Chapter 20

The atmosphere had turned strange since Isa's conversation with her friend Paloma and the incident with her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Griselda. Isabella now lived in Aléssio's apartment; they hadn't discussed marriage yet, but Aléssio promised to leave the life of trafficking and dedicate himself solely to the family. He just needed to find someone to be his successor.
Loneliness enveloped Isabella like a shadow as she walked through the empty corridors of Aléssio's house. The decision to live with him, away from her friends and the usual bustle, began to weigh on her thoughts. Paloma had decided to distance herself, stating that life alongside a drug lord was too dangerous, and she wasn't willing to take the risk.
Isabella looked around the living room, imagining how great it would be to have her friends sitting on that huge charcoal-gray suede sofa. She smiled at the thought, envisioning Paloma with her craziness and Gi, her coworker, with her sly comments. However, only the echo of her own footsteps disturbed the quietude. The phone, which once rang frantically, now kept Isabella company in silence.
While spending her days immersed in thoughts, Isabella began to question her decision. Had she been impulsive in moving into Aléssio's house, aiming to build a family with the most feared drug lord? Aléssio barely stayed at home, and Isa wondered if he would be that absent husband and father.
As time passed, Isabella started to wonder if she was losing the independence she had always valued. The freedom she had with her friends, her own spaces, and routines now seemed distant. She questioned whether the move to Aléssio's house was causing more discomfort than the intended convenience.
Sitting at the kitchen table, she watched the sunset through the window, reflecting on her choices. Memories of joyful moments with her friends began to populate her thoughts, and a sense of nostalgia invaded her. She wondered if Aléssio fully understood the importance of these friendships to her. Her social media had nothing and no one interesting since everyone in it knew her as a prostitute, and she wanted to leave that phase of her life behind.
Throughout the week, Isabella confronted her emotions in silence, hoping that time would bring her more clarity. She found herself eager to resume her social interactions, to share laughter and confidences with her friends. The loneliness, once seen as a necessary break, was now a challenge she questioned if she was ready to face full-time.
Saturday morning dawned gray, the sun reluctant to appear. Isabella, shrouded in the melancholy of the weather, remained by the window, lost in her own thoughts. The gentle sound of rain against the glass seemed to echo her introspective feelings.
While she gazed at the raindrops trickling down the window, an unexpected movement caught her attention. A shadow appeared in the corner of her field of vision. Surprised, Isabella blinked to make sure of what she saw. Upon focusing, she recognized Aléssio, the enigmatic host of the local cartel, standing outside with an intriguing smile on his lips.
Without hesitation, Isabella opened the window and stared at Aléssio with curiosity, his smile transcending the longing she felt for her beloved lover. The rain fell softly on Aléssio's white shirt, marking his body, and it seemed not to bother him.
Aléssio, with a velvety voice revealing an enticing accent, said, "I have a proposal for you, something that can bring a bit of light to this rather gray morning. Wait, I'll come in."
Intrigued and cautious, Isabella eagerly awaited Aléssio's entrance. As soon as he stepped through the door, she seized him with passion, already tearing off his wet shirt, igniting the flame of the lover who couldn't resist the enthusiasm of his beloved.
— Wow, you're lively today! — Aléssio exclaimed in surprise.
— I missed you, my love! What are you up to? — she asked, not interrupting the kisses and caresses.
— Tomorrow is my birthday, and I'm organizing a small celebration. I would love to have you there. It will be an unforgettable party with friends and, of course, some of my most loyal henchmen. It will be a farewell to the world of trafficking. From then on, I'll be only yours and of this little creature that is coming, — he smiled and affectionately caressed Bella's belly.
Isabella raised an eyebrow, unsure of how to react. Aléssio's reputation and his involvement with the cartel were not unnoticed. However, the temptation to participate in something so outside her routine was undeniable.
— What do you think, Bella? It would be a night to remember," continued Aléssio, tossing the now semi-nude Bella onto the sofa and crawling towards her face.
She pondered for a moment, feeling the adrenaline pulsating through her veins. She didn't know what she would encounter, how she would be received, if the friends would treat her well, or if they would even consider her as Aléssio's woman, given Isa's reputation that preceded her — she was in demand in the world of prostitution.
— Alright, Aléssio. I'll go to your birthday party. I hope I am well received. I'm a bit apprehensive because of my past, you know.
Aléssio's smile widened, revealing a mysterious satisfaction.
— You will be treated like a queen because that's what you are now. My queen, — Aléssio declared, grabbing her forcefully and kissing every part of her naked body.
Even with Isabella's belly revealing an unusual volume, Aléssio desired her like he had never desired anyone in his entire life. Isa was everything he had dreamed of, and the baby on the way would complete the family he had waited so long to build.
After surrendering to intense and exhilarating pleasure, Aléssio leaned back on the sofa with Isabella between his shapely legs, her red hair highlighting her unique beauty.
— You know, Bella. If anything happens to me, I want you to have everything that is mine. You and our child, have everything you need to live comfortably.
— Love, what are you saying? — Isa raised the upper part of her body and looked Aléssio in the eyes, "What do you think could happen?
Aléssio lowered his gaze, and a sad breeze clouded his face.
— Remember what I told you about power? It always has two sides, like a double-edged sword. I'm not saying it will happen, but I'll make sure that everything that is mine goes to you and the baby.
Bella fell silent, and a lump formed in her throat. The dream she had always pursued was finally coming true, but a touch of insecurity invaded her body. The fear of one day waking up to news she never, ever wanted to receive.
ut what was to come was much more than just news. Isabella's phone, which hadn't rung in a long time, vibrated on the coffee table in the living room. Isa got up, covered herself with Aléssio's shirt, and saw an unknown number on the screen. Her expression changed; Isa became apprehensive and immediately thought of her past with JJ.
— Do you mind if I take this call outside? — Isa asked Aléssio, out of consideration for their new life together.
— Of course not, my queen. Feel free; I'll take a shower.
Isa went out to the balcony facing the sea and cautiously answered the phone while Aléssio took a shower. When Aléssio finished his shower, he noticed that Isa was still on the balcony and went there, finding a different Isabella. It was as if Aléssio had never been the love of her life, as if he had never been her choice to love.
— Is everything okay, Bella? — he asked, concerned.
— I'm fine! — Isa replied coldly and got up from the sun lounger, heading to the bathroom.
Aléssio, not understanding, looked until Bella closed herself in the bathroom without looking back. He searched for her phone and realized it wasn't anywhere. The atmosphere of doubt, tension, and insecurity abruptly consumed Aléssio; he didn't know if he should approach Isabella to find out what had happened or if it was better to give her space until she decided to tell him what was going on.
— Love, let's go. It's already time. — Alessio hurries Isabella, who is taking a long time in the room getting ready for the birthday party. Isabella didn't respond, not with a single word. Since she received a mysterious call, Isa closed herself off so that not even Alessio's caresses and affection could make her utter a single word.
Alessio was eager for the party, could hardly wait to share this special moment with Isabella. He repeatedly checked the clock impatiently while waiting for her response. After an eternity that seemed longer than it actually was, Alessio decided to knock on the door of the room, and Isabella neither responded nor opened the door. Alessio turned the handle, hoping to see her stunning in her party attire.
However, a surprised expression spread across his face when he realized she still wasn't ready.
— Bella, we're late! — Alessio exclaimed, trying to disguise his disappointment. — I know," she responded indifferently and nervously. "Sorry, I'm not going." Alessio tried to stay calm, but the frustration still reflected in his gaze. He took a deep breath, sat next to Isabella on the edge of the king-size bed, placed his arm over Isabella's shoulder, pushed the wavy strand of her hair back, and gently stroked her chin with his fingertips.
– Okay! Do you want to talk? – Aléssio tried to be understanding. He really didn't know what was going on with Isabella; since that call, she had gone from affectionate and sweet to standoffish and rude with him. – Is it related to the call you received the other day?
Isabella glanced quickly at Aléssio as if surprised by his assumption.
– No. It has nothing to do with it. I just don't want to go. – She tried to sound cold, but the distress vibrating in her eyes showed how troubled she was. – You can go. You'll end up missing your party.
– If you're not comfortable, I won't go either. I'll stay here keeping you company...
– No, Aléssio! The party is yours. How can there be a party without the protagonist? Go on, everyone is waiting for you.
– Tell me what happened, Bella. I can help you.
– You always think you can fix everything, don't you? You've always lived behind the mask of being powerful just because of your money. – Isa shouted in a way Aléssio had never witnessed. – Well, let me tell you something, Aléssio, in the real world, there are people who can't solve their problems with money. There are people who don't have the power you do.