4
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I woke to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar windows. For a moment, panic seized me until I remembered –
Engaged to The Las
“You’re a mind reader.” I accepted the cup, breathing in the rich aroma. “What time is it?”
“Just past eight.” He settled into a chair by the window “I spoke with your father this morning. He’s doing well,
eager to see you!
I took a long sip of coffee. “Can we go now?”
“Of course.” Marco stood, straightening his jacket. “Take your time getting ready. I’ll wait downstairs.”
I rushed through a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes that had been laid out for me, and headed down. The coffee had helped clear my head, but anxiety still churned in my stomach. Last night’s events felt surreal – the dinner, the conversation, falling asleep here
Marco’s driver took us to my family’s estate. The morning sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn as we pulled up to the entrance.
“Isabella!” My mother rushed out to meet us “Your father’s been asking for you.
I hurried inside, Marco following at a measured pace. Dad was propped up against pillows in his bed, looking
pale but alert Relief flooded through me when he smiled
“There’s my girl,” He reached for my hand. “I’m fine, just overdid it yesterday.”
“You scared me.” I perched on the edge of his bed. “The doctor said-”
“Bah, doctors.” He waved dismissively. “Just need some rest. Marco, thank you for looking after my daughter.”
“It was my pleasure, sir,” Marco stayed by the doorway, hands clasped behind his back
Dad’s eyes moved between us, something knowing in his expression. “Isabella, would you get me some water?”
I knew he wanted to speak with Marco alone. “Sure.”
As I headed to the kitchen, I heard their voices drop to low murmurs. What were they discussing? And why did it
feel like everyone knew something I didn’t?
I took my time filling a glass, trying to sort through the mess of emotions from the past twenty–four hours. Marco’s presence was becoming a constant, steady and reassuring. But there was still so much uncertainty, so many questions.
When I returned, they’d fallen silent. Dad accepted the water with a pat on my hand.
“Stay for breakfast?” he asked Marco.
“I should head back to the office” Marco glanced at his watch. “But I’ll check in later.”
After he left, I settled into the chair beside Dad’s bed. “You two seem…friendly.”
“Marco’s a good man.” Dad shifted against his pillows. “He reminds me of myself at that age determined,
principled.”
I rolled my eyes. “Since when are you his biggest fan?”
“Since he proved himself trustworthy.” Dad’s tone turned serious. “Isabella, there are things happening you need
to understand. The Kabbaros-”
“Dad, please. Not now.” I wasn’t ready to dive back into family business. “Just focus on getting better.”
Mom bustled in with a tray of breakfast. “Enough shop talk. You need to eat.”
I helped arrange the pillows behind Dad’s back while Mom set up his breakfast. The familiar domesticity of the moment almost made me forget the complications swirling around us – almost.
My phone buzzed with a text from Marco: Dinner tonight? There’s something we should discuss
I stared at the message, thumb hovering over the reply button. Part of me wanted to say no, to pull back from whatever was developing between us. But curiosity won out.
Ok. What time?
8.52 AM c d
Moto The Lan
rpm ni senu a cal
Dad caught me checking my phone. “Marco?”
“How did you-
“Your face.” He smiled knowingly. “You get this look when you’re reading his messages.”
“I do not.” Heat crept into my cheeks.
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” Dad shared an amused look with Mom. “Just remember – sometimes the best
paths aren’t the ones we planned.”
I tucked my phone away, uncomfortable with how well they seemed to read me. “I should go and change.”
I paced my room, still processing my father’s words. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
“Isabella, dear?” Mom entered, settling on the edge of my bed. “Your father and I have been talking
“About?”
“We think it would be best if you moved in with Marco ” She smoothed her skirt, a habit when she was choosing
her words carefully “You’re engaged now, and with everything happening.
“Mom, I-”
“It’s safer,” Dad called from the hallway. He appeared in the doorway, leaning on his cane. “The Kabbaros are getting bolder. Marco’s compound has better security”
“I can take care of myself.”
“We know you can, sweetheart.” Mom patted my hand. “But there’s no shame in accepting protection, especially from your fiancé.”
“It makes sense strategically,” Dad added. “Shows unity to our allies and enemies alike.”
I sank into my chair, running my fingers through my hair. They weren’t wrong–Marco’s estate was practically a fortress. And after last night’s dinner…
“Fine.” I stood up. “I’ll talk to Marco about it tonight.”
“Already done.” Dad grinned. “He’s sending people to help pack your things this afternoon.”
“You already- Dad!”
“What? I’m being efficient.” He winked at Mom. “Plus, it gives you two time to… get to know each other better.”
“Please stop talking “I covered my face with my hands, but couldn’t help smiling. For all their meddling, I knew they just wanted me safe. And maybe they were right about Marco too.
“Just promise me one thing,” Dad said, his tone turning serious. “Give him a chance. Really try to see who he is.” I thought about Marco’s quiet strength, his gentle consideration, the way he’d stayed by my side.
“I will,” I promised, surprising myself with how much I meant it.
