✴Isabella Marciano✴
~Eight years ago~
John brought me to his home town in Mexico. I didn't know that he was actually from Mexico, no one did on his defense.
He said it was like a back door in case something like this happened. Only Dad knew who he really was.
His house was a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. No cellphone signal, the nearest neighbor is on the other side of the mountains, and no access to the road either. His farm has different crops, pastures, and livestock.
It was like stepping on an era where there was no technology.
Manna, his housekeeper, was an old lady with gray hair, pale blue eyes, and a deep laugh line on her face. She was such a nice lady, just like John.
It's been a week since I've gone hiding. A truth that I needed to accept. I was hiding from my own mafia. We tried to ask for help from the clans loyal to my father but each one of them was in a tight watch from the estate.
My uncle took over like he was a king, when in reality he was just the traitor I despise. He had the clan surrender to him in fear. He made an example of executing those who object, those who stayed loyal to my family.
I wasn't a coward, it was never in my vocabulary to turn my back on a fight. It was hard to swallow my pride and ask John to help me but I didn't have to. He was helping me willingly.
As the days have gone by, my hope of reclaiming my rights as Doña was burning down. I ask myself too many questions every night while I lay in this simple bed in John's cabin.
Life was easy in the countryside and I'm starting to enjoy it.
Why would I go back to New York where my life would be on the line? Why can't I just stay here? It's easier, safer for everyone. Why not just give up? Why fight a losing battle?
I was losing hope, John was the only one who seemed to see the positive side of everything.
"We have them in the dark," he once said over breakfast.
"I am in the dark" that was true. I can't see any light for me anymore.
"Figlia" John held my hand resting above the table. His was large and warm, while mine was small and as cold as winter. "You are a Marciano. Giving up is not in your bloodline." His thin lips smiled at me sweetly. "I'm not Daniel, I will never be him but I'll always be here. Whatever you decide on."
John reached out, wiping my tears for the nth time since we left New York. I thought I was strong but I could never be more wrong. Isabelle is broken, the tiny pieces of my heart were being cradled by John, my once family butler, and now my father.
"Thank you, John" I wrapped my arms around him. "What am I gonna do? I let them down."
"You haven't figlia" he stroked my raven hair as he cradled me like a child. "We will give them war. We'll take back what's rightfully yours but you need to be strong in order for us to succeed."
"I'm assuming you already have a plan in mind?" I lift my face from his shoulder.
"The plan is on its way."
° ° °
At six in the evening, three dirt bikes parked in front of the house and three young lads walked inside the cabin. I took residence in the attic and I'm starting to fall deeply in love with the place. I started to read again, drowning myself in different worlds with each book I read. It isn't bad but somehow, I know I have to face my problems like a grown-up.
There was a knock on the attic door. John had a gleeful smile as I greeted him. He guided me downstairs, the guys I saw from the window earlier looked much more – I don't know – cool and chill.
John introduced me to them using my real identity. I do trust John but the anxiousness I felt when they looked at me in horror was making me edgy.
"The Isabella Marciano? The princess of Manhattan and Italy?" The guy named Drake asked wide-eyed. He is a big guy, they all were handsome if I may add. Drake's cobalt eyes were glimmering as he smiles and darken when he was, like now, surprised. He raked my body from head to toe, as if seizing me up in a challenging note.
"Drake," Simon said. He was the blond guy with pretty deep blue eyes. "Treat the lady with respect."
Drake scoffed "she's part of the mafia who killed our parents!!!"
I stood frozen on the floor. Why would John let these men close to me if they have a grudge against my family?
"That was a long time ago and it wasn't proven that Marciano did it" the third guy named Ashton spoke this time. His eyes were as blue as Simon's and now I noticed their common aspects. They all have the same strawberry blond hair and blue orbs. All have a snake tattoo peeking out of their necks.
"What's your family name?" I found my voice asking calmly.
Drake's eyes shot daggers towards me "Lucian, Princess."
I felt my cheeks drained of blood. That name, I'd never forget that name because I eliminated each one of them. Are these three the requests of Marcos Lucian? I never thought they'd be as grown-up as me.
John held my shoulders "want to say something, figlia?"
"I-I'm sorry. I was the one" my voice came out louder than a squeak.
"The one what?" Drake's eyes were bloodshot red, like he can shoot daggers with them. In just a blink, he held my neck, lifted me off of the ground, and pinned me on the wall. "You… You killed my Mom!?"
"Y-yes" I admitted, his hand plugged up my windpipe.
"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now?" he asked menacingly.
"D-do it" tears are forming at the side of my eyes. "K-kill m-me."
Drake stared deep into my stares, as if contemplating what to do. "Johnny" he finally let my throat go and I coughed for air. "Why did you bring us here?"
"Take a seat" John murmured calmly as I took the seat beside him. "There is something you kids should know." He started. "Lucian's death wasn't just a tragedy, but a manipulation did by Santi." I stiffened on my seat. "You see, Marcos and Daniel have been close friends since I can remember. It was the three of us that started the plans for the future of the Italian mafia. Santi knows that Daniel would believe Marcos over him when Marcos found out about his plan to take over the mafia." The three guys were mirroring my shocked expression as John continued.
"Daniel can't kill Marcos. He knows Marcos didn't betray the code. He knew our friend was innocent but Santi orchestrated a good plan. He told you to kill the Lucian's to protect your family." It was a statement that I can't seem to grasp. I was played by my uncle into killing his friend and his family. "Daniel would never hurt you, that's why Santi chose you, Isabella."
I can't take this. This is just a nightmare, I'd wake up soon from this.
° ° °