ISABELLA

Chapter 54

Isabella’s pov

The day had been heavy, the kind of weight that lingers even when you try to smile through it. Leo had been discharged just hours ago, and though he was in a wheelchair, he still carried that commanding presence—like nothing could bring him down. I stayed close to him, hovering almost, afraid he might vanish if I blinked too long.

By evening, I thought the day was over. I thought we would just sit quietly in his room, maybe watch the sunset from his balcony. But when he called me downstairs, insisting on “una piccola sorpresa” with that sly smirk, my heart skipped.

I followed him into the living room. And then—

“ISABELLA!”

My eyes widened, and for a second I couldn’t breathe. Standing right there, arms open and eyes sparkling with mischief, was Nico. Beside him, Aunt Sofia—her familiar perfume already reaching me—and Daniella, who practically ran at me, pulling me into the warmest hug.

Tears instantly blurred my vision.

“A-are you serious right now?” I stammered, hugging each of them so tight like I was afraid they’d disappear.

And then, just when I thought my heart couldn’t handle any more—

“Girl, are you just going to cry, or are you going to scream for me?”

That voice. That laugh. My head whipped around, and I swear I stopped breathing for a heartbeat.

“Gabriella?” I whispered.

She was standing there, my best friend, my other half from California. Her curls bounced as she laughed, holding her arms wide.

I screamed. Loud. So loud the guards probably thought someone had died.

Running to her, I nearly tackled her to the ground as I hugged her. “Oh my God, oh my God, you’re here—I can’t believe this—you’re here!”

Gabriella laughed through tears. “You think I’d stay away when some mafia prince steals my best friend? No way. I had to make sure you’re alive and not locked in a tower somewhere.”

We both laughed, but my tears wouldn’t stop. My chest felt too full—of love, of gratitude, of disbelief.

I turned to Leo, who was watching us with that soft smile, the kind he only ever reserved for me. His eyes glistened, and I realized—he did this. He brought them here. He knew exactly what I needed, even before I did.

“Leo…” My voice cracked. I couldn’t even find the words.

He tilted his head, lips quirking into that dangerous smile. “Qualsiasi cosa per te, mi amore. Anything for you.”

Leo excused himself after a while, saying he needed to rest, though I caught the proud little smile he tried to hide as Matteo wheeled him back to his room. He had done his part—bringing me back my people—and he wanted us to have this moment without him overshadowing it.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Aria’s eyes sparkled when she saw Daniella. “I want to show you my old dollhouse!” she squealed, dragging Daniella off before she even finished her meal. I couldn’t help but laugh at their excited voices drifting down the hall.

That left me with Aunt Sofia, Nico, and Gabriella. They all turned to me, their expressions softening, protective.

Gabriella leaned forward first, chin resting on her hand. “So… how are you really doing, Isa? And don’t give me the ‘I’m fine’ crap.”

My throat tightened. The easy answer burned on my tongue, but the truth pushed harder.

“I don’t know,” I admitted quietly. “Some days I wake up and everything feels normal. Other days, I wonder if I’ll even survive all of this.”

Aunt Sofia reached across the table, taking my hand. “You’re stronger than you think, sweetheart. I knew when you were a little girl—stubborn, wild, impossible to tame—that you were meant for something extraordinary. But I also know you don’t have to carry everything alone.”

Nico nodded. “You’ve always had us. And now…” He glanced toward the hallway where Leo had gone. “…you have him too. I don’t trust easily, but the way he looks at you? It’s different, Isa. He’d die for you.”

My heart clenched at that truth, images of Leo collapsing with a bullet in his back flashing through me. Tears pricked my eyes again.

Gabriella, of course, broke the heavy moment with a smirk. “And if he ever messes up, remember—I brought pepper spray.”

We all burst into laughter, the sound filling the room, breaking the tension like sunshine through storm clouds. I felt like myself again—surrounded by love, caught between the old life I’d left behind and the new one I was trying so hard to build.

Dinner stretched late into the night, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of comfort I hadn’t felt since California. But eventually, it was time to say goodbye.

Nico hugged me first, his arms tight around me like he was scared I’d slip away if he let go too soon. “Take care of yourself, Isa,” he murmured, voice rough. “And if anyone gives you trouble—call me. I don’t care if it’s two in the morning.”

Aunt Sofia kissed both my cheeks, her hands framing my face. “Remember, darling, you are not alone here. We may be far from home, but we are your family. Always.” Her perfume lingered on my skin long after she pulled away.

Gabriella, of course, made her exit her own way. She grabbed my face dramatically, pressing a loud kiss to my cheek. “Don’t forget to tell me all the juicy details,” she whispered, shooting me a mischievous grin that made my cheeks burn.

Then came Daniella. She came running back from the hallway, holding tightly onto the doll Aria had pressed into her hands earlier. Her eyes sparkled as she turned to Aria, who stood beside me.

“Thank you for the doll,” Daniella said sweetly. “I’ll take care of her forever.”

Aria’s cheeks flushed pink, but she smiled wide, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re welcome. I was looking for someone who can have it. Now it’s yours.”

They hugged, giggling like they’d known each other forever. It was the kind of pure innocence that made my chest ache.

After a final round of hugs and goodbyes, Matteo’s men escorted them to the waiting cars. I stood by the door, watching the taillights disappear into the night, my heart heavy but full.

When the house grew quiet again, I found myself lingering in the silence, replaying every smile, every hug.