I S A B E L L A
The wives of the Dons approach each other. My mother's smile is polite, but I know her better than that... I know how much she dislikes the Verossies, and she's only being friendly as a courtesy to them.
"You remember my wife, Sophia," Don Marco introduces as he motions to Donna Sophia, just as she steps forward and smiles at both my parents.
"Yes, of course. Ciao, Donna," My mother greets her, staring back at Donna Verossi as her eyes remain guarded.
"Ciao, Don Romano," Donna Sophia replies with a nod, her tone courteous yet cautious. She turns her attention to my mother, Donna Carmela, and greets her in Italian, asking how she is. "Come state, Donna Carmela?"
"Sto bene quanto è possibile." My mother's response is diplomatic, carrying an undercurrent of shared understanding amidst the tension as she offers a small smile, her demeanour composed.
I remain standing behind my parents, a few feet away from them as they converse with the Verossies, and that's when my curiosity gets the best of me, forcing me to look back at Angelo once again.
I find him staring right at me, and he seems mesmerised... continuing to look back at me with his perfect full lips slightly parted. I find myself blushing once again before turning my attention back to my parents and their conversation, blinking rapidly as I try to relax my tense shoulders...
"Let us get into the reason we called for this meeting," My father's voice cut through the tension, prompting a collective shift in attention.
"Yes, shall we?" Don Marco responds, his tone measured as he acknowledges the significance of the moment. The two Dons face each other, the echoes of generations past resonating in their shared gaze.
"We have been at war with one another for decades, Don Verossi. A feud that started with our forefathers, and unfortunately continued with us," My father explains to them as both the Don and Donna look at each other before turning back to my father.
"I say, it is time we finally put an end to it all... both of us are powerful forces, imagine what we could accomplish if we worked together and not against each other." My father continues, and I exhale deeply, beginning to feel more anxious about finding out what their answer will be to our family's request for peace...
"I agree," Don Marco's response makes me exhale deeply in relief and glance back at Cat and Alessio, seeing them just as relieved as I am to hear Don Marco's answer.
His tone reflects a mixture of pragmatism and a desire for resolution as his acknowledgement is a crucial step, a sign that the seeds of change had taken root.
"I'm glad to hear that you've finally come to your senses, and realised that there is no way you are winning this fight."
Don Marco's sudden remark puts my father on edge, as does everyone else in the room. The bodyguards tense, just as my uncles, Sal and Marino, each glance at each other, uncle Marino lifting his chin up slightly as he stares down Don Verossi, while uncle Sal takes a large pull of smoke from his cigar and blows it out in front of him. My father is a ruthless man, and doesn't take lightly to disrespect, and so it makes me wary of how he will choose to respond to Don Marco...
The room seemingly holds its breath as we all wait for my father's reaction. I glance at my mother warily, who seems to be slightly irritated, but still she tries her best to keep her expression calm. Finally, my gaze focuses on my father watching as he exhales deeply and takes a step forward to Don Marco, meeting him at eye level, just as the men behind Don Verossi become physically tense as well. Don Marco watches him carefully, as if to see what he will do next, as if he is hoping that he will somehow retaliate.
"The only other way this fight would've ended is if both you and I were dead... and I think you know that, Marco. We wouldn't want to make our wives widows and our children fatherless." His tone is cold, and the room becomes dead silent. My heart is now pounding in my chest as the two Dons face each other off, my mind making it impossible to ignore what could happen...
"So instead, I propose a solution." My father says, taking a step back and exhaling, as if he is allowing himself to calm down.
"Let us have our children wed each other... and in their union, a truce may be formed, and we can put the past behind us," And at the mention of that, my heart sinks and I watch as he turns around to face me, holding a hand out for me to step forward.
"I present my daughter... Isabella Anne-Maria Giovanna Romano..." My father's gesture draws the room's attention to me, making my eyes dart around to every single person that has their eyes on me... including Angelo...
My steps are hesitant, my gaze shifting between the two patriarchs, my father and the man who represents the Verossi family...
My heart races as I approach them, feeling their gazes lock onto me as I get closer and closer.
My father's words echo in my mind, his proposal tugging at the strings of my own desires and convictions. Could a marriage between Angelo and I truly mend the wounds of the past? Is there a chance for a new beginning, or will the ghosts of history continue to haunt us?
My gaze shifts towards Angelo, meeting his captivating grey eyes that held a mix of emotions. He appears curious about me, and this whole time, he hasn't been able to get his eyes off me... it makes me wonder what he's been thinking...
I finally reach them and grab hold of my father's hand, looking between him and the Verossies. I meet the stares of Don and Donna Verossi, finding Don Marco staring at me with intrigue, while Donna Sophia doesn't seem pleased by my presence at all.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Don Marco, Donna Sophia..." I say politely, curtsying in front of them before standing up straight, letting go of my father's hand..
"The pleasure is ours, Isabella..." Don Marco answers on their behalf while Donna Sophia remains silent. I can already tell she doesn't like me...
Finally, Don Marco's gaze shifts from me to the person standing behind him instead...
Angelo.