Chapter two:A night interrupted

 Isabella stepped out of the private jet, the cool Italian air hitting her face like a refreshing slap. She was a vision of elegance, clad in a tailored pantsuit in shades of navy and white, with a cashmere coat draped over her shoulders. Her dark hair was styled in a sleek bob, and large sunglasses shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight.

“Don’t ask me why I am wearing sunglasses at night…” she said in her thoughts.

A designer handbag, a testament to her refined taste, rested casually on her arm.

Her assistant, a petite woman named Olivia, hurried to her side, adjusting the collar of Isabella’s coat. “Welcome to Italy, Ms. De Luca,” Olivia said, her voice filled with admiration.

Isabella nodded, her gaze sweeping over the bustling airport. The familiar sights and sounds of her homeland brought a sense of comfort. “It’s good to be back,” she replied.

As they made their way through the airport, Isabella pulled out her phone. She needed to touch base with Gina, her closest friend. She dialed the number, and after a few rings, Gina’s voice answered.

“Isabella! You’re finally here!” Gina exclaimed; her voice filled with excitement. “How was the flight? Did you get any sleep?”

Isabella chuckled. “The flight was smooth, and I managed to catch a few hours of sleep. But enough about me. How are things in Milan?”

“Everything’s good. I’ve been keeping an eye on everything for you. And I’ve booked you a suite at the Excelsior. It’s the best hotel in town, trust me.”

Isabella smiled. “You know me too well, Gina. I’ll see you soon.”

They ended the call, and Isabella followed Olivia to the waiting SUV. The car was a sleek black sedan, the interior as luxurious as the exterior. As she sank into the plush leather seat, she closed her eyes, savoring the moment. She was home.

The drive to the Excelsior was short but scenic. Isabella watched as the city unfolded before her, a tapestry of old and new. The iconic Duomo, with its spires piercing the sky, was a breathtaking sight. She felt a surge of excitement as the car turned into the grand driveway of the Excelsior.

The hotel was everything Gina had promised and more. Its imposing facade, a blend of classic and modern architecture, was a testament to its grandeur. As they entered the lobby, Isabella was greeted by a wave of opulence. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and towering palm trees created an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. Walking to the receptionist, she took off her sunglasses, “Isabella, I believe a room has been prepared for me.” She said to the man.

“Yes madam, one of the VIP’s rooms, here’s your keycard.” He said to her with a smile.

The check-in process was swift and efficient, thanks to Gina's prior arrangements. As Isabella stepped into her suite, she was greeted by a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The room was a study in elegance, with soft, neutral tones and modern furnishings. It was the perfect sanctuary after a long flight.

As she walked to her bed with a heavy sigh, she fell to the bed, stretching out her arms,  

“By tomorrow morning, I should be with Dad. I can’t wait to get home,” Isabella sighed, her voice heavy with exhaustion and relief. The thought of returning home brought a sense of comfort, a brief respite from the chaos of her recent days.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She glanced at the screen, and a smile spread across her lips when she saw her brother’s name flashing on the display. Swiping to answer, she lifted the phone to her ear.

“Hey, sissy,” Marco's familiar voice greeted her, warm and full of affection.

“Hey, brother. Missed me? I know you did,” Isabella teased, a soft laugh escaping her lips. She could hear Marco chuckling on the other end, the sound bringing a sense of normalcy to her otherwise hectic day.

“Of course, I did. You’re back in Italy, aren’t you?” Marco’s voice held a note of anticipation.

“Yeah, I am. Gina got me a room at a hotel,” she replied, stifling a yawn as she pushed herself off the bed and made her way towards the bathroom.

“Gina mentioned that. You sound exhausted, Bella. You should get some rest. I’ll send one of the guys to pick you up in the morning,” Marco offered, his tone filled with concern.

Isabella shook her head, though she knew he couldn’t see it. “Don’t worry about it; I’ve already got it covered,” she assured him, her voice steady but laced with weariness.

“Always the sharp one,” Marco remarked with a light chuckle, though she could sense the underlying worry in his tone. “Alright then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Get some good sleep, princess.”

“Goodnight, brother,” Isabella replied softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she ended the call. The term "princess" was one he had used since they were children, a reminder of simpler times.

As the call ended, Isabella felt a mix of emotions—relief, anticipation, and a lingering unease that she couldn’t quite shake off. With a deep breath, she headed into the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath her feet grounding her thoughts. Tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges, but for now, all she wanted was to wash away the day and lose herself in the comforting routine of getting ready for bed.

After her bath, Isabella felt the tension in her muscles ease slightly, the warm water having done its job. She stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a soft towel, and moved to the closet where she found a comfortable nightie to slip into. The fabric felt cool against her skin, a welcome contrast to the day’s stress.

Feeling a bit hungry, she picked up the room’s cellphone and placed an order for dinner, her voice calm and polite as she spoke to the staff. With that task done, she walked over to the balcony, her AirPods in her ears, and opened the glass door, letting the cool night air wash over her.

The night sky was a blanket of stars, each one twinkling like a distant promise. Isabella leaned against the balcony railing, staring out at the serene view. The peace of the moment was a balm to her tired soul, and for a few minutes, she allowed herself to just breathe, letting the world fade away as she listened to her music.

But then, her moment of tranquility was shattered. Beneath the soothing melodies playing in her ears, she noticed something—a sound that didn’t belong. She frowned, unsure at first if she had imagined it. Pulling one AirPod out, she strained to listen, and there it was again: soft, breathy moans, punctuated by the unmistakable rhythm of pleasure.

Her brows knitted together in confusion and irritation as she realized the sounds were coming from the room next to hers. The low cries of a woman, clearly lost in the throes of passion, grew louder, invading her peaceful moment. The walls weren’t thin enough to justify such noise; this was pure inconsideration.

Isabella’s confusion quickly morphed into anger. She was tired, stressed, and now this? With a deep scowl, she leaned over the balcony railing, her voice cutting through the night as she yelled in their direction, “Are you making love there and disturbing me here? Who the hell does that?”

Her voice echoed in the night, carrying her frustration across the otherwise quiet surroundings. She didn’t care if they heard or if they were embarrassed—she was too irritated to care. Without waiting for a response, Isabella stormed back into her room, slamming the balcony door behind her.

Angry thoughts churned in her mind as she paced the room, trying to shake off the annoyance. How could people be so inconsiderate? The peaceful night she had so desperately craved was now ruined, and all she could do was seethe in the privacy of her room, hoping that dinner would arrive soon to distract her from the irritation that now coursed through her veins.

“What kind of hotel is this anyway?”