ince her arrival, gnawing away in the quiet moments. Hesitating for a moment, she swallowed back her nerves, rose, and reached for

glinting with cold contempt. She entered the room, her dismissiv

ina's brow arched as she spoke,

la's voice was soft, hesitant, bu

r tone made Isabella lower her gaze to the floor, sham

" Caterina's voice

ing Caterina's steely eyes. Her throat

was fierce, and Isabella felt a

, stay here. But don't get comfortable," she said, her tone venomous. "You don't belon

abella replied,

as Alex's wife," Caterina sneere

act of goodwill that I haven't thrown you out yet. You're lucky to even breathe the same air a

ump forming in her throat as the first tear slipped down her cheek. She collapsed back onto the sof

family? And Alex... would he treat me as his wife? What does Alex think of

d eventually, exhaustion overtook her. She drif

-

Blinking against the light streaming in through the wi

ed. Isabella followed them to the living lounge, her heart heavy

red to a tall, well-dressed man standing beside her, his p

es-one of our most loyal staff members." Isabella offered a respectful nod toward Da

and instruct you on what's expected of you," Caterina

a to follow. As they began walking, Caterina's voice trailed a

replied, leading Isa

-

e expected to follow them. First, you rise at dawn; there's no sleeping in. The lady's needs come first, and everythi

, clutching her hands ne

at means complete obedience. I'll be watching your every move." His eyes narrowed slightly. "And do

tly, her anxiety buil

are not an exception. Rule two: Speak only when spoken to. Rule three: Perfection is the standard. Mistakes are

face her. "Rule six-you don't belo

e not reaching his eyes. "Miss Caterina likes her breakfast a certain way. Her omelets should have no seasoning, soft edges, and no browning. Her co

ammered, feeling her pulse qu

ina isn't known for her patience." He watched her for a moment before turni

s her nerves allowed. Dante's presence loomed be

o you even know how to use a k

djusted her grip, her anxie

uttered. "We don

d as he escorted her back to the dining room. Isabell

akfast is ready,

taking a seat. She surveyed the table, and the disdain that crossed her face was immediate. He

this?" sh

er voice dripping with contempt,

ill creeping up her spine as Caterin

t explain my

f to the side, his expression betraying nothing

instructions," I

e was sharp. She turned to Dant

smoothly, feigning regret.

eks burned wit

tastes like dishwater. And the toast? Burnt to a crisp. I

bella stammered, swallowing

e icy. "Sorry doesn't fix incompetence. If you're goin

She fought back the sting of tears, willing herself to remain composed under Caterina'

s your first and only warning. Next time, yo

back tears, her hands trembling as she ga

muttered under his breath. "