1. ISABELLA SARDINO

Everyone thinks that being the heiress of a wealthy family makes you happy. In their minds, they create a wonderful fantasy life that, in my case, is far from reality. Despite being the sole heiress of one of the most powerful families in my country—not only to my parents but also to my grandfather Santiago Sardino, a feared mafia millionaire—I am the most miserable person imaginable since I can remember.

In the numerous novels I've read, rich children like me are always portrayed as petulant, conceited, and doing whatever they want without caring about anything. They face their parents without fear. I assure you that's not my case; I'm quite the opposite. My mother made sure of that, and now I find myself trapped in this miserable life they've imposed on me.

It's been over six months since I've been living this arranged marriage charade. So far, I have no complaints. My fake husband, Luis, barely spends time at home. I'm immersed in my studies and visit my grandparents every day after leaving school. At least I've escaped my mother's unbearable presence. I feel good in my own way, I feel free. I just need to hold on for the necessary time, and I'll be completely free.

I plan to travel and study what I really like, far from everyone. Once this charade is over, I'll receive part of my inheritance and will be able to do whatever I want. At least that's what my father told me. Although we're not close and he barely speaks to me when mom's around, I believe he loves me. I often see him lost in thought, with a look full of sadness, especially when my mother is present, scolding me for anything. He seems afraid of her and is cautious when approaching or showing interest in me. At least he doesn't mistreat me and is very kind when we're alone.

 Today I stayed longer than usual at the library working on an assignment. I want to get good grades to make dad happy. Besides, if I succeed, I won't have to study during the weekend and can go fishing with my grandparents. I return home after nine at night and am surprised to see all the lights on as I park the car. Upon entering, I see Luis with a blonde woman.

"Good evening," I greet, though I don't like the scene before me. However, I decide to say nothing and wait.

"Finally, you're here, Bella!" Luis exclaims upon seeing me and approaches. "Come, let me introduce you to Vivian, the love of my life."

 I can't believe it! It's one thing to have an affair outside the house, but it's completely different to bring her here. However, since our marriage is a sham, I breathe deeply and try to smile as the blonde approaches me. She looks at me with a mocking smile and extends her hand.

"Hello, Isabella," she greets with a fake voice, and continues speaking with a triumphant expression I can't ignore. "I hope we'll be very good friends now that we're going to live together."

"What?!" I exclaim, truly surprised. I turn to Luis, who smiles happily as if everything were settled, which infuriates me.

"Yes, Bella. There's no point in paying rent when we have such a big house," he says cynically while smiling, putting an arm around Vivian's shoulders. "You'll continue living on the first floor, we'll take the second."

"Luis, that wasn't part of the deal!" I exclaim angrily. This is too much.

"Isabella, don't make me angry!" he scolds while walking towards me, but I decide to stand my ground. "If I say we're living together, we will!"

"I don't agree with this. I have nothing against your relationship, but she's not living here. I won't allow it, period!" I say firmly.

"Bella, you're seriously annoying me!" he reacts, getting close to my face, which is red with fury, as if trying to intimidate me. "If you open that mouth again, I'll split it!"

"Don't think I'm afraid of you, Luis. If you touch me, the deal's off," I say determinedly.

For a moment, Luis stares at me fixedly, as if he can't believe that I, stupid Isabella, am confronting him and contradicting him.

"Are you threatening me, Isabella?" he asks, resuming his threatening attitude.

"Darling, don't be like that. She's just surprised by the news. I told you you should have discussed it with her first," says the blonde with a fake voice. I look at her with fury in my eyes.

"Vivian, stay out of this," Luis stops her authoritatively and continues as if I don't exist. "Go up to our room while I finish talking with Isabella."

"She's not staying here, Luis," I say firmly and add, "If you do this, I'll call my parents."

I threaten him with my father, knowing he'll come at the slightest problem if I call him. He warned Luis that if he did anything to me, he would face serious consequences. I won't let him make me more of a laughingstock than I already am. Because even though we hide it well, everyone knows he has other women, which is why we've maintained appearances until now.

"Vivian, go upstairs and let me sort this out with my wife," Luis orders her, hands on his hips and his back to me. Vivian looks at me mockingly, even with pity. She gives Luis a kiss on the lips and walks toward the stairs.

"All right, darling, don't be long," Vivian agrees and turns to me. "Good night, Isabella. Better not contradict him, or you won't like what happens to you."

I can't believe this woman's audacity. She walks away with a mocking smile in her eyes. I'm so focused on watching her head towards the stairs leading to the second floor that I can't react. As I reach for my purse to call Dad, Luis suddenly turns and pushes me hard, making me lose my balance and fall to the ground, climbing on top of me.

"Let this be the first and last time you embarrass me in front of my woman, Isabella," he says angrily while holding my hair firmly against the floor. "Here, what I say goes."

"Let me go, please!" I plead with a trembling voice, struggling with all my might but unable to break free.

"Look at yourself in the mirror!" he continues, looking at me with contempt. "No man would ever look at a woman like you. They'd only approach you for your parents' money."

"You'll regret this, Luis, I assure you. You'll regret it for the rest of your life," I say determinedly, though my words are laden with fear.

"Don't threaten me anymore, Isabella!" he responds roughly, pulling my hair again to make me stand up, while squeezing my face with his fingers. "You'll do everything I say and when I say it. Vivian and I will live here, and you'll only show up for official matters. Do you understand?"