The Ball
1220 Words
Isabella’s POV
Alessandro did not offer his arm at first.
He only looked at me from head to toe and said, “Do not speak unless spoken to.”
I blinked. “Good evening to you too.”
His jaw tightened. “This is not a joke.”
“I know,” I said. “Jokes are usually funny.”
He sighed slowly, already tired, and finally held out his arm. “Walk beside me. Not ahead. Not behind.”
“What if I trip?” I asked. “Do I fall with grace or drag you down with me?”
He stopped walking.
People around us froze like statues.
Alessandro looked at me, then surprised me by letting out a small smirk. It was quick, like he tried to hide it, but I saw it.
“Do not embarrass me tonight.” he said.
“I cannot promise that,” I replied sweetly. “But I will try.”
We walked into the hall together.
The room went quiet for half a second, then filled with whispers. I kept my chin up like he told me, even though every eye felt sharp. Music played softly. Lights reflected off glasses and jewels. Everything looked expensive and serious, like no one here had ever laughed too hard.
Alessandro leaned closer. “You will smile when they look at you.”
“What if I do not like them?” I asked.
“You will smile anyway.”
“Your rules are exhausting,” I said. “Do you have them written down?”
He glanced at me again. “You enjoy pushing limits.”
“I enjoy breathing,” I replied. “This helps.”
A small laugh escaped him before he could stop it.
He cleared his throat. “Do not speak about the past. Do not ask questions. Do not leave my sight unless you ask.”
I nodded slowly. “You forgot one.”
He frowned. “What?”
“Do not poison the drinks,” I said. “People usually say that.”
This time he laughed properly. He covered it by lifting his glass, but I saw it.
“You are dangerous,” he said quietly.
“I have been told.” I replied.
We reached the center of the hall, and he stopped walking.
“Elena,” he called.
His sister stepped forward, calm and sharp as always. Her eyes flicked to me, then back to him.
“Watch her,” Alessandro said. “Do not let her wander.”
I raised my hand. “I can hear you.”
“That does not change anything,” he replied.
Elena smiled a little. “Come with me,” she said. “Before you cause trouble.”
Alessandro gave me one last look. “Behave.”
“I make no promises,” I said.
He walked away, already being pulled into conversations.
Elena led me toward a quieter corner.
“So,” I said. “Is he always this cheerful?”
She snorted. “You caught him on a good night.”
“I made him laugh,” I said proudly.
She looked at me, surprised. “You did?”
“I should be rewarded,” I added. “Perhaps cake.”
“You are strange,” Elena said.
“Thank you.”
She handed me a drink. “Do not worry. It is safe.”
“I was not worried until you said that.”
She laughed. “You really do not fear him.”
“I fear many things,” I said. “He is not at the top of the list.”
She studied me. “Why are you so calm?”
“I am not,” I said. “I just hide it well.”
We stood together, watching the room.
“Why are you so closed off?” I asked her suddenly.
She blinked. “Excuse me.”
“You watch everything,” I said. “But you let nothing touch you.”
She took a sip of her drink. “It is easier that way.”
“Is it?” I asked.
She glanced at me. “You ask too many questions.”
“I am curious,” I said. “It keeps me alive.”
She smiled softly. “You might survive this place after all.”
I followed her gaze and noticed a woman standing across the room.
Sofia.
She leaned against a pillar, watching me like I was a stain on the floor.
“Who is that?” I asked.
Elena’s mouth tightened. “Trouble.”
“She looks bored,” I said.
“She is never bored,” Elena replied. “She is waiting.”
“For what?”
“For you to make a mistake.”
I lifted my glass. “I will disappoint her.”
Before Elena could answer, Alessandro returned.
He placed a hand lightly on my back. “Time to meet them.”
“Already?” I groaned. “I was enjoying myself.”
“I know,” he replied. “That is why I am stopping it.”
We walked toward a group of men standing near the head of the hall.
Alessandro spoke first. “Gentlemen, this is Isabella Romano.”
Don Salvatore looked me over slowly. “She is smaller than I expected.”
“I hear that often.” I said.
Alessandro shot me a warning look.
Don Enzo smiled widely. “Sharp tongue. Dangerous.”
“Only when needed.” I replied.
Vittorio tilted his head. “Do you plan to obey?”
“I plan to listen,” I said. “Obeying depends.”
The men chuckled.
Alessandro sighed. “She is learning.”
“She will need to,” Don Salvatore said. “This world eats the careless.”
“I bite back.” I replied softly.
Silence followed, then laughter.
Alessandro pinched the bridge of his nose.
“You may excuse yourself,” he muttered to me.
“I was planning to,” I said. “The room is very loud.”
I walked away before he could stop me. The bathroom was quiet and cool. I leaned against the sink and breathed.
Then the door opened.
Sofia stepped inside and locked it.
“So,” she said. “You finally get to be alone.”
“I did not invite you,” I replied.
She smiled. “I was supposed to marry him.”
I shrugged. “You still can. I am not attached.”
Her smile vanished. “You think this is funny?”
“I think you are angry,” I said. “And loud.”
She stepped closer. “You do not belong here.”
“Neither do you,” I said calmly.
She stared at me, then laughed sharply. “We will see.”
She unlocked the door and left.
When I returned to the hall, Elena was waiting.
“You survived,” she said.
“Barely,” I replied.
Alessandro joined us again. His eyes searched my face. “No trouble.”
“None worth mentioning,” I said.
He studied me, then nodded.
As the night went on, I laughed more than I expected. I watched. I learned. I survived.
And for once, it felt almost fun.
- Writer
