004

ISABELLA

All I wanted to do was ignore Damien like the plague, but he was making it difficult by not taking his hands off me.

I didn’t only feel anger—I tasted it.

I glared at him, then at his fingers still tightened around my wrist. He stood there, having the same neutral expression that irritated me.

“Thanks. But I wasn’t asking you for anything.”

He smirked. “I’m being the gentleman I’ve always been.”

Snorting, I turned to face Axel, noticing he was staring at us with a little smile tugging at his lips.

“Ace,” I called fiercely. “Will you please tell your brother to take his hands off me?”

Axel tutted, his voice ringing out sharply. “Damien, please take your hands off Rosetta.”

I faced Damien again squarely, wriggling my wrists free as he flashed another smile, making my stomach lurch.

“Sure.”

He was reluctant to let go, but I was determined to keep his hands off me. Without another word, I turned around and bolted away.

My feet were shaking in the stilettos I had on. I rushed down the stairs, gasping for air as Damien’s lavender scent filled my nostrils.

“Hey,” the other soft, familiar voice I didn’t want to hear, called me. “You’re leaving?”

I didn’t bother to acknowledge Caterina by facing her. “Yes.”

“So soon?”

“Something came up.”

“Can I get your contact at least?” She pleaded, her footsteps echoing behind me. “I’d love for us to meet sometime—not here though. I just wanted—‘’

I halted abruptly, struggling to control my thoughts and anger. Swiftly turning around to face her, my voice was raspy.

“—There’s no need to exchange contacts.”

Her face fell. “W-Why? We’re going to be in-laws soon, and you saved me. I have to return the favor.”

Well, I didn’t want her to return any favor.

And I certainly… had no intention of becoming in-laws with her when she was probably getting married to Damien.

“Caterina,” I called quietly. “It’s a very bad time for… this.”

I didn’t wait for her response, but I caught the confusion in her eyes before walking away.

I wasn’t back to New Orleans fully, but only for the funeral. I planned on leaving immediately after everything was over.

But…

Seeing Damien again, being reprimanded by my sister, I knew it was only going to be the longest two weeks of my life.

*

I returned to my hotel room tired, emotionally exhausted, and totally forgot to call Evander after receiving his text at the airport.

I crashed into the bed and fell asleep without taking a bath. My first day at New Orleans had completely drained me, and I wasn’t ready for the next day.

Morning came, and I woke up with a migraine. My phone buzzed nonstop, and there were missed calls, text messages, all from Axel and Evander.

“Shit,” I cussed under my breath. “I forgot.”

I quickly texted Axel back, reassuring him that I was safe. Then I dialed Evander’s number immediately, patiently waiting for him to respond.

I didn’t wait for long. He picked up on the first ring, his voice worriedly echoing through my ears.

“Belle, what happened?”

I massaged my forehead, walking straight to the mirror as I stared at my awful looking self.

“I… I had a hectic day yesterday. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he whispered, the background noise almost making it impossible to hear him. “How’re you feeling now? And how’s Olivia?”

I sighed tiredly. “That’s a long story. She doesn’t want to see me.”

“She’s probably just going through a heavy emotional phase.”

“She lost her baby,” my voice croaked. “And I feel this overwhelming guilt that… It was too much pressure on her. Taking care of our mother in my absence, dealing with the Moretti council and…”

I trailed off, inhaling sharply and slowly realizing that I’d left without thinking about the stress Olivia was made to endure.

“You need to stop blaming yourself, okay?”

I nodded, but the guilt remained, constantly reminding me that I was still the cause of everything.

“How’re they?” I asked, still staring at myself in the mirror. “Are they awake yet?”

Evander chuckled and the background noise got louder. I smiled, hearing clearly now that it was their favorite kiddies show playing in the background.

“Cassie wouldn’t stop taunting Carl,” he murmured. “We’re having ice cream later.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “So you three are having so much fun without me.”

“Not too much fun.”

I laughed, loving the fact that I always forgot about anything else bothering me whenever we talked.

“That’s better,” I replied, still smiling. “But don’t forget—‘’

A knock on the door interrupted me from completing my words. I raised my head to the direction, my eyebrows furrowed.

“Give me a moment, Babe,” I whispered.

“Sure.”

Walking gently towards the door, my voice rang out. “Who’s there?”

The husky voice came back almost immediately. “Room service.”

I groaned quietly then unlocked the door with the keys. My fingers tightened around the knob, and I responded to Evander while I opened the door.

“I’d love to talk to the kids,” I said. “That’s if they…”

I trailed off the moment I opened the door. I expected to see some… guy dressed in the hotel’s uniform, but unfortunately…

It was Damien.

He stood there, leaning against the wall with his lips curled into a smile. My smile disappeared, and my words remained stuck in my throat.

How on earth did he find me?

“Isabella,” his voice was clear and gentle. “Don’t you look radiant this morning?”

I gulped down the lump in my throat, turned my face away, and muttered to Evander over the phone.

“I’ll call you back, Babe.”

Damien’s face instantly became red, and I ended the call after Evander agreed. I faced Damien squarely, my voice stern.

“What the fuck do you want?”

“Babe?” He straightened his shoulders, his eyes darting between me and my phone. “Who’s that?”

“None of your business,” I retorted. “Why don’t you leave?”

I made an attempt to slam the door shut, but he was swift with his hands, holding it back from closing.

“We need to talk, Bella.”

“Talk?” I hissed. “Never. And don’t you ever call me Bella.”

His voice softened, and the way his eyes pleaded made my whole body tremble. For a second, I wanted to forget everything he’d done to me, but…

“Please.”

“I don’t want to see you, Damien.”

“Five minutes,” he rasped. “That’s all I’m asking.”

I pushed the door with all my strength, desperate to shut it in his face while I returned to my room.

“Damien, get out.”

He pushed further, finally overpowering the door and pushing it open. I stood there, panting hard, being forced to look into the same eyes I’d once loved.

“I waited five years for you,” he murmured, his voice cracking. “I have no intention of letting you leave again.”