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My breath catches in my throat, and my heart feels like it's being squeezed in a vice. Stefano, the man I loved more than anything, is now a threat to my life.
Memories of our last moments together play like a broken record in my mind – his dark eyes filled with anger, his chiseled jaw clenched as he spat out his final words to me.
"Stay away from me, Isabella. If I ever see you again, I won't hesitate to kill you."
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Fear coils in my stomach, and I struggle to breathe through the pain of betrayal. He promised to love and protect me, but now he hunts me like prey.
"Are you sure about this, Felix?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
"Positive. My sources are reliable. You're not safe here anymore. We must leave as soon as possible for Chicago where my mafioso will protect you."
I nod, my mind racing with thoughts of self-preservation. How could Stefano do this to me? After all we had been through together, was it all just a lie?
Fear for my life overpowers the lingering affection I once felt for him, and I know I must face the cold, hard truth – Stefano Nitti is now my enemy.
"Thank you, Felix," I say, my voice faltering with emotion. "You've always been loyal to me, and I appreciate it more than you know. But we're not leaving until I have my plan in place. No more running."
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, green eyes hollow with the weight of betrayal. The memories of Stefano and I together flood my mind, leaving me breathless and questioning what our love really meant.
"Isabella, are you sure about this?" Rosalie asks, her concern evident as she watches me carefully. She hasn't left watch over me since I left the hospital.
"Yes," I reply, my voice firm despite the knot forming in my throat.
My fingers tremble as they grip the edge of the vanity. The image of Stefano's face, once a symbol of love and safety, now haunts me. The tender moments we shared seem like an illusion, a cruel lie that cuts deeper than any blade.
"Then let's focus on your empire," Felix suggests, his determination offering a lifeline amidst the turbulent sea of my emotions.
"Right," I agree, swallowing hard. "The tequila business and the gold mines are my future, not Stefano."
As I say the words, a newfound fire ignites within me. I watch my reflection morph into a powerful businesswoman, ready to conquer the world and create a legacy of her own. My heart still aches, but I've lost enough just to gain back my empire.
I won't go lose that too. I can't do that to Papa.
"Let's make some calls," I say, turning away from the mirror with purpose. "We have work to do."
We huddle together, phones, laptops and printers working overtime. Discussions with lawyers, accountants, marketing strategists, union reps, all arrangements made to strengthen my businesses and ensure their success.
"Thank you, both of you," I tell Felix and Rosalie, my gratitude genuine. Their loyalty overwhelms me. "Without your support, I don't know where I'd be."
"Always, Isabella," Rosalie says softly, her hand on my arm. "We're here for you, no matter what."
"Let's move forward," Felix adds, his voice strong and steady. "Together, we'll build your empire and leave the past behind."
"Alright then. First, we must secure safe passage back to Mexico," I reply, outlining my plan. "We'll need protection, as I'm sure Stefano's men will be watching, and other enemies my father might have had, and once word about the gold gets out, we'd have to watch our backs from all four corners."
Felix nods, his dark eyes serious. "I know some people who can help with that. They've got experience dealing with situations like this."
"Good, we'll need their expertise." I pause, taking a deep breath. "Once we're back in Mexico, I want to hit the ground running. We'll need to assess the current state of the tequila company and the gold mines, and then work on expansion."
"Understood," Rosalie says, her fingers tapping away at a notepad. "We'll make sure everything is in place when we get there."
"Thank you," I whisper, grateful for their unwavering support. In this moment, they are my rock – the foundation upon which I will rebuild my life. While it's unfathomable to many, the fact that they've entrusted their daughter's care to their loyal friends just to help me get back on my feet is not lost on me.
"Felix, Rosalie," I almost whisper. "Please know that while I pray that it will never be necessary, if, in the future, there ever is a situation where I can be of aid, I will drop my life and be there."
Rosalie simply squeezes my hand and wipes away a tear while Felix nods. There are no more words to be said between us.
The next morning, I'm in the kitchen, sipping coffee. "Isabella," Rosalie calls out softly, not wanting to intrude on my thoughts. "We've got everything arranged for our departure tomorrow. You’d be leaving on our private jet. The Mexican ambassador has sent over your new passport, since the old one burnt during the attack at the compound.”
