Isabella's POV :

Days turned into weeks, and I felt like a bird trapped in a gilded cage. The luxury of the Bianchi estate was nothing more than a beautifully adorned prison. Despite Antonio's promises of protection and his attempts to make me feel comfortable, my anger and resentment towards him grew stronger each day. I knew I had to escape, to find my way back to the life I was forcefully taken from.

Antonio's injury from his trip to Los Angeles had only complicated my feelings. Seeing him wounded and vulnerable had tugged at my heart, but it did little to diminish my fury. His presence was a constant reminder of the choices he had made and the freedom he had stolen from me. I knew I needed to be smart, to wait for the right moment to make my move.

I spent my days pretending to accept my fate, biding my time and observing the routines of the guards and the staff. I paid close attention to their shifts, their comings and goings, and any possible weaknesses in the security. The Bianchi estate was heavily guarded, but no fortress was impenetrable.

One afternoon, I overheard a conversation between two guards about an upcoming event in town. It was clear that many of the men would be attending, leaving the estate with a skeleton crew. This would be my best chance to escape. I carefully laid my plans, ensuring that I had everything I needed to make a quick getaway.

The day finally arrived, and I felt a mixture of fear and determination. I had hidden a small bag with essentials—money, a map, and a change of clothes—underneath my bed. As the guards left for the event, I made my move. I slipped out of my room and made my way to the back of the estate, where the security was weakest.

My heart pounded in my chest as I navigated through the hallways, avoiding the few guards who remained. Every step felt like an eternity, but I knew I couldn't afford to hesitate. I reached the back door, unlocked it quietly, and slipped out into the cool evening air. I took a deep breath, the first taste of freedom in what felt like forever.

I moved quickly, sticking to the shadows and making my way to the edge of the estate. I knew there was a small gate that led to a narrow path through the woods, a path that would eventually take me to the main road. From there, I could find a way to contact my family and get back to Ravello.

As I approached the gate, I heard voices and froze. Two guards were patrolling the perimeter, their footsteps drawing closer. I pressed myself against the wall, praying they wouldn't notice me. They passed by without incident, and I released the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

I slipped through the gate and ran down the path, the trees closing in around me. The woods were dark, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins kept me moving. I could see the lights of the main road in the distance, and hope surged within me. I was almost free.

I emerged from the woods and onto the road, where I spotted a small, run-down motel. It wasn't much, but it would provide a temporary refuge while I figured out my next move. I made my way to the motel, my steps quick and purposeful.

The lobby was empty except for an elderly woman behind the counter. She looked up as I entered, her eyes widening slightly at my disheveled appearance. "Can I help you, dear?" she asked, her voice kind but curious.

"I need a room for the night," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just one night."

She nodded and handed me a key. "Room 203. It's just up the stairs."

"Thank you," I said, taking the key and heading towards the elevator. I pressed the button and waited, my nerves on edge. The elevator doors finally opened, and I stepped inside, feeling a sense of relief as they closed behind me.

I leaned against the wall, taking a moment to catch my breath. But my relief was short-lived. The elevator jolted to a stop, and the doors slid open. Standing there, with an expression of equal parts relief and fury, was Antonio.

"Isabella," he said, his voice low and tense. "What are you doing?"

I stared at him, my heart sinking. "I'm leaving, Antonio. I'm going home."

He stepped into the elevator, blocking the exit. "You can't go back. It's too dangerous. You don't understand what's at stake."

"I don't care!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over. "You took me from my home, my family, my life. I can't stay here, Antonio. I won't."

He reached out, his hand gently touching my arm. "Isabella, please. I did what I had to do to protect you. I know you're angry, but running away won't solve anything."

I pulled away from him, tears of anger and desperation streaming down my face. "You don't get to decide what's best for me. You don't own me, Antonio."

His eyes darkned, and for a moment, I saw the lust in him that had initially drawn me in. "That's what you don't understand you are mine, wether you like it or not you, you live with me and only obey to me" he said while insisting firmly. "So, you thought I was stupid and  you can escape me easily, but no Isabella, you're trapped with me until I find a solution. I can't let you go. Not like this."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside meand trying to control my blushing. "Then what do you want from me? To just accept this life you've forced on me? To pretend that everything's okay?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I want to make things right. I want to find a way for us to be safe, together. But I need time."

"Time?" I repeated, my voice breaking. "Time for what? To keep me locked up while you figure out your next move?"

"Time to fix this," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "To protect you and your family. To bring an end to this madness. Please, Isabella. Trust me."

I stared at him, torn between my desire for freedom and the part of me that still cared for him. "And if I refuse?"

He looked at me with a sadness that cut through my anger. "Then I will stop you and haunt you day by day until you understand that you belong to me. But know this—if you leave now, you're putting yourself in grave danger. And I won't be there to save you everytime while there's a traitor lurking."

His words hung in the air, and I felt a surge of helplessness. I didn't want to believe him, but deep down, I knew he was right. The world he inhabited was one of constant threats and shifting alliances. I was a pawn in a game I barely understood.

I took a step back, my shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine," I said quietly. "I'll stay. But don't think for a second that this means I forgive you."

Antonio nodded, his expression unreadable. "I understand. And I promise you, Isabella, I will do everything in my power to make this right."

As the elevator doors closed, I felt a mixture of relief and sorrow. I had made my choice, but the road ahead was uncertain. I could only hope that Antonio's promise wasn't just another lie, and that one day, I would find a way to reclaim my freedom.

Antonio is a little bit possesive !