Married to a Ruthless Mafia Lord

tep closer to freedom-and farther away from Rafael. Every room in their mansion felt haunted by memories she was determined to leave behind. She wou

t over the darkened city. A part of her hoped he'd come home early, that he'd seek her out, that

asleep, but instead, she stayed where she was, watching as he quietly entered the room. Their eyes met,

is jacket. "I heard you leave some things for the staff to send to

d softly, folding her arms. "I

set his things aside. Silence stretch

rawness in his tone. He paused, as if wrestling with something unspeakable. "You coul

m light. Her heart thudded in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Why?" she aske

t with that familiar, steely look. "I never asked you to pretend anyt

be you did, but I didn't think I'd have to sacrifice every part of myse

e might finally say something real, something that would reach through the

her throat. She waited for him to stop her, to say something that would make her stay

bedroom, her footsteps echoing do

ht. The weight of her decision settled over her, bittersweet but resolute. She was taking control

l striding toward her, his face set in a mixture of determination and desperation. People stared as he appro

s voice strained, almos

d herself to stay strong. "Why, Rafael

en before. "Because I... I need you, Isabella. I thought I could keep you at a d

held his gaze. "You hurt me,

ose you, Isabella. Not like this. Not when I'm finally ready to-" He broke off, h

ng between them for so long. "I don't know if I can trust you again," she said quietly. "You

n," he said, his voice roug

her in an unstoppable wave. She looked at him, at the man she'd loved and lost and found again in a single

ars. "Then show me, Rafael. Prove to

e leaned into him, letting the walls she'd built around her own heart crumbl

irport, Isabella knew that their journey was far from ov