Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ISABELLE
L eave Sicily if you value your life.
I found the note in my handbag while in the changing room while I was out shopping for some new clothes. The words were bold and clear and so was the message.
As soon as I read the note, I felt a chill run down my spine.
It could be a prank , I considered, trying to make myself feel better, and tried to forget about it. I will not tell anyone, not even Vincenzo. Not yet. He could lock me up again, and I can’t go through that again.
The next day, I found another note in my coat pocket. This one read: You're not safe here.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that someone was watching me, following me. I was being targeted.
But it was the third note that shattered any sense of security I had left.
I returned to my room one evening to find a piece of paper on my pillow. The message was simple but chilling: We are always watching.
I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized that someone had been in my room, and had been close enough to harm me.
I was paralyzed with fear, unsure of what to do or who to turn to. But this had gone too far, I had to tell Vincenzo.
“I’ve been receiving threats,” I said, walking into his study. I could only keep it a secret for so long, he had to know. In one swift moment, I dropped the papers on his desk and sat down.
“Were these all from today?” He asked, reading what was on the papers.
“No, they-” before I could finish my sentence, Vincenzo started to speak.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He asked, looking furious. How could he be angry at me right now?
“I’m telling you now.”
Vincenzo sighed, running his hands through his hair. He looked worried through his ire. “I’m just trying to keep you safe,” he said, his gaze softening.
“I know,” I said, feeling bad, I knew he was just trying to help, “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry that these threats even got to you in the first place. I promise I’ll protect you, no matter what it takes. I will keep you safe.”
“Okay, I trust you,” I said, looking up at him. I trusted that he would keep his word, but I knew it wouldn't be easy - the threats had already shown me that I was vulnerable, that there was no safe place for me.
Vincenzo's determination to protect me was reassuring, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I felt like I was living in a nightmare, with no escape from the fear that gripped me. I knew I had to find a way to take control, to fight back against those who sought to harm me. But for now, I was trapped in a living hell, with no clear way out.
I tried to put on a brave face for Vincenzo, but he could see right through me. I was terrified, and it was getting harder to hide. The fear was suffocating, making it hard to breathe, hard to think. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Vincenzo spent long hours with Pietro, trying to come up with a plan to keep me safe. I knew he was doing everything he could, but it was hard to shake the feeling of vulnerability. I felt like I was a target, always looking over my shoulder, waiting for Don Antonio's next move.
I tried to hide my anxiety, but Vincenzo could see the toll it was taking on me. My calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a fragile fa?ade that was barely holding together. I was a nervous wreck, and I knew it was affecting our relationship. Vincenzo was trying to be strong for me, but I could see the worry in his eyes. And there wasn’t much he could do with the election coming up. The scrutiny of the Cupola was too close for comfort, and we were stuck under their watchful eye.
I felt like I was losing myself in all of this. I was constantly on edge, my nerves frayed and raw. I just wanted to feel safe again, to be able to walk down the street without looking over my shoulder. But until Don Antonio was brought to justice, I knew that was a distant dream.
Sarah's arrival at the estate was a breath of fresh air. She had learned about the threats and, without hesitation, she came to offer her support. After leaving Mark for good, she had decided to remain in Palermo to celebrate her newfound freedom, and now I was grateful for her unwavering loyalty and support. I couldn’t have done it alone.
I knew now I could always count on her, no matter what.
But even with Sarah by my side, the fear and anxiety still lingered. I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped, of being a pawn in a game I didn't want to play. I knew I had to find a way to take control, to fight back against those who sought to harm me.
I couldn't keep living like this. The constant danger and need for vigilance had created a barrier between Vincenzo and me.
I couldn't help but wonder if our fake engagement arrangement had been a huge mistake.
I felt trapped, with no clear way out.