Isabella's POV

I am sitting on the edge of the bed, my mind racing. Giovanni, my older brother, will be here soon. The DeLuca family might be powerful, but the Rossi family isn’t to be underestimated. Giovanni had always stayed out of my marriage issues, respecting my choices. But now, I need him more than ever.

The door creaks open, and Leonardo peeks in, his big blue eyes wide with curiosity. "Mama, are you okay?"

I force a smile, pushing down the lump in my throat. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Come here."

He runs to me, his small arms wrapping around my waist. I hold him tight, breathing in his innocent scent. He’s the only reason I stayed this long. The thought of losing him terrifies me more than anything else.

Marco appears in the doorway, his expression unreadable. “Isabella, we need to talk.”

I stiffen, but nod. “Leonardo, why don’t you go play in your room for a bit? Mama and Papa need to discuss something.”

Leonardo glances between us, sensing the tension, but obediently heads to his room. Once he’s gone, Marco steps inside, closing the door behind him.

“Why do you need to leave all of a sudden? Giovanni’s call came to me.” His voice is low.

I look up at him, my anger bubbling to the surface. “So what? I can’t stay here to face your plotting.”

“Huh!” He clenches, taking a step closer. “What are you saying?”

“I’m not a deaf as I told you before,” my voice shaking, “anyway, Sofia is here for you. So, I should leave sooner or later.”

His frustration is visible. “Listen, you can’t decide alone. I’m not your toy but husband—”

“And the husband chose his secretary over his wife.” I snap, unable to hold back any longer.

Marco grips my arms. “Behave yourself. You should know I am not an office clerk. So, there is no reason to stay at one place.”

“That’s it.” I laugh bitterly. “Nothing else to discuss.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but a knock on the door interrupts us. Giovanni steps in, his presence commanding and authoritative. He takes one look at the scene and narrows his eyes at Marco.

“What’s going on here?” Giovanni asks, his tone cold.

Marco straightens, his demeanor shifting to one of defiance. “This is a private matter, Giovanni.”

“Not anymore,” Giovanni replies, crossing his arms. “Until Isabella didn’t call me.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful for Giovanni’s support. Marco glares at him but doesn’t argue. Instead, he turns back to me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and failure.

“We need to talk about Leonardo,” Marco roars, “you can’t take him away from me.”

I meet his gaze, my resolve hardening. “He’s my son, Marco. And I won’t let him be raised in a house filled with lies and betrayal.”

Giovanni steps forward, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. “Isabella will do what’s best for Leonardo. And if that means leaving, then that’s what she’ll do.”

Marco clenches his fists, his jaw tight. “You can’t just take him. He’s my son too.”

“He’s our son,” I correct, my voice steady. “And I’ll fight for him, Marco. I’ll fight for his happiness and his future.”

Marco looks like he wants to argue, but the sound of Leonardo’s laughter from the other room stops him. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “Don’t take him away. For Leonardo’s sake.”

I feel a pang of sadness, but I shake my head. “It’s too late, Marco. You had your chance, and you threw it away.”

He looks at me in rage. But before he can say anything else, Giovanni steps in, his tone final. “Isabella is done talking, Marco. If you want to discuss custody, you’ll do it through our lawyers.”

With that, Giovanni turns and leads me out of the room. I follow him, my heart heavy but my resolve firm. This is the right decision. For me and for Leonardo.

We enter the living room, and Giovanni pulls me into a hug. “I’m proud of you, Bella. You’re doing the right thing.”

I nod, burying my face in his shoulder. “I know. But it’s still so hard.”

He pulls back, looking me in the eyes. “You’re strong. You’ll get through this. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

I smile weakly, grateful for his support. “Thank you, Bro. I am grateful.”

He gives me a reassuring squeeze before releasing me. “Now, let’s get you and Leonardo out of here.”

We gather Leonardo’s things and pack them into Giovanni’s car. As I buckle Leonardo into his seat, he looks up at me with wide, curious eyes. “Where are we going, Mama?”

I brush a strand of hair from his forehead, forcing a smile. “We’re going to stay with Uncle Giovanni for a little while, okay? It’ll be an adventure.”

He nods, accepting my explanation without question. As I close the door, I take one last look at the house that has been our home for the past five years. It feels strange to leave it behind, but I know it’s the right thing to do.

Giovanni drives us to his house, a large, comfortable place on the outskirts of the city. He has always been more like a father to me than our own ever was. When we arrive, he shows us to our rooms and makes sure we’re settled.

That night, as I lie in bed, I can’t help but think about the early days of my relationship with Marco.

Years ago, I wandered the streets, trying to escape the chaos at home. I stumbled upon Marco, surrounded by a group of thugs. Without thinking, I rushed in to help him.

"Hey! Leave him alone!" I shouted, pushing one of the thugs away.

Marco, surprised, joined the fight. We stood back to back, defending ourselves until the thugs retreated. Marco was injured, so I took him to the hospital.

In the sterile, white room, we truly saw each other for the first time.

"Why did you help me?" Marco asked, wincing as the nurse bandaged his wound.

"I couldn't just walk away," I replied. "You looked like you needed help."

He smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. I'm Marco."

"Isabella," I said, shaking his hand.

We spent hours talking, sharing our stories. I told him about my troubled home, about the roses that symbolized empty apologies. He listened, really listened.

At eighteen, we promised to be together forever. But forever turned out to be shorter than I hoped.

Isabella's POV

It's been two days since Leonardo and I moved into Giovanni’s house. We are having our breakfast like a normal morning. The front door crashes open with a resounding bang.

The thud of heavy footsteps echoes through the hallway, sending a shiver down my spine. Marco storms in with a few of his men holding shotguns, the tension in the room spiking instantly. His eyes are hard and determined, the atmosphere crackles with confrontation.

“I’m here for Leonardo,” Marco announces. “He’s coming with me. After all, he is the heir of DeLuca.”

“No!” I cry out, my voice breaking. “You can’t take him. You don’t care about him.”

Tears stream down my face as Marco steps forward. Leonardo, sensing my distress, wipes my tears with his tiny hands. “Let’s go, Mama.”

But Marco grabs him, his grip firm. “Mama won’t go with us. She chose to stay apart.”

"No, don’t do this at least. You have everything, Marco." I beg. For the first time, I did.

"You should have thought about this before turning your back on me." He sneers as if I was nothing but a piece of tissue whose emotions don’t matter.

"Why do you need to do this? You could simply stay happy with Sofia." My voice cracks with emotion. Leonardo’s gaze transfers between us, confused and scared.

"And you could simply stay like that in my house." The insult is visible with his smirk.

"Marco, stop it, man. You were supposed to love Isabella. At least respect those feelings." Giovanni thumps on the table. Out of the blue, Marco points a pistol at bro and shoots.

"Broooo-" I realize it was a warning shot.

Marco’s jaw clenches, his gaze fiery and unforgiving. “This isn’t about love. This is about control. And I control my family.” He gestures, and I realize that outside the house is surrounded by Marco's men.

Leonardo’s cries echo through the room as Marco drags him away. I collapse to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Giovanni tries to console me, but it’s no use. “He’s my reason for living,” I wail. “My only reason.”

I look out the window, seeing the cold, determined faces of Marco’s men. Giovanni, though strong, can’t protect me from Marco’s power. I feel utterly helpless, knowing I have no choice but to let him take my son.

Marco pauses at the door, Leonardo still crying in his arms. He looks back at me, his eyes cold. “This is your fault, Isabella. Remember that.”

And then they are gone. The front door slams shut, and I am left alone in the empty house, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Giovanni kneels beside me, holding me as I sob, but there is no comfort in his embrace. I am lost without my son.

Days pass in a blur. I can’t sleep, my heart is shattered. I decide to go to the hospital for help. Unexpectedly, I run into Sofia and Marco. Marco is there to get medicine for Sofia, who has a sprained ankle. While Marco is away, Sofia sees me.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the discarded wife,” Sofia sneers. “How’s life without Marco?”

“You’re nothing but a money-loving bitch,” I snap. “A third wheel. Marco will see your true colors one day.”

Sofia’s eyes flash with anger. “Enjoy your delusions. I’ll make your son’s life hell after I marry Marco.”

"Don't you dare to harm my son," rage surges through me. "Smackkk-" I slap Sofia, the sound echoing in the hallway. Marco returns just in time to see it.

"How dare you?" He strides over and slaps me back, his eyes cold. "Don’t cause trouble, Isabella," he warns. “Stay out of our lives.”

I look at him, my heart breaking all over again. “Just sign the papers, Marco.” He remains silent when I leave without a further word. The insult hurts me more than the slap.

Leaving Bro’s house, I reach my parents’ empty home. Bro is facing trouble due to my chaos. It's tough for me to get my son's custody being only the wife of Marco DeLuca and nothing else. I regret deciding to be a housewife at this moment the most in my life.

The next evening, Marco calls me, in a frantic tone. “Isabella, you have to come back. Leonardo is sick.”

My heart clenches. “What happened?”

“It’s bad,” Marco says, his voice urgent. “You need to see him.”

Without hesitation, I grab my coat and rush. I arrive at his family’s villa, where a family gathering is in full swing. As soon as I step inside, I know something is off.

“Where’s Leonardo?” I demand.

Marco avoids my gaze. “He’s with my mother.”

I push past him, heading for the living room. Marco’s family is there, watching me with cold eyes. His mother steps forward, her face stern.

“Isabella, we need to talk,” she says.

“I don’t care about talking,” I snap. “I want to see my son.”

“He’s not sick,” Marco admits, his voice cold. “I lied to get you here.”

Rage and betrayal surge through me. “You lied about our son’s health?”

“We need to maintain the family’s reputation,” Marco’s mother cuts in. “A divorce would ruin us.”

“I don’t care about your reputation!” I shout. “All I care about is Leonardo.”

The room falls silent, the tension thick in the air. Marco steps closer, his face hard. “You’re not taking him away. He stays with me.”

“I’ll fight you,” I say, my voice shaking with fury. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back.”

Giovanni steps into the room as I messaged him before I came here, his presence commanding. “This is enough,” he says, his voice firm. “Isabella has the right to see her son. If you want a fight, you’ll get one.”

Marco’s eyes narrow. “Are you threatening me?”

“Consider it a promise,” Giovanni replies, his tone icy.

Marco’s family murmurs, clearly unsettled by Giovanni’s words. I feel a flicker of hope, knowing my brother is on my side.

Suddenly, Leonardo’s cries echo from upstairs. I rush towards the sound, my heart pounding. I find him in a small room, tears streaming down his face.

“Mama!” He sobs, reaching out for me.

I scoop him up, holding him close. “I’m here, baby. Mama’s here.”

"First decide, will you stay the way Marco keeps you or not?" Marco's mom blares in the living room when the guests start coming.

"A big no!" I reply and all of them are shocked by my direct answer.

Isabella's POV

The house is bustling with guests within ten minutes, the atmosphere humming with the chatter of Marco’s family and their associates. I stand by the sofa, holding Leonardo close.

Giovanni’s urgent call pulls him away, and he apologizes. “Bella, I have to go. Can you handle this? Marco attacked one of my places. His men are overpowering mine due to a sudden attack.” I look at Marco and his smirks are proof that it’s true.

I nod, even though fear gnaws at my insides. “I’ll manage, Bro.” Deep down, I dread being left alone with Marco’s family.

Marco’s sister, Lyra, approaches me, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Well, well, if it isn’t the sad little wife,” she sneers. “Still clinging to hope, Isabella?”

I force a smile. “Oh, Lyra, I was wondering how you managed to stay relevant. Clearly, sarcasm is your only skill.”

Her eyes flash with anger. “At least I’m not the one insulting the family.”

"So didn't I yet," I replied clenching my jaw.

"Oh really! Look at you. Head to toe is an unwanted piece. I don't know how Marco picked you to be his queen. I am glad he changed his choice, otherwise, standing beside you is so embarrassing. Alas! None is allowing the divorce." Leandro is quite unable to understand anything.

I grip my glass of red wine tighter, my knuckles white. “Embarrassing? Do you mean like you did when you tripped at your own engagement party? That was quite the spectacle.”

She steps closer, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper. “You’re nothing but a burden to Marco. Everyone knows it. Additionally, I doubt Marco being this kid's father. May I know the real name of Leonadro's father? Trust me, it will be our secret.”

That’s it. My patience snaps like a taut wire. I lift my glass and pour the red wine over her head. Gasps ripple through the room as the dark liquid cascades down her hair, staining her expensive dress.

“What the—” Lyra sputters, but I’m not done.

I grab a nearby baguette, shoving it towards her mouth. “Here, Lyra, maybe this will shut you up for once.”

Chaos erupts. Guests scramble to get out of the way as Lyra flails, trying to dodge the baguette. I feel a twisted sense of satisfaction as I watch her humiliated in front of everyone.

“You’ve lost your mind!” Lyra screams, but her voice is drowned out by the commotion.

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding. This is it. No more meek and humble Isabella. I look around the room, the crowd is silent and stunned.

“Listen up!” I shout, my voice cutting through the noise. “I’m done with this charade. Marco and I are getting a divorce!”

The room falls into a hushed shock. Marco’s face turns ashen, his eyes wide. He tries to maintain his composure, but the humiliation is evident.

“What did you just say?” Marco’s voice is low and dangerous.

“I said we’re getting a divorce,” I repeat, louder this time. “I won’t be your puppet anymore, Marco. I won’t let you or your family control me.”

Leonardo tugs at my dress, his eyes filled with confusion. “Mama, what’s divorce?”

My heart breaks at his innocent question. I kneel down, holding his small hands in mine. “Divorce means Papa and I won’t live together anymore, sweetheart. But I’ll always be with you. I promise.”

Tears well up in his eyes, and he starts to sob. “No, Mama, don’t go!”

I pull him into my arms, my own tears spilling over. “Shh, it’s okay, baby. Mama’s here.”

Marco strides over, fury etched into his features. “You’re not taking him anywhere, Isabella.”

I stand up, still holding Leonardo. “Watch me.”

His bodyguards step forward, blocking my path. “You’re not leaving,” Marco says coldly.

I clutch Leonardo tighter, my anger boiling over. “You think you can keep me here like a prisoner? I’m done obeying you, Marco.”

Marco’s mother, standing nearby, raises her voice. “This is for the family’s reputation, Isabella. You need to think of what’s best for everyone.”

I laugh bitterly. “Reputation? You lied about Leonardo’s health to manipulate me. I won’t play along with your sick games anymore.”

The room is a blur of faces, all watching with bated breath. I turn to leave, but the bodyguards hold their ground. “Move,” I command, but they don’t budge.

Leonardo’s cries pierce the air, a heart-wrenching sound that echoes through the room. “Mama, no! Don’t leave!”

I look into his tear-streaked face, my heart-shattering. “I’m not leaving you, Leonardo. I’ll fight for you.”

Marco steps closer, his face inches from mine. “You’ll regret this, Isabella.”

“Maybe,” I say, my voice steady. “But I’d rather regret fighting for my son than regret letting you control my life. You are nothing but a control freak, a bad husband, and the worst father in history.” I was emitting poison through my words.

The tension is palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Guests were shuttle cocking their gazes. Marco’s family murmurs, clearly unsettled by my words.

The guests start to leave, whispering amongst themselves. The humiliation for Marco is complete. He keeps talking to the guests, trying to salvage his dignity, but who cares for my condition? They want me to be a flower vase in the mansion, obedient to everything Marco dictates.

As I try to leave with Leonardo, Marco’s bodyguards block my path. I hold my son tightly, but they forcefully pry him from my arms. “Mama, no!” Leonardo cries, his tiny hands clutching at my dress.

“Let him go!” I scream, my voice breaking. “He’s my son!”

Leonardo hugs my legs, his tears soaking through my clothes. “Mama, don’t leave me! Mama!”

The bodyguards pull him away, his cries piercing my heart. They grab my arms, holding me back as I struggle. “Leonardo!” I sob, my heart shattering. Marco indicates them to separate us.

“Mama! Mama!” His cries echo through the villa as they drag him away from me. It was my limit.

I snatch a pistol from the bodyguard and point at Marco. I won’t let him take my son away from me.

Never!!!