Rival Hearts

ad driven him to apologize earlier. He paused at the mirror, his reflection staring back at him, slightly puzzled. "Why

epping into the bath, he let the hot water cascade over his body, washing away the remnants of the night before.

ting to the day ahead. He quickly rinsed off and stepped out of the tub, grabbing a towel to dry himself. The bathroom wa

rame, the black trousers perfectly pressed. He secured his watch on his wrist, each movement deliberate and controlled, and then stepped

way was quiet as he made his way down to meet his men, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished ma

ed it out and saw his sister Elena's name flashing on the screen. His

through the line, tinged with an urgenc

tense alertness. He didn't joke around when it came to Elena. "What happene

iety. *Elena never asks for help unless something serious is go

Luca knew that whatever it was, he

the call. He signaled to one of his men and they understood, making

Meanwhile, At

anging on every word. They laughed at her funny stories, sighed at the mo

" her mother asked, a hint of disbelief in her tone. Is

tarted, trying to sound casual bu

. "Oh, come on, Bella! You can't just drop a bomb like

but smile. "He was... okay, I guess. But I

just like your mother, always putting work firs

pproached her father, clearing his throat to get his att

im, raising an eyebrow

oment before replying, "It's Don A

phere in the room shifting. Isabella felt a slight tension

that hadn't been there before. Isabella's mother placed a comforting hand on her shoul

d, and Isabella couldn't help but wonder what brought them to their

spered to her mom as they neared the

he chance to meet them before you left," her mother replied soft

with a smile, anticipation growing within her as they walked toward the entrance together. She felt a bit of nerv

dn't help but be struck by their presence. They stood tall and elegant, their faces lit up with genuine joy at seeing

affection as she wrapped her arms around Isabella's mother in a heartfelt embrace. The two women he

toward Isabella, who stood poised beside her mother. Her gaze softe

se and delight. Her expression was one of disbelief mixed with admiration, as if s

r the attention. "Yes, I am," she said, giving

grown into such a beautiful young woman," she said, her voice full of genuine admiration

cheeks at the compliment. "Please, come in," she said, gesturing tow

nder the soft lighting, and the walls were adorned with tasteful art and family heirlooms. The ai

"Your home is just as stunning as I remember,"

way," Isabella's mother replied with a smil

iced her father rising from his seat to greet their guests. His fa

long," he said, shaking hand

, his deep voice resonating through the

attention back to Isabella. "You know, your mother has told us so much about y

wind of events in Paris. "It was... eventful," she replied

sure you have, dear. Paris has a way

tti said, her eyes sparkling with admira

la's mother replied with a warm smile

furrowed her brows slightly. "She has a son?" she asked, a hint of su

r mother responded, giving Isabella a k

used glances, chuckling softly a

articularly interested in the idea of meeting anyone new, but she didn't want to seem rude. "But right now, I nee

, watching her with a tender expression.

echoing softly as she made her way upstairs. As soon as she was out

s. Isabella's father, Mr. Carlo, leaned forward, concern etched on h

before speaking. "It's Salvatore. He's been lurking around,

Salvatore bringing a storm of emotions to the surface. "Salvatore?

e's planning this time, but we can't afford to be caught off guard. W

ut Salvatore is a different breed. If he's making moves, we need to be prepa

hing we've been considering, Carlo," she began, exchanging a look with her husband. "Given the situation

ghtly as he turned to face he

in a more permanent way. We've watched your daughter grow into a fine young woman, and our son...

hed out, placing a hand on Isabella's mother's arm. "We believe that a marriage between

Mr. and Mrs. Moretti. "But... Isabella doesn't even kn

ach other in time. What's important now is securing our families' future. A wedding wou

rength of the Moretti family and the value of their alliance. But the thought of

this lightly. We all want the best for our children. They'll have time to build a

icted. "And what if Isabella refuses? She's headstrong, like her

to her. Once she understands what's at stake, I believe

vity of the decision before them. The suggestion was bold, even risky, b

her. But if we do this, it has to be done carefully. Isabella'

this together, and we'll handle it with care. But time is o

her. "We'll talk to Isabella, but let's make sure we're all clear on the plan

and family. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but it wa

he weight of their decision looming over them. This was no ordinary family matter-it w