Chapter 3: A Night of Glamour

As the private jet touched down in Los Angeles, the city of angels welcomed us with its glittering skyline.

Bruno, always one to make a statement, had chosen the opulent Grand Royale Hotel as the venue for the fundraising party. This five-star haven exuded luxury from every corner, its grandeur befitting the elite guests who would grace its halls tonight.

Stepping out of the sleek black limousine, I wasn't sure if I still wanted to attend the party after the intense conversation with Bruno.

No matter what he said, his intention was clearly to implant fear into my heart, and I couldn't say he quite failed.

This event, organized by Bruno but executed by one of his trusted associates, aimed to raise funds for orphanages, an unlikely cause for a man known for his ruthlessness.

Yet, deep within his hardened exterior, Bruno found a flicker of compassion, a connection to the struggles he had faced in his own upbringing.

The hotel's entrance gleamed with polished marble, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers that hung majestically overhead. I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful the hotel is. 

The air was infused with a heady mix of excitement; it was a world far removed from the reality I had known, a world where power and wealth intertwined effortlessly.

Bruno led me through the lavish halls of the Grand Royale, introducing me to his esteemed business partners. 

Each encounter was accompanied by a smile that I knew I had to wear, a mask of false happiness that concealed the turmoil within.

My heart ached with the weight of deception, as I exchanged pleasantries and feigned interest in their discussions. How long did I have to put up with this? Was what I wondered after every exchange of words.

Bruno, aware of the charade I played, held my hand, he presented me as his prized possession, an emblem of his success and dominance. 

The introductions blurred together as I struggled to maintain composure, my gaze veering occasionally towards the entrance, searching for a glimpse of Luca. 

Only his presence could soothe my tired heart.

"Isabella," Bruno's voice cut through the buzz of conversations, drawing my attention back to him. "I shouldn't have underestimated you. You can really handle yourself with grace and elegance. Thank you for being your true self."

My true self? This was the least me. It was all a perfectly crafted pretense, after all.

Nevertheless, a smile graced my lips as I replied, "Thank you, Bruno. Your kind words mean a lot to me."

In that fleeting moment, the intensity of his gaze softened, it was a side of him that few were privileged to witness, a glimpse of vulnerability that tugged at my heart. 

But hidden behind my facade, the guilt gnawed at my conscience, reminding me of the betrayal I was committing.

As the night progressed, the atmosphere in the ballroom grew livelier, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the symphony of uplifting conversations. 

Bruno's associates mingled with philanthropists, all united under the banner of supporting orphanages and making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

The fundraising efforts proved to be a tremendous success. Generous donations flowed in, surpassing all expectations. The total reached a staggering $5 million, a testament to the power and influence of the guests in attendance. 

It was a victory for Bruno, a triumph that fortified his position and showcased his ability to navigate both the legitimate and illicit worlds.

Throughout the night, Nicolas, Bruno's most trusted confidant and right-hand man, was in charge of our safety. He handles every dirty operation ordered by Bruno. 

Tonight, he remained steadfast and vigilant as always in ensuring our safety. His tall and mean look towered over the crowd as he discreetly kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, his mere presence provided a sense of reassurance amid the elaborate party we were all partaking in.

As the evening drew to a close, Bruno and I found ourselves in a secluded corner of the ballroom, away from prying eyes and curious ears. 

The twinkling lights from the chandeliers cast a soft glow upon us, creating an intimate moment.

"Isabella," Bruno spoke in a hushed tone.

He was drunk. He had a lot of drinks already, while I just had a couple. I wasn't even tipsy yet.

"Tonight was a big success, not just for us, but for the future of those orphanages."

"Are these events not usually successful?" I inquired.

"They are. But this time, the donation has reached the highest. I believe it is your presence and the way you entertained all the guests with utmost sincerity and hospitality."

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"You really are something. Even if you didn't seem to like tonight's event, you managed it really well."

"How did you know I was not enjoying myself?" Didn't he say that he saw my true self?

"Of course, I know it. Did you think I didn't notice those sighs you released every time you thought no one was looking?"

I felt heat creep up my cheeks.

"When I thanked you for your true self, I didn't mean how you acted tonight. I meant that I saw your determination to see through things. Even if you were exhausted from showing interest in other people's talk, you held on till the end so that our event would be a hit."

He observed me that well? I had no idea at all.

"That's why a large credit of today's success goes to you. I'm proud of what we have accomplished together. I feel like we can conquer the world together if you stand by my side."

"Thank you, Bruno," was all I could reply with, my voice filled with a blend of gratitude and underlying unease. "It's inspiring to witness your commitment to helping those in need, so I only got influenced by that."

His fingers grazed the back of my hand, a gentle touch that belied his reputation.

"Isabella, you are my greatest asset. Your unwavering support and loyalty mean more to me than words can express. I owe you everything."

A pang of guilt pierced through me, for I know that my loyalty was fragmented. I mustered a smile, though it felt strained, as I lied through my teeth, "I'm here for you, Bruno. Always."

I was strained between the man who wanted to give me everything and the man who I wanted to give everything to. But for now, I would put that to rest, leaving it to worry some other time.

********

As our conversation hung delicately in the air, a sudden commotion shattered the tranquillity of the moment. 

The room erupted into chaos as shouts and screams filled the air. Panic rippled through the crowd, sending waves of fear crashing against the fragile veneer of the glamorous affair.

Nicolas sprang into action. With a swift nod from Bruno, he took charge, his commanding presence guiding us through the disarray. 

Amidst the confusion, he steered us towards a concealed exit, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

The attack came with a sudden intensity as if the darkness that permeated Bruno's world had manifested itself in a ruthless display of violence. 

Gunfire erupted, echoing through the hallways, and chaos reigned supreme. In the face of this unexpected assault, Bruno's security detail valiantly fought back, but the adversaries proved relentless.

I clung to Bruno's arm. I had never been scared in my life like this. My heart was thumping loud in my chest in terror.

We raced through the maze-like corridors of the Grand Royale Hotel. The sounds of gunfire and shattering glass reverberated around us.

We maneuvered through the hidden passages and secret stairwells, each step a precarious dance between life and death.

The attack had not come without cost. Two of his loyal men had fallen in the line of duty, sacrificing their lives to ensure our safety.

Our escape had been hard-won, but we were alive, albeit shaken to the core. Bruno, his face etched with a mix of gratitude and grief, turned to me, his grip on my hand unyielding.

"Isabella," he whispered, "I won't let anyone harm you. You are my priority, my world, my everything." 

He must have noticed the sheer fear on my face. I felt numb, yet I tried to squeeze his hand back.

As we retreated to the safety of a waiting vehicle, Nicolas remained ever watchful, his vigilant gaze scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats. 

The weight of the attack and the lives lost hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the darkness that surrounded us. 

In the aftermath of the assault, Bruno was extremely angry and determined to deal with whoever planned this attack. 

It jeopardized my safety, and some of his trusted men died. A war would be born because he was never going to sit back and watch.

"Nicolas, make sure you find who did this. I need them found!" Bruno screamed, the whole building reckoning at his terror.

"Yes, boss," Nicolas replied curtly as he left the room.