Whispers In Florence

Chapter 13: The Reckoning

Isabella POV

Tuesday morning came with a strange, heavy feeling in the air. I hadn't slept much, still shaken by Enzio's threats the day before. My body felt tired, but I had no choice but to continue my work. As I walked to the kitchen, the house felt unusually quiet, as if everyone was waiting for something to happen.

Pietra, the head of the servants, was waiting for me. Her normally strict face was softened with concern. She motioned for me to come closer.

"Isabella," she said quietly, "we need to talk."

My heart sank. "What's wrong, Pietra?"

She glanced around to make sure no one was listening before she said, "I told Signora Teresa Castellini about Enzio."

I gasped, my eyes wide. "You told her? About... everything?"

"Yes," Pietra said firmly. "What Enzio did to you can't be ignored. You shouldn't have to live in fear."

I felt both relieved and scared. "But what if Signora Castellini doesn't believe me?"

Pietra cut me off, her voice strong. "Signora Castellini is no fool. She values the truth, and she'll handle this properly. Enzio won't threaten you anymore."

Before I could say anything else, Benedetta rushed in, her face full of worry.

"Isabella! Pietra! Have you heard? They're going to confront Enzio today. He's already been called to the sitting room," she whispered.

I froze, my heart racing. "Confront him?"

Pietra nodded. "Signora Castellini wants to hear from everyone involved. She's going to get to the bottom of this."

Benedetta squeezed my hand. "Don't worry, Isabella. We're with you. Enzio's lies won't hold up."

Soon after, we were all called to the grand sitting room where Signora Teresa Castellini waited. The room felt cold and tense. I stood next to Pietra and Benedetta, my hands shaking. Across the room, Enzio stood, looking calm and innocent, though his usual smirk was gone.

Signora Castellini sat in her chair, her sharp eyes moving between us. Her voice was calm but firm when she spoke.

"Enzio, serious accusations have been made against you," she said. "Isabella has reported that you tried to harm her. I need to hear your side of the story."

Enzio's face twisted in fake shock. "Signora Castellini, this is a misunderstanding! Isabella and I were just talking."

Pietra stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Talking? You call grabbing her and threatening her talking?"

Enzio tried to smile but it didn't reach his eyes. "Pietra, you're mistaken. I was just being friendly."

I gathered my courage and spoke up, though my voice trembled. "Friendly? You grabbed my arm, Enzio. You kissed me without my permission."

Signora Castellini's eyes were sharp as she looked at Enzio. "Did you touch her, Enzio?"

Enzio's face reddened with anger. "Signora, she's lying! She's twisting things to make me look bad."

Benedetta squeezed my hand harder, giving me strength. "I'm not lying," I said, my voice stronger now. "You threatened me, Enzio. You said I'd lose my job if I didn't go along with it."

Pietra added, her eyes on Enzio, "I've seen how you act toward her. It's not just talk."

Signora Castellini leaned forward, her voice serious. "Enzio, if any of this is true, I will deal with it. This household will not tolerate such behaviour."