Bound by Obsession

chapter15 :the queen's gambit

**Chapter 15: The Queen's Gambit**

Isabella and Alexei settled in a modest apartment in the eastern part of New York City. The city's hustle and bustle provided the perfect cover for them to blend in and rebuild their lives. They kept a low profile, with Isabella working at a small law firm under her new identity while Alexei took odd jobs to support them. Their days were filled with a tentative peace, but both knew that the shadows of their past lingered just out of sight.

Meanwhile, Tristan's relentless search for answers about Isabella had finally borne fruit. One evening, his trusted man, Marco, approached him with a stack of old documents.

"Boss, I think I found something," Marco said, placing the papers on Tristan's desk.

Tristan looked up, his interest piqued. "What is it?"

Marco flipped through the documents, stopping at an old photograph of a young woman standing beside a formidable-looking man. "This is Isabella's father. He was the mafia king back in the day. And this," he pointed to the woman, "is Isabella. She was the mafia queen everyone feared."

Tristan studied the photograph, his mind racing. "Tell me everything."

Marco nodded. "Isabella's father was a ruthless leader, but she was different. She had a code of honor and never harmed the innocent. When she disappeared, it created a power vacuum, and you stepped in. But no one ever knew why she left. She became a lawyer, hiding her identity. When she put you in prison, it was clear she still had powerful connections."

Was she the mafia queen? Why did she dissappear all of a sudden? What happened that she had to leave it... why had he never come to know about it? All these questions were running 'round his head

Tristan leaned back in his chair, processing the information. "So she was hiding in plain sight. Interesting."

"There's more," Marco continued. "I found out that she has an uncle named Viktor who lives off the grid. If we can get to him, we might be able to find her."

Tristan's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Good. Keep an eye on him. We'll pay him a visit soon."

Across the city, Isabella and Alexei tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. One evening, as they were preparing dinner, Alexei noticed Isabella's distant expression.

"Isabella," he said gently, "what's on your mind?"

She sighed, putting down the knife she was using to chop vegetables. "It's Tristan. He's not going to give up. I'm worried he'll find us eventually."

Alexei reached out, taking her hand. "We've come this far. We'll keep moving if we have to. We won't let him take away our freedom."

Isabella nodded, grateful for his support. "I know. It's just... I never wanted to drag you into this mess."

"We're in this together," Alexei said firmly. "No matter what."

One night, Alexei planned a special evening to lift their spirits. He had arranged for a small, private dinner at a rooftop garden that overlooked the city. As they sat under the stars, the soft glow of fairy lights creating a magical atmosphere, Isabella felt a rare sense of peace.

"This is beautiful, Alexei," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you."

He smiled, reaching into his pocket. "Isabella, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

She looked at him, curiosity and concern in her eyes. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath, then got down on one knee, holding out a ring. "Isabella, I love you. I've loved you for a long time. Will you marry me?"