Mafia's Only Daughter ✔

Chapter 27. Hidden Wounds

THIRD-PERSON POV:

TRIGGER WARNING

This chapter contains depictions of abuse that may be distressing to some readers. Please take care while reading, and feel free to skip this section, your well-being is our priority. Your mental health matters.

Someone holds Isabella's hair harshly and pulled her back.

"You bitch." The voice didn't go unnoticed by her. Isabella didn't need to turn around to know who it was, because she is sure its Bianca. Francesca comes forward and slaps her across her face.

Bianca tightened her grip on Isabella's hair, preventing her from moving. Emma stepped forward and landed a sharp blow on Isabella's knee, making her take a sharp breath. Francesca dragged her toward the kitchen and shoved her roughly to the ground. Isabella's body screamed in pain as they continued their assault. Kicks and slaps landed mercilessly, leaving her too weak to fight back. When they finally stopped, Francesca shot her a glare before leaving the kitchen with her accomplices.

TRIGGER ENDS

A kind maid rushed to Isabella's side, helping her to her room. She handed Isabella a painkiller and some food hiding from everyone, her quiet gestures offering some solace in the midst of her agony.

Days passed in this torment. Isabella's family occasionally texted her, and one family member would call daily. Hearing their voices brought her momentary happiness and hope that they would come for her soon. But as the days turned into weeks, her once bright eyes turned dulled. Dark circles marred her face, and her frail body bore the signs of starvation.

The Conti family rarely provided her food once, sometimes twice a day. Only the maid, in her quiet kindness, would sneak her extra meals when no one was watching.

On the sixteenth day, Isabella awoke with a flicker of hope. She dressed in her usual simple clothes and went downstairs. The doorbell rang.

Francesca's piercing eyes landed on Isabella, silently instructing her to answer the door. As Isabella opened the door, her heart skipped a beat. Standing there was Andreano. Without thinking, she threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. Andreano hugged her back and kissed her forehead before stepping inside. She guides him inside and handed a chill glass of water.

Andre, you've come to take me home, right?" She asked, her voice trembling with hope.

"Bella..." He began, but she cut him off.

"Don't say no, Andre, please." The words left with great difficulty.

"Bella, I came to see you." He said softly.

Her heart sank. "So, you're not taking me with you?" She whispered, sitting down with a thud. Tears spilled from her eyes.

Andreano knelt in front of her. "Bella, it's not like that—"

"You don't love me anymore. None of you do." She cried, jerking his hand away when he tried to comfort her.

"Bella, don't say that. We love you." He tried holding her again, but she didn't let him touch her.

"No, you don't! I'm just a burden to you all!" Her voice trembled; the vulnerability is clearly visible in her voice.

"Bella, that's not true!" He again tried to explain her.

But she didn't listen. She ran to her room and locked the door, shutting him out completely. Andreano called her name, his voice filled with concern, but she didn't answer. After waiting for hours, he left the house, dropping her a message before returning to Milan.