Chapter 43. A Day That Changed Everything
964 Words
Saturday morning arrived brightly in Milan.
For the first time in weeks, Elena finally agreed to take Isabella out alongside Camilla and Nina to Italy’s biggest amusement park.
The moment Isabella heard the news, she became overly excited.
“Mama! I want cotton candy too!”
Elena laughed softly while fixing her daughter’s tiny pink jacket.
“You already planned the whole outing yourself.”
Meanwhile at Velmont Royal Elementary the previous day, Isabella had happily told some classmates about the trip during lunch.
Unfortunately—
Leonardo overheard everything.
And surprisingly, he immediately rushed home begging Adrian to take him too.
“Please, Papa!”
Adrian looked up from his laptop slightly surprised.
“The amusement park?”
“Yes! Isabella is going!”
For some strange reason—
The moment Adrian heard Elena would be there, he agreed immediately.
Meanwhile Sofia almost lost her temper.
“Why must you follow them everywhere?” she snapped angrily at Leonardo.
The little boy instantly lowered his head sadly.
But before Sofia could continue shouting—
Adrian coldly interrupted her.
“That’s enough.”
Sofia froze instantly.
“Don’t raise your voice at him again,” Adrian warned calmly.
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Sofia could only force herself silent despite her anger.
And eventually—
She followed them unwillingly.
Hours later, the amusement park buzzed with excitement and laughter.
Children ran everywhere while colorful lights and music filled the atmosphere beautifully.
Isabella happily held Elena’s hand while Camilla and Nina teased her endlessly.
“She’s definitely your daughter,” Nina laughed. “Look at her excitement.”
Suddenly Isabella gasped happily.
“Mama! Leonardo!”
Everyone turned.
Adrian had just arrived with Leonardo and Sofia beside him while Damien followed casually behind them.
The moment Damien saw Elena—
He smiled immediately.
“Beautiful as always.”
Adrian’s expression darkened slightly hearing that.
Meanwhile Isabella and Leonardo instantly ran off together toward the game section after getting permission.
Surprisingly—
Leonardo actually looked happy around her.
Something almost nobody ever saw.
Hours later after several rides and games, Camilla suddenly dragged Elena toward one of the biggest attractions.
The Haunted Mansion.
“No,” Elena laughed immediately. “Absolutely not.”
“Come on!”
Nina joined immediately.
“You’re coming with us.”
Unfortunately Sofia and Adrian ended up entering too while Damien followed behind amused.
Inside the haunted house, the lights became dim instantly while creepy sounds echoed everywhere.
Sofia already regretted entering.
“This place is ridiculous,” she muttered nervously.
Then suddenly—
Something jumped out loudly from the darkness.
Adrian immediately grabbed Elena tightly.
“s**t!”
Elena froze before bursting into laughter instantly.
Because years ago—
He used to do the exact same thing.
Adrian had always secretly been terrified of horror houses.
“Elena stop laughing,” Adrian muttered irritably while still holding her arm tightly.
But suddenly—
Blurry memories flashed across his head again.
A younger Elena laughing exactly like this.
Holding his hand.
Teasing him inside another haunted house years ago.
His headache struck sharply.
Adrian immediately winced slightly.
“Elena…”
She noticed instantly.
Without thinking, Elena quickly dragged him outside and handed him water worriedly.
“Sit down first.”
Adrian stared at her silently while trying to breathe properly.
Meanwhile Sofia finally rushed out too looking frightened while Damien laughed openly beside her.
But the moment Sofia saw Elena standing so close to Adrian—
Jealousy exploded instantly.
She immediately walked over and hugged Adrian’s arm possessively while slightly pushing Elena aside.
“Are you okay?” Sofia asked sweetly.
Elena calmly stepped back silently.
Then suddenly—
A loud cry echoed nearby.
“Bella!”
Everyone rushed over immediately.
Isabella stood there crying softly while Leonardo looked frightened beside her.
“What happened?” Elena asked worriedly while kneeling quickly.
“He pushed me…” Isabella sniffled sadly.
Immediately Adrian’s expression darkened.
“Leonardo!”
The little boy instantly became terrified.
“I—I didn’t mean—”
“You do not push people!” Adrian shouted sharply.
Leonardo’s eyes instantly filled with tears.
Then Adrian quickly turned toward Elena.
“I’m sorry.”
Without hesitation, he gently carried Isabella into his arms carefully.
The sight shocked everyone slightly.
Even Sofia looked furious.
Adrian softly wiped Isabella’s tears away.
“I’ll buy you ice cream tomorrow, okay?”
Isabella sniffled before nodding slowly.
“I forgive you already.”
Then unexpectedly—
She looked toward Leonardo.
“Don’t shout at him anymore.”
Everyone became quiet.
Isabella slowly climbed down from Adrian’s arms before walking toward Leonardo calmly.
“He’s just lonely,” she said softly. “That’s why he acts mean sometimes.”
Even Elena looked surprised hearing her daughter speak so maturely.
Isabella smiled gently toward Leonardo.
“I’ll be your friend if you stop bullying other kids.”
Leonardo looked completely stunned.
No one had ever spoken kindly to him after he misbehaved before.
Slowly—
He nodded.
“I’m sorry…”
Then the two children hugged softly.
Everyone around them quietly watched in shock and admiration.
Even Damien smiled.
“She’s unbelievable.”
Camilla proudly carried Isabella immediately afterward.
“My smart little queen deserves rewards.”
Isabella giggled happily.
“I want candy!”
“You’ll get everything.”
Soon Camilla, Elena, Nina, and Isabella began walking away together laughing softly.
Meanwhile Adrian remained standing there silently watching them leave.
And strangely—
For the first time in years—
He felt warmth watching Elena with Isabella.
Beside him, Damien smirked lightly again.
“I like her even more now.”
Adrian instantly grabbed Leonardo’s hand and walked toward the car coldly without answering.
Leaving Damien laughing behind while Sofia angrily followed them silently.
- Writer
