NINE -ISABELLA

1998 Words
"So tell me princess, what and what did your daddy buy for you?" I asked Sofia the minute we stepped into our apartment but she seemed quiet and walked directly to the sofa. "Why can't daddy stay with us?" She asked, staring deep into my eyes with her sparkling deep blue eyes. "That wasn't the answer to the question I asked you." I said also avoiding her questions, Sofia might be just 5 years old but she was definitely wiser than I expected. "And why would you want him to stay with us don't you know he has other jobs to do than stay here?" I said a few minutes after not getting any response from Sofia. "Because he is my daddy and I want to have a happy family like my friend's." She said sniffing quietly,I dropped the luggages in my hands and rushed up to her cleaning the tears on her cheeks. "You don't have to cry Sofia, no one is taking your father away from you." I said but she shrugged. "It's a lie," she insisted. "And why do you think so?" I questioned sitting beside her. "Because today when I was in the elevator with daddy's guards I heard some of the employees whispered amongst themselves that I was not his child and was just a figure of pity by daddy."she said to me. I felt a pang of guilt as I listened to Sofia's words. I had always known that keeping the identity of Sofia's father a secret would come with its consequences, but I hadn't expected my daughter to be affected by it at such a young age. "Oh, Sofia, I'm so sorry you had to hear those things," I whispered, my voice filled with remorse. "But you need to understand that those people don't know the truth. They're only speculating, and their words hold no truth or importance." Sofia looked up at me, her eyes still filled with tears. "But what if they're right, Mommy? What if Daddy really isn't my daddy?" I took a deep breath, trying to choose my words carefully. "Sofia, I love you more than anything in this world. And your father, whoever he may be, loves you too. DNA doesn't make a family, love does. And love is what we have, Sofia. And that's all that matters." Sofia sniffled, wiping away her tears. "But why does Daddy have to hide? Why can't he be with us like other daddies?" Isabella sighed, feeling the weight of Sofia's questions. She had never questioned her decision to keep any identity a secret, but now she was starting to wonder if she had made the right choice. "Daddy has his reasons, Sofia," I explained gently. "Sometimes, things are complicated, and we have to make difficult choices. But I promise you, Sofia, that no matter what, we will always have each other. And we will create our own happy family, just the two of us." Sofia nodded, but still looking a little uncertain. I could tell that My daughter was still grappling with the emotions and confusion stirred up by the overheard conversation. "I'm sorry I made you sad, Mommy," Sofia whispered, her voice filled with guilt. "No, sweetheart, it's not your fault," I reassured her, pulling Sofia into a tight embrace. "We're in this together, and we'll get through it together. No matter what people say or think, we know the truth. And that's all that matters." As we sat huddled together on the sofa, I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But I was determined to protect my daughter and shield her from any further hurt or confusion. I would do whatever it takes to ensure that Sofia felt loved, safe, and secure. And as for Enzo, I couldn't deny the strong connection that had formed between him and Sofia. I couldn't ignore the happiness he brought into my daughter's life. But I also couldn't ignore the complexities and uncertainties that surrounded their situation. MIGUEL — What is wrong with Enzo? He had a purpose for coming back to La Nostra Terra but he isn't even taking it seriously again. He is so busy with that little freak and now I had no choice but to adjust the company policy to his taste just because he is a major shareholder. "Has Enzo arrived?"I questioned my secretary who walked in with a file. "Not yet,"she replied, dropping the file on my desk. "Did you check his office, for goodness sake we have a meeting."I said to myself in deep annoyance. I don't know what else to do to make him serious with what he wants. "I would check again." She said before walking out of my office. "What does he think he is, he can just come and go whenever he wants and still tell me what to do and not to do." I murmured standing up and picking up the files my secretary just dropped, which was supposed to be for the meeting. I won't take the risk waiting for Enzo. I would start the meeting without him. Just as the elevator doors opened I came face to face with Enzo and as usual Sofia was in his arms giggling, I was already feeling disgusted by this little girl's presence. Authors POV "Miguel, I'm so sorry for being late," Enzo apologized, a hint of guilt in his voice. "But I have to cancel the meeting. Sofia needs me right now." Miguel's face contorted with anger. "Cancel the meeting? Are you kidding me, Enzo? We have important matters to discuss, and you're going to prioritize that girl over our business?" "Yes, Miguel, I am," Enzo replied firmly, his eyes never leaving Sofia's precious face. "She's not just some 'little freak' as you like to call her. She's my daughter, and I have a responsibility to her." Miguel scoffed, his frustration evident. "Responsibility? It seems like your responsibility lies more with her than with this company. Do you even care about our success?" Enzo took a deep breath, trying to stay calm despite Miguel's insults. "Of course I care about the company, Miguel. But family comes first. Sofia needs me right now, and I won't let anything come between us." Miguel's anger flared, his voice rising. "You think you can just waltz in and out whenever you please? You're jeopardizing our entire operation!" "I understand your concerns, Miguel," Enzo replied, his tone strong and determined. "But I have made a decision, and I stand by it. Sofia comes first, always." Miguel's face turned red with fury. "Well, don't think I'll stick around to watch you ruin this company." Enzo nodded, his focus solely on Sofia. "If that's how you feel, Miguel, then maybe it's best if you step away." Miguel stormed out of the room, his anger palpable. Enzo knew there would be consequences for his choice, but he couldn't ignore the love he felt for Sofia. Sofia had brought a newfound purpose and joy into his life, and he wasn't about to let anything or anyone tear them apart. As Sofia giggled in his arms, Enzo brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead. "I'll always be here for you, Sofia, no matter what. You're my top priority, and nothing will ever change that." Miguel stormed into Isabella's office, his anger still boiling inside him. He found Isabella engrossed in her work, unaware of his presence until he slammed his hand down on her desk. Isabella lifted her head, her usual calm expression replaced with surprise. "Miguel! What's gotten into you?" "What's gotten into you, Isabella?" Miguel spat, his voice laced with venom. "You and Enzo have become too consumed with that little freak of a daughter of yours. It's affecting our business, and I won't stand for it anymore." Isabella's eyes narrowed, her tone firm and measured. "Sofia is not a 'freak,' Miguel. She's a person, our daughter. And Enzo's decision to prioritize her is his own, which I fully support." Miguel scoffed, his lips twisting into a bitter smirk. "Support? Is that what you call it? Enzo is neglecting his responsibilities, and you're enabling it. Our company is being jeopardized because of your personal issues, and I won't allow it to continue." Isabella stood up, her eyes blazing with determination. "First of all, Miguel, Sofia is not a 'personal issue.' She is our family, and family always comes first. Secondly, Enzo has always been dedicated to this company, and I believe in his ability to manage both his personal and professional life." Miguel leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Well, then maybe I should remind Enzo of his priorities. If he can't give his full attention to this business, maybe he doesn't deserve to be a part of it. And maybe you don't either." Isabella's face hardened, her gaze unwavering. "Are you threatening to sack us, Miguel? Just because you disagree with Enzo's decision to prioritize Sofia?" "Consider it a warning, Isabella," Miguel sneered. "This company is bigger than your family drama. We need someone who can focus on the business without distractions." Isabella took a step forward, her voice calm yet resolute. "If you think removing us from this company will make things better, then do what you must, Miguel. But let me be clear. Enzo and I won't abandon our daughter, and we won't let anyone tear apart our family." Miguel's face reddened with anger, but he couldn't deny the unwavering strength in Isabella's words. He turned abruptly and stormed out of her office, leaving Isabella standing tall and resolute. As the door slammed shut, Isabella's thoughts turned to the future. She knew that Miguel's threat was not an empty one, and she wondered what challenges awaited them. But she also knew that they would face whatever came their way, united and determined to protect their family. And no matter what happened, Sofia and her happiness would always come first. ISABELLA POV This is just so frustrating. I don't know what else to do it is clearly obvious that Enzo is now very fond of Sofia and at the same time he isn't taking his job seriously and no matter what I do she won't stop following Enzo around, what would the employees say about us next. I haven't even spent half a week here and things are already going wrongly. " I am here to take Sofia with me." I said to Enzo who was still distracted with Sofia. "But it isn't your closing time yet?" He questioned smiling at Sofia who was giving me her puppy eyes, just two days and I have slowly lost my daughter, she is so engrossed with Enzo affection she now prefers him over me. "Sofia don't give me that face, we really need to talk. Let's have lunch together." I suggested but she still shrugged. Why was she becoming so stubborn, what would happen to me if she had her real dad. "Daddy,let's have lunch together as a family." Sofia suggested. "Sofia, no he is busy let's just make it a mother and daughter afternoon." I said to Sofia praying and hoping she won't say no to my request. "He isn't busy." Sofia objected, Enzo's secretary standing close by scoffed out loud or maybe I just heard it out of coincidence. "Sofia, stop objecting to anything I say to you!!" I exclaimed walking up to Enzo's table, this was the first time I got this close to his desk and for a weird reason he was completely silent watching my every move. "Get up Sofia and let's go." I instructed waiting for Sofia to at least budge. "We can have lunch together." Enzo said, making Sofia squill as he smiled. "Enzo please no,you are busy and have meetings to attend to." I said proceeding to pull Sofia away but Enzo grips tightly to my arm. "Did Miguel scold you?" He questioned. "Enzo…." "Yes or no?" He stated still not letting go of my hands.
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