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"Stefano, we have proof," the Capo replies, his tone unwavering. "Isabella might have fooled us all, but the evidence speaks for itself. You know what needs to be done."
My hand trembles as I clutch the phone, pain and anger coursing through me. I glance at a photo of Isabella on my desk, vivacious, green eyes smile back at me, and it feels like my heart is being ripped apart. Such an impossible choice!
"Capo, give me time," I beg, my voice barely above a whisper. "Let me investigate further, let me talk to her. There must be another explanation. What if Felix Carlisi put her up to it?"
"Do as you're told, or I'll kill her myself." The line goes dead.
I tried saving her, but that's backfired in my face.
I slump against the wall, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. Time is running out, and with it, any hope of saving Isabella. And yet, despite the overwhelming odds, I can't help but cling to the belief that she's innocent – that together, we can find a way to overcome this nightmare.
But if I'm wrong, and Isabella truly is guilty... Will I have the strength to do what's necessary? Or will my love for her destroy everything I've fought so hard to protect? Impossible to know that now. Only once I’ve found her, and discover the truth, will I know what I must do next.
Chapter 37
Isabella
Ijoltawake,gaspingfor air, my heart pounding in my chest. The nightmare was far too real – I stood over Juan and Conti's lifeless bodies, blood on my hands, laughing maniacally.
Sweat clings to my body as I shudder, feeling the darkness that's seeping into my soul. I can't let this continue. It was petrifying, the amount I seemed to enjoy watching their demise in my dream.
The next morning, I find Felix sitting alone in the kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee. He looks up at me. I take a deep breath and sit down across from him.
"Felix," I begin, keeping my voice down. "I've made a decision." He leans forward, giving me his full attention. "I want to spare Conti's life and find some peace."
"Are you sure?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Juan was the one who killed my father," I explain, my voice growing stronger with conviction. "He deserved what happened to him. But Conti… I don't want any more blood on my hands. I need peace now."
Felix tilts his head, trying to understand where I'm coming from. "Isabella," he says. "There are many ways to deal with him."
"But why should we?" I ask, louder than I needed to. "He fell for Juan's tricks. Juan orchestrated everything. Conti's only folly is greed. If he's willing to stop looking for me and to forget about my empire and the gold, then I see no reason as to why we shouldn't move forward. Do you?"
Felix nods slowly, taking in my words. "Alright, Isabella. If that's what you want, we'll go to Don Conti's compound and ask him to stop looking for you."
"Thank you, Felix," I say, feeling relief wash over me. This feels right, like something the old Isabella would do. [Ma1]
"Stay safe, you two," says Rosalie, giving us both quick hugs. Felix nods and he and I enter his bullet proof Hummer. An entire convoy with us in the middle. We're taking his men along, just to be safe.
We drive up to Don Conti's compound, the fortress-like structure looming ominously over the surrounding open space. The gates open slowly, allowing our convoy of cars to enter. Felix's mafioso surround us as we make our way towards the entrance, their faces telling us they're ready to attack.
As soon as we step out of the car, Conti's men appear from seemingly every corner, weapons drawn and pointed at us. I feel my heart race, and I force myself to remain calm, reminding myself that I'm here for peace, not bloodshed.
"Isabella Torres," one of the men calls out, his voice filled with disdain. "You have quite the nerve showing your face here."
"Enough!" Don Conti's commanding voice booms from behind the group of armed men. They part to reveal him, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back. He signals for his men to lower their arms, but the air remains thick with suspicion. "Escort our guests to my office."
Felix and I exchange glances before following Don Conti, flanked by both his and Felix's men. With every step, I can feel the weight of their distrust and animosity. It's as if they're all waiting for one wrong move that will send everything spiraling into chaos.
Yet, even in the midst of all this danger, I only have eyes for one person. Stefano Nitti. I look everywhere, but his face is missing from the crowd.
Where is he? I need to find him alone and tell him the truth. Beg for forgiveness, pray for a chance at reconciliation.
We enter Conti's office and I send a silent prayer that he might accept our offer of peace. If Conti were to accept my proposal and make peace with me, then there would be no reason for Stefano to not give me another chance.
Inside his office, Don Conti takes a seat behind his desk, gesturing for us to sit down across from him. The room is dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the walls, and I can't help but think of my nightmare.
Once this is done, I can close the door on the past and move on.
