Chapter 21

"Isabella's euphoria, but one thing he understood and reflected deeply upon over the years of his life in the drug trade. Aléssio always saw disoriented and family-less youths getting involved with drugs, unable to achieve their goals and dreams, or even lacking any life perspective. He rested his elbows on his knees, crossed his fingers in front of his body, and lowered his head, staring at his white Vans sneakers with rolled-up pants revealing his ankles.
Demonstrating a posture of interest and understanding, Aléssio knelt in front of Isabella, held her hands in his, and lifted his gaze to meet hers.
— Bella! — he began the speech calmly, not wanting to appear authoritative or arrogant, — I understand. Trust me! I truly understand. A discreet tear welled up in the corner of Aléssio's eyes, surprising Isabella. — I witness things in this life that I wish I could change; if I could, I would change a lot with money. But what I really want to change goes beyond what I can do.
— Why did you agree to do something you don't believe in? Why not just leave the life of a drug dealer? — Isa asked calmly without a tone of judgment.
— It's what I want most in this life, but it's not that easy, — he began in a desperate tone — witnessing my father being murdered and left to bleed to death was so painful for me. Nobody cared about a man who earned a living trafficking drugs and solving things with a revolver. The police made me give up being a civilian police officer when they let my father die on purpose, saying he wouldn't be missed in society. My chest filled with... — Aléssio clenched his fists, and Isa saw his jaw move.
— Calm down! I know what you must be feeling. I've been through similar things on the streets, and I'm not proud of it. It's as if some people have more importance than others. It still distresses me.
— Yes... — Aléssio expressed through gritted teeth, a knot closing his throat. — All I wanted at that moment was revenge, and after joining the cartel for revenge, it was difficult to leave since I started my duties at seventeen. I didn't know how to do anything else, and my father's henchmen used me because my father was powerful, and my last name carried that power.
Isabella looked at him, her eyes expressing deep anguish and a perverse melancholy that tortured the girl's soul as if she were trapped in barbed wire without being able to move. Time felt that melancholy and decided to put more intensity into that moment. A thunderous thunder shook the stained glass windows of the room. The lightning cracked, reflecting the sad and melancholic looks at each other.
— I believe in you, my love! — Bella finally spoke, caressing her beloved's well-groomed beard. — Come on, I'll get ready, and we'll leave soon, or you'll miss the most important party of your life, and I don't want to be the reason for that.
— But won't you tell me what's bothering you? — Aléssio wanted to know.
— Not today! We'll have plenty of time to solve our problems. — Isabella planted a quick kiss on Aléssio's lips.
While Isabella quickly got up to get ready, Aléssio sighed deeply, relieved. The anticipation of the party turned into anxiety, but he decided to be patient. He knew that, in the end, the important thing was to share these special moments together. And while waiting, he tried to calm down, keeping in mind that the night still had many surprises reserved for both of them.
The wind whispered, carrying with it a growing murmur. Distant thunder rumbled like ancient drums, announcing the imminent arrival of the storm. A diffuse and threatening light took over the environment, painting the landscape with dark and irregular tones. Each thunder echoed like a warning, a distant echo of something approaching, as the storm intensified, preparing the ground for the prelude still hidden on the horizon. The electricity in the air was palpable, loaded with the promise of an imminent transformation.
Aléssio marveled at the beautiful brunette walking by his side in the midst of the crowd and took pride in the fact that she was carrying his heir. He didn't care about the disapproving glances; in her line of work, such things were quite common. As they walked, Aléssio tenderly placed his hand on Isa's growing belly, showering constant kisses on the back of her hand.
The couple arrived at the party like a prince and a princess, earning contagious applause. Ever since the car entered the gates of the estate that Aléssio had rented for the celebration, the excitement was palpable. Isa felt uneasy; she wasn't accustomed to a life of fame and luxury.
Upon entering, Aléssio waved and smiled, proudly holding Isabella's hand.
— Do you know all these people? — Isabella asked, confused. She had never seen any of Aléssio's friends, let alone the henchmen providing security. Of course, many times, including in meetings with Isabella, he dismissed the henchmen to avoid appearing presumptuous.
— Some! — Aléssio responded with a smile, greeting the guests. — Many people here are opportunists, politicians, journalists, infiltrators. Every step can be a landmine.
— This makes me nervous. — Isa squeezed Aléssio's hand a little, seeking comfort.
— Calm down, my queen. Nothing will happen, okay? We're safe — he said, pointing to several burly men around them, armed to the teeth. — We'll be fine, you and our little one will be fine, alright?
Isabella nodded, still a bit apprehensive. But this was Aléssio's party, and she didn't want to spoil his broad smile with worries. Therefore, she didn't mention the phone call she had received the day before.
With the gentleness of a gentleman, Aléssio led his princess to a luxurious burgundy velvet armchair, requesting that she be served whatever she desired. The order was clear: treat Isabella like a true queen.
— May I have your attention, please? — Aléssio tapped gently on the edge of his whiskey glass, capturing the gaze of everyone present, who transformed into attentive subjects.
In an instant, the lively atmosphere turned into a reverent silence, all triggered by the simple clinking of glass.
Amidst a night illuminated by golden chandeliers, Aléssio gathered his most loyal associates and friends in the sumptuous hall, where the atmosphere pulsed with the elegance of a special event. The guests, impeccably dressed, awaited with anticipation the reason behind this pronouncement.
— Dear friends and comrades, the reason I have gathered you tonight goes beyond the fact that it is my birthday — Aléssio announced with a deep voice, attracting everyone's attention and prompting applause — thank you.
The murmuring in the room diminished, making room for a respectful silence.
— Isabella, this princess sitting here — Aléssio took Isabella's hand, conveying confidence and tenderness. — not only has won my heart, but from now on will be my partner for life, and...
Applause, cheers, and whistles interrupted the speech. Aléssio, with a calm demeanor, thanked them with a smile. Curious glances were fixed on the couple as Aléssio continued:
— Isabella will not only be my eternal companion but also the future mother of my heir, our symbol of continuity and love. — A gleam of happiness radiated from Aléssio's eyes, while Isabella displayed a smile full of significance.
The revelation was met with a wave of applause and expressions of joy. Congratulations blended with the clinking of glasses, celebrating not only the union of the couple but also the promise of a new generation.
The atmosphere, once tense with curiosity, transformed into an atmosphere of celebration and affection. Isabella and Aléssio, embraced in the warm arms of their friends and allies, embarked on a new chapter of their lives, where love, loyalty, and anticipation for the future were the protagonists of this memorable night.
Isabella was enveloped in an atmosphere of celebration, surrounded by laughter and animated conversations. The elegant hall radiated a soft light, highlighting the impeccably dressed guests. Aléssio's announcement still echoed in the air, and curious glances converged on the couple in the center of attention.
As Isabella surveyed the crowd, her eyes caught the imposing figure of her future mother-in-law, a woman of rigid posture and a distant expression. Through a gap in the crowd, Isabella witnessed a revealing moment: the imposing matriarch, visibly upset, turned her back, threw her champagne glass to the ground with a brusque and nervous gesture.
A knot formed in Isabella's stomach as she witnessed Griselda's reaction. The smiles and congratulations around her seemed to fade when she saw the woman retreating with a disappointed expression. Without hesitation, Isabella gently broke away from the conversation and headed towards where Griselda had gone. The festive atmosphere seemed to dissipate, replaced by a moment of tension.
— Mrs. Griselda, please wait! — Isabella called, trying to catch up before the distance widened. Griselda, without turning around, hesitated for a moment before continuing on her path. The news of the heir that Aléssio had shared seemed to have shaken the family dynamics, and the mother-in-law's reaction hinted at an unexpected turn of events.
The distinguished lady whispered something in the ear of the henchman accompanying her everywhere, entered the back door of the black Cadillac, and disappeared through the estate's exit, leaving a tense atmosphere and Isabella with a sense of fear and insecurity.
As Isa turned to return to the hall where the party was happening, she heard a voice that was not unfamiliar. The cries of a young man echoed through some garden plantations, capturing the attention of everyone in the house. The agony in his voice was undeniable, and the party was enveloped in a tense silence.
The desperate young man approached Isabella and held her firmly, as if she were his legitimate possession. His face was contorted with anger, and his desperate eyes met Isabella's.
— You are mine, Isabella! This child is mine! — the young man shouted, claiming a possession that seemed impossible.
Confusion spread through the room, and the stunned gazes of those present oscillated between Isabella and the young man. Aléssio, bewildered, moved forward to defend his beloved, but the tension in the air was palpable.
Isabella, with a mixture of incredulity and understanding, stared into the young man's face. The voice that disturbed her was his, but something was profoundly wrong. The young man, maintaining his grip, seemed trapped in a possession delirium.
Chaos unfolded, voices mixed, and the revelation left everyone perplexed. The young man insisted that Isabella was his, but the hidden truth promised to unveil a mystery darker than anyone could imagine. The mansion, once a stage for celebration, became a scenario of bewilderment and suspense, where Isabella's fate was wrapped in an unexpected and disturbing twist.