Chapter 2 A Dangerous Bargain

Isabella was stiff even when Adrian came back into the hallway. Her heart was tightened, and she was still dwelling on the words Dante used. She's mine. She had no idea what that meant. He was not hers, and she was not his. But he had said it as though it was true.

When she turned around, Dante was nowhere to be found. No goodbye, no nothing. Simply vanished into the darkness as if he had never breathed.

She shivered and stepped back into the party. The din, the music, the phony laughter-everything weighed more. She didn't even notice when Sofia rushed over to her until she grasped her wrist.

"Bella, where were you? I was looking everywhere," Sofia whispered.

"I just needed air," Isabella said, releasing a small smile. "You look like you're crying. What's wrong?"

Sofia bit her lip and looked around and then took Isabella's arm and pulled her to a less populated area near the bar. "I can't marry him. I can't, Bella."

"I know." Isabella sighed. "I told Papa, but he doesn't care."

"No, you don't understand." Sofia's voice was shaking. "I'm in love with someone else."

Isabella's eyes grew wide. "What? Who?"

Sofia hesitated, then breathed softly, "His name is Matteo. He's not rich, not powerful. He's a manager at one of Papa's hotels. We've been seeing each other a year."

Isabella stared at her sister. "Sofia! A year? And you didn't tell me?"

"I was scared," Sofia admitted, tears welling up in her eyes. "If Papa finds out, he'll ruin him. Please, Bella, don't tell anyone."

Isabella stroked her forehead. "So Papa is forcing you to marry Adrian because you're in love with someone else. This is a disaster."

"I'll run away if I have to," Sofia spoke under her breath. "I don't care."

"You can't leave," Isabella spoke in a rush. "Papa will fetch you. And Adrian-he doesn't forgive insults."

Sofia gripped Isabella's hands. "Then help me. Please. You always guard me. You always get things done."

Isabella sighed. She wanted to say no, but one look at her sister's tearful eyes made it impossible. "Fine. I'll fix this. Somehow."

The rest of the night dragged on. Guests left slowly, music faded, and by midnight, the ballroom was nearly empty. Isabella stayed awake in her room long after everyone went to bed. She kept pacing, thinking about Sofia, about Adrian, about Dante's strange claim.

By the morning, she was tired but determined. She found her father in his office, sitting behind his desk with a cigar held between his fingers and papers scattered everywhere.

"Papa, we have to talk," Isabella declared.

Marco looked up, frowning. "It's too early for your drama, Isabella."

"This is no drama. This is Sofia."

He let out a sigh. "I told you last night. The decision has been made. She will marry Adrian."

No, Isabella said. "She won't. I'll marry him in her stead."

Marco's eyebrows knitted. "What did you just say?"

"I'll marry him," Isabella said once more, crossing her arms. "Let Sofia live her life. She's not ready for this. She doesn't love him."

"Love?" Marco laughed. "Love does not exist in this world.".

Perhaps not to you, but it matters to her." Isabella leaned forward. "You are always reminding me that I'm strong, that I'm stubborn. Fine. Then utilize me. Replace me with Sofia."

Marco stared at her for a long time. Then he relaxed in his chair. "You can deal with Adrian? He cannot be trusted."

"I'll manage him," Isabella said, though her gut churned at the prospect.

Marco was silent for an instant. Then shook his head. "No. You will not do this for me. I told you Sofia, so it will be Sofia."

"Amá-"

"Enough!" he barked, slapping his hand on the desk. "Get out."

Isabella clenched her jaw and stormed out. She hated feeling so powerless.

That evening, sitting with Sofia and her mother in the living room, a servant appeared and leaned over to whisper something in Marco's ear. Marco stood up, readjusting his jacket. "Wait here," he told his wife and daughters and walked towards the study.

Isabella trailed behind. She hung near the door, far enough back so that she could hear some voices inside.

".I need protection for my family," Marco was saying.

"And in return, you'll provide me with what I want," another voice was heard. Isabella knew immediately. Dante.

She gasped. She brought her ear closer.

"You know Adrian won't give up," Marco said. "He wants my daughter, and he won't care which one."

"That's why you need me," Dante said calmly. "I'll protect you. But there is a cost to protection."

"What cost?"

"Isabella," Dante answered.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat.

There was a pause, then Marco's deep sigh. "You leave me no choice, do you?"

"You never had a choice," Dante replied.

Isabella stepped back nervously, not noticing footsteps until she collided with her mother.

"Isabella," Lucia said softly, worried. "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing," Isabella lied quickly, attempting to hide her fear. "I was just-just looking for water."

Her mother did not believe her, but she let it drop. They went back to the living room, where Sofia sat fidgeting with her thumbs.

Hours passed. Finally, Marco arrived, his expression impassive. He stood in front of them, his arms cradled behind his back.

"I have an announcement," he declared baldly.

Sofia straightened rigidly. Isabella's heart pounded, already knowing what was going to be said.

"Plans have been altered," Marco told them. "Sofia is not to wed Adrian."

Sofia gasped, relief spreading across her face. "Papa-"

Marco raised a hand. "Don't thank me. The engagement will be offered to Isabella instead."

Isabella stood frozen.

"You will marry Dante Moretti," Marco said to her coldly. "It is done."

The room went silent. Sofia covered her mouth in shock, their mother breathed softly, "Oh my God."

Isabella's legs grew weak, but she remained standing. She had wanted to protect Sofia. Now she was caught as well.