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/601-265c034bebd02ae7.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-9c232d02b2e62b9a.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-c1ae696d7db55631.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/601-265c034bebd02ae7.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-9c232d02b2e62b9a.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-c1ae696d7db55631.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/601-265c034bebd02ae7.js","7663","static/chunks/7663-6ceb204adfa521ed.js","1590","static/chunks/1590-9c232d02b2e62b9a.js","9891","static/chunks/9891-c1ae696d7db55631.js","2454","static/chunks/2454-891c5d61f37783df.js","5295","static/chunks/5295-448552ae6b50342b.js","1628","static/chunks/app/story/%5Bslug%5D/page-b77bdb6caccad907.js"],"default"] 37:I[86869,[],"IconMark"] 30:T1710,

Few hours later...

The sound of the bedroom door opening made Isabella lift her head.

Dante Moretti stood at the doorway, holding a small key in his hand.

Her eyes immediately moved towards it.

A key.

She pulled her wrist closer to herself.

"Don't come near me!"

Dante raised an eyebrow.

"Give me your hand, Isabella."

"No!"

She glared at him with tears in her eyes.

"You've already taken everything from me. What more do you want?"

Dante walked towards the bed.

"Your hand."

"I said no!"

He caught her wrist and unlocked the handcuff.

Click!

The metal cuff fell away.

Isabella immediately pulled her hand back and rubbed her sore wrist.

Dante noticed the red marks left by the handcuff. His expression changed slightly, but he quickly hid it.

"Get up."

She looked at him in disbelief.

"Why?"

He picked up a neatly folded dress from the nearby chair and placed it on the bed.

"Put this on."

Isabella looked at the dress.

It was a dark blue-and-white maid uniform.

Her eyes widened.

"What is this?"

"Your uniform."

"My uniform?"

"You're going to work in this mansion."

She stared at him.

"Are you out of your mind? You expect me to become your maid?"

Dante folded his arms.

"So, do you want to become Mrs. Moretti?"

A sudden soft blush crept onto her cheeks, and her words dissolved into a shy stammer. Before anyone could notice the flush on her face, she swiftly pulled herself together and put on a stern, serious look

"I want to go home!"

Nothing escaped his sharp gaze, yet he concealed his amusement behind an icy facade and spoke coldly

"That isn't happening."

Her eyes filled with tears.

"You're a monster!"

Dante stepped closer.

"Remember one thing, Isabella. Your grandmother's safety depends on your cooperation."

She immediately fell silent.

He knew exactly how to stop her from arguing.

"Get dressed. Fiona will help you with your duties."

"Who is Fiona?"

"My housekeeper."

Without waiting for another response, he turned towards the door.

"Wait!"

He stopped.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

For a brief moment, Dante looked at her.

He wanted to tell her that he didn't want to see her hurt. He wanted to tell her that the thought of her leaving made him restless.

But those words never came.

Instead, he gave her a cold look.

"Because I can."

With that, he left the room.

Isabella stared at the closed door.

She looked down at the maid uniform lying on the bed.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Grandma... I miss you."

She slowly got out of bed and picked up the uniform.

She had no choice.

At least, not yet.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door.

"May I come in?"

Isabella quickly wiped her tears.

"Come in."

A young woman entered the room. She had Short blonde hair, a beautiful smile, and a perfectly maintained appearance.

"Hello. I'm Fiona."

"I'm Isabella."

"I know. The Boss told me to help you settle in."

Fiona's eyes moved towards the maid uniform.

"Oh, you're going to work here?"

Isabella sighed.

"Apparently."

Fiona smiled politely.

"Don't worry. I'll show you everything."

Isabella changed into the uniform.

Fiona looked at her from head to toe.

"Come on. I'll show you around the mansion."

As they walked through the corridors, Fiona explained the different rooms and the servants' responsibilities.

"This is the dining room. The kitchen is over there, and the laundry room is downstairs."

Isabella nodded quietly.

"Where is Dante's office?"

Fiona stopped walking.

"Why do you want to know?"

"He told me I'm supposed to work here. I just wanted to know."

Fiona smiled.

"The Boss doesn't like anyone entering his office without permission."

"Okay."

They continued walking.

Fiona watched Isabella carefully.

She had been working in the Moretti mansion for a long time. During those years, she had developed feelings for Dante.

She admired his power, his wealth, and his authority.

More than anything, she wanted to become his wife.

She wanted to be Lady Moretti.

But now, this girl had appeared out of nowhere.

Fiona had already noticed something unusual about Dante's behaviour whenever Isabella was around.

He was different.

And she didn't like it.

Not even a little.

Meanwhile, Dante was sitting in his office, looking through some important documents.

Marco entered after knocking.

"Boss, the meeting in Rome has been confirmed."

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. You'll need to stay there for two days."

Dante nodded.

"Arrange everything."

"Yes, Boss."

Marco was about to leave when Dante stopped him.

"Marco."

"Yes, Boss?"

"Keep an eye on the mansion while I'm away. Give this ointment to Isabella for the marks on her wrists and make sure she doesn't know I sent it."

"Understood."

Dante looked towards the window.

"Also, make sure Isabella gets proper meals and enough rest."

Marco glanced at him.

"Understood, Boss."

Dante's expression hardened.

"Don't let anyone give her unnecessary work."

Marco nodded.

"I'll take care of it."

Dante returned to his documents, pretending the conversation meant nothing.

But deep inside, he was already worried about leaving her behind.

Two days.

It was only two days.

Yet he had a strange feeling that those two days would be longer than he expected.

31:T1710,

Few hours later...

The sound of the bedroom door opening made Isabella lift her head.

Dante Moretti stood at the doorway, holding a small key in his hand.

Her eyes immediately moved towards it.

A key.

She pulled her wrist closer to herself.

"Don't come near me!"

Dante raised an eyebrow.

"Give me your hand, Isabella."

"No!"

She glared at him with tears in her eyes.

"You've already taken everything from me. What more do you want?"

Dante walked towards the bed.

"Your hand."

"I said no!"

He caught her wrist and unlocked the handcuff.

Click!

The metal cuff fell away.

Isabella immediately pulled her hand back and rubbed her sore wrist.

Dante noticed the red marks left by the handcuff. His expression changed slightly, but he quickly hid it.

"Get up."

She looked at him in disbelief.

"Why?"

He picked up a neatly folded dress from the nearby chair and placed it on the bed.

"Put this on."

Isabella looked at the dress.

It was a dark blue-and-white maid uniform.

Her eyes widened.

"What is this?"

"Your uniform."

"My uniform?"

"You're going to work in this mansion."

She stared at him.

"Are you out of your mind? You expect me to become your maid?"

Dante folded his arms.

"So, do you want to become Mrs. Moretti?"

"I want to go home!"

Nothing escaped his sharp gaze, yet he concealed his amusement behind an icy facade and spoke coldly

"That isn't happening."

Her eyes filled with tears.

"You're a monster!"

Dante stepped closer.

"Remember one thing, Isabella. Your grandmother's safety depends on your cooperation."

She immediately fell silent.

He knew exactly how to stop her from arguing.

"Get dressed. Fiona will help you with your duties."

"Who is Fiona?"

"My housekeeper."

Without waiting for another response, he turned towards the door.

"Wait!"

He stopped.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

For a brief moment, Dante looked at her.

He wanted to tell her that he didn't want to see her hurt. He wanted to tell her that the thought of her leaving made him restless.

But those words never came.

Instead, he gave her a cold look.

"Because I can."

With that, he left the room.

Isabella stared at the closed door.

She looked down at the maid uniform lying on the bed.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Grandma... I miss you."

She slowly got out of bed and picked up the uniform.

She had no choice.

At least, not yet.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door.

"May I come in?"

Isabella quickly wiped her tears.

"Come in."

A young woman entered the room. She had Short blonde hair, a beautiful smile, and a perfectly maintained appearance.

"Hello. I'm Fiona."

"I'm Isabella."

"I know. The Boss told me to help you settle in."

Fiona's eyes moved towards the maid uniform.

"Oh, you're going to work here?"

Isabella sighed.

"Apparently."

Fiona smiled politely.

"Don't worry. I'll show you everything."

Isabella changed into the uniform.

Fiona looked at her from head to toe.

"Come on. I'll show you around the mansion."

As they walked through the corridors, Fiona explained the different rooms and the servants' responsibilities.

"This is the dining room. The kitchen is over there, and the laundry room is downstairs."

Isabella nodded quietly.

"Where is Dante's office?"

Fiona stopped walking.

"Why do you want to know?"

"He told me I'm supposed to work here. I just wanted to know."

Fiona smiled.

"The Boss doesn't like anyone entering his office without permission."

"Okay."

They continued walking.

Fiona watched Isabella carefully.

She had been working in the Moretti mansion for a long time. During those years, she had developed feelings for Dante.

She admired his power, his wealth, and his authority.

More than anything, she wanted to become his wife.

She wanted to be Lady Moretti.

But now, this girl had appeared out of nowhere.

Fiona had already noticed something unusual about Dante's behaviour whenever Isabella was around.

He was different.

And she didn't like it.

Not even a little.

Meanwhile, Dante was sitting in his office, looking through some important documents.

Marco entered after knocking.

"Boss, the meeting in Rome has been confirmed."

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. You'll need to stay there for two days."

Dante nodded.

"Arrange everything."

"Yes, Boss."

Marco was about to leave when Dante stopped him.

"Marco."

"Yes, Boss?"

"Keep an eye on the mansion while I'm away. Give this ointment to Isabella for the marks on her wrists and make sure she doesn't know I sent it."

"Understood."

Dante looked towards the window.

"Also, make sure Isabella gets proper meals and enough rest."

Marco glanced at him.

"Understood, Boss."

Dante's expression hardened.

"Don't let anyone give her unnecessary work."

Marco nodded.

"I'll take care of it."

Dante returned to his documents, pretending the conversation meant nothing.

But deep inside, he was already worried about leaving her behind.

Two days.

It was only two days.

Yet he had a strange feeling that those two days would be longer than he expected.

32:T2426,The following morning, Isabella was arranging the books in Dante's bedroom when he entered.

He had just returned from the gym. His black hair was slightly damp, and he wore a dark T-shirt and sweatpants.

"Prepare the bath."

Isabella stared at him.

"What?"

"I need a bath."

"Then prepare it yourself!"

Dante raised an eyebrow.

"Is that how you speak to your employer?"

"You're not my employer. You're my captor!"

He watched her for a moment.

"Prepare the bath, Isabella."

She muttered something under her breath and walked into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she returned.

"The water is ready."

Dante nodded.

"Come here."

She hesitated.

"What now?"

"Help me."

Isabella's eyes widened.

"Help you with what?"

He pointed towards the bathroom.

She understood what he meant and immediately shook her head.

"Absolutely not!"

Dante noticed her embarrassment.

"Relax. I only need you to help with the water and towels. I'll manage the rest."

She looked at him suspiciously.

"Promise?"

He gave her an amused look.

"Do you want a written agreement?"

She glared at him.

"You're impossible!"

Dante entered the bathroom and closed the door.

A few minutes later, his voice came from inside.

"Isabella."

She closed her eyes.

"What?"

"I need a towel."

She grabbed one from the cupboard and walked towards the bathroom.

The door opened slightly.

Dante reached out.

She handed him the towel without looking up.

"Thank you," he said.

Isabella blinked.

Was that actually a thank you?

Before Isabella could respond, Dante took her hand and led her towards the bathroom. The door slowly closed behind them.

But Isabella wasn't actually moving.

Her eyes were tightly shut as her imagination took over.

In her daydream, Dante stood close to her, gently brushing his lips against her neck before showering her with soft kisses. The scene grew increasingly intimate as they shared a romantic moment together beside the bathtub.

"Isabella!"

A sudden shake brought her back to reality.

She blinked several times and found Dante standing right in front of her, looking rather amused.

"Where did you disappear, sweetheart?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Isabella stared at him, completely flustered.

"W-What?"

Dante tilted his head. "I asked what you were daydreaming about."

"Nothing!" she answered immediately.

His eyes travelled over her unusually red face before a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.

He stepped closer and leaned towards her ear.

"Don't worry, Isabella. I'm a very good boy. I won't do anything naughty without your permission."

Isabella's eyes widened.

"DANTE!"

She immediately pushed his chest and stepped away.

"Nothing like that was happening in my mind!" she protested, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.

Dante chuckled.

"Really? Then why are you blushing so much?"

"You're impossible!"

Before he could tease her any further, Isabella quickly rushed out of the bathroom.

Dante remained where he was, watching her disappear with an amused smile.

He shook his head slightly.

"Interesting imagination, Mrs. Moretti."

A quiet laugh escaped his lips.

A little later, Dante came out wearing a fresh white shirt and trousers. His hair was still slightly damp.

He noticed Isabella standing near the Dressing Table, struggling to arrange a few books while her long hair kept falling over her face.

"You're doing it wrong."

She turned.

"Then do it yourself!"

He picked up a book and placed it on the shelf.

"These go in alphabetical order."

Isabella crossed her arms.

"You're impossible."

"And you're stubborn."

"At least I'm not a control freak."

Dante chuckled.

He moved closer and noticed a few strands of hair covering her face.

"Stay still."

"Why?"

"Your hair."

Before she could ask anything else, he gently took a hairbrush from the dressing table.

Isabella looked at him through the mirror.

"What are you doing?"

"Brushing your hair. What does it look like?"

"I can do it myself."

"I noticed. That's why your hair looks like you've been fighting with a bird."

Her mouth fell open.

"Excuse me?"

Dante smiled slightly and began brushing her hair.

His movements were unexpectedly gentle.

Isabella slowly lowered her head, allowing him to brush the tangled strands.

For a few moments, the room became quiet.

She could feel his fingers occasionally touching her hair as he carefully brushed through it.

She had never imagined that Dante Moretti, the man who frightened everyone around him, could be this gentle.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"No."

"Good."

He continued brushing until her hair fell smoothly over her shoulders.

When he finished, Isabella lightly lowered her head again, trying to gather her hair over one shoulder.

Suddenly, Dante's fingers gently caught a section of her hair near the back of her head.

She stopped moving.

His other hand rested lightly near her shoulder.

"Look at me."

Isabella slowly lifted her face.

Their eyes met through the mirror.

Dante gently turned her towards him.

She found herself standing very close to him.

Too close.

His gaze moved across her face.

Her eyes.

Her cheeks.

And finally, her lips.

Isabella's heartbeat became faster.

"Dante..."

He didn't answer.

He simply looked at her.

His fingers were still holding her hair, but his grip was gentle. He leaned closer, slowly reducing the distance between them.

Isabella's breathing became uneven.

She knew she should move away.

She knew he was the man who had taken her freedom.

But at that moment, she couldn't bring herself to step back.

Dante's eyes remained fixed on hers.

His face was only inches away.

Isabella slowly closed her eyes.

She didn't know whether she was making a mistake.

She only knew that she wasn't moving away.

Dante noticed her closed eyes.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

He studied her face closely, taking in the delicate features she usually tried to hide behind her stubborn expressions.

For a moment, he simply admired her.

Then his gaze returned to her lips.

He was tempted to close the remaining distance.

But instead, he whispered,

"Isabella."

She waited.

"Are you holding your breath?"

Her eyes immediately opened.

"What?"

Dante smiled.

"You look like you're waiting for something."

Her cheeks turned bright red.

"I... I wasn't!"

"Really?"

"Yes!"

He tilted his head slightly.

"Then why did you close your eyes?"

Isabella stepped away immediately.

"I had something in my eye!"

Dante laughed softly.

"Both eyes?"

She grabbed the nearest cushion and threw it at him.

"Shut up!"

He caught the cushion effortlessly.

"Careful, little girl. You're becoming quite aggressive."

"You're the most irritating man I've ever met!"

"And yet, you were standing very quietly a moment ago."

Isabella's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Dante placed the cushion back on the sofa.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about your little moment."

"My what?"

He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping into a playful whisper.

"Your almost-kiss."

Isabella covered her face with both hands.

"Stop... I hate you Dante, I really really hate you!"

Dante smiled.

"That's what you keep telling me."

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

"Boss?"

Fiona stood at the doorway holding a tray.

Dante stepped away from Isabella.

"Come in."

Fiona entered and placed the tray on the table.

Her eyes moved between Dante and Isabella.

She noticed Isabella's flushed cheeks and slightly messy hair.

Then she looked at the hairbrush in Dante's hand.

Her smile slowly disappeared.

"Is there anything else, Boss?" she asked.

"No. You can leave."

Fiona nodded and walked out.

But she didn't go far.

She stood outside the bedroom for a moment, her fingers tightening around the empty tray.

She had worked in this mansion for years.

She had imagined Dante brushing her hair, looking at her with affection, and eventually calling her his wife.

Yet he had just done those things for another woman.

Fiona's expression hardened.

"She won't take my place," she whispered.

Inside the room, Dante placed the hairbrush back on the dressing table.

Isabella quickly returned to arranging the books.

Neither of them noticed Fiona standing outside.

33:T1235,The next morning, Dante prepared to leave for Rome.

Isabella was standing near the staircase when she noticed him walking downstairs with Marco.

He wore a dark suit and carried his travel bag.

"You're leaving?" she asked before she could stop herself.

Dante looked at her.

"Why? Will you miss me?"

Isabella immediately looked away.

"Not even in my dreams."

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Good. I'll be back in Two days."

He turned towards Marco.

"Take care of everything here."

"Yes, Boss."

Before leaving, Dante looked at Isabella one last time.

"Follow Fiona's instructions. Don't get into trouble."

She frowned.

"You're the one who brought trouble into my life."

He chuckled quietly and walked away.

Isabella watched his car disappear through the gates.

For the first time, the mansion felt strangely quiet.

But her peace didn't last long.

The moment Dante left, Fiona's behaviour changed.

"Isabella!"

She turned.

"Yes?"

"Clean the dining room."

"I already cleaned it."

"Then clean it again."

Isabella sighed but picked up the cleaning supplies.

Later, Fiona handed her a basket of laundry.

"Wash these clothes."

"Fiona, I still have to prepare lunch."

"Then finish both."

Isabella looked at her.

"Why are you giving me so much work?"

Fiona smiled coldly.

"Because you're a maid."

Isabella didn't respond.

She had already learned that arguing with Fiona would only make things worse.

By evening, her back was aching.

She sat on a small chair in the laundry room, rubbing her hands.

She hadn't eaten properly since morning.

Just then, Fiona entered.

"Why are you sitting here?"

"I'm tired. Can I have something to eat?"

Fiona looked at her.

"There's work waiting."

"But I've been working since morning."

Fiona placed another basket beside her.

"Then finish this first."

Isabella stared at the basket.

She wanted to cry.

But she refused to give Fiona the satisfaction.

The second day was even worse.

Fiona made her clean the guest rooms, polish the furniture, wash the clothes, and prepare tea for the staff.

Whenever Isabella asked for a break, Fiona found another task.

At Dinnertime, Isabella entered the kitchen and noticed the staff eating.

"Fiona, is there any food left for me?"

Fiona didn't even look at her.

"You can eat after finishing the silverware."

"But I'm hungry."

Fiona finally turned.

"Then you should have finished your work faster."

Isabella lowered her eyes.

She didn't know why Fiona was treating her this way.

She had done nothing to her.

Or perhaps she had.

Perhaps Fiona had noticed the way Dante looked at her.

Perhaps she had seen the way he brushed her hair.

Fiona had seen everything, and the memory continued to irritate her.

She couldn't forget the sight of Dante standing so close to Isabella.

She had never seen him behave that way with another woman.

And she hated Isabella for it.

Meanwhile, in Rome, Dante sat in a meeting room surrounded by his men.

Marco noticed that his attention kept drifting towards his phone.

"Boss, is everything alright?"

Dante glanced at him.

"Why?"

"You've checked your phone several times."

Dante ignored him.

He opened his messages and stared at Isabella's contact.

He wanted to call her.

But what would he say?

*Have you eaten? Are you resting? Do you miss me?*

He shook his head and put the phone away.

He had never been this distracted in his life.

By late evening, Fiona entered Dante’s room and placed another pile of clothes on the chair.

"These need to be washed before tomorrow morning."

Isabella looked at the pile.

"Fiona, please. My back hurts."

Fiona folded her arms.

"Do you think you're special?"

"No. I just need some rest."

Fiona leaned closer.

"Let me make something clear. Whatever attention the Boss gives you doesn't make you important here."

Isabella stared at her.

"What are you talking about?"

Fiona gave her a cold smile.

"Don't pretend you don't understand."

She turned and walked away.

Isabella sat on the edge of the bed.

She looked at her tired hands.

"I just want to go home..."

But nobody was there to hear her.

34:T19e9,The second day arrived.

Isabella woke up early and slowly got out of bed.

Her entire body ached.

She had barely slept because Fiona had made her finish several tasks the previous night.

She walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Fiona entered a few minutes later.

"Isabella."

She turned.

"Yes?"

"Someone is coming today."

"Who?"

"Bianca Hart."

Isabella frowned.

"Who is she?"

Fiona smiled.

"The woman who will become Lady Moretti."

Isabella's hands stopped moving.

"Dante's fiancée?"

"Not officially yet. But everyone knows they're expected to get married."

Fiona watched Isabella's reaction carefully.

She wanted to see whether the news would hurt her.

Isabella quickly looked down.

"Oh."

Fiona raised an eyebrow.

"That's all?"

"Why should I say anything?"

Fiona smiled.

"Good. Remember your position."

Isabella returned to preparing breakfast.

But the news stayed in her mind longer than she expected.

*Dante is going to marry someone.*

She shook her head.

*Why should I care? He's not my husband.*

At around ten in the morning, a luxury car arrived at the mansion.

Bianca Hart stepped out wearing an elegant short pink dress and matching heels.

Her long blonde hair fell perfectly over her shoulders.

She walked into the mansion as if she already owned it.

"Where is Dante?"

Fiona approached her.

"Good morning, Miss Hart. The Boss is away on business. He'll return this evening."

Bianca frowned.

"When?"

"This evening, as far as I know."

Bianca smiled.

"Then I'll wait."

Her eyes moved towards Isabella, who was carrying a tray.

"Who's that?"

Fiona answered immediately.

"That's Isabella Romano. She's the Boss's new personal maid."

Bianca looked Isabella up and down.

"A maid?"

Isabella lowered her eyes.

"Good morning, Miss Hart."

Bianca ignored her.

"Bring me tea."

Bianca was sitting in his mansion's living room when she picked up her phone and called her brother.

"Hello, I need you to do something for me," she said as soon as he answered.

"What is it, Bianca?"

"I want you to find out everything about Isabella Romano. She's Dante's personal maid. Her background, family, and how she became part of his life. I want every little detail."

"Why are you suddenly interested in his maid?"

"Just do what I'm asking."

After a brief pause, Bianca continued.

"Also, Dante is coming to his new mansion this evening. I'll send you the address. Come here and meet us."

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. I just want you to talk to him about the wedding. Somehow, get him to announce the wedding date. We've waited long enough."

"Alright. I'll try."

"Don't just try. Make sure you bring it up."

Bianca ended the call and immediately forwarded Dante's new mansion address to her brother.

A small smile appeared on her face.

She had no intention of letting the wedding plans fade away.

After some while, Isabella placed the tray on the table.

Bianca picked up the cup and took a sip.

Then her eyes moved towards Isabella again.

"How long have you been working here?"

"A few days, Miss."

"A few days?"

Bianca looked at Fiona.

"And she's already staying in Dante's bedroom?"

Fiona nodded.

“Yes. The Boss let her stay there."

Bianca's smile disappeared.

"Interesting."

She placed the cup down.

"Does she have any other responsibilities?"

Fiona gave a small smile.

"She’s quite close to the Boss."

Bianca's fingers tightened around the cup.

She had expected to be the only woman receiving Dante's attention.

Now she was hearing about a new maid who had access to his private bedroom.

Her jealousy grew.

"Leave us," Bianca ordered Fiona.

Fiona stepped away but remained close enough to hear their conversation.

Bianca turned towards Isabella.

"Look at me."

Isabella slowly raised her eyes.

"Do you think you're special?"

"No, Miss."

"Then why are you behaving as if you own this place?"

"I'm only doing the work I've been given."

Bianca laughed.

"Don't act innocent. I know exactly what girls like you do."

Isabella frowned.

"I don't understand."

Bianca stepped closer.

"Stay away from Dante."

Isabela looked at her in disbelief.

"I'm not doing anything."

"Don't lie to me!"

Bianca suddenly tilted the cup.

The hot tea spilled over Isabella's hand.

Isabella gasped.

The cup fell from Bianca's fingers and shattered on the floor.

"Careless woman!" Bianca shouted.

Isabella stared at her.

"You spilled it!"

Bianca's eyes widened.

"How dare you speak to me like that?"

She slapped Isabella.

The sound echoed through the room.

Isabella's face turned to the side.

For a moment, she stood still.

Then she slowly turned back.

"You shouldn't have done that."

Bianca laughed.

"Or what?"

Isabella slapped her back.

Bianca stumbled.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"You!"

She grabbed her by the hair, dragged her against the wall, and slammed her head so hard that blood immediately started to flow.

Isabella cried out.

Bianca dragged her towards the entrance.

"How dare a maid raise her hand against me?"

"Let go of me!"

Fiona watched from a distance.

A part of her was satisfied to see Isabella being punished.

But another part was nervous.

If Dante found out, he might blame her for allowing Bianca to hurt Isabella.

Still, she didn't intervene.

Bianca tightened her grip on Isabella's hair.

"You thought you could steal my place?"

"I didn't steal anything!"

Bianca pushed her.

Isabella lost her balance.

She stumbled backwards, her body falling towards the hard floor.

But before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

The world seemed to stop.

Isabella felt herself being pulled against a familiar chest.

She slowly lifted her head.

Dark eyes.

A sharp jaw.

A cold expression.

Dante Moretti.

She stared at him.

Her bloody lips trembled as she tried to speak.

"Dante..."

35:T1362,

Dante stood frozen for a moment.

Isabella was leaning heavily against him.

Her face was pale, her hair messy, one cheek swollen, her head wounded, and her lips bloody.

His eyes moved towards her injured hand.

Then her face.

Then the hand Bianca had used to grab her hair.

"Isabella?"

She clutched his shirt.

"It hurts..."

Her voice was barely audible.

"I'm so hungry..."

And then she fainted.

Dante immediately tightened his arms around her.

"Isabella!"

He gently tapped her cheek.

"Open your eyes."

There was no response.

His expression changed instantly.

"Marco!"

Marco rushed towards him.

"Boss!"

"Call the doctor. Now!"

Marco immediately took out his phone.

Dante looked at Bianca.

Then Fiona.

Both women stood silently.

"What happened to her?"

Bianca crossed her arms.

"She was being disrespectful. I just taught her a lesson."

Dante slowly turned towards her.

"Did you touch her?"

Bianca rolled her eyes.

"She slapped me first! And besides, she's just a maid."

Dante's eyes darkened.

"Don't you dare speak about my woman like that."

Bianca stepped forward.

"Dante, you're making this ridiculous. I am supposed to be your future wife!"

He looked at her coldly.

"Don't call yourself that."

Bianca's expression changed.

"You're choosing her over me?"

Dante didn't answer.

He adjusted Isabella carefully in his arms.

"Marco, lock both of them in the basement."

Bianca stared at him.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Dante! You can't do this!"

He ignored her and carried Isabella upstairs.

Fiona lowered her head.

She had never seen Dante look so furious.

And for the first time, she realised that her jealousy had brought her into dangerous territory.

Dante entered his bedroom and placed Isabella carefully on his bed.

Her hair was scattered across the pillow.

He gently moved it away from her face.

"Isabella, wake up."

Nothing.

He looked at the marks on her wrist and the swelling on her cheek.

His jaw tightened.

He had left her in the care of his staff.

He had specifically instructed them to look after her.

Yet this was what he had returned to.

The doctor arrived shortly afterwards.

Dante stood beside the bed while the doctor examined her.

"How is she?"

The doctor checked her pulse and blood pressure before examining her injuries.

"She's suffering from severe exhaustion and dehydration. She appears to have been eating very little and working continuously without proper rest."

Dante's jaw tightened.

"Is she going to be alright?"

"She should recover with proper treatment. I've started fluids and will treat her injuries. She needs nutritious meals and sufficient rest."

The doctor cleaned her wounds, applied medication, and started an IV drip.

He also checked the bruising on her back.

"She needs to avoid strenuous activity for several days."

Dante nodded.

"Do whatever is necessary."

After finishing the examination, the doctor gave him further instructions and left.

Dante sat beside Isabella.

He gently took her hand.

For the first time, he noticed how rough her palms had become.

Her skin was dry, and there were small cuts across her fingers.

He remembered how soft her hands had felt when he had first held them.

His fingers tightened around hers.

"I'm sorry, Isabella."

For all his cold words, his composure finally broke, and warm tears spilled down his face onto her hands, betraying the pain he was fighting to hide.

He lowered his head.

"I didn't know they were treating you like this."

He gently brushed her hair away from her forehead.

"I never wanted you to suffer."

He paused.

"Do you know something? I've been having trouble sleeping for years."

He gave a bitter smile.

"But when I was in your apartment, surrounded by your silly arguments and endless questions, I slept peacefully."

His voice became softer.

"After leaving your apartment, I couldn't sleep again."

He looked at her unconscious face.

"I thought capturing you would solve everything. I thought having you near me would be enough."

He swallowed.

"But these last two days without you..."

He shook his head.

"They were hell."

He gently kissed the back of her hand.

"I don't know what to call this feeling. I only know that I can't stay away from you, I want to protect you, even if it costs me my life.”

He paused.

"I can't let you go, Isabella, I love you Isabella."

36:T3dda,

Dante stood frozen for a moment.

Isabella was leaning heavily against him.

Her face was pale, her hair messy, one cheek swollen, her head wounded, and her lips bloody.

His eyes moved towards her injured hand.

Then her face.

Then the hand Bianca had used to grab her hair.

"Isabella?"

She clutched his shirt.

"It hurts..."

Her voice was barely audible.

"I'm so hungry..."

And then she fainted.

Dante immediately tightened his arms around her.

"Isabella!"

He gently tapped her cheek.

"Open your eyes."

There was no response.

His expression changed instantly.

"Marco!"

Marco rushed towards him.

"Boss!"

"Call the doctor. Now!"

Marco immediately took out his phone.

Dante looked at Bianca.

Then Fiona.

Both women stood silently.

"What happened to her?"

Bianca crossed her arms.

"She was being disrespectful. I just taught her a lesson."

Dante slowly turned towards her.

"Did you touch her?"

Bianca rolled her eyes.

"She slapped me first! And besides, she's just a maid."

Dante's eyes darkened.

"Don't you dare speak about my woman like that."

Bianca stepped forward.

"Dante, you're making this ridiculous. I am supposed to be your future wife!"

He looked at her coldly.

"Don't call yourself that."

Bianca's expression changed.

"You're choosing her over me?"

Dante didn't answer.

He adjusted Isabella carefully in his arms.

"Marco, lock both of them in the basement."

Bianca stared at him.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Dante! You can't do this!"

He ignored her and carried Isabella upstairs.

Fiona lowered her head.

She had never seen Dante look so furious.

And for the first time, she realised that her jealousy had brought her into dangerous territory.

Dante entered his bedroom and placed Isabella carefully on his bed.

Her hair was scattered across the pillow.

He gently moved it away from her face.

"Isabella, wake up."

Nothing.

He looked at the marks on her wrist and the swelling on her cheek.

His jaw tightened.

He had left her in the care of his staff.

He had specifically instructed them to look after her.

Yet this was what he had returned to.

The doctor arrived shortly afterwards.

Dante stood beside the bed while the doctor examined her.

"How is she?"

The doctor checked her pulse and blood pressure before examining her injuries.

"She's suffering from severe exhaustion and dehydration. She appears to have been eating very little and working continuously without proper rest."

Dante's jaw tightened.

"Is she going to be alright?"

"She should recover with proper treatment. I've started fluids and will treat her injuries. She needs nutritious meals and sufficient rest."

The doctor cleaned her wounds, applied medication, and started an IV drip.

He also checked the bruising on her back.

"She needs to avoid strenuous activity for several days."

Dante nodded.

"Do whatever is necessary."

After finishing the examination, the doctor gave him further instructions and left.

Dante sat beside Isabella.

He gently took her hand.

For the first time, he noticed how rough her palms had become.

Her skin was dry, and there were small cuts across her fingers.

He remembered how soft her hands had felt when he had first held them.

His fingers tightened around hers.

"I'm sorry, Isabella."

For all his cold words, his composure finally broke, and warm tears spilled down his face onto her hands, betraying the pain he was fighting to hide.

He lowered his head.

"I didn't know they were treating you like this."

He gently brushed her hair away from her forehead.

"I never wanted you to suffer."

He paused.

"Do you know something? I've been having trouble sleeping for years."

He gave a bitter smile.

"But when I was in your apartment, surrounded by your silly arguments and endless questions, I slept peacefully."

His voice became softer.

"After leaving your apartment, I couldn't sleep again."

He looked at her unconscious face.

"I thought capturing you would solve everything. I thought having you near me would be enough."

He swallowed.

"But these last two days without you..."

He shook his head.

"They were hell."

He gently kissed the back of her hand.

"I don't know what to call this feeling. I only know that I can't stay away from you, I want to protect you, even if it costs me my life.”

He paused.

"I can't let you go, Isabella, I love you Isabella."

Dante continued holding Isabella's hand.

She moved slightly in her sleep.

"Grandma..."

He immediately looked at her.

"Isabella?"

"My back hurts..."

Her voice was weak.

Dante gently brushed her hair.

"You're safe. Just rest."

But she continued talking.

"I'm so hungry..."

His expression changed.

"Please... I don't want to work anymore..."

Dante froze.

His eyes slowly moved towards her injured hands.

The anger inside him grew stronger.

She was asking for food in her sleep.

She was begging not to work anymore.

What had they done to her?

He stood up slowly.

"Marco!"

The door opened immediately.

"Yes, Boss?"

"Stay here. Don't let anyone disturb her."

"Understood."

Dante looked at Isabella one last time.

Then he walked towards the basement.

Bianca and Fiona were sitting on two separate chairs.

Both looked terrified when they saw him entering.

Dante stopped in front of them.

"Did you enjoy making her suffer?"

Neither of them answered.

He looked at Fiona.

"You were supposed to take care of her. Instead, you made her work, starved her and treated her like a slave."

"Boss, I..."

"Don't."

His cold voice made Fiona lower her head.

Dante turned towards Bianca.

"And you. You had no right to touch her."

Bianca swallowed nervously.

"She provoked me!"

Dante let out a bitter laugh.

"She was unconscious when I found her. Is that what you call provoking you?"

Bianca remained silent.

Dante stepped closer.

"Listen carefully. Fiona, from today onwards, you will no longer be the head housekeeper. You will work as a lower housekeeper in my old mansion. You will follow every instruction given to you."

Fiona's eyes widened.

"Boss, please..."

"Your position is already more than you deserve."

He then turned towards Bianca.

"You have two choices."

Bianca looked at him.

"First, you will record a video apologising to Isabella for everything you have done to her."

He paused.

"Second, I will terminate every single business deal between the Moretti and Hart families. Not one contract will survive."

Bianca's face turned pale.

"You can't do that!"

Dante gave her a dangerous smile.

"Try me."

"Please, Dante. Think about our families."

"Your family should have thought about that before hurting someone under my protection."

Bianca lowered her eyes.

"I'll record the video."

"Good. Make sure your apology is sincere. I don't want to hear another excuse."

Dante turned around and walked out without giving either woman another glance.

Dante entered the room quietly.

Marcus was standing near the door.

"Boss, everything is under control."

"Leave us alone."

Marcus nodded and left.

Dante walked towards the bed.

Isabella was still lying unconscious. Her hands were resting beside her body, and the IV drip was connected to her arm.

He sat beside her.

"Troublemaker..."

He gently took her hand.

"You've caused me more trouble than anyone in my entire life."

He looked at her face.

"But I don't want you to stop."

His fingers moved towards her forehead, gently brushing away a few strands of hair.

"I'm sorry, Isabella."

He bent down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Please forgive me."

He carefully lay beside her, making sure not to disturb her injured body. Then he wrapped his arms around her gently.

That night, Dante didn't sleep much.

Every time he closed his eyes, he remembered her weak voice.

I'm so hungry... Please... I don't want to work anymore.

He held her a little closer.

"You're never going to suffer like that again. I promise."

Sunlight entered the room through the curtains.

Dante slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing he did was look at Isabella.

She hadn't moved.

He sat up and touched her forehead.

"Isabella?"

No response.

He pressed the call button for the doctor.

A few minutes later, the doctor entered the room and examined her condition.

Dante stood beside the bed, watching every movement.

"How is she?"

The doctor checked the monitor before looking at him.

"Mr. Moretti, unfortunately, there hasn't been any significant improvement."

Dante frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"The IV fluids are maintaining her hydration, but she is still unconscious."

"Why isn't she waking up?"

The doctor hesitated.

"The repeated blows to her head have caused serious trauma. She has slipped into a temporary coma."

Dante stared at him.

"A coma?"

"Yes. We need to continue monitoring her condition. At this point, I cannot tell you exactly when she will regain consciousness."

Dante slowly turned towards Isabella.

"Is there anything else you can do?"

"We are providing the necessary treatment. For now, we have to wait and monitor her closely."

The doctor gave him a reassuring nod before leaving the room.

Dante remained still for a moment.

Then he pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down.

He gently held Isabella's hand.

"Isabella..."

His voice was barely audible.

"Do you know how annoying you are?"

He looked at her face.

"You argue with me over everything. You never follow my instructions. You even have the courage to glare at me."

A small smile appeared on his face.

"But now..."

His smile disappeared.

"Why are you so quiet?"

He lowered his head and kissed her fingers.

"I want to hear your arguments again."

He paused.

"I want you to complain about the food. I want you to get angry when I tease you."

His eyes became moist.

"Just wake up and fight with me, Isabella."

He placed her hand against his cheek.

"I'll listen to every argument. I won't even interrupt you."

For the rest of the day, Dante stayed beside her.

He refused to attend meetings, ignored business calls and barely ate anything.

He gently held her hand and brought it to his lips.

"Come back to me, Isabella. I don't know how much longer I can bear seeing you like this."

For the first time, Dante Moretti felt completely powerless.

And all he could do was pray for the woman who had slowly become his entire world.

End of Book 5

To be continued...

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Mafia Don's Captive Donna 5

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