Page 40 of Velvet Chains

She didn’t reply right away. Instead, she glanced back at the garden, her fingers still twisting the fabric of her dress. "Maybe," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "But sometimes, I wonder if it’s enough. I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove myself. To show that I can do it on my own. And now… I don’t know. I’m not sure if it ever even mattered."

I felt a tightening in my chest. There was so much I wanted to say to her, to promise her. But there was nothing I could do for her except get elected and earn my place in the Cupola.

Despite my efforts to remain detached, I felt a growing admiration and affection for her. I was drawn to her courage, her determination, and her beauty. Isabelle seemed aware of my gaze, and inched closer to me.

Just as Isabelle was about to reach out, my phone rang, shattering the intimacy of the moment. The sound was jarring, pulling us back to the harsh reality of our situation. I felt a pang of frustration and disappointment, knowing that the moment had been lost. I hesitated for a moment. I knew I had to answer, but a part of me wished I could have stayed in that moment with Isabelle, where the only thing that mattered was the connection between us.

I answered the call, and it was Pietro on the other end, with news of another disruption caused by Don Antonio. The urgency in his voice left no room for delay, and my demeanor shifted instantly from affectionate to resolute. I reassured Isabelle with a quick, intense look before heading inside to deal with the latest crisis.

As I left, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was leaving a part of myself behind, trapped in the moment that had been interrupted. I knew I had to protect Isabelle, but I also knew that I couldn't keep denying my feelings forever. The tension between us was palpable, and I wondered how much longer we could keep it contained.

As I walked back into my study, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The weight of my responsibilities threatened to consume me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being torn in two. My duty to protect my family and our business was clear, but my personal desires were becoming increasingly harder to ignore.

The constant vigilance required to stay ahead of Don Antonio's schemes left little room for anything else. Every moment was a calculation, a risk assessment, a strategic move.

I felt like I was living in a state of perpetual tension, my nerves stretched taut like a bowstring. The slightest misstep could have disastrous consequences, and the pressure was taking its toll. I was exhausted, drained by the constant battle to stay one step ahead.

But it was more than just the physical toll that was wearing me down. It was the emotional weight of it all, the knowledge that I couldn't give in to my feelings for Isabelle, no matter how much I wanted to. I was trapped in a cycle of duty and obligation, with no escape in sight.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ISABELLE

The day started like any other.

Sarah and I decided to spend the afternoon shopping in one of the bustling districts of Palermo in an attempt to distract ourselves from our constant routine. The streets were lively, filled with the sounds of chatter, vendors calling out their wares, and the distant hum of traffic.

As we walked through the bustling streets, Sarah turned to me and said, "I'm so glad we're doing this, Isabelle. We needed a break from all the drama." I couldn’t agree more, Lord knew that I needed a break.

"I know, right?" I replied, smiling. "I feel like we've been cooped up in that estate for too long. It's nice to get out and feel the sun on our faces."

As we left a particularly charming boutique, the sun cast a warm glow over the cobblestone streets, and I was momentarily distracted by a display in the shop window.

"Isabelle, look out!" Sarah suddenly screamed, but it was too late. Masked men jumped out of a car, their movements swift and aggressive. I was grabbed roughly, my arm twisted painfully as I was pulled towards the car.

"Let her go!" Sarah shouted, trying to intervene, but one of the men shoved her aside with brutal force.

"Sarah, run!" I screamed, but she didn't move. She stood frozen in terror, her eyes fixed on me.

My mind raced, fear gripping me as I struggled against my captors. My screams pierced the air, but it was like no one could hear me. The passers-by knew better than to intrude on Mafia business.

The situation was dire, and my attempts to fight back were futile against the strength of my attackers.

Then, Vincenzo's bodyguards, who had been following discreetly, sprang into action. Everything was happening so fast, I felt like I was in a movie.

"Get down!" one of them yelled, as gunshots rang out, echoing through the narrow streets. Time seemed to slow as I stared down the barrel of a gun, my heart pounding in my chest. Sarah finally snapped out of her trance and grabbed my arm, pulling me towards her. "Isabelle, come on!" she shouted, but I was stuck, unable to move. Just as I thought my life was about to end, I heard a familiar voice shouting my name.

It was Vincenzo, his face a mask of fear and fury. Without hesitation, he drew his own weapon and, in a moment of sheer desperation, shot the attacker to protect me.

The sound of the gunshot was deafening, and I watched in horror as the attacker crumpled to the ground. The scene around me was one of chaos and destruction, with wounded men and shattered storefronts.

As the last of Don Antonio's men fled, leaving a trail of devastation, Vincenzo rushed to my side. He pulled me into his arms, his breath ragged, but I recoiled slightly, the image of his brutal act seared into my mind.

"Isabelle, are you okay?" Sarah asked, her voice shaking as she hugged me tightly.

"I... I think so," I stammered, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Oh my God, that was so close," Sarah said, tears streaming down her face. "I was so scared."

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