The Italian Princess

Chapter Thirteen: Wake Up Call

Marco: Three Months Later

Three months had passed since Bella and I parted ways, and the absence of her presence in my life was a void that nothing could fill. Yet, in a way, losing her gave me a clarity I hadn't known I needed. It was a painful lesson, one that came at a high cost, but it also served as a catalyst for my growth.

Her silence in response to my attempts to reach out was a stark reminder of the toxic influence my world could have on her. It hurt, each unanswered call and text like a fresh wound, but deep down, I knew it was for the best. She deserved a life free from the darkness that followed me.

Meanwhile, reorganizing the operations in Mexico proved to be a challenge, particularly with the murmurs about Bella and me. It was during a crucial meeting with various cartel leaders that I faced their concerns head-on.

Vince, speaking on behalf of many, voiced a fear that was likely shared by others. "If you and Bella come together, what does that mean for us? Will we be under Italy's thumb?"

His question hung heavily in the air, mirrored in the eyes of the others seated around the table. I realized then how my personal life had become so intertwined with my professional responsibilities.

I addressed them with a candor that surprised even me. "Bella and I are complicated, and that's my personal affair. But your concerns are valid. This cartel, our legacy, is independent, and I plan to keep it that way. If Bella and I ever reconcile, Italy would be an ally, not a ruler. Imagine the power and possibilities of such an alliance."

The words I spoke echoed Bella's sentiments from our last encounter - thoughts she had tried to share, but I was too blinded by revenge to see. I realized then how right she had been, how our union could have been a formidable force, not just in love but in power.

As the meeting concluded, I sensed a shift in their perception of me. There was a newfound respect, a recognition of the possibilities I proposed. I left the room feeling more confident about the future of the cartel, and in a way, about my own journey.

Despite the pain of losing Bella, I had found a purpose in the chaos, a determination to honor my father's legacy while paving my own path. The meeting had been a turning point, a moment where I had finally begun to merge the man I was with the leader I needed to be. As I walked away, there was a small part of me that hoped, perhaps foolishly, that Bella and I might find our way back to each other, not just for the power it would bring, but for the chance at a love that had never truly faded.

Bella

Sitting across from Reyes, the leader of one of the Spanish mafias, I braced myself for a meeting charged with tension and unspoken power dynamics. His reputation preceded him, and his presence didn't disappoint. His initial remark, a mix of incredulity and perhaps a hint of disdain, set the tone. "So, the stories are true," he began, eyeing me with an evaluative gaze.

"What stories might that be?" I asked coolly, meeting his scrutinizing look head-on. "Isaac left a black girl to run one of the most lucrative mobs ever." His words, though blunt, didn't ruffle me. I was used to such underestimations.

"I'm sorry you called a meeting with me to insult me or do business because you have about 2 of the 5 minutes I planned to give you before I walk away and not give a damn about your position," I countered, ready to leave.

Reyes paused, and as I made to stand, he quickly interjected. "Wait. I have a proposition."

His words caught my attention, and I settled back into my seat. "For too long have we feuded with houses, joined houses, betrayed houses, and looked after our own. I want to end this all," he proposed.