, sir?"

Aure: "Don't let her in." The guards exchanged amused looks.

Guard: "Understood, young master. Anything else?"

Aure: "No, I trust you'll handle the rest." The guards chuckled quietly.

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Midnight

Isabella woke up, hunger gnawing at her. She washed her face and rummaged through her bag for something to eat, but it was empty. Reluctantly, she stepped out of her room. One of the guards stationed nearby approached immediately.

Guard: "Is something wrong, ma'am?"

Isabella: "I'm just heading to the kitchen to check for food. You don't need to accompany me."

Guard: "You shouldn't go alone, ma'am."

Isabella: "It's just the kitchen."

Guard: "Even so, I'll come with you."

With no other option, she let him follow. Together, they searched the kitchen but found nothing. Defeated, she drank some water and returned to her room. Unable to sleep, she resumed her studies.

ISABELLA'S POV:

Two hours passed, and the clock read 5:30 a.m. My hunger was unbearable. I stepped out of my room again and headed toward Aure's, with two guards trailing behind me. I knocked softly on his door, then again, but there was no response. My worry grew with each passing moment. Tears welled in my eyes.

Me: "Aure, please open the door!" Silence was the only thing I get. I called his name repeatedly, but there was no reply. My heart sank.

Me: "Sam, come here!" Sam, my personal guard, stepped forward.

Sam: "What's wrong, ma'am?"

Me: "Aure isn't answering. I knocked and called his name, but he is not responding."

Sam knocked on the door and called out, but there was still no response. With a firm push, he opened the door. It swung inward with ease, revealing an empty room. Panic surged through me. "Aure!" I yelled, running out. I searched every corner of the house kitchen, dining room, hall, even the garden but he was nowhere to be found.

Me: "Aure, please come back!" I screamed.

THIRD PERSON POV:

Isabella's scream woke the entire household.

Francesca: "What's wrong with you, Isabella? Why are you screaming this early in the morning?" She scolded as she descended the stairs.

Isabella: "Mom, Aure is missing!" She cried.

Bianca: "You are a liar! Where did you send him? He was in his room last night. You must have done something to make him leave!" Isabella closed her eyes, bracing herself for what was to come.

Francesca slapped her across the face. "You're nothing but trouble! They probably sent you here because they couldn't bear you anymore!"

Bianca grabbed Isabella by the hair and slapped her repeatedly before kicking her in the stomach. Isabella crumpled to the floor, enduring the abuse silently. Once they were satisfied, they left her. Weak and trembling, Isabella managed to crawl back to her room. She washed her face, lay on the bed, and fell into a restless sleep.

AURE'S POV:

It was 8:30 a.m. when I entered the hall. The Conti family was gathered, but my Angioletto was absent. She must still be sleeping, I thought. As I sat on the sofa, Bianca

rushed toward me, only to be stopped by my guards. I didn't bother to acknowledge her.

Me: "Alley, get my headache medicine."

Alley: "Yes, sir." After taking the medicine, I made my way to Isabella's room. When I stood before her door, my heart sank at the sight.

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

2. Which part of Aure's quiet protectiveness stood out to you the most?

3. How would you react if you were Isabella, waking up hungry and alone in a hostile house?

4. What does Sam's loyalty reveal about Isabella's growing support system

5. What do you think Aure will do when he sees Isabella's condition?

6. Why do you think Isabella didn't fight back during the abuse?

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