Chapter 67

ISABELLA

The irony of his words cuts deep. Protection is what he calls it, but I know it's a golden prison, an imprisonment disguised as care. I feel the love for him, but also the terrible truth that he will never be able to free me.

"Then be different for once in your life. Be a good man and free me from this prison with you.", I say in a low tone, watching him blink rapidly.

I'm facing an Italian mobster, and I know I'm entering a dangerous zone, but I don't care about that detail on this dark night.

His eyes, normally so inscrutable, reveal a glimmer of emotion. However, this doesn't soften the grip of his hand on my arm.

The deserted street unfolds before me like a gloomy scene, where the shadows dance in sync with the tears streaming down my face. I'm pinned against the cold wall, a puppet in Lorenzo's hands. My eyes, once filled with determination, now reflect the vulnerability I'm trying to hide.

"Isabella, Isabella. You're playing a very