Ideal Men 1: Russo Mancini (On Hold)

18

Yciella Al Nayani, accompanied by Russo, found a secluded corner in the café, away from prying eyes and ears. As they settled into their seats, Russo's mind buzzed with questions, but he remained composed, waiting for Yciella to speak.

"Russo," Yciella began, her voice tinged with urgency, "there's something you need to know about Icy's past."

Russo nodded attentively, his eyes fixed on Yciella, ready to listen to whatever revelation she was about to make.

"Icy's father, Hassan Al Nayani, is a prince in Abu Dhabi, a powerful man with extensive influence," Yciella said, her gaze distant as if lost in painful memories.

"When Icy was born, her father arranged a marriage for her with the eldest son of the Saéz family, another powerful dynasty in Spain." Yciella revealed, her voice carrying the weight of years of secrecy and struggle.

Russo's eyes widened in shock at the magnitude of the revelation. "But Icy never mentioned anything about her family being royalty," he murmured, a mixture of disbelief and concern coloring his tone.

Yciella nodded solemnly, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and regret.

"That's because I fled with her when she was just a one year old," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

"I couldn't bear to see her forced into a marriage she didn't want. We've been on the run ever since, trying to stay one step ahead of her father's reach." she added.

Russo's heart ached as he listened to Yciella's harrowing tale. "So, you're saying that Icy's father is after her? And the family Icy believed to be her real parents are not really true?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Yciella nodded again, her expression grave.

"Yes, Russo. I decided to hide her by concealing her identity," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I made the difficult decision to conceal her identity, to hide her from her father's grasp. I gave Icy to the Wang family, my parents' servants in China, and asked them to take her to another country where she could have a comfortable and loving family. But her father found me, as well as her. Icy was brought back to the palace, where she was subjected to unimaginable cruelty and control. While I was imprisoned in the basement, hopeless and helpless."

Yciella can still feel the pain and torture whe experienced like it just happened yesterday.

"After finding out, I begged to an old maid to take Icy away from that place but the maid died after she can help Icy. Back then, my little hope vanished like a dust. Not until the old gardener came to me and promised to help on Icy escaping. I was so glad when they succeeded. That's why she ended up in Philippines but I thought the cruel environment ended there."

Tears streamed down Yciella's cheeks as she recounted the horrors they had endured. Russo reached out a hand to comfort her, his own emotions swirling with a mix of anger and determination.

"Icy was bullied, criticized, and discriminated against by some Filipinos," Yciella continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "But then you came, Russo. You helped my daughter escape from her cruel past and nightmare. Can you keep her safe this time and finally get her out from that darkness?"

Russo's heart swelled with pride and determination as he listened to Yciella's words.

"Of course, Yciella. I'll do whatever it takes to keep Icy safe. She means everything to me," he vowed, his voice filled with conviction.