Chapter 174: Antonio And I Ended Things Years Ago

SANCIA

“Sia, is something wrong? Why aren't you eating?” Isabella asked, cutting through my thoughts.

It was the next morning, and we were seated at the dining table in the living room instead of the one in the kitchen.

Zetta had retired to her room after she was done making breakfast. Giulia had gone out, so it was just the three of us and Dario.

And Diavolo? He'd snuck out at God only knows what time, probably at dawn like he said he would.

Last night after our shower, we lay in bed with his arms wrapped around me and my head on his chest. I didn't even know when I'd drifted off. I'd slept like the dead.

This morning my mind is rife with conflicting thoughts. I've been thinking about everything Lorenzo told me, especially the things concerning Isabella.

Because of that, every time I look at her, I can't help but see her differently, and honestly, I don't like the feelings it stirs inside me.

I'd told Lorenzo that Isabella would never do something like that. I'd denied it, even to myself, but right now, I can't help wondering if she really is just a pawn in Antonio's grand scheme… or if she's an accomplice.

My eyes flicked toward her before moving to where Antonio was trying to talk to Dario, who was busy playing with his toys.

Unsurprisingly, Dario seemed reluctant to engage with him. Instead, he was more focused on his toys than the man trying to get his attention.

Then again, people always say children can sense evil.

It's taking everything in me not to march over there, scoop Dario into my arms, and keep him as far away from Antonio as possible.

I forced a small smile on my face. “I'm okay. I'm just thinking about our trip. I need to call the hospital to request two days off and inform my professor.”

“Hope you won't be missing too many classes?”

“I'll just have to attend them online. Fortunately, it won't be much since I'm not staying long.”

“What about Dario? Hasn't he started school yet?” she asked just as Antonio joined us at the table.

“No, he's being homeschooled for now,” I replied with a shrug. “Besides, it doesn't matter even if he were in school because I'm not taking him with me.”

“What? Why?” she asked with a frown.

They were both staring at me now, their expressions unreadable, which only made me even more suspicious.

“I already told you things have changed. You have nothing to fear,” Antonio said in a reassuring tone.

“I'm sorry. But I'll be the judge of that once I've seen this change you keep talking about. I'm not taking Dario anywhere near those horrible people who wanted him dead not that long ago. I can't and I won't.”

Antonio nodded. “Understandable. I'm just glad you're finally coming home.”

The look he shared with Isabella didn't escape my notice, but I pretended not to see it.

For the next few minutes, we ate breakfast and made light conversation, all of us deliberately avoiding the heavier topics.

Antonio took one last sip of his coffee before setting the mug down and wiping his mouth. Then he looked at me.

“I'm going out to see an old friend, but I won't be long,” he said as he rose to his feet. “And we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning, so pack your things.”

“Got it. I'll pack later. Have fun with your friend.”

He nodded at both of us before walking away.

It’s taking self-control; I didn’t know I had to act normal when all I wanted was to bash his head in. I sighed and turned my attention back to Isabella, who was still watching Antonio's retreating figure.

“I've been meaning to ask… what's going on with you and Antonio?” I whispered before taking a sip of my coffee. “Honestly, I expected you two to be already married by now. Of course, you can tell me to shut up if I'm being nosy,” I quickly added when she hesitated.

Isabella laughed softly. “You noticed, huh?”

I shrugged. “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.”

She shook her head. “It's nothing like that, and no, I don't think you're being nosy. I actually wanted to tell you so you wouldn't misunderstand what's between us, but it was late.”

She let out a small sigh. “Antonio and I ended things years ago.”

“What?” I asked, frowning. I honestly hadn't expected that. “Why? What happened?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. We just don't love each other, Sancia, so we agreed to end the engagement not long after you left.”

“Wow…” I murmured. “I don't think the elders took that well.”

She grimaced. “No, they didn't. They're still giving me headaches for not being married. If not for Antonio and Sergio, I would've already been married off to a man of their choosing. They've given me an ultimatum now—choose a husband before the year is over, or they'll choose one for me.”

“Assholes,” I muttered, anger rising on her behalf.

She chuckled lightly, then sighed. “Honestly, though, it's not as bad as before.”

“What about Mama? What did she say?”

Knowing our mother, she's probably devastated by Isabella’s lack of marriage.

“She didn't like it, but she didn't give me grief over it, so I'll say that's good. Besides, even if she objects to my decision, there's nothing she can do about it. It's my life, and I don't want to marry just for the sake of getting married.”

I nodded. “I'm glad you're standing up for yourself, Isa. Don't let any of them dictate your life. Those old fools think they'll always be able to control us. I just wish more women in our world would learn to stand up for themselves.”

“I just wish they'd stop giving Sergio trouble because of it.”

“Are they still bullying him?” I asked, angrily.

“No. As I said, things aren't as bad as they used to be. Besides, Sergio isn't the eighteen-year-old boy he once was. He can handle them just fine now.”

“I'm happy to hear that,” I said thoughtfully. “So what's your plan? What are you going to do if the year ends and you still haven't chosen anyone?”

Isabella shrugged. “I don't want to think about that just yet. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.”

“Well, let me know if you need help. I can talk to Luca. Maybe he can help you get a new identity and start over somewhere—live the life you want without the pressure of the famiglia hanging over your head.”

“Thank you, Sia. I will keep that in mind.”