She hated living in the Romano mansion.
Every day brought another reminder that her family did not truly accept her. Her father humiliated her, Sofia manipulated everyone around her, and her mother seemed to run after Sofia whenever she cried.
Only her grandmother made her feel loved.
But now Dante had returned.
And Isabella was terrified.
She could not forget what had happened four months ago. She had done something that had angered him, and she feared what would happen if her father discovered the truth.
What if Father finds out what happened between Dante and me?
He might wrap me up like a present and hand me over to Dante himself.
The thought made her shiver.
She needed to leave.
That very night.
Just then, a notification appeared on her phone.
It was an email offering her a job.
She opened it quickly.
The message explained that the position came with free food and accommodation. For the time being, she would have only one roommate. The exact job title would be revealed during the interview, which was scheduled for the following morning.
Isabella read the email twice.
Free food.
Free accommodation.
A chance to live somewhere far away from the Romano mansion.
It sounded almost too good to be true.
But she had no reason to refuse an opportunity that could help her become independent.
Maybe this is my chance to start again.
She did not know who had sent the offer, and she did not stop to investigate it. She was too desperate to escape the house that had never truly felt like home.
She decided to leave immediately.
Isabella took a piece of paper and began writing a letter to her grandmother.
Dear Grandma,
I have received a good job offer. The company will provide me with food and accommodation, and I also hope to continue my higher studies in the future.
I am happy that I have this opportunity, but I will miss you so much. You are the only person who has always made me feel loved.
I am sorry that I cannot explain everything to you and the others in person. This opportunity came suddenly, and I have decided to take it. Please don't worry about me. I will try my best to build a better future.
I love you, Grandma.
Your loving granddaughter,
Isabella
She folded the letter carefully.
She deliberately left out the name of the company and the place where she would be staying. She did not want anyone to follow her before she could leave.
Isabella called the butler and handed him the letter.
“Please give this to Grandma when she wakes up,” she told him quietly.
The butler looked surprised.
“Miss Isabella, are you going somewhere?”
“I just need to take care of something,” she replied, forcing a small smile.
She picked up her suitcase and walked quickly toward the exit.
Her heart pounded as she crossed the mansion's grounds.
She did not look back.
Once she reached the gate, she stepped onto the road and continued walking.
For the first time that evening, she allowed herself to hope.
I can do this.
I can start a new life.
But she had no idea that someone had already decided where her new life would begin.
And it would not be the place she had chosen.