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.