2d:I[40072,["6446","static/chunks/53c13509-e7ec011f8ac7df7d.js","6711","static/chunks/8e1d74a4-841e61b20d784c5f.js","2266","static/chunks/870fdd6f-d81c5e21b0b96e34.js","5802","static/chunks/69b09407-1ce59c69e508049d.js","8500","static/chunks/8500-01a63dafd809e317.js","8437","static/chunks/8437-39ef04864806a0fa.js","6659","static/chunks/6659-a0fca0b5b95eb832.js","1610","static/chunks/1610-af6f888fe3ea871a.js","2100","static/chunks/2100-768a05088f320fce.js","6499","static/chunks/6499-3139357d7362d8fa.js","601","static/chunks/601-42518cde4342bee4.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-e3c2534bd9981dc0.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-b38e0d155155abb8.js","2454","static/chunks/2454-891c5d61f37783df.js","5295","static/chunks/5295-448552ae6b50342b.js","1628","static/chunks/app/story/%5Bslug%5D/page-b77bdb6caccad907.js"],"default"] 2e:I[86215,["6446","static/chunks/53c13509-e7ec011f8ac7df7d.js","6711","static/chunks/8e1d74a4-841e61b20d784c5f.js","2266","static/chunks/870fdd6f-d81c5e21b0b96e34.js","5802","static/chunks/69b09407-1ce59c69e508049d.js","8500","static/chunks/8500-01a63dafd809e317.js","8437","static/chunks/8437-39ef04864806a0fa.js","6659","static/chunks/6659-a0fca0b5b95eb832.js","1610","static/chunks/1610-af6f888fe3ea871a.js","2100","static/chunks/2100-768a05088f320fce.js","6499","static/chunks/6499-3139357d7362d8fa.js","601","static/chunks/601-42518cde4342bee4.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-e3c2534bd9981dc0.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-b38e0d155155abb8.js","2454","static/chunks/2454-891c5d61f37783df.js","5295","static/chunks/5295-448552ae6b50342b.js","1628","static/chunks/app/story/%5Bslug%5D/page-b77bdb6caccad907.js"],"default"] 2f:I[62454,["6446","static/chunks/53c13509-e7ec011f8ac7df7d.js","6711","static/chunks/8e1d74a4-841e61b20d784c5f.js","2266","static/chunks/870fdd6f-d81c5e21b0b96e34.js","5802","static/chunks/69b09407-1ce59c69e508049d.js","8500","static/chunks/8500-01a63dafd809e317.js","8437","static/chunks/8437-39ef04864806a0fa.js","6659","static/chunks/6659-a0fca0b5b95eb832.js","1610","static/chunks/1610-af6f888fe3ea871a.js","2100","static/chunks/2100-768a05088f320fce.js","6499","static/chunks/6499-3139357d7362d8fa.js","601","static/chunks/601-42518cde4342bee4.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-e3c2534bd9981dc0.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-b38e0d155155abb8.js","2454","static/chunks/2454-891c5d61f37783df.js","5295","static/chunks/5295-448552ae6b50342b.js","1628","static/chunks/app/story/%5Bslug%5D/page-b77bdb6caccad907.js"],"default"] 3b:I[86869,[],"IconMark"] 30:T15df,The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains of the small apartment.

Isabella stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly toasted bread and coffee filled the room.

Dante sat at the dining table, wearing a black torn shirt. His face looked as cold as ever, but his injured shoulder was causing him more pain than he wanted to admit.

Isabella placed a plate in front of him.

“Breakfast is ready, Mr. Grumpy.”

Dante glanced at her. “Do you ever speak normally?”

“Of course. Good morning, my darling.”

He stared at her.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Then stop looking at me like you want to murder me before breakfast.”

“I might reconsider after breakfast.”

Isabella laughed and sat opposite him.

For a few minutes, they ate in silence. Then Dante looked at her.

“Are you going to work today?”

Isabella shook her head.

“No. I already informed my workplace that I won’t be coming back.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“You quit your job?”

“Yes.”

“And your college?”

“I informed them too.”

Dante put down his fork.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Not yet. Why?”

“You had a job and college. Now you’ve abandoned both to stay here with a stranger.”

Isabella leaned back in her chair.

“First, I haven’t abandoned my college. I’ve completed my coursework. I only have four months left until graduation. Second, I already informed my workplace. And third, you’re not exactly a stranger anymore.”

“I’m still a stranger.”

“Fine. A handsome stranger with a terrible attitude.”

Dante ignored her last comment.

“What will you do after graduation?”

“Go back home and look for a job there.”

“Your family?”

Isabella’s smile faded a little.

“Yes. My family.”

She didn’t explain further, and Dante didn’t push her.

He had already noticed that whenever she spoke about her family, something changed in her expression.

Before he could ask another question, Dante suddenly stiffened.

His hand moved towards his injured side.

Isabella immediately noticed.

“Dante?”

“I’m fine.”

She stood up and walked towards him.

“Let me see.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Your face is turning pale. Do you think I’m blind?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“Very funny. Move your hand.”

Dante reluctantly moved it.

The bandage around his wound had darkened with fresh blood.

Isabella’s playful expression disappeared.

“Oh, no. The wound is getting worse.”

She carefully examined the bandage without touching the injury itself.

“You need a doctor.”

“No hospital.”

“Dante, you have a bullet wound!”

“And I’d prefer not to have half the enemies force searching for me.”

“Why would your enemies search for you?”

He gave her a cold look.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want answered.”

Isabella folded her arms.

“You are impossible.”

“I’ve been told.”

She paced around the small kitchen, thinking.

Then she suddenly stopped.

“I have an idea.”

Dante looked suspicious.

“Should I be worried?”

“Probably.”

“Wonderful.”

Isabella grabbed her phone and began searching through her contacts.

“I know someone who might be able to help us.”

Dante watched her carefully.

“Who?”

“A friend of mine. She’s a nurse and works in an operating theatre.”

His expression remained guarded.

“And you trust her?”

Isabella lifted her chin.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s my friend.”

“That isn’t a convincing answer.”

She placed her hands on her hips.

“Would you prefer to bleed to death while questioning my friendships?”

Dante said nothing.

Isabella picked up her phone again.

“I’m going to call her. And before you complain, remember that you’re the one with a bullet inside you.”

For once, Dante had no immediate reply.

Isabella smiled triumphantly.

“That’s what I thought.”

She walked away to make the call while Dante watched her, wondering how one small woman could create so much noise in such a tiny apartment.

And, more importantly, why he hadn’t told her to leave.

31:T1695,The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains of the small apartment.

Isabella stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly toasted bread and coffee filled the room.

Dante sat at the dining table, wearing a black torn shirt. His face looked as cold as ever, but his injured shoulder was causing him more pain than he wanted to admit.

Isabella placed a plate in front of him.

“Breakfast is ready, Mr. Grumpy.”

Dante glanced at her. “Do you ever speak normally?”

“Of course. Good morning, my darling.”

He stared at her.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Then stop looking at me like you want to murder me before breakfast.”

“I might reconsider after breakfast.”

Isabella laughed and sat opposite him.

For a few minutes, they ate in silence. Then Dante looked at her.

“Are you going to work today?”

Isabella shook her head.

“No. I already informed my workplace that I won’t be coming back.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“You quit your job?”

“Yes.”

“And your college?”

“I informed them too.”

Dante put down his fork.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Not yet. Why?”

“You had a job and college. Now you’ve abandoned both to stay here with a stranger.”

Isabella leaned back in her chair.

“I’m still a stranger.”

“Fine. A handsome stranger with a terrible attitude.”

Dante ignored her last comment.

“What will you do after graduation?”

“Go back home and look for a job there.”

“Your family?”

Isabella’s smile faded a little.

“Yes. My family.”

She didn’t explain further, and Dante didn’t push her.

He had already noticed that whenever she spoke about her family, something changed in her expression.

Before he could ask another question, Dante suddenly stiffened.

His hand moved towards his injured side.

Isabella immediately noticed.

“Dante?”

“I’m fine.”

She stood up and walked towards him.

“Let me see.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Your face is turning pale. Do you think I’m blind?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“Very funny. Move your hand.”

Dante reluctantly moved it.

The bandage around his wound had darkened with fresh blood.

Isabella’s playful expression disappeared.

“Oh, no. The wound is getting worse.”

She carefully examined the bandage without touching the injury itself.

“You need a doctor.”

“No hospital.”

“Dante, you have a bullet wound!”

“And I’d prefer not to have half the enemies force searching for me.”

“Why would your enemies search for you?”

He gave her a cold look.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want answered.”

Isabella folded her arms.

“You are impossible.”

“I’ve been told.”

She paced around the small kitchen, thinking.

Then she suddenly stopped.

“I have an idea.”

Dante looked suspicious.

“Should I be worried?”

“Probably.”

“Wonderful.”

Isabella grabbed her phone and began searching through her contacts.

“I know someone who might be able to help us.”

Dante watched her carefully.

“Who?”

“A friend of mine. She’s a nurse and works in an operating theatre.”

His expression remained guarded.

“And you trust her?”

Isabella lifted her chin.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s my friend.”

“That isn’t a convincing answer.”

She placed her hands on her hips.

“Would you prefer to bleed to death while questioning my friendships?”

Dante said nothing.

Isabella picked up her phone again.

“I’m going to call her. And before you complain, remember that you’re the one with a bullet inside you.”

For once, Dante had no immediate reply.

Isabella smiled triumphantly.

“That’s what I thought.”

She walked away to make the call while Dante watched her, wondering how one small woman could create so much noise in such a tiny apartment.

And, more importantly, why he hadn’t told her to leave.

32:T1961,

Isabella returned to the living room with her phone in her hand.

“My friend agreed to help us,” she announced.

Dante looked at her suspiciously. “What exactly did you tell her?”

“I told her I had an emergency.”

“And you didn't mention me?”

“Not yet.”

“Good.”

Isabella sat beside him.

“We need to be careful. I'll introduce you as my fiancé. That way, she won't ask too many questions about why I'm bringing you to her.”

Dante slowly turned towards her.

“Your fiancé?”

“Yes.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Fine. I'll tell her you're a wounded DON...0 I found hiding in my apartment.”

His jaw tightened.

“You enjoy irritating me.”

“It's one of my natural talents.”

“Find another talent.”

“Being beautiful is already a full-time job.”

Dante stared at her in disbelief.

Isabella burst out laughing.

“Relax, darling. It's just an excuse. My friend doesn't need to know who you really are.”

“Don't call me darling.”

“Okay, baby.”

“Isabella.”

“Yes, love?”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

She smiled sweetly.

“See? You're already learning to control your temper.”

Dante opened his eyes.

“One day, that mouth of yours will get you into trouble.”

“Then you'll have to rescue me, won't you, sweetheart?”

“I'm beginning to understand why people choose silence.”

Isabella laughed again.

Then she noticed how serious he looked.

“Hey, Dante.”

“What?”

“You need to promise me something.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What now?”

“You'll cooperate with my friend and let her treat your wound without arguing.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I'll carry you there myself.”

He looked at her from head to toe.

“You?”

“Yes, me!”

“You couldn't carry a bag of rice.”

Isabella gasped.

“How dare you insult my strength?”

“I'm simply stating a fact.”

She pinched his nose.

“Hey!” Dante protested.

Isabella shook his nose playfully before releasing it.

“Such a scary man! Defeated by one little pinch.”

His expression darkened.

“Isabella, I swear—”

“What? Are you going to punish me?”

He leaned forward slightly.

“Keep testing me and find out.”

Instead of moving away, Isabella suddenly climbed onto his lap, facing him.

Dante froze.

One of her hands rested on his shoulder as she leaned closer to his face.

For a man who had spent years commanding others, he was completely unprepared for the tiny woman sitting comfortably on his lap.

“Isabella,” he said quietly.

She tilted her head.

“Yes, Dante?”

“Get off.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.”

She smiled.

“That's not a reason.”

Her face moved closer to his ear. He could feel her breath against his skin.

Then she whispered his name.

“Dante.”

His entire body went still.

For a brief moment, he couldn't think of a single thing to say.

He had been surrounded by people all his life. Men feared him, women admired him from a distance, and enemies trembled when they heard his name.

But no one had ever come this close to him so casually.

No one had ever treated him like an ordinary man who could be teased.

His ears began turning red.

Isabella noticed immediately.

Her eyes widened with delight.

“Wait a minute.”

Dante looked away.

“What?”

“Are your ears turning red?”

“No.”

She leaned back to examine his face.

“They are!”

“Isabella.”

“You're blushing!”

“I'm not blushing.”

She laughed so hard that she nearly lost her balance.

Dante caught her by the waist before she could fall.

For a second, their eyes met.

The laughter faded from Isabella's face.

Something unfamiliar passed between them, something neither of them was ready to name.

Then Isabella quickly climbed off his lap.

“Come on, fiancé. We have a nurse to visit.”

Dante adjusted his shirt and glared at her.

“I'm going to regret this.”

“You already regret meeting me, darling.”

“Every second.”

“Liar.”

She helped him stand, making sure he didn't put too much pressure on his injured side.

Before leaving, she checked that he was disguised well enough to avoid attracting attention.

“Remember, you're my fiancé,” she reminded him as they left the apartment.

Dante gave her a cold look.

“Don't make me regret agreeing to this.”

“You didn't agree. I decided for both of us.”

“That's precisely the problem.”

Isabella giggled as they made their way to her friend's home.

33:Te2e,

When they arrived, Isabella's friend welcomed them inside.

“Isabella! You should have told me earlier you were coming.”

“I know. I'm sorry. We have a small emergency.”

Her friend noticed Dante's pale face and the way he held his injured side.

“What happened to him?”

Isabella hesitated for only a second.

“This is my fiancé. He was injured, and we need your help.”

Dante glanced at her.

She gave him a warning look that clearly said, *Don't ruin this.*

Her friend didn't ask too many questions. She brought them into a private room and examined the wound.

After checking his condition, she prepared the equipment she needed.

“This is serious,” she told Isabella. “He needs proper treatment, and we have to be careful.”

Isabella nodded anxiously.

“Please help him.”

Dante sat still while the nurse worked. He barely reacted to the pain, but Isabella could see the tension in his jaw.

She stood nearby, gripping her own hands.

“You can hold my hand if it hurts,” she offered quietly.

Dante glanced at her.

“I don't need to hold your hand.”

“Fine. Suffer dramatically in silence.”

He almost smiled.

The nurse carefully removed the bullet and cleaned the wound before stitching it. She then dressed the injury and explained how to care for it.

“He needs rest,” she warned. “Keep the wound clean and dry, change the dressing as instructed, and make sure he takes the prescribed medication. If he develops a fever, worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, or heavy bleeding, he needs urgent medical attention.”

Isabella listened carefully.

“What about moving around?”

“He should avoid strenuous activity. And he must not ignore any signs of infection.”

Dante looked as though he disliked every instruction.

The nurse gave him a stern look.

“And you, sir, need to stop acting as though you're invincible.”

Isabella covered her mouth to hide a laugh.

“I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Dante replied.

“Then you shouldn't have arrived with a bullet wound,” the nurse answered.

Isabella couldn't hold back her laughter anymore.

Dante shot her a cold look.

“You're enjoying this.”

“Immensely, darling.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Sorry, baby.”

He gave her a warning look.

She smiled innocently.

After the treatment, Isabella thanked her friend and promised to follow the instructions carefully.

Her friend looked at Dante.

“Make sure you rest. Don't try to act like a hero while you're recovering.”

Dante nodded reluctantly.

Isabella smiled.

“Don't worry. I'll make sure he behaves.”

“I'm standing right here,” Dante muttered.

“I know, sweetheart.”

Her friend laughed as Isabella helped Dante leave the house.

34:T1325,

Once they were outside, Isabella turned towards him with a bright smile.

“Dante, are you hungry?”

He gave her a suspicious look.

“Why?”

“Because I'm hungry. Let's go somewhere for lunch.”

“We can eat at the apartment.”

She shook her head.

“Not today. You've been sitting inside for days. A little fresh air won't kill you.”

“I'm not going on a date with you.”

Isabella stared at him before bursting into laughter.

“A date? Who said anything about a date, darling?”

“You were the one who suggested going out.”

“For lunch! Don't flatter yourself, sweetheart.”

Dante narrowed his eyes.

“Stop calling me those ridiculous names.”

“Then stop behaving like my grumpy fiancé.”

“I'm not your fiancé.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

She started walking, then turned back when she noticed he hadn't followed.

“Come on, Dante. I'll buy you lunch.”

“I can pay for my own food.”

“Wonderful. Then you can pay for mine too.”

He stared at her.

“You're unbelievable.”

“And you're hungry. Let's go!”

Dante shook his head, but eventually followed her.

They found a small restaurant nearby and chose a quiet table.

Isabella studied the menu with great interest while Dante sat opposite her, looking as though he would rather be anywhere else.

“What are you going to order?” she asked.

“Food.”

She looked up slowly.

“Really? I thought you came here to order a chair.”

“Isabella.”

She giggled.

“Fine, fine. I'll stop.”

A few minutes later, they placed their orders.

While they waited, Isabella rested her chin on her hand and studied him.

“What?” Dante asked.

“Nothing.”

“Then stop staring at me.”

“I'm wondering how someone can look so angry even when he's sitting in a restaurant.”

“I'm wondering how someone can talk so much without getting tired.”

“It's a gift.”

“It's a curse.”

She laughed.

When the food arrived, Isabella made sure Dante ate properly.

“You need to eat. Your body needs strength to recover.”

“I know how to eat.”

“Then demonstrate.”

He gave her a look but began eating.

Isabella smiled in satisfaction.

For a while, they enjoyed their meal, exchanging occasional teasing remarks.

Dante found himself relaxing despite his usual instincts. He was accustomed to eating in silence or discussing business with people who feared him.

This was different.

Isabella talked about ordinary things, made ridiculous jokes, and laughed without worrying about what anyone thought.

She didn't treat him like a powerful man.

She treated him like Dante.

And, strangely enough, he didn't hate it.

When they finished eating, Isabella reached for the bill.

Dante took it before she could.

“I said I'd pay for my own food.”

“And I said I'd buy you lunch.”

“I don't need you paying for me.”

She folded her arms.

“Fine. Then pay for your meal, and I'll pay for mine.”

He handed the waiter enough money to cover both meals.

Isabella stared at him.

“You just paid for both of us!”

“Consider it compensation for the headache you've given me.”

She grinned.

“So you admit I'm unforgettable.”

“I admit you're exhausting.”

“Same thing.”

He shook his head, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Neither of them called it a date.

But as they walked side by side towards the apartment, Isabella couldn't stop smiling, and Dante found himself wondering why a simple lunch with her felt strangely different from every other meal he'd ever had.

35:Tdb3,When they returned, Isabella helped Dante settle comfortably on the sofa.

She placed his medication and the nurse's instructions on the table.

“Now, you need to rest.”

Dante leaned back.

“I'm capable of deciding when to rest.”

“And I'm capable of throwing your medication at your head.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Would you like to try?”

“No, because then I'd have to explain to my friend why I injured my fiancé.”

Dante shook his head.

Isabella went into the kitchen to prepare something warm for him to drink.

When she returned, she handed him the cup and sat in the chair opposite him.

Dante studied her for a moment.

“How long have you known your friend?”

“Several years.”

“And you trust her with something like this?”

“She has helped me before.”

“Why?”

Isabella looked down at her cup.

“There were times when I couldn't afford to visit a doctor for every little problem. She helped me get medicine and gave me advice when I needed it.”

Dante's expression changed slightly.

“You couldn't afford medical treatment?”

“Not always.”

She said it casually, as though it were nothing worth discussing.

But Dante noticed the way her smile disappeared when she spoke about her past.

“What else couldn't you afford?” he asked.

Isabella turned towards him.

“Are you interviewing me?”

“I'm asking a question.”

“And I'm choosing not to answer it.”

He studied her for another moment before looking away.

For once, he didn't push.

Isabella stood and collected the empty cups.

“You should sleep now. The nurse said you need rest.”

Dante looked at her.

“Are you always this bossy?”

“Only when someone refuses to take care of himself.”

“I took care of myself before I met you.”

“And look where that got you. A bullet wound and a very annoying nurse.”

“You forgot the annoying woman who keeps calling herself my fiancée.”

She smiled.

“I thought you liked me.”

“Don't get carried away.”

“Too late, darling.”

She walked into the kitchen before he could reply.

Dante leaned back against the sofa and listened to her humming.

He had entered the apartment intending to stay hidden until he could contact his men.

Now he was sitting there after a meal he hadn't needed to share with anyone, remembering the way she had laughed across the restaurant table.

He should have been planning his escape.

Instead, he found himself wondering what ridiculous thing she would say to him next.

And that bothered him more than his wound.

36:T8fb,

The next two weeks changed their lives in ways neither had expected.

Dante was unable to care for himself properly while his wound healed. Isabella took responsibility for everything.

She changed his dressings every morning and night, prepared his meals, brought him water, helped him wash, and made sure he followed the nurse’s instructions.

She even helped him bathe when his injury made ordinary movements difficult.

Dante hated needing assistance.

He hated being weak.

Most of all, he hated that Isabella could make him forget his anger with a single ridiculous comment.

“Stop moving,” she ordered while changing his dressing.

“I’m not moving.”

“You’re glaring.”

“Am I supposed to smile?”

“That would be terrifying. I might call the police.”

He shot her a warning look.

She laughed.

At first, Dante assumed she was simply an unusually fearless woman. Then he began noticing the smaller things.

The way she carefully checked whether he was in pain.

The way she pretended not to notice when he struggled.

The way she always left the better portion of the meal for him, even when she was hungry herself.

And the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t watching.

Whenever she finished changing his dressing, her gaze would occasionally drift towards his bare abdomen.

Dante noticed.

Naturally, he noticed.

“Enjoying the view, little girl?”

Isabella immediately looked away.

“I’m checking your wound.”

“Of course.”

“Your wound happens to be near your stomach.”

“How unfortunate for you.”

She glared at him.

“Keep talking, and I’ll make your next dressing tighter.”

He laughed quietly.

It was becoming dangerously easy to enjoy her company.

37:T142a,Two weeks after the shooting, Dante began to feel restless.

He missed his phone.

He missed his men.

He missed knowing exactly what was happening in his world.

Most of all, he needed to contact his people.

How am I supposed to run my organisation from this apartment? He thought bitterly.

Without considering the consequences, he muttered aloud, “I need to find a way to contact my men.”

Isabella, who was standing nearby, heard every word.

She remembered the large bag she had bought from the animal-care shop. She also remembered the sleeping pills she had purchased during her earlier trip to the pharmacy.

A mischievous smile slowly appeared on her face.

That evening, she prepared dinner as usual.

Dante was tired and distracted. He had no idea that Isabella had mixed a sleeping pill into his food.

Within a short time, his eyelids grew heavy.

He frowned.

“Isabella…”

“Yes, Don?”

“What did you put in this?”

“Food.”

“Don’t play games with me.”

“Then stop asking silly questions and finish your dinner.”

He tried to stand, but the room began to spin.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

“You—”

Before he could finish the sentence, darkness swallowed him.

Isabella stared at him for a moment.

Then she hurried to the large bag she had hidden.

“I’m sorry, Don,” she whispered, struggling to contain her excitement. “But you really should have minded your own business.”

She opened the bag.

Inside were a heavy-duty animal neck collar with a chain and strong rope suitable for restraining an animal.

Isabella swallowed nervously.

She had planned this in her head several times.

Doing it in reality was considerably more frightening.

She looked at Dante.

Then at the collar.

Then back at Dante.

“Oh, dear. What have I gotten myself into?”

Nevertheless, she hurried to secure the restraints before he woke.

Her hands trembled, and she nearly dropped the chain twice. But after several anxious minutes, she finally finished.

She stepped back and examined her work.

The sight was so unbelievable that she covered her mouth to suppress a laugh.

“Let’s see how you like being the one who can’t move. I’m never letting you leave me.”

But there was another reason behind Isabella’s strange decision.

For years, Isabella had lived with loneliness. Her own family had never made her feel truly wanted, and she had grown accustomed to spending special days and difficult nights alone. She had learned to hide her sadness behind a smile, pretending that she didn’t need anyone.

But deep inside, she wished she had someone beside her. Someone to talk to, someone who would listen, and someone whose presence could make her empty apartment feel a little less lonely.

And now, somehow, Dante Moretti had become that person.

She knew he was dangerous. She knew he was a mafia boss who could ruin her life if he wanted to. Yet, during the past two weeks, his presence had made her days feel different. Their arguments, his irritated expressions, and even his sarcastic replies had become an unexpected part of her daily routine.

She wasn’t ready to admit how much she had grown used to having him around.

So when Dante mentioned contacting his men, Isabella felt an unexpected fear.

What if he leaves?

The thought made her heart sink.

She didn’t want to return to those silent evenings when the only sound in her apartment was her own breathing.

That was when her mischievous idea became a decision.

She would keep the terrifying mafia boss captive forever.

Not for money. Not for revenge.

But because, for the first time in a long time, she didn’t want to be alone.

A small, almost guilty smile appeared on her face.

“I’m sorry, Don,” she whispered. “But you’re staying with me forever.”

She knew it was selfish. She knew he would be furious when he discovered the truth.

But loneliness had a strange way of making even foolish decisions feel comforting.

And Isabella Romano was about to discover just how dangerous her little attempt to escape loneliness could become.

38:Tec7,Approximately six hours later, Dante opened his eyes.

His head throbbed.

His body felt heavy, and his thoughts were clouded.

He tried to sit up.

He couldn’t.

He pulled at his hands.

Restrained.

His eyes flew open.

A collar was fastened around his neck, and a chain secured him in place.

For several seconds, he remained completely still.

Then the realisation struck him.

“ISABELLA!”

His voice thundered through the apartment.

She appeared in front of him, looking almost suspiciously cheerful.

“Good evening, Don.”

Dante’s expression was murderous.

“What have you done?”

Isabella tilted her head.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Untie me. Now.”

“That’s a rather demanding way to ask for help.”

“WHO SENT YOU?”

He tried to reach for the gun he usually kept nearby.

His hands were tied.

The gun was out of reach.

His anger intensified.

“Tell me who sent you, or I swear I’ll—”

Isabella picked up the gun before he could reach it.

She approached him slowly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Who sent me?” she repeated. “Nobody, sweetheart.”

She pressed the cold barrel of the gun lightly against his chest and traced it over his defined abdominal muscles.

Dante went completely still.

Isabella looked at him with exaggerated admiration.

“You know, Don, your face is handsome enough to cause trouble. But this body…” She let out a quiet, appreciative sigh. “This is almost unfair.”

Dante stared at her in disbelief.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Possibly.”

“Isabella, untie me.”

She leaned closer, her smile widening.

“Not yet, baby.” And she freed their hands, but left the collar around the neck

His fury was immediate.

But beneath it lay something else: confusion.

This was the same woman who had been frightened of him only two weeks earlier. The same woman who had struggled to meet his eyes when he threatened her.

Now she stood before him, holding his gun, making fun of him while he was restrained.

Dante Moretti had faced armed enemies without blinking.

Yet he had never encountered anyone quite like Isabella Romano.

She finally loosened the ropes around his hands.

Dante immediately tested his freedom, his expression promising revenge.

But the collar remained around his neck.

He reached for it.

Isabella slapped his hand away.

“Don’t touch that.”

His head turned slowly towards her.

“Did you just slap my hand?”

“Yes.”

“You have three seconds to explain yourself.”

“Three… two… one.”

He stared at her.

She smiled.

“Time’s up.”

For the first time in his life, Dante Moretti found himself at a complete loss for words.

39:T8aa,At first, Dante was convinced that Isabella had finally revealed her true intentions.

He suspected betrayal.

He suspected an enemy’s plan.

He suspected that someone had paid her to humiliate him.

But as the minutes passed, he began to recognise something far more confusing.

She wasn’t trying to kill him.

She wasn’t demanding money.

She wasn’t asking him to reveal secrets.

She was simply enjoying the fact that the most feared man in Palermo couldn’t order her around.

And, against his better judgement, Dante began playing along.

He didn’t tell her that he had started to understand her little game.

Instead, he watched her with the same cold expression he used on his enemies.

Whenever she changed his dressing, her eyes inevitably wandered towards his abs.

And whenever she reached out to check the area around his wound, he caught her hand.

“Looking again?”

“I’m checking your stitches.”

“Your eyes seem to have a different opinion.”

She snatched her hand away.

“Keep dreaming, Don.”

“I’m not the one staring.”

She hit his arm.

He caught her wrist.

For a brief moment, their eyes met.

The teasing disappeared.

Something unfamiliar settled between them.

Dante released her hand first.

“Finish the dressing.”

Isabella lowered her eyes and continued, pretending that her heart wasn’t beating faster than usual.

She had no idea when her teasing had begun to feel different.

Dante had no idea when his irritation had started turning into something dangerously close to affection.

Neither of them was ready to name it.

And neither understood how much trouble that would eventually cause.

3a:Teb0,Four months had nearly passed since Isabella’s life had changed forever.

Her graduation day finally arrived.

She dressed carefully, hoping that the day might feel special despite everything that had happened.

But when she looked around, the truth was painfully obvious.

Her parents weren’t coming.

Her brother wasn’t coming.

Sofia had other priorities.

Her grandmother, Rebecca, had wanted to attend, but travelling was difficult for her, and she couldn’t make the journey.

Isabella stood quietly for a moment, holding back her disappointment.

She had imagined this day differently.

For once, she had hoped her family might look at her with pride.

Instead, she was going alone.

She wiped her eyes, straightened her clothes, and lifted her chin.

I worked hard for this. I don’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of myself.

She attended the graduation ceremony by herself.

She listened to the speeches, collected her certificate, and smiled for the photographs.

And although the empty space beside her hurt, she refused to let it ruin the day.

She had accomplished something important.

That was enough.

At least, she tried to convince herself it was.

Chapter 9: The Empty Apartment

By the time the ceremony ended, evening had fallen.

Isabella stopped at a small restaurant and bought dinner before returning home.

She was exhausted.

All she wanted was to eat, check Dante’s dressing, and finally rest.

But when she opened the apartment door, something felt wrong.

The room was silent.

“Don?”

No answer.

She placed the food on the table.

“Dante?”

Nothing.

Her smile faded.

She hurried into the bedroom.

Empty.

She checked the bathroom.

Empty.

The kitchen.

Empty.

Her breathing became uneven.

“No… no, no, no.”

She searched every room again, moving faster each time.

He couldn’t have gone far.

He was still recovering.

He had been wearing the collar.

The collar—

Isabella stopped.

Slowly, she turned towards the sofa.

There, lying on the cushion, was the neck collar.

The chain rested beside it.

But Dante Moretti was gone.

Isabella stared at the collar, unable to move.

Her fingers began to tremble.

A terrible thought crept into her mind.

What if he found a way to contact his men?

What if he was already on his way back?

What if he knew everything?

She swallowed hard and clutched the collar in both hands.

For the first time since she had begun her dangerous little game, Isabella wasn’t smiling.

Because the devil she had managed to put on a leash had disappeared.

And she had absolutely no idea where he was.

End of Book 2

To be continued...

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Mafia Don's Captive Donna 2

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