Chapter 5 ISABELLA

A white light blinds my vision and slowly fades into clearer images.

I wasn't seeing things, nor was I hearing voices. The three musketeers were really there, separated from me by the slightly open door. If I had any doubts left, Giulia clears them with her next words...

"Come on, Luca. Don't tell me you never considered that possibility." When he doesn't give her any response, she lets out an exasperated sigh before continuing, "Answer me, Luca. What happens when she finds out that you were in the same room with her father when he drew his last breath? I'm guessing you'll just stand there and give her this exact cool face you're giving me."

"Enough, Giulia. Stop it. I don't want to hear another word about that night," Luca's voice booms and just like that, my suspicions are confirmed. He didn't deny it; he is my father's killer.

My knees almost give out and I struggle to keep myself upright. With the footsteps of death, I start to retreat when his next words stop me in my tracks,

"Isabella will never find out about this; I'll make sure of that."

Too late, bastard. With anger filling every part of my being, I return to my room. The journey back is not as complicated as before. I make it inside in no time and finally slump onto the floor. A whimper escapes my mouth and I block it with my palm. Hot tears sting my eye and threaten to spill but I blink them back rapidly.

This is not the time to show weakness. I'm in the enemy's territory; one slip up and I'll ruin every chance I have at avenging my father.

Revenge.

My husband is my father's murderer and as his child, I must avenge his wrongful death. The tears sting again as I remember my father and for the first time, I picture him lying in a pool of his own blood with Luca standing a few inches away; a dripping knife in his hand.

I close my eyes and will the gruesome image out of my head but it persists. I feel a headache consume me and manage to drag myself into the bathroom. Despite my current state, I'm impressed by the interior decoration of the place.

The bathroom is bigger than any I've ever seen. The walls are black and so are the floors.

Everything else? Pure gold; bath tubs, sinks, chandeliers, towel holders, cabinets, everything. I knew black and gold was a beautiful combination but lies before my eyes is beyond beautiful. It is exquisite. I see the best part when I look above me.

Everything around me is reflected on the mirror that serves as the ceiling. Wow!

I walk to one of the bath tubs and run my hands on its smooth surface.

I look at the identical tub beside it and wonder what the purpose behind this choice was. Perhaps, Luca doesn't like to share his personal space. Could it have been Giula's idea? I feel a little emotion fly past my heart. It was so fast that I conclude it wasn't even there in the first place.

Or could it be because I know nothing about my husband? Well, that is about to change. I would learn about everything about my husband, who also doubles as my father's murderer. Whatever spell the magnificent bathroom casted on me wore off at once and the initial anger I felt returned.

I need to postpone having a warm soak for later. I opt for a quick shower instead. I don't think I want to see Luca in this state, I might do something rash and ruin my revenge before it even starts. I need to gather as much information as I can. I also need evidence that Luca indeed committed the crime. So far, I only know that he was in the room.

The image from earlier rudely interrupts my thoughts and I shake it off. I rush the rest of my shower and hurry out of the beautiful space. Thankfully, I find my suitcase resting against a wall in the dressing room. I really need to meet with whoever planned the interior decoration of this room. I might be needing their talents and skills soon.

I pick out what I would have worn on a regular day but decide against it; I am not that little girl anymore. I am now the wife of Luca Romano, the consigliere of the Romano Empire. I pick out something more befitting and applaud myself mentally. The person staring back at me in the mirror looks absolutely stunning. No indication whatsoever of the war raging within me.

On my way out of the mansion, I do not run into Luca. The universe must be on my side. A lady dressed in a maid's attire bows to me and I flinch internally. I'm used to getting this treatment but the title "Signora" will require a little more time.

I reply to her salutation and request for car keys. She doesn't ask any questions before leading me to the garage. I'm presented with a fleet of cars; no brand unrepresented. I make my choice and drive the machine to the familiar location in mind.

As I pull into my father's driveway, I fight back more tears. Mother meets me in the hallway and we hug warmly but she doesn't miss the sadness on my face."Is my angel missing me already?"

I manage a small smile. "When do I ever not? I need to discuss something with you. Are you busy?"

"Not for you daughter, no," she says cheerfully. We discuss over some biscuits and tea. I only ask her questions about the night of father's death. She insists father was alone that night and I don't push further; she must not know of my suspicions.

For the next two and half hours, I speak with some of the helps in the house. They talk about how good a man my father was and some even burst into tears. I feel tears well up in my eyes too. Not because of their touching tributes but because of frustration. Nobody saw him with any guests.

I go into my father's study and burst into tears. I weep uncontrollably, the feeling of failure overwhelming me greatly. I don't hear the doors open so I'm startled at the sound of "Signora."

I wipe my tears and look up at the frail maid. "Si?" I ask. With her eyes on the ground, she mutters...

"Signore Luca was with master on the day of his death."