Fated to the Enemy.

| 4 | Acceptance.

I S A B E L L A

I sit there, absorbing the truth in my mother’s words. The room seems to close in around me as I force myself to come to terms with what is now my reality.

I have to marry Angelo Verossi, and there is no way I will be able to get out of this…

My heart aches as I gulp inaudibly, as if I am trying to swallow the truth. I face my mother, my face and body still feeling completely numb, but still, I am finally able to respond…

"Fine... I'll do it." I tell her reluctantly, resulting in my mother letting out a deep breath of relief, keeping her hands on my face as she nods in understanding, her hands carefully moving away the hair that falls on my face.

"Okay... everything will be fine... the Verossi boy will not harm you, and if he does, we will descend on his family like the plague. Your father and I will do whatever it takes to protect you, do you understand me?" my mother reassures me, and I’m glad to know that she still has my back in this no matter what, and so I nod my head slowly at her, understanding the full weight of what she is telling me.

"Are you ready to speak to your father now?" She then asks and I sigh to myself and shake my head a few times.

“Please allow me to freshen up first, I don’t want him to see me like this…” I tell her, glancing at the spaces behind my curtains and seeing that it is already nighttime and so I can take my second shower of the day…

“Okay, we’ll be in his library…” She tells me and I nod my head in understand. I then feel her pull my head closer to her just as she plants a soft kiss on my forehead and embraces me once again, just as I exhale against her shoulder, being glad that speaking to her has at least helped me calm down.

After she leaves, I take a long 30 minute shower, allowing the hot water to relax my tense muscles. Once I’m done, I feel and look a lot better, but still that’s not enough to get rid of the heaviness in my heart. After my shower, I make my way out of my room and head in the direction of my Father’s library, located at the ground floor of the mansion…

Eventually, I find myself there, and once I enter, my eyes land on my father, mother, uncle Sal and uncle Marino. All four of them seem to be in deep conversation, up until Uncle Sal takes notice of me first, grabbing my father’s attention and making him look in my direction.

My Father’s eyes land on me, his expression relaxing as he stares back at me.

“Isabella…” He calls out to me just as I sigh to myself and begin walking towards him, my eyes traveling to my uncles then to my mother as well…

I respond with a simple, "Father." as I reach them, standing tall with all the confidence I can muster.

His eyes, a reflection of my own, hold a complexity of emotions. Uncertainty, pride… but also a hint of regret. I take a deep breath, a moment of stillness before the storm… and soon, I am able to give him my answer…

"I'll do it... I'll marry Angelo Verossi," I say I feel a weight lift off my chest but at the same time, I feel a heaviness burden my entire body. What have I honestly just agreed to…

My father exhales deeply, taking a few steps towards me with relief written across his face.

"Thank you, my darling," my father acknowledges, his tone a blend of gratitude and understanding as he places his hands on my arms.

"We shall be meeting at the Domenicali hotel to discuss this arrangement," he explains, and I can only nod back at him. The Domenicali hotel, owned by the Domenicali family is a place known as a neutral ground for members of the Underground to gather in peace and leave their animosity at the door. At least I know that if we go there, we will all be safe. As awful as the Verossies are, I don’t believe they are crazy enough to go against the Domenicali family.

"Okay," I answer, the defeat evident in my voice just as I notice my mother smiling sadly at me.

"Come here, my girl," my father opens his arms for me. I stare back at him before my head hangs low and I shuffle towards him, welcoming his hug. His embrace is warm and almost makes me forget what I’ve just agreed to

"Everything will be alright," he reassures me, but in that moment, I feel nothing but numbness. My only hope is that Angelo isn’t as bad as all the stories say…

. . . . .

I stand at the centre of my room, amidst a whirlwind of activity. Stylists and makeup artists flutter around me, their deft hands working diligently to ensure that every detail of my appearance is perfect for today…

The day we meet with the Verossi family.

It's a scene of controlled chaos, a symphony of brushes, sprays, and delicate fabrics coming together to create a masterpiece.

My dress, a flowing maroon creation that cascades elegantly to the floor, is custom made for the occasion alone. The deep, rich colour complements my fair complexion, and the gown's details sparkle under the soft glow of the chandeliers. My hair is styled in loose waves that frame my face, and a touch of makeup accentuates my features, highlighting my brown eyes and emphasizing my lips, now coated with a bold shade of red lipstick.

As the final adjustments are made and the last traces of powder are brushed away, I stand before the large mirror in my bedroom, my reflection a vision of poise and beauty, everything my mother had taught me to be... But yet, my heart races with anticipation, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through my veins. My mind begins to spiral as my thoughts collapse over each other. And all I want now is a moment alone before I leave to meet my… ‘Future husband’…

"Leave, every single one of you," my voice cuts through the room, commanding the attention of everyone present. The flurry of activity comes to a sudden halt as the stylists and makeup artists exchange glances with one another, being surprised with my sudden orders, but still, they are able to comply and begin filing out of the room.

Alone at last, I take a deep breath and turn my gaze to the window, my thoughts drifting to the impending meeting with Angelo Verossi.

My fingers lightly brush the fabric of my dress, the softness of the material a stark contrast to fog speaking in my mind. I know that this meeting is not just about me; it is about creating a path to peace, about ending the cycle of violence and mistrust that has defined our families' relationship for far too long...

Perhaps this is a good way to end it all...

No... what am I even saying?! I'm going to be marrying a stranger! And enemy of my family, and under no circumstance is this normal...

I let out a sigh, my hazel eyes searching my own reflection for a glimpse of the emotions swirling within me. I wonder what Angelo Verossi like... What are his thoughts and feelings about this alliance? I can't help but wonder if he shares the same reservations and apprehensions that I do. Will he even be willing to accept it? My father made no mention of the Verossi family's response to his proposoal...

With a determined expression, I cross the room and take a seat by the window, where a small seating area adorned with my favorite pillows and blankets. I stare out at the beautiful orchard located at the back of my family's mansion, hoping that staring at such a peaceful scenery will have the same effect on my mind...

The man I am about to meet will play a significant role in my future... He is about to become my husband... and I can't afford to take this lightly.

Once I feel enough time as passed, I rise from my seat, my fingers brushing the maroon fabric of my dress once more. With a resolute exhale, I turn away from the window, my hazel eyes alight with determination, and leave my room in silence, my heart now racing with a feeling I know all to well... anxiety...