and Giovanni lifted her gently, though her eyes remained closed, her face pale. She had fainted, remaining unconscious for nearly ten minutes. Her family tried to revive her,

But Isabella, attempting to appear strong, shook her head. "No ne

know what you're getting into?" His dark, unreadable eyes met hers, and

one exuding authority. "Alex, are you ready to marry Isabella?" she asked, as th

exhaling a heavy s

ing, her words laced with thinly veiled sarcasm. "I thought you invited us to your husband's wedding, not to publicly

ntion of humiliating your daughter." With graceful steps, Caterina approached Sophia, rea

"Then why are you throwing this

ove your worth, dear Sophia. You need to show what you can bring to the family and how far you're willing

softly, eyes lowered, he

dismissive. "She's just here to repay her fath

riest. "Proceed with the wedding," she commanded. The priest hesitated, casting uncertain gla

the wedding" left her reeling. But it was Alex's response-a sharp, cutting silence-that electrified the room. A n

s mother, his tone filled with mounting frustration. "You're seriously expecting me t

sed brow. "Yes, Alex. The family c

ays thought would be his bride. Sophia's face paled, her delicate features twisted i

id, voice smooth yet steely, "you're a Moret

growing sense of unease, fingers tightening around her purse as she cast glares at the M

arely suppressing his fury. "You can't jus

traveled slowly, appraising Isabella in a way that made her shift uncomfortably. "

the underlying intent in her husband's words. "And what exactly are you suggesting,

what we're forcing upon Alex. Perhaps she'd be better off under my protection. She doesn't need t

s. Giovanni's words bore a tone of subtle but undeniable possession

. "Giovanni, I don't think Isabella has expressed any such desire for protection. Be

contained. "I may not want this, but I won't just stand by and let you..." He trailed off, shaking his head, his face contor

was a triumphant glint in her eyes, as though she had just won a silent ba

ng with a barely restrained power struggle. After a tense pause, he conceded, though not without a

th bitterness. But as he moved to stand beside Caterina, he leaned close to her, murmuring

he looked between Alex and Giovanni, sensing the underlying tension but

hed his parents' power struggle unfold, each wor

thought of handing her over to his father-a man who wore his lust thinly disguised as protection-churned his stomach with equal disgust. His jaw clenched as he thought of Giovanni's possessive

w the helplessness reflected in her own wide eyes. He felt a pang, a quiet guilt, b

reluctant contempt. "I'll go through with this

n, and disgust. With a resigned sigh, he stepped forward, his voice tight as he l

and helpless resignation. His hand outstretched toward Isabella. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their shared reluctance. With a silent nod, she placed her hand in h

like a formality, an obligation that ch

ment ago, she'd been set to marry Giovanni, the man she barely knew, but now, her fate was sealed to his son. Her vo

m together. As the final blessing was given, the room remained hushed, the air heavy with unsaid emotions and

the wedding was sealed. Isabella wa

ing it just a bit too long. "Welcome to the family, Isabella," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her in a way that made her

tly, pulling her hand back, her gaze averted, e

her. Gasps filled the room, and everyone's attention turned to her. Alex was the first to react, rushing to her side and lifting her into

the vast, ornate hall. She felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet, leaving her in a place she no longer

ge and imposing, its architecture exuding power and legacy. Marble pillars rose to great heights, gleaming under the dim lights that lined the entrance, and intricately carved wall

adorned with plush furniture, an ornate bed draped in the finest linens, and an en-suite bathroom that sparkled with pristine fixtures. Still feeling l

, pulling out a simple dress from her belongings. She lay down on the sofa, resting her head on the armr

o a restless sleep, a loud knock