Antonio's POV :

The morning sun was just starting to cast its rays over the hills of Ravello as I prepared for my trip to Los Angeles. The Bianchi family had business interests all over the world, and it was crucial to maintain control and ensure that everything ran smoothly. This trip was supposed to be routine, just another part of the endless balancing act that was my life. But something felt different this time. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in my chest as I packed my bags.

Isabella's face flashed in my mind, her eyes blazing with anger and pain. Our last conversation had left a mark on me deeper than any I had ever known. Her words haunted me, and I knew that leaving her now, even for a few days, was a risk. But I had no choice. Duty called, and I had to answer.

As I boarded the private jet, I couldn't help but think of her. I replayed our conversations over and over in my mind, trying to understand the emotions that surged within me. She was right to be angry. I had taken her from her home, from everything she knew and loved. But I also knew that her father's defiance had put her in danger, and I had done what I thought was necessary to protect her.

The flight to Los Angeles was long and gave me too much time to think. I tried to focus on the upcoming meetings, the deals that needed to be made, and the alliances that needed to be strengthened. But Isabella's face kept intruding into my thoughts. I knew that I had to find a way to make things right, to show her that she could trust me. But how? In my world, trust was a rare and precious commodity, easily broken and hard to earn.

We landed in Los Angeles just as the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city. The contrast between the bustling city and the quiet, serene Ravello was stark. I felt out of place here, like an intruder in a world that moved too fast and too carelessly. But I had a job to do, and I couldn't afford to be distracted.

The first meeting was with a group of investors who had interests in our new venture. It was crucial to secure their support, and I was confident that I could persuade them. But as I sat at the table, discussing figures and projections, my mind kept drifting back to Isabella. I wondered what she was doing, if she was thinking of me, and how I could ever make her understand my actions.

After the meeting, I returned to the hotel, exhausted but restless. I poured myself a glass of whiskey and stood by the window, looking out at the city lights. It was then that my phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but I answered it, my instincts on high alert.

"Antonio Bianchi," the voice on the other end said, cold and menacing. "We know where you are. And we know about the girl."

My heart raced. "Who is this?"

"That's not important," the voice replied. "What is important is that you leave Los Angeles. Now. Or you and your little girlfriend will pay the price."

I hung up, my mind racing. This was no idle threat. In my world, threats like this were all too real. I needed to get out of here, but more importantly, I needed to make sure Isabella was safe. I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door, my thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination.

As I exited the hotel, I saw them. A group of men, shadows in the dim light, moving towards me with deadly intent. I had no time to think. Instincts honed from years of living on the edge took over. I ducked behind a car just as the first shots rang out, the sound echoing through the night.

I returned fire, my heart pounding in my chest. I had faced death many times before, but this was different. This time, I had something to lose. Isabella's face flashed before my eyes, giving me the strength to fight back with everything I had.

As I entered the SUV, I felt a sudden pain in my side. I had been hit. My vision blurred, but I forced myself to keep my eyes open. We managed to reach the aerport, and my men sped us away from the scene. As the adrenaline began to wear off, the pain became more intense, and I felt myself slipping into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, I was in a safe house, lying on a makeshift bed. My side was bandaged, and the room smelled of antiseptic. One of my men, Marco, was sitting nearby, a worried expression on his face.

"Boss, you're awake," he said, relief evident in his voice. "We thought we might lose you there for a moment."

I struggled to sit up, the pain flaring in my side. "Isabella?"

"She's fine, don't be scared. The only problem is that we might have a traitor among us and we need to be more careful."

I nodded, my mind already racing with plans. "We can't afford any more mistakes. I need to get back to Ravello. I need to see Isabella."

Marco gave me a knowing look. "She's been worried about you. We all have."

As I lay back, exhaustion washing over me, I thought of Isabella. Her anger, her hurt, her fierce determination. I had risked my life to ensure our survival, but it was more than that. I needed to protect her, to make things right. The thought of her was the only thing that kept me going.

The journey back to Ravello was long and painful, but I refused to let it slow me down. When we finally arrived, I went straight to the estate. Isabella was in the garden, her back to me as she tended to the flowers. My heart ached at the sight of her.

"Isabella," I called softly.

She turned, her eyes widening in surprise and then narrowing in anger. "Antonio! What happened to you?"

I approached her slowly, wincing with each step. "I had to go to LA to secure a truce. It was dangerous, and I got hurt. But I'm here now."

Her anger flared. "You think just showing up injured will make everything okay? You kidnapped me, Antonio! You've turned my life upside down!"

"I know," I said, my voice filled with regret. "And I'm sorry. But I did it to protect you, to protect us. I can't lose you, Isabella."

She stared at me, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "You don't understand, Antonio. This isn't just about you. It's about the choices you made, the life you've forced me into."

"I understand," I said quietly. "But I promise you, I will do everything I can to make this right. Just give me a chance."

Isabella looked at me for a long moment, then turned away. "You have a lot to prove, Antonio. And I don't know if I can ever forgive you."

As I watched her walk away, I knew she was right. The road to redemption would be long and difficult. But for Isabella, I was willing to face whatever came my way. I had survived the dangers of LA for her, and I would survive this too.

Antonio is COMPLETELY in love !