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In a display of power, the Capo flicks Isabella's face to the side with a swift, brutal slap. The sound echoes through the room like a gunshot, and I feel my heart lurch in my chest. How can he treat her like this? I want to rush forward and stop him, but I know what that would mean.
I'd be off her service. I'd be replaced by someone who doesn't care about her in the least. Someone who might even resort to violence. So, for the greater good, I remain silent.
But even as the sting of the Capo's blow reddens her cheek, Isabella remains defiant. She turns back to face him, her green eyes blazing with fury, and spits right in his face.
"You'll never break me," she vows, her voice low and steady.
"Isabella!" I exclaim, shocked by her boldness.
But deep down, I admire her courage.
The Capo wipes the spit from his face, his expression darkening with rage.
"Watch yourself, girl," he warns, his voice dangerous.
As the tension in the room threatens to suffocate us all, I find myself caught between loyalty to the Capo and my growing concern for Isabella. What if she's right? What if there's more to this situation than meets the eye? And what role do I play in all of this?
"Capo," I say, my voice barely audible, "is there anything else you require of me?"
"Keep an eye on her, Stefano," he orders, his gaze never leaving Isabella's face. "Make sure she doesn't try anything foolish again. If need be, never let her out of the room. If she wants out of the room, make sure she behaves. "
As my eyes meet the Capo's, I can't help but question the necessity of his actions.
"Capo, is all of this really necessary?" I ask, my voice strained with concern.
Before he can respond, Isabella scoffs sarcastically.
"Oh, it's absolutely necessary," she says, her tone mocking. "After all, you can't let a little girl like me get the best of your fragile ego, can you?"
The Capo looks at her, stunned.
"Admit it," she challenges the Capo. "You enjoy treating women as toys, don't you? Just something to control and manipulate."
"Enough!" the Capo barks, his face reddening with anger. He turns to me, his eyes narrowing. "Your job is to keep her in line, Stefano. You'd better not disappoint. Make sure you take her to her room and that she's only left alone once the grills are up."
Nodding silently, I accept my new responsibility.
My stomach churns at the thought of what might happen to Isabella if I fail in my duty.
But silently, I vow to myself that I will do whatever it takes to protect her – But just then, the weight of the word "whatever" falls on my conscience.
What if it means going against the Capo himself?
Closing my eyes for a moment, I try to gather my thoughts.
What have I gotten myself into? How can I balance loyalty to the mafia and my growing feelings for Isabella?
After the Capo leaves, I walk over to Isabella. She looks me right in the eyes, and I reach out and cusp her cheek with my palm. I don't know why I did it, but I regret it the minute she turns her cheek away.
Silently, I unshackle her. Her wrists are red. I take her hands in mine, inspecting them.
"Oh, stop with the pretense. You don't really care, do you?"
"Isabella, I..."
"Do you care, Stefano? About me?"
This is it. The moment of truth.
