Chapter 2
1414 Words
Enrico Saviano sat in his study, the air thick with the scent of his cigar smoke. His dark eyes scanned the papers spread out before him, his mind working through the complexities of his business dealings. The Saviano empire did not run itself, and Enrico took great pride in his meticulous attention to detail.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up, irritation flashing across his face. "What is it?"
The door opened, and one of his trusted men stepped inside, his head bowed slightly in respect. "Mr. Saviano, you have a visitor. It’s Angelo De Luca and his family."
Enrico’s eyes narrowed slightly, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Ah, he finally showed his face. Show them in."
The door opened wider, and Angelo De Luca entered, followed closely by Elena, Francesca, and Isabella. Enrico leaned back in his chair, taking a leisurely drag from his cigar as he observed them. His dark eyes were calculating, taking in every detail.
The first person to catch his eye was Isabella. Despite her obvious fear and reluctance, there was something captivating about her. Her hazel eyes were bright with defiance, and her posture was one of quiet strength. Enrico’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary before he shifted his attention to the rest of the family.
Francesca, leaned in to whisper to her mother. "Is this really Enrico Saviano?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Elena nodded curtly, her eyes never leaving Enrico. "Yes, that is him."
Francesca’s surprise was evident. "He’s…handsome. Not at all what I expected."
Isabella, overhearing the exchange, was also taken aback. The stories she had heard painted Enrico as a ruthless, cold-hearted man, but she hadn’t expected him to be so striking. His features were sharp, his eyes dark and intense, and there was an air of power and confidence about him that was hard to ignore.
Enrico let the silence stretch for a moment, enjoying the tension in the room. Silence was his specialty. Finally, he gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Have a seat."
Angelo and his family took their seats, and Enrico leaned back further, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Mr. De Luca," he began, his voice smooth and commanding. "I believe you are here regarding our discussion."
Angelo nodded, his expression serious. "Thank you for seeing us, Mr. Saviano. As you know, my family is in a difficult position. We are prepared to do whatever is necessary to secure our future."
Enrico’s eyes flicked back to Isabella, who was sitting rigidly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I see. And what exactly are you prepared to do."
Angelo took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with a mixture of desperation and determination. "As I mentioned earlier, I am offering my daughter in marriage. This arrangement will secure our family's future and, I hope, regain access to the fortune that we have lost to you."
Enrico's eyes darkened, his expression becoming unreadable. He took another drag from his cigar, the smoke curling around his face, hiding his thoughts. "And which daughter are you offering, Mr. De Luca?"
Angelo hesitated for a moment, glancing at Isabella before speaking. "Isabella. She is the one I am offering for this marriage. She is my first daughter and my heir."
Isabella’s heart sank as her father's words confirmed her worst fears. She had hoped he would ask Enrico what he wanted and not offer her like a piece of meat. He was also lying, she wasn't his heir. Francesca was.
Isabella forced herself to remain calm, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. Enrico's gaze shifted to Isabella, his dark eyes assessing her once more. "Isabella," he repeated slowly as if tasting the sound of her name on his lips. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his chair. "Tell me, Isabella, how do you feel about this arrangement?"
Isabella’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected to be addressed directly. Enrico's intense gaze only made her more nervous.
Mr. De Luca stared at Isabella, giving her a secret look, silently urging her to stick to the plan. He needed her to comply, at least for now. Isabella felt the weight of his stare, but the turmoil inside her made it hard to think straight.
Elena, sensing Isabella's nervousness and the tension in the room, decided to speak up. "Isabella is ready to marry you, Mr. Saviano," she said, her voice firm.
Enrico's eyes flashed with anger as he turned his gaze to Elena. "You should learn to keep your mouth shut woman," he snapped, his voice icy. "I wasn't speaking to you. I was speaking to Isabella."
Elena's mouth snapped shut, her face pale with shock. Francesca glanced nervously between her mother and Enrico, sensing the danger in the air.
Isabella stared at her hands nervously, her fingers twisting together in her lap. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated for a moment. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, making it hard to find the right words.
She remembered what Francesca had said, how marrying Enrico would free her from Elena’s constant criticism and harshness. She glanced at Elena, and from the look in her eyes, she knew her stepmother was eager to be rid of her.
Taking a deep breath, Isabella looked up and met Enrico's gaze. "I will marry you," she said, her voice trembling slightly but growing steadier as she spoke. "I will marry you, Mr. Saviano."
For a moment, Enrico’s expression remained unreadable. He took a long drag from his cigar, the smoke curling lazily around his face. When he finally exhaled, his eyes never left Isabella’s. Despite his calm exterior, he was stunned by her sudden agreement.
He had expected more resistance, more defiance. Her willingness to comply, even if forced, intrigued him."Very well," Enrico said slowly, his voice smooth.
Enrico said slowly, "Very well," his voice smooth. He opened the drawer of his desk and pulled out a file, placing it in front of him. "This is the marriage agreement. Isabella will sign it, and all of you will witness it."
Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise. She couldn’t believe that Enrico had a marriage agreement ready and waiting on his desk. The realization made her even more nervous, and her heart pounded in her chest.
Angelo’s eyes lit up with relief and excitement. He quickly stood up, reaching for the pen on Enrico’s desk. "Thank you, Mr. Saviano. We are grateful for your understanding and cooperation."
Elena, also eager to secure the arrangement, stood up and took the pen from Angelo, signing her name next to his. She handed the pen to Francesca, who signed with a small, satisfied smile.
Finally, the pen was handed to Isabella. She stared at it for a moment, her hand trembling slightly. This was it. Once she signed this document, there would be no turning back. She glanced up at Enrico, who was watching her intently, and then back at her father, who gave her an encouraging nod.
With a deep breath, Isabella took the pen and signed her name on the agreement. Her signature felt like a final seal on her fate, binding her to a future she hadn’t chosen.
Enrico took the file back, glancing over the signatures with satisfaction. "It is done," he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality. "The wedding will take place in a week. Prepare yourselves."
Angelo smiled, clearly pleased. "Of course, Mr. Saviano. We will make all the necessary arrangements."
Elena nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and triumph. "Thank you, Mr. Saviano. We look forward to the union."
Enrico’s gaze returned to Isabella. "I will have my men deliver the details to your home. Isabella, I will see you soon."
Isabella nodded silently, her mind still reeling from the events. As she and her family left Enrico’s study, she felt a sense of dread mixed with a faint hope. She had one week to figure out a way to change her fate, and she would use every moment to find a solution.
As they stepped out into the hallway, Angelo patted Isabella on the shoulder. "You did well, dear. This is the best thing for our family."
Isabella forced a smile, her mind already racing with plans and possibilities. She would find a way out of this, one way or another. She had to.
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