WHISPERS OF BETRAYAL : THE COLD CEO

The Birthday party

After the previous day's drama at work, Isabella needed to ease her mind with Fiamma's birthday party.

She had her bath, put on a beautiful red velvet, body-hugging gown with red stiletto heels, and styled her hair in a sexy messy bun, looking elegant and beautiful. With her makeup, it completely changed her appearance. Since her breakup with her ex, she had not looked this stunning.

Carrying a black purse, she held the gift she bought for Fiamma—a beautiful Birkin bag. She knew Fiamma would love it, as her friend had always adored designer gifts.

Isabella kissed her grandmother goodbye and stepped into a pre-ordered taxi, giving the driver the address. Upon arrival, the entrance was breathtakingly decorated with bright, flickering lights. Inside, the atmosphere was alive with loud music and a crowd of guests.

Spotting Fiamma, Isabella wished her a happy birthday, gave her a warm hug, and handed over the gift. Noticing Fiamma's sad expression, Isabella asked what was wrong. Fiamma admitted her brother and Luca had not arrived yet, but Isabella offered comforting words, saying they were likely on their way.

Fiamma managed a smile, though inwardly, Isabella doubted the two men would show up at all.

When another guest approached to wish Fiamma a happy birthday, Isabella excused herself. Just then, her phone buzzed with an i********: notification. She opened the app to find a video of Julian proposing to Chloe. Heartbroken and overwhelmed with sadness, she retreated to the bar section and began drinking heavily to numb her pain.

After enduring numerous reminders from Luca, Leonardo finally decided to attend his baby sister's birthday party, bringing along a house in the UK as a birthday gift that he knew would thrill her.

Dressed in a sharp tuxedo alongside Luca, who looked equally immaculate, Leonardo arrived at the venue. The very first person he noticed was Isabella, engaged in conversation with Fiamma. Stunned by how much she had grown into a striking woman, he caught himself staring before she walked away from his sister. Seconds later, he watched her check her phone, the smile instantly vanishing from her face.

Leonardo walked over to wish Fiamma a happy birthday and handed over the property documents. Fiamma smiled and pulled him into a hug—a rare gesture given how long it had been since they last embraced. True to form, Leonardo acted cold and stiffened, pulling back from her body.

When Fiamma asked if Luca had arrived, Leonardo curtly confirmed that he had, before turning away to get a drink.

He spotted Isabella at the bar, drinking and looking utterly miserable. Initially, he told himself it was none of his business, suspecting she might be faking it for attention. But to his surprise, she didn't even look his way or notice his presence. She remained entirely focused on her drinks, desperate to drown out her pain.

Meanwhile, Fiamma was thrilled with her brother's gift and hugged him once more. Asking after Luca, she set off to find him and eventually spotted him standing on the balcony with a gift in his hand. When Luca saw her, he smiled, wished her a happy birthday, and handed her a diamond necklace.

She smiled and pulled him into a hug. To her surprise, he allowed it instead of pushing her away. Whispering her thanks for his attendance, she watched as he tried to pull back and leave. Desperate, Fiamma caught his hand.

"How long are you going to keep on rejecting and ignoring me?" she asked. "Is it a crime to love you?"

When he remained silent, she stepped closer and kissed him deeply. To her shock, Luca didn't push her away; instead, he held her waist and pulled her closer to his chest, deepening the kiss. But just as quickly, he tore himself away and hurried inside.

Left standing alone, Fiamma felt a pang of sadness, yet renewed determination hardened within her. I will make you love me, Luca, she vowed to herself.

Luca’s mind was in turmoil. He had been captivated by her beauty the moment he walked into the room, desperate to kiss her and make her his. But he couldn't. He couldn't betray Leonardo or cause him that kind of pain.

Fleeing to the balcony to clear his head, he had been cornered when she followed him out. Though he managed to give her the gift, her touch and that sudden, unexpected kiss completely shattered his restraint. He had lost control, pulling her delicate waist against him and surrendering to the kiss, before panic forced him to break away.

I love her too, Luca thought bitterly, but I can't betray Leonardo. That's why I keep rejecting her and acting cold to push her away. But she is too stubborn to let go.

Leonardo didn't know what came over him. Watching Isabella reach for yet another glass of alcohol, something snapped inside him. He grabbed her arm, dragged her away from the bar, and pulled her into a quiet, secluded alcove.

"Do you want to kill yourself with alcohol?" he demanded.

Isabella glared at him, her eyes heavy with tears and alcohol. "Yes, I'm tired. All men are sick bastards."

Her sudden assault on men triggered his own bitter resentments, and Leonardo snapped back, telling her that women were the manipulative gold diggers. Fueled by anger and an unexplainable urge, he grabbed a drink for himself, tossing it back before looking down at her.

Then, without warning, he pulled her in and kissed her.

Isabella kissed him back with equal fervor. Leonardo deepened the kiss, his hands gripping her waist. She tasted like vanilla. As he gently pulled her closer, the noise of the party, the music, and the surrounding crowd simply vanished. Nothing else mattered.

With trembling hands, he slowly unzipped her red velvet gown, letting it fall freely from her body. "Beautiful," he murmured against her lips, his hands cupping her breasts and pinching her sensitive n*****s.

When he slipped a finger into her wet heat, she let out a sharp moan. He thrust in and out swiftly until her body tightened, trembling around him as she reached her climax. Trembling, Isabella sank to her knees, unbuckling his trousers to release his heavy, throbbing length, taking him into her mouth with tender, frantic speed.

Lifting her up, Leonardo carried her toward a private bed within the suite, sliding inside her tight warmth. He kissed her deeply, setting a slow, agonizingly steady pace before driving faster and harder until they both shattered together in a blinding release, collapsing side by side before drifting into sleep.