Novel-novel oleh Pearl

Niccolò's POVThe moment Isabella pulled the trigger and took a life for the first time, I saw the horror settle into her eyes. She stood frozen, her delicate fingers still gripping the gun, her breathing ragged. I knew this would haunt her, even if it was necessary.I stepped in front of her, shielding her from the bloody mess she had created. I wrapped my hands around her trembling fingers and gently pried the gun away. "It's over," I murmured, searching her face for any sign that she would break down. She didn't, not yet. But I could see the storm brewing inside her."We're leaving," I said, my tone firm. "You need to go back to the mansion."Her eyes widened in protest. "But—""No," I cut her off. "It's not safe here for you. Not after this."She clenched her jaw but said nothing. I turned to my men, who were already securing the area, their expressions tense. "Get her back to the mansion. No stops. No detours."She didn't fight when two of my men guided her away, but she looked b

Isabella's POVThe morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains, casting golden rays over the luxurious bedroom. I sat before the ornate vanity, absentmindedly running a brush through my dark waves. My mind was clouded with the events of the previous night—our dance, our heated argument, and the undeniable tension that lingered in the air.Niccolò had left the room without another word, and for the first time since our forced marriage, I felt an unsettling heaviness settle in my chest. Why did it matter? Why did it sting when he walked away? I hated him—or at least I told myself I did.I exhaled sharply, pushing away the thoughts. Today was a new day, and I refused to let Niccolò occupy my mind any more than he already had.As I fastened a delicate bracelet around my wrist, I heard the door swing open. My body tensed at the familiar presence that filled the room. I met his gaze through the mirror—dark, unreadable, and laced with something dangerous. He was dressed impeccably in a b

Isabella's POVThe grand ballroom was bathed in a golden glow, the chandeliers casting shimmering reflections over the marble floors. The air was thick with cigar smoke, murmured conversations, and the distant clinking of champagne glasses. Mafia leaders, businessmen, and politicians—all powerful, all ruthless—gathered to witness the crowning moment of Niccolò Este.My husband.A title I would never accept.The soft notes of a waltz began to play, signaling the start of the dance. My heart pounded against my ribcage as I felt a firm hand slide around my waist, pulling me closer. I inhaled sharply at the familiar scent of leather and expensive cologne. Niccolò's presence loomed over me, his grip possessive, his touch calculated."I did everything to protect you, my dear wife," he murmured against my shoulder, his voice laced with something that almost resembled regret.I clenched my jaw, refusing to look at him. Instead, I focused on the rhythm of our steps, the way his body moved in p

Isabella POV"Do you take Niccolò Este as your lawful husband, to have and to hold him, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love him and cherish him until death do you part?"I stood there with numbness in my body. Words stuck in my throat, with pain growing inside my heart. I want to scream and deny this marriage, but I can't do anything but accept my defeat. Gulping down the tears, I spoke as my lips trembled."I do."As those words slip from my lips, tears roll down my cheeks. I feel so disgusted with myself. Marrying my father's killer? Seriously Bella? He literally forced me, leaving me with no option but to act submissive."Now, you may kiss the bride," Father said with a smile on his face.I couldn't hear the loud noise of the people shouting and congratulating us. Niccolò moved forward, stepping closer to me. As I felt him closer, my heart raced. At his proximity, my eyes closed unknowingly, and my lips trembl

Isabella POVEverything was finished. My whole life turned upside down within the blink of an eye. Niccolò killed my father and now he is forcing me to marry him. How can I marry the person who killed my father? I would rather die than marry him.I hate him with every fiber of my existence.Wiping my tears, I stood up from the bathroom floor of my room where I have been sitting for more than hours. He asked me to get ready in a white bridal gown which vividly indicates that he is going to force me to marry him.I don't want to marry him. Please God, save me from this monster. Walking near the sink, I stared at my reflection. The broken girl stared right back at me.He broke me."Bella," the voice which I hate whispered outside the room.Niccolò's voice was so soft and gentle which contradicted his action of forcing me to marry him. I ignored his voice and continued to wash my face with cold water. The redness spread over my nose due to the coldness of the water."Bella, it's already l

Isabella POVOutside the club I waited for my taxi to arrive. I could feel my heart racing each passing second. What if Dad got to know that I wasn't there at home the whole night?He will kill me.As the taxi arrived I hopped inside without wasting a second. I can't directly go to the mansion because the guards can catch me. Thinking about the guards, something clicked in my head.Niccolò.He is always by my side, but why wasn't he there last night? It was his job to protect me, yet he failed last night. I always had a soft corner for him in me, but thinking about our age gap, I never let the softness grow more.The taxi halted with a jerk, bringing me out from Niccolò's thoughts. Sighing deeply, I paid the price of the taxi before starting my walk towards the mansion. It was around 2km away from the place where the taxi dropped me.The pain in the body has been reduced, yet the headache was still there. I guess because of the drugs I consumed last night. Before leaving the club room