Chapter 17: Unapoken Trutha
isabel sat in the backwat of Alberta’s sleek black car, the world outside belarring into moded prys and greets as they drove back to Matteo’s estate Alberto’s face remained stony, his hands gripping the steering wheel a toughly. The stence between them was thick, pressing on label with a strange weight the couldn’t quite shake she wanted to say
bet the look in Albert’s egen held her that words would be welcome.
something thing to break the tensken
What bad she done to case this reaction? She’d strophy stopped not let a while, surely, that didn’t want this level of unease. Yet, as she glanced at Alberto’s set jaw and rigid ponure, she malined that whatever lar shad wouldn’t be as slurple as she hopel
Theyfisalk pulled up to the imposing gates et Matteo’s mansion, the kon bars swinging open slowly as it even they were reluctant to let her in Alberto didn’t so much as glance het won when sheepened the door and stepped out, his eyes trained forward Ashe moved toward the house, his voke halted her steps.
“Matteo isn’t very happy,” he said in a low, warning tone. “You’d better have a good explanation”
The words settled In het stomach like a rock. She didn’t respond; she merely worded and continand ng the stone steps, feeling the weight of Aberto’s proner back
Stepping inside, she was struck by the cold grandeur of Matteo’s home. High ceilings stretched above her, supported by moet de pillars that gleamed in the dim light filtering through laps, frosted windows. Expenshee artwork lined the walls–dak, moody pieces that seemed to echo the tension hanging in the ar. The entire place was immaculate, trom the polished floors to the sleek, mintvalist brutture And yet, I Ich erypet, cebl, as though warmth liad na placelete
Footsteps echood from above, breaking the silence, and tabel looked up to see Matten descending the grand sisease Hemmed with quiet grace, but there was an edge in his demeanor, a coldness in his eyes that sent a chill through her.
“Babel,” he greeted, his tone that, devoid of any wannith, “Care to explain schere you went?”
She straight, meeting his game. I went out for a walk,” shemplied, keeping her voice as steady as possile needed some fresh air.”
He raised an evebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Alone? without infanting anyone?”
She bit her lip, feeling her imitation bubbling beneath the surface. “I didn’t think I needed to report my every covement”
“you could have at least taken an escort,” he replied, his tone laced with disapproval “Anything could have happened.”
“I told Sama” she shot back, het mustration bleeding through “I thought that would be margh.”
Heated, crossing his arms. “The maid? You think telling her is the same as buforming me?”
The accusation felt unwarranted, and her irritation only grew. “She was the only person 1s before lett 1 did think it was such a crime to want a moment to myself.”
Mameo’s game hardened, his jaw clenching, “you don’t understand, Isabel. This isn’t about freedom. There are risks involved here ones you can’t begin to comprehend.”
“Then maybe you should start explaining them to me,” she snapped, crossing her aims. “You and every nechekmpacting like I’m a child like I’m apete fragile thing to be protected. Thave a right to know what’s going on.”
Sümerstretched between them, tense and heway. She searched his face for any sign of compromise, any hint that he might finallyoell her something–anything—but his
“Some things are bener lett hidden,” he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
Her patience was wearing thin. “Don’t you think I deserve to know?” she challenged, her wolce rising, “Or do you expect me to just stay in the dark, a prisoner to whatever secrets you’re all keeping”
He held her gaze, the tension between them cracking. “If you want to act like this is just some game, then go ahead,” he said, his voice chilingly calm. “But whatever you do, stay
The mention of Don’s name caught her off guard “why?” she demanded, feeling her frustration spike “What is it about him that has you so on edge
His expression darkmed, a shadow passing over his face. “For your own good–and for his–hist stray.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You can’t keep me in the dark forever, Matteo, Whatever it is you’re hiding, it will come out eventually.
His jaw rightened, and he took a step closer, his voice lowering to a new grow. “Drop it, Isabel. This isn’t a maller of curiosity.
She met hispit, her frustration boling own. “Fine. If you don’t tell me, then til just keep playing dumb. But don’t expect me to blindly follow your nudes.”
Without waring for his response, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, her heart racing with anger and hurt. The heavy silence in the house pressed down on her as she walked back to her room, and sheet the weight of Matteo’s need secrets.
Once in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in her hands. She felt a storm of emotions churning inside heren, confusion, hurt–angled together in a kat she couldn’t unde she needed to talk to someone, someone who would listen hout judgment. Fumbling for her phone, she dated Vin’s number,
The phone rang a few times before Vivi’s cheerful face filled the screen, “lubell Finally! 1 was starting to think you’d disappeared at the face of the earth.”
belforced a smile, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spillover. “Hey, VIL It’s it’s been a long day.”
Vivd’s lace softened, concerned about replacing her smile. “What happened?”
hubel took a deep breath, recounting everything from her insecar ride with Alberto to the confrontation with Matteo to the suttocating secrecy that seed to surround everything here Ved listened intently, her face growing more concerned with nich ward.
When she lined, Visi shook her head. “Isabel, it sounds like they’re hiding something seriousnut maybe pushing them won’t get you the answers you need Sametimes… sometimes you have to let things settle before they come into the light”
habel sighed, nodding jalke I’m walking through a maze, blindfolded Everyone here is holding pieces of the puzle, but no one will let me see them,”
Vivoffered a sympathetic smile. “Maybe give it a rest tonight. Sleep on Tomorrow might bring some clarity.”
trabel managed a small smile. “Thanks, VM. Ineeded that”
“Arrytetur, Ina. Now, go get rest. And remember, I’m just a call away.”
After they ended the rall, Isabellay bakun the bed, staring up at the ceiling, Matteo’s warning replayed in her mind, as dal the questions surrounding Don. It was cleve whatever was happening here ram deeper than abar’d imagined
Tomorrow, she will start finding our the truth, She was done playing the passte pole and be kept in the dark. If Matteo wanted by to stay away from Don, he’d have to ghee her Areason. Otherwise, she would get her answers in her own derius..
