Chapter 3

Isabella's POV

"There is no way in hell I'm getting married to a devil like you!" I shouted immediately after the words left his mouth. “Who do you think you are? How much is the money that you want to force me into a marriage?” I shrieked at the top of my voice.

I was so confused. What sort of proposal is this? Are these how shiny debt collectors were?

If only I could find a way to dial the police…

“Oh your father didn’t tell you?” Don questioned with a sneer. “You’re talking to the mafia lord of the Valentino cartel. You don’t know who you’re messing with.”

What? Of all the people in the world…my father borrowed from a mafia lord?

Then it hit me. Don Rodrigo. The notorious mafia lord of the Valentinos. No wonder his name seemed so familiar. He's the most notorious cartel lord in Mexico and nobody wants to mess with him. I’ve seen his name in various newspapers in Louisiana because of his rumored numerous links and connections there and now my life has become entwined with his.

If he is indeed the Don Rodrigo Valentino I had heard scary things about, then that's even the reason why I can not marry him. He is a monster. Fuck my father's fear, I was terrified.

"I can't spend a day with you! I can't and will never spend even a second alone with you! I'd rather die!" I said, almost tearing down as to what Dad has gotten me into.

"It is settled then," Rodrigo said as he stood up, ready to take his leave. "Marcello, get her ready for the hotel business."

"Yes Don," Marcello answered, approaching me.

"Wait what? Hell No!" I screamed again as I avoided being touched.

Rodrigo halted in his pace. He was already infuriated. He looked somewhat tired of me already and I found peace in that, hoping he would let us go.

He turned and looked at me. For a few seconds, I wished the ground could open and swallow me. His look was like a lion ready to attack it's prey. He started approaching me in long strides.

Immediately, Dad got up from his knee and rushed to me. He protectively stood in front of me. At that moment, I knew something dreadful was going to happen. 

"Please give us some time Don. I'll talk to her and give you my decision," Dad said

He looked at Dad, contemplating if he should. He sighed and said, "Marcello, keep an eye on them." He then went upstairs.

"What was that about Dad? Was he serious?" I asked.

"Pumpkin…" Dad started and the look in 

his face gave off the answer.

"No Dad! No! I’m just twenty-one. I have a long life and plans ahead of me. I can not marry that man. No!"

"Bel, what would you have us do?" Dad said as he looked defeated.

"I don't know Dad. How much is the money? How much is the money that it will be worth my life? How much?" 

"If you want to work legally for it, you'll be working 10 years to pay it off, Isabella. I did not plan for this to happen but if you can bear it for a year and I also work for him for a year we will be free. I believe Don is being generous by giving us a year," Dad answered, trying to convince me.

"There's a catch. Why would he want to marry me for one year when it will take 10 years to pay him back? He's a Don and he can get any woman he wants. Why me? I'm not halting my life because of him!"

"Would you rather work as a whore in his hotel?" Dad asked, losing his patience. "With your sick mother as his cartel staff?"

"No Dad but I can't, you're not going to be here to protect me. I don't know anyone here. I have no friends and family. He's Rodrigo Valentino, the most dreadful cartel Lord. How am I supposed to cope? How? No… No," I said as I let the tears in my eyes pour down like a river.

"Pumpkin, I'll never leave you. I'm sorry I brought you into this. I thought I could pay up the debt. I will never intentionally put you at risk. I'm sorry. I only didn't want to lose your mother. I'm sorry Isabella," he said, this time crying with me as he tried wiping off my tears. 

"Dad…" I said, still crying.

"Trust me Bel, he might have a bad reputation but he is a human. He will not hurt you, I won't accept that. Please, Bel, do this for our family.” 

Whatever deal Dad made brought us into this predicament and even as everything in me wanted to blame him, I knew that he did what he could to assist our family and it's time for me to do the same.

I didn't know why he wanted to marry me. However, I was going to marry him. I was marrying him to save my family and I had to marry him with a plan. 

"Okay Dad, I'll marry him to save you and Mom. I love you".

**********

The moment words got out that I had agreed to marry the mafia, preparations for the wedding started swiftly. 

My dad and I said our goodbyes in tears and longing and the preparations for a wedding began. I did not lift a finger but within a day, I could see that arrangements were already made by the housekeeper and preparations had started.

Leonardo, the housekeeper showed me my room and I just laid on the bed, staring at the white-colored ceiling. I did not take time to look around the room because I was too engrossed in what my life would become. 

"Miss, please get ready. You will be going for your dress fitting soon. I'll be waiting outside the door when you need me," a slim lady that had helped settle in said as she stepped outside.

I nodded. I dragged myself to the huge wardrobe, and changed into a yellow dress. I stepped outside and she escorted me to the car waiting for us.

As we entered the car, I noticed another lady sitting inside it. She looked classy and beautiful. Her makeup was not obvious but everything she wore screamed class.

"I'll take it from here Erin," she said to the help who then got down from the car and headed inside the mansion.

"Hi, Isabella. I'm Jennifer. I'm your Matron of Honour," she said as she stretched her hands for a handshake. I ignored her and stared out the window.

"I understand that you did not plan for this but wouldn't it be nice to at least have a friend here? A year is long to keep up with this attitude Miss," she said.

She was right. I needed to at least make an acquaintance with someone. She looks peaceful and had a welcoming aura.  

She looked like someone that would love talking and I found it useful. It could give me an opportunity to know why Rodrigo made the option of marrying me. I don't think Don will ever give me an answer to that disturbing question. 

I need to devise a way to get out of this mess or at least manage it. I know father had always seen me as his cute little angel but I was in a relationship with Maxwell. He is the love of my life and I could only imagine how worried he would be now.

We had been together for a while and our closeness was out of this world. We talked and chatted every single hour. I'm sure he would be devastated as he had not heard from me in a while.

I know I agreed to this arranged marriage but I can't do this. Looking at Jennifer only confirmed that she was the only one that could give me a clue to where the exit in the mansion was without even realizing it. She was a chatterbox. 

So, friendship it is.

I sighed and shook her hands with a small devious smile, "I'm Isabella, nice to meet you."