THE MAFIA KING'S REBELLIOUS BRIDE

"I cannot marry Enrico Saviano!" Isabella's voice rang out, echoing off the ornate walls of the De Luca family estate. Her hazel eyes, usually so full of life, now burned with defiance and fear. Her father, Angelo De Luca, stood before her, his face etched with the lines of worry and desperation. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Isabella, you must understand. This is the only way to save our family." "Why not Francesca?" Isabella's voice trembled as she mentioned her half-sister's name. Before Angelo could respond, the door to the study burst open, and Elena De Luca who had been listening to their conversation stormed in. Her green eyes flashed with fury, and in an instant, her hand struck Isabella across the face with a sharp crack. The force of the slap echoed in the room, and Isabella staggered back, her cheek stinging. "How dare you mention my daughter's name!" Elena hissed, her voice low and venomous. "You have no right! You are an ungrateful brat." Isabella's eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground, her defiance undimmed. "She is my sister, and she is just as capable of helping this family." Francesca, who had been watching from the doorway with her mother, stepped forward, her blue eyes wide with fake concern. "Mama, please, calm down. Isabella didn't mean to upset you." Elena turned sharply to face Francesca, her expression softening just a fraction as she addressed her daughter. "Francesca, you know how important this marriage is. It is not just about saving our family—it is about ensuring our future." Francesca nodded obediently, but her eyes flickered with something that Isabella couldn't quite decipher. "Of course, Mama. But maybe Isabella just needs more time to understand the importance of this arrangement." Angelo stepped forward, his voice weary. "There is no more time. Our family fortune is on the line, I have made the offer to Enrico but he has asked to see you first before agreeing to the deal. So, you have to understand how important this is for us." Francesca stepped closer to Isabella, her voice soft and soothing. "Isabella, don’t be afraid. I will help you get ready for the meeting with Enrico. We will make sure you look perfect, and everything will be alright." Isabella shook her head, her eyes still blazing with defiance. "I don’t want to marry him, Francesca. This isn’t fair." Elena’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Isabella. "You are a mistress's daughter. You should know your place and stop disobeying your father's orders. This is your duty to the family." Isabella’s heart pounded in her chest. The sting of Elena’s words was almost as sharp as the slap she had received. "But I don’t love him. How can you force me into this?" Elena’s face hardened. "Love has nothing to do with this. Who will even be stupid enough to love you? This is about survival, about securing our family's future. You will do as you are told." Francesca placed a gentle hand on Isabella’s shoulder, trying to offer comfort but it was all fake. She wanted Isabella out of their lives for good and what better place than with Enrico Saviano? Francesca had heard a lot of evil things about him. "Isabella, I know this is hard. But think about our family. We need this. Please, just try to see the bigger picture. Don't you want us to get our fortune back? Do you want us to be thrown into the street? If not for Father, do it for me." She persuaded. Isabella looked at her father, hoping for some sign of understanding or compassion. But Angelo’s face was set, his eyes filled with resignation. "This is the only way, Isabella. Please, try to understand." Tears filled Isabella’s eyes, how could they do this to her? Even Francesca who she hoped would be against them was also persuading her. Francesca continued to persuade Isabella, her voice taking on a more playful tone in an attempt to lighten the mood. "At least if you marry Enrico, you'll be free of Mother’s wrath. That’s got to count for something, right?" Isabella wasn’t pleased by Francesca’s attempt at humor, but she considered the words. Being away from Elena’s constant criticism and harshness was a tempting thought. As much as she hated the idea of marrying Enrico, the possibility of escaping her mother’s control was alluring. Francesca’s expression softened, though Isabella could still sense the ulterior motives beneath her sister's concerned facade. "Think about it, Isabella. Once you’re married, you’ll have your own life, your own place. You won’t have to deal with all this every day." Isabella’s mind raced. Maybe Francesca was right. Maybe being away from the house could give her the space she needed to come up with a plan to be free completely. If she could get away from her family, maybe she could find a way to escape Enrico, too. She looked at her father again, seeing the desperation in his eyes. He truly believed this was the only way to save their family. And Elena’s cold, unforgiving gaze made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate any further disobedience. Isabella took a deep breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. "Fine," she said, her voice trembling but determined. "I’ll meet with Enrico. But I’m not promising anything. This doesn't mean I will marry him." Angelo’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "That’s all we ask, Isabella. Just meet him and see what happens." Angelo knew that the moment Isabella would meet Enrico it wouldn't matter what she wanted but what Enrico wanted. He didn't want to drag her there even though he was tempted to by the way Isabella was acting but he wanted Enrico to see that she had come of her own accord. Francesca squeezed Isabella’s shoulder gently. "Why don't we go to my room? I will get you ready and presentable to meet Enrico Saviano," she said. She secretly smiled at her mother. Finally their plan to get rid of Isabella was going to happen.