MY BABY DADDY IS A MAFIA BOSS

ELEVEN

ISABELLA —

"Sofia I love you and so does your father." I said slowly cleaning the tears from my cheeks before she notices anything.

"That's a big lie, because Daddy told me he wasn't sure he was my father."

My heart broke into a thousand pieces as Sofia's words echoed in my ears. How could Enzo say such a thing to her? It felt like a knife to my chest, and I struggled to find the right words to comfort her.

"Sofia, Daddy loves you more than anything in this world," I said, my voice shaking. "Sometimes, people say things they don't mean when they're angry or upset. It doesn't change the fact that you are his princess, and he loves you unconditionally."

Sofia's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at me, searching for reassurance. "But why would Daddy say something like that, Mama? Doesn't he want to be my Daddy anymore?"

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Sometimes, adults have their own problems and worries, Sofia. Life can be complicated, and people say things they don't mean. It doesn't mean they don't love you anymore, it just means they're going through a difficult time."

"But I miss Daddy, Mama," Sofia sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I want him to come back and be with us."

I held Sofia close, my arms wrapped tightly around her trembling body. "I know, my love. I miss him too. But we have to give him some space right now. I believe that Daddy will come back to us. He just needs some time to figure things out."

Sofia buried her face in my chest, her sobs shaking her tiny frame. I continued to hold her, whispering words of love and reassurance, even though my own heart was filled with uncertainty.

Sofia looked up at me with her big, tear-filled eyes. "Mama, do you think Daddy still loves us?"

Tears welled up in my own eyes as I took her little hands in mine. "Yes, Sofia, I believe with all my heart that Daddy still loves us. Sometimes, people make mistakes, but it doesn't take away the love they have in their hearts. We just have to be patient and give him time to come back to us."

Sofia nodded slowly, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and sadness. "I miss him, Mama."

"I know, sweetheart. I miss him too," I whispered, holding her close. "But we will always be here for each other, no matter what. Our love will never fade, even in the darkest of times. And one day, Daddy will realize just how much he means to us."

The next morning I woke up early and began searching for a nanny to watch after Sofia since it was still summer holiday and I couldn't risk taking Sofia with me to work she might just end up bumping into Enzo and causing a scene which can make me lose my job.

Sofia was a little hesitant to stay home but after our little speech the other night she was a little weak and quiet.

"Do not worry too much, I would be back before you know it just listen to your nanny till I get back", I said to her as she nods in response not even leaving her seat, I really need to set things right between the both of us.

I got to the company a little earlier than expected and just when I walked in I saw Enzo rushing out with guards as he seemed to be in a hurry.

I stood frozen in shock as Enzo walked right past me, his eyes avoiding any form of contact. It was as if the bond we once had meant nothing to him. My heart ached at the sight, but I couldn't let it deter me from the task at hand.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the hurt that threatened to consume me, and hurried after him. "Enzo, please, we need to talk."

He stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. His voice was cold and distant as he spoke. "I have nothing to say to you, Isabella."

My heart sank at his words, but I refused to let myself break down in front of him. I had to remain strong, not just for myself, but for Sofia too. "Enzo, please. Sofia needs her father. She's been asking for you nonstop."

Enzo finally turned to face me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't want to be there for her? But I can't, Isabella. Not anymore."

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I held them back. "You can't just give up on her, Enzo. She's just a little girl, and she loves you more than anything in this world."

Enzo's eyes softened for a moment, his walls crumbling ever so slightly. "I know that, Isabella. That's why I have to do this. I have to protect her from myself."

Confusion washed over me as his words sank in. "What do you mean? Surely there's another way."

Enzo's voice was filled with pain as he replied, "I won't be the one to destroy her, Isabella. I've already made mistakes, hurt you both. I can't risk doing it again."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Had I been blind to his internal struggles all this time? I reached out, desperate to make him understand. "Enzo, we can work through this together. We can find a way to make things right."

Enzo shook his head, his expression pained. "It's too late, Isabella. The choices I've made... they can't be undone. I have to leave, for all of our sakes."

As Enzo turned to leave, I felt a mixture of sadness and anger, a fire burning within me. I couldn't let him give up like this. Not without a fight. "Enzo, if you walk away now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Don't let your fear dictate your actions."

Enzo stopped again, his back still turned to me. I could tell he was wrestling with his emotions, torn between his love for Sofia and the demons that haunted him. But I wouldn't give up on him. Not without a fight.

"Please, Enzo," I pleaded, my voice filled with determination. "Don't walk away. Sofia needs her father, and I need you too. We can face whatever challenges come our way together. Please, just give us a chance."

Enzo stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity. And then, with a heavy sigh, he turned to face me. His gaze was filled with a mix of vulnerability and longing.

"I am late for my business meeting." He said and walked away like he was trying to hold in the words in him.

As Enzo walked away, my heart sank. I had hoped that my words would break through to him, that he would reconsider leaving Sofia and me. But it seemed like he had made up his mind.

Feeling defeated, I turned back towards the office, my mind consumed with worry and sadness. I needed to focus on my work, but all I could think about was Enzo and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Throughout the day, I tried my best to push my thoughts aside and concentrate on my tasks. But it was impossible to ignore the whispers and rumors that floated around the office.

"Heard Enzo is going to see Leonardo Dante."

"Who's Leonardo Dante?"

"I heard he's some influential businessman, got connections everywhere then his daughter broke his trust resulting to him getting bankrupt and now he needs Mr Enzo's money."

"What would Enzo want with him?"

The mention of Leonardo Dante piqued my curiosity. Was that really the reason why Enzo was seeking out?

Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I decided to do a little digging of my own. I discreetly asked a few trusted colleagues about Leonardo Dante, hoping that they could shed some light on the situation.

One of them, Jessica, leaned in close and whispered, "Rumor has it that Enzo is a powerful businessman with ties to the underworld. Leonardo Dante must be desperate if he's going to him for help."

Unable to control my racing thoughts, I excused myself from work and rushed home. Sofia's nanny greeted me at the door, concern etched on her face.

"Is everything alright, Isabella?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart. "Yes, everything's fine. I just need to check on Sofia."

I made my way to Sofia's room and found her lying on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she sat up, reaching out for a hug.

"Mama, you're home!" she exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.

I hugged her tightly, trying to convey a sense of comfort and security. "Yes, my love, I'm here. I'll always be here for you."

Sofia pulled away slightly, concern lining her little face. "Mama, why are you so worried? What happened?"

I took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "Sofia, Daddy... Daddy is going to see someone named Leonardo Dante. I'm not sure why, but it's making me really worried."

Sofia's eyes widened in confusion. "Who's Leonardo Dante, Mama?"

"He's... he's someone I used to know before, Sofia," I replied carefully.

Sofia's brows furrowed, trying to process what I had just told her. "Why would Daddy go to someone like that? What does he need help with?"

"I... I don't know, my love," I admitted. "But we need to trust that Daddy knows what he's doing. And no matter what happens, we'll stick together and support each other, okay?"

Sofia nodded, her little hand reaching out to hold mine. "I love you, Mama. And I love Daddy too, no matter what."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my brave, resilient daughter. She was wise beyond her years, and her love for her father was unwavering.

"I love you too, Sofia," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "We'll get through this together, no matter what challenges come our way."

The next day at work, the atmosphere within the office was tense. Rumors and gossip were circulating about Sofia not being Enzo's biological daughter. ,I had always been protective of Sofia like a mother, was furious upon hearing the news.

As I entered the office, I noticed hushed whispers and glances exchanged between her colleagues. The sudden shift in energy was palpable. Ignoring the stares, I made her way to her desk, determined to confront the issue head-on.

Sitting down, I took a deep breath and composed herself. She couldn't help but feel a mix of anger, betrayal, and concern for Sofia's well-being. Unable to contain her emotions any longer,

"Why don't you bring your daughter to work anymore?" One of my colleagues questioned me making stop what I was doing.

"I was finally able to get a nanny for her and stop all the trouble she was causing." I replied trying my best to keep my composure straight.

"Did you have a fight with Enzo?" She questioned taking a seat on my desk without my permission.

"Why are you trying to meddle in my private affair?" I asked, feeling disgusted at the guts she had facing me with such rumor's.

"Haaaa, you call that a private affair. Everyone knows you made your daughter cling to Mr Enzo so you could get something in return and when your plans weren't favoring you, you decided to quit." She said, making a few other colleagues whisper.

"Please leave my desk." I requested trying my best to hold in the rage in me.

"Stop bringing your little bundle of devil to this company you are nothing but a mere worker." She said slowly walking away, and that was all it took to bring out the rage I was holding in.