The next few days were a blur of tension, as Isa’s mind churned over Luca’s words.
"You’re a weapon.
"The phrase echoed in her head, twisting her sense of self. She had always thought of herself as powerless, a victim, but now Luca was planting seeds of doubt.
What could he possibly mean? How could she be of any value in a world like his?
Isa moved through the mansion in a daze, avoiding Luca when she could, but always feeling his presence like a shadow that lingered behind her every move.
She knew he was watching her, waiting for something—though what that was, she didn’t know.
That evening, after another sleepless night, Isa found herself wandering the halls.
She had quickly realized that the mansion, as beautiful as it was, felt more like a prison than a home.
The grand rooms and luxurious décor only served to remind her of how small she was in Luca’s world.
As she turned the corner, Isa heard voices echoing down the hall.
She slowed her steps, recognizing Luca’s voice but unsure who he was talking to.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she crept closer, pressing herself against the wall as the conversation became clearer.
“I don’t care about their demands,” Luca’s voice was cold, filled with the authority that made Isa’s skin crawl. “I will not bend to anyone.”
“Luca, they’re getting restless,” a second voice replied—Enzo, she realized.
“You’ve kept them waiting long enough. You know how this works. You have to give them something, or they’ll come after you.”
There was a pause, and Isa held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
“They can try,” Luca said, his voice hard as steel. “But I have an advantage now. Something they don’t know about.”
Enzo hesitated. “You’re talking about her, aren’t you?”
Isa’s blood ran cold. They were talking about her.
“Yes,” Luca replied. “She’s more valuable than they realize. Once I show them what I have, they’ll understand.”
Isa’s hands trembled as she leaned further into the shadows. What was Luca planning? What was he going to do with her?
“Are you sure about this?” Enzo’s voice was cautious, as though even he had doubts about whatever plan Luca had concocted. “She’s fragile. If you push too hard—”
“I know what I’m doing,” Luca cut him off sharply. “Isa will play her role. She’ll have no choice.”
Isa felt a surge of panic rising in her chest. She needed to get out of there, needed to escape before whatever Luca had planned for her came to pass.
She backed away from the door slowly, her heart racing as she turned and hurried down the hall, desperate to put distance between herself and the conversation she had overheard.
As she rounded another corner, she collided with something solid, nearly losing her balance.
Strong hands grabbed her arms, steadying her, and Isa looked up, her eyes wide with fear, only to find herself face to face with Enzo.
His expression softened when he saw her, but there was a flicker of something—concern, maybe?—in his eyes.
“Isa,” he said gently, though his grip on her arms was firm, keeping her in place.
“What are you doing out here?”
“I—” Isa’s voice caught in her throat. She had no excuse, no explanation for why she was sneaking through the halls.
Enzo glanced down the corridor toward where Luca was still speaking, then back at her. His expression darkened slightly, though not with anger—more like regret.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he said quietly, loosening his grip but not letting her go entirely. “It’s not safe.”
Isa’s pulse quickened, and she shook her head. “What does Luca want from me?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “I heard you talking. What is he planning?”
Enzo’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked as though he was debating whether or not to answer.
But then, he sighed, stepping back and running a hand through his dark hair. “It’s not my place to say,” he muttered.
“But whatever you think you overheard, it’s better if you don’t involve yourself. Luca has his reasons.”
Isa stared at him, disbelief flooding through her. “You’re just going to let him use me? Like I’m some kind of pawn in his game?”
Enzo’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t answer.
Isa’s hands clenched into fists, a spark of anger flickering to life inside her.
She had spent her whole life being controlled, manipulated by others, but this… this was different. Luca was powerful, yes, but he had made one thing clear:
she had some kind of value. If that was true, then maybe—just maybe—she had some leverage of her own.
Without another word, she pulled herself free from Enzo’s grasp and turned, walking away before he could stop her.
Her mind raced as she returned to her room, her pulse pounding in her ears.
She couldn’t run. Not yet. Not when she didn’t know what Luca had planned.
But she couldn’t just sit and wait for him to make his move, either.
If Luca thought she was a weapon, then she would have to figure out how to use that against him.
One thing was clear: she couldn’t remain passive any longer. If she wanted to survive in Luca’s world, she would have to start fighting back.
And this time, she wasn’t going to be anyone’s pawn.
YOU ARE READING
Shattered Vows
Romance**Story Premise Isabella "Isa" Moretti has spent her entire life under the cruel thumb of her abusive stepfather, Antonio Moretti. After years of torment, Isa believes her only path to survival is silence and submission. But when Antonio's mounting...
