Chapter Seventy Two

CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO

ARIA

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Isa’s studio apartment, casting a warm glow over our packed bags lined neatly by the door. I felt an exhilarating rush in my veins. I didn’t know I was still capable of having such emotions. Isa’s father, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, directed his drivers to load our luggage into the sleek black sedan.

Isa’s father was the CEO of a prominent Italian oil conglomerate, a man who had navigated the complexities of the corporate world in such a dangerous city. Despite his cold and intimidating exterior, there was a tenderness in his eyes as he prepared to send off his daughter.

“I can take you to the airport myself,” he said, his voice deep and authoritative as he glanced at Isa, who stood beside me.

Chuckling, she stepped forward to adjust his tie.

“Dad, you have so much to do. You have a board meeting in an hour!” Isa replied, shaking her head with a mixture of affection and exasperation. “We’ll be fine wit