Chapter 10 - THE BRIDE WHO NEVER LOVED HIM
Isabella Romano came to the hospital two days later.
Dante agreed to see her with Rachel present.
She entered wearing a pale blue dress.
Her eyes were red.
“Dante.”
He looked at her.
“Sit down.”
She did.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Dante asked:
“Did you know Victor was trying to take control of my assets?”
Isabella began crying.
“I knew he was worried about your health.”
“That's not what I asked.”
She swallowed.
“He told me you were getting worse.”
Dante stared.
“And the wedding documents?”
She looked down.
“I signed what the lawyers prepared.”
“Did you read them?”
Silence.
Dante closed his eyes.
“Isabella.”
She began sobbing.
“I was afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Of losing everything.”
He stared.
She continued.
“My family's business was failing. Victor said the marriage would protect us.”
Dante's expression hardened.
“So you agreed to marry me for financial security?”
She looked up.
“I cared about you.”
“Did you love me?”
Silence.
Then she whispered:
“I wanted to.”
Dante looked away.
It was the answer he hadn't wanted.
But it was the truth.
Isabella admitted she'd known Victor was controlling more of Dante's affairs than he realized.
She denied knowing about the implant or any deliberate medication misuse.
Investigators would later determine the extent of her involvement.
Dante ended the engagement.
Not in anger.
Not with threats.
Simply because he could no longer build a marriage on uncertainty and dishonesty.
After Isabella left, Dante sat alone.
He looked at his hands.
For years, he'd believed he was surrounded by loyal people.
Now he understood that loyalty without honesty was only another form of captivity.
May you like
He picked up his phone.
And called Anna.
