I spent the afternoon packing, trying not to overthink this new development. My closet seemed endless- had I accumulated so many clothes? As I folded another dress, my phone lit up with a message from Marco.
Car’s outside whenever you’re ready.
I glanced at my watch – 6:30. “Already?”
“Need help?” Mom appeared in my doorway.
“No, I’m good. The staff can handle the rest.” I zipped up my overnight bag. “I just need to grab a few things from my office.”
In my private study, I paused at my desk. Family photos lined the shelves – memories of happier, simpler times
Before alliances shifted, before the Kabbaros joined with the Riccis. Before Marco. Before Alexander.
Malia Gummi Lagaged to. The Lon
“Miss Isabella?” One of Marco’s men knocked. “We’re ready when you are.”
I grabbed my laptop and a few files. “Coming.”
The drive to Marco’s estate felt shorter than usual. My mind wandered to Dad’s words about giving Marco a chance. He’d proven himself trustworthy so far, but something still felt off. Like I was missing a crucial piece of the
puzzle.
The gates opened smoothly as we pulled up. Marco waited at the entrance, hands in his pockets.
“Welcome home. “He offered his hand as I stepped out.
“That sounds weird.” I accepted his help anyway.
“You’ll get used to it.” He led me inside. “I had the east wing prepared for you. Complete privacy, but close enough if you need anything.”
The hallway opened into a stunning suite Floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked the gardens, and the decor was elegant without being ostentatious
“This is… nice.” I set my bag down.
“Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes “Marco lingered in the doorway. “Unless you’d prefer to rest?”
“No, dinner’s good, I’m actually starving”
He smiled – that rare, genuine smile that made his eyes crinkle. “I’ll see you downstairs then.”
I changed into a simple black dress for dinner, keeping my makeup minimal. As I fastened my earrings, my phone buzzed. My heart skipped when I saw the name – Alexander.
We need to talk. Please.
I stared at the message, my hands trembling. After everything he’d done, he had the nerve to reach out now?
Another message appeared: I know about the arrangement with Vercetti. You’re making a huge mistake.
“Screw you,” I muttered, but my fingers hovered over the keyboard. Before I could respond, a third message came
through.
There’s something you should know about him. Something important. Meet me tomorrow at our old spot? 2PM.
A knock at my door made me jump. “Miss Romano? Dinner is served.”
I quickly locked my phone. “Thank you, I’ll be right down.”
Marco stood as I entered the dining room. “Everything okay? You look troubled.”
“Just tired.” I forced a smile, taking my seat across from him. The table was set for two, candles flickering
between us.
“Wine?” He reached for the bottle.
“Please.” I needed something to steady my nerves.
As Marco poured, I couldn’t help but wonder what Alexander meant. What could he possibly know about N And why tell me now?
“You’re somewhere else tonight,” Marco observed, his dark eyes studying me.
“Sorry, just… adjusting. The lie felt heavy on my tongue. “This is all happening pretty fast.”
“We can slow things down if you need to.”
“No, it’s fine.” I took a long sip of wine. “I made my choice.”
But Alexander’s messages nagged at me throughout dinner. Marco was being nothing but accommodating, yet something in Alex’s urgency made me uneasy. What if there was something I needed to know? What if I was walking
into another trap?
Mata Dumn: Engaged to Thron
The real question was: could I trust either of them?
I picked at my food, the earlier messages from Alexander still gnawing at my thoughts. Marco noticed–of course he did. Nothing seemed to escape his attention.
“The chef can make something else if you’d prefer.”
“The food’s perfect.” I set my fork down. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Share with me.” His voice was gentle, inviting confidence.
I met his gaze across the table. “Why me, Marco? Out of all the women you could’ve chosen for this
arrangement…”
“You’re different.” He leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. “You walked away from all this once. That takes
courage.”
“And look how well that turned out.”
“No.” He shook his head. “You tried to forge your own path. There’s strength in that. Most people in our world
just accept their fate without question.”
His words struck something in me. I’d spent years running from who I was, only to end up right back where I
started. But this time felt different. This time, I was choosing it
“What about you?” I asked. “Did you ever try to walk away?”
A shadow crossed his face “Once. A long time ago
“What happened?”
*I realized some things are worth staying for.” He stood, walking to the window. “The power to protect what
matters. To make real change.”
I watched him, trying to reconcile this thoughtful man with the ruthless reputation that preceded him. Everything about Marco was a contradiction. He commanded respect yet never flaunted his position. He had the means to force my hand, yet he gave me choice
“You don’t act like other mafia bosses I’ve known.”
He turned, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Maybe that’s why we understand each other.”
The rest of dinner passed in comfortable conversation. As the staff cleared the plates, Marco’s phone buzzed. His expression hardened as he read the message.
“Problem?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” He slipped the phone away “Would you like to see the gardens? They’re beautiful at
night.”
I followed Marco into the gardens, the evening air crisp against my skin. String lights twinkled through the trees, casting a soft glow over the manicured paths.
“My mother designed this space,” Marco said, leading me past a row of rose bushes. “She believed beauty had a place even in our world.”
“She sounds wise.“I wrapped my arms around myself, the temperature dropping.
Marco shrugged off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders before I could protest. The fabric carried his scent – sandalwood and something distinctly him.
him.
“Thank you.” I pulled it closer, trying to ignore how natural this felt. How easy it was to let my guard down around
“Isabella.” He stopped by a marble fountain, the water’s gentle splash filling the silence. “I know this isn’t what you wanted for your life.”
“Life rarely gives us what we want.” Alexander’s messages weighed on my mind. “But sometimes what we need
comes in unexpected packages.
His eyes met mine, searching. “You’re still troubled about something
“Just processing everything.” I touched a rose petal, careful to avoid the thorns: “This arrangement, living here…
it’s a lot to take in.”
“You don’t have to pretend with me.” He stepped closer. “Whatever’s bothering you, I want to help”
For a moment, I considered telling him about Alexander’s messages. But something held me back. Until I knew what Alex wanted to reveal, I couldn’t risk showing my cards
“I appreciate that.” I managed a small smile. “But some things I need to figure out on my own”
Marco nodded, respecting my space. “Fair enough. Just remember you’re not alone anymore.
The sincerity
erity in his voice made my chest tighten. Here was a man offering protection, partnership, maybe even understanding Yet Alexander’s warning echoed in my head What didn’t I know about Marco Vercetti?
“It’s getting cold,” I said, breaking the moment. “We should head inside”
“Of course.” He offered his arm, ever the gentleman “I’ll have tea sent to your room”
As we walked back, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was standing at a crossroads Tomorrow’s meeting with
Alexander could change everything or reveal nothing at all
