Chapter 6

Isabella slowly opened her eyes; she was met with an unfamiliar ceiling. She tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillow. Her head was spinning, and her hands felt heavy and restricted. She looked down to see that they were bandaged, along with her head.

Panic began to set in as she scrambled to remember how she had ended up in this strange bedroom. The last thing she remembered was driving home from the party, and then... the chasing cars, the gun pointed at her, the crash. It all came flooding back, and Isabella's heart began to race.

Just as she was starting to feel overwhelmed, a man appeared in the doorway. He was tall, with brown eyes that seemed to hold a deep warmth. He smiled as he approached her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Who are you?" Isabella demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. "And how did I get here?"

The man's smile faltered for a moment before he replied, "Relax; I'm Vincent Morano. Your car had an accident last night, and I was passing by. I saw you and brought you here."

Isabella's mind was racing. She didn't know this man or how she had ended up in his care. But as she looked into his brown eyes, she saw something there that reassured her. Maybe it was the kindness in his expression or the gentle way he spoke. Whatever it was, Isabella felt a spark of trust ignite within her.

"Thanks for the help," she said, her voice a little softer now. "Where is my phone? I have to call."

Vincent nodded, pulling a phone out of his pocket. "It's right here. Its battery was dead, but I charged it for you."

Isabella's eyes lit up with gratitude as she took the phone from Vincent. She quickly dialed Luca's number, her heart racing with anxiety.

As soon as Luca answered, Isabella poured out the whole story, telling him everything that had happened from the moment she left the party to the moment she woke up in Vincent's bedroom. She told him about the chasing cars, the gun pointed at her, and the crash. Luca listened intently, his voice growing more and more concerned with each passing moment.

"I'm on my way, Bella," he said finally. "Just stay where you are, and I'll be there as soon as I can."

Isabella nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was safe now. Luca was coming for her.

Isabella finished her conversation with Luca, and Vincent spoke up, his voice gentle and concerned. "By the way, what's the hurry? You're injured; take some rest and then leave. You're not in any condition to be rushing around, Ms...." He trailed off, clearly waiting for her to fill in the blank.

Isabella's gaze met his, her expression neutral. "Isabella," she said, her voice cool.

Vincent's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Thank you, Isabella. I was starting to worry I'd never know your name," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Isabella looked at him coolly, her expression still neutral. "I'm fine; my uncle has come," she said, her voice detached. "Thank you once again. I should go now; he's waiting for me."

Vincent nodded, his smile faltering for a moment. "You're welcome, Isabella. Hope we meet again," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Isabella nodded slightly, her expression still unreadable. "Goodbye, Mr. Morano," she said, her voice cool.

With that, Isabella stood up, wincing slightly as she put weight on her injured body. Vincent immediately stepped forward, offering his arm to support her. Isabella hesitated for a moment before accepting his help. Together, they walked out of the room.

****

They drove through the quiet streets. Luca glanced over at Isabella, his eyes warm with concern. "He is a good man," he said, his voice low and thoughtful.

Isabella turned to him, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Who?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

Luca's gaze returned to the road ahead. "The one who helped you," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

Isabella shrugged, her expression neutral. "What difference does it make, uncle?" she asked, her voice detached.

Luca stared at her, and she said, "What?"

Luca's gaze lingered on Isabella's face, a thoughtful expression etched on his features. "I like that man," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Isabella's eyes rolled heavenward, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Then go get your daughter married to him," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Luca's face creased into a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "I wish I had a daughter, if I could marry someone at the right time," he said, his voice tinged with wistfulness.

Isabella's laughter was sudden and unexpected, filling the car with a warm, joyful sound. Luca's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his expression happy.

"But you're like my daughter," he said, his voice low and serious.

Isabella's laughter died away, and she fell silent, her gaze drifting out the window. Luca's words hung in the air, a palpable sense of affection and concern emanating from him.

"You know I am not interested in anyone," Isabella said finally, her voice soft.

Luca's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you want to be single for the rest of your life?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Isabella's gaze snapped back to his, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Of course," she said, her voice firm.

Luca's smile was warm and understanding. "It ain't easy being single; I can understand," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Isabella's laughter was sudden and unexpected again. "Now you are really talking like a dad," she said, her voice teasing.

Isabella's expression turned serious, her eyes locking onto Luca's. "Now, leave this, and do you know who got me attacked?" she asked, her voice firm.

Luca's face turned somber, his eyes clouding over with concern. "Investigation is going on," he replied, his voice firm. "From now on, I will not leave you alone, even for a moment."

Isabella's gaze met his, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. She smiled, her expression softening. "That's why I don't need anyone," she said, her voice filled with affection. "You are my dad, my mother, my brother for me, and my friend for me, and now sometimes looking at your gray hair, I feel like Grandpa too."

Luca's face creased into a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that filled the car. Isabella's laughter joined his, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Together, they laughed, the tension and worry of the past few hours forgotten in the warmth of their relationship.

****