Chapter 2

The atmosphere was tense as the family gathered to discuss the upcoming wedding. Michael Rizzo, Isabella's father, beamed with pride as he showed off the new house he had bought for the couple in Paris. Brandon's eyes locked onto Isabella's, and for a moment, it seemed like nothing else mattered.

But then, Isabella's voice cut through the air, her words dripping with venom. "Do you think I'll go through with this marriage after knowing the truth about these two?" She spat, her eyes blazing with anger.

Isabella's eyes flashed with tears, but she stood tall, her voice steady. "I won't marry a man who cheats on me with my own sister," she declared, her words echoing through the room. "Brandon doesn't deserve me, and I refuse to marry him."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Isabella. Olivia's face turned red with rage, and he slapped Isabella across the face. "You're selfish; you only care about yourself. You don't want to marry; you should have told us earlier. Don't give us a fake excuse and fake allegation to Brandon," he thundered.

The room erupted into chaos as Isabella's words hung in the air. Michael Rizzo's face turned purple with rage, but Isabella stood firm, her eyes blazing with determination.

"I don't care about the wedding, or the house, or any of it," Isabella continued, her voice rising. "I care about my self-respect, and I won't compromise that for anyone. Least of all, Brandon."

Mia looked on, her face etched with guilt. She knew she had played a part in Isabella's heartbreak, and the weight of her actions was crushing her.

"See, you've seen the handiwork of your dear daughter," she spat at Michael Rizzo. "You had so much faith in her, and look how she's insulted you!"

Michael Rizzo's face turned redder with rage, but Salvatore Moreno intervened, his voice calm and measured. "Maybe Isabella didn't agree to this marriage," he suggested. "Were you forcing her, Michael?"

Olivia's eyes flashed with anger. "Not at all!" she protested. "She said yes before. She's just an arrogant girl who doesn't care about her father's honor."

Mia's voice was barely audible as she protested, "Mom!"

But Brandon's voice rang out clear and strong. "Dad, I want to marry Mia," he declared, his eyes locked onto Mia's.

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes on Brandon and Mia. Michael Rizzo's face was a picture of shock and outrage, but Salvatore Moreno's expression was thoughtful.

"That's a good decision," he said finally, his voice measured. "Maybe this is for the best."

Isabella, however, was unmoved. "I'm glad you're all happy," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm done with all of this. I deserve better than a cheating fiancé and a family that doesn't care about my feelings." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the stunned family members in her wake.

****

The days went by, and the drama and tension in the Rizzo household slowly began to dissipate. Brandon and Mia, despite the initial shock and outrage, had decided to go ahead and get married. They had realized that they couldn't deny their love for each other and that they were meant to be together.

The wedding was a small, intimate affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. Michael Rizzo, still reeling from the shock of Isabella's rejection, had grudgingly given his blessing for the marriage. Olivia, on the other hand, was over the moon with joy and had taken it upon herself to plan the entire wedding.

As for Isabella, she had made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with the wedding, or with her family for that matter. She had been deeply hurt by their actions and felt that they had betrayed her in the worst possible way.

So, on the day of the wedding, Isabella was nowhere to be found. She had packed her bags and left for Miami, Florida, determined to start a new life and leave the drama and heartache of her past behind.

She settled into her new home, a beautiful beachfront condo in Miami, and Isabella felt a sense of peace and freedom that she had never known before. She was finally alone, and finally free to do as she pleased.

She spent her days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and watching the waves roll in. She spent her nights exploring the city, trying new restaurants and bars, and making new friends.

As the weeks turned into months, Isabella began to feel like herself again. She was no longer the hurt and angry person she had been after the breakup with Brandon. She was strong, confident, and independent, and she knew that she was capable of achieving anything she set her mind to.

Back in New York, Brandon and Mia were settling into their new life together. They were happy, but they knew that they had hurt Isabella deeply and that they would have to live with the consequences of their actions for the rest of their lives.

As for Michael Rizzo, he was still trying to come to terms with the fact that his daughter had left him. He had never realized how much he had hurt her, and he didn't know how to make things right.

But as the months went by, Michael began to realize that he had been given a second chance. He could try to make amends with Isabella and work to rebuild their relationship.

But for now, Isabella was happy in Miami, living her best life and leaving the drama of her past behind. She was finally free, and she knew that she would never go back to the way things were before.