Chapter 9 - THE MARRIAGE THAT WAS NEVER ABOUT LOVE
Isabella held her mother's letter with both hands.
The paper was yellowed.
The ink had faded.
But the handwriting was unmistakable.
My sweet Isabella,
I hope you never have to read this.
Tears blurred the words.
I have discovered that Enzo has been helping Marietta and Lorenzo Bellini conceal money stolen from the DeLuca trust.
Isabella swallowed.
Marietta has been promised marriage and control over our household if I am removed from the picture.
Her hands began shaking.
Marco stepped closer.
“Isabella…”
She kept reading.
I don't know how far Enzo is willing to go. I want to believe he will protect our daughter.
A tear fell onto the page.
But I've learned that loving someone doesn't mean they are incapable of hurting you.
Isabella closed her eyes.
Her mother had known.
Before the accident.
Before the funeral.
Before Marietta moved into their home.
She had known the danger was coming.
Then Isabella reached the final paragraph.
If something happens to me, find Rosa. She will help you understand what belongs to you.
The letter ended with a familiar phrase.
You are never a burden, my beautiful girl.
Isabella began sobbing.
For years, Marietta had made her feel like one.
Now she had proof her mother had never believed it.
Marco gently placed a box of tissues beside her.
He didn't touch her without permission.
He simply waited.
After several minutes, Isabella looked up.
“I want to confront my father.”
Marco shook his head slightly.
“Not alone.”
“I need to hear him admit it.”
“You deserve answers. But there's an active investigation.”
She looked toward the window.
“I spent years begging him to love me.”
Her voice broke.
“And he let me believe I wasn't worth protecting.”
Marco's expression softened.
“That was his failure. Not yours.”
She stared at him.
Nobody had ever said it so plainly.
Then Marco's investigator entered.
“We have a development.”
Marco turned.
“What?”
“Enzo Romano has agreed to speak with authorities.”
Isabella's heart raced.
“About what?”
“The financial transfers. Marietta. And Adriana's death.”
Her breath stopped.
“Mom?”
The investigator nodded.
“He says the accident wasn't an accident.”
Isabella covered her mouth.
For twelve years, she'd believed her mother died because of a slippery road.
Now that story was unraveling.
The investigator continued.
“Enzo claims Marietta arranged for the vehicle to be sabotaged.”
Marco's jaw hardened.
“And Enzo?”
“He says he knew about the plan but didn't stop it.”
Isabella felt physically sick.
Her father had known.
He had allowed it.
Then married the woman responsible.
And spent years making his daughter feel worthless.
She began crying again.
But before anyone could speak, the investigator added:
“There's one more detail.”
Marco looked up.
“What?”
“Enzo says Lorenzo Bellini wasn't the person who ordered the operation.”
The room went silent.
“Who did?” Isabella whispered.
The investigator hesitated.
May you like
Then answered:
“Nico Romano.”
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