Chapter 31

“dinner?” Isabella exclaimed, the housekeeper nodded in reply

“ Go and tell your boss, I am not having dinner with him” Isabella bustled

The housekeeper was about to leave when Isabella called her back “Please come and take this off my bed take it with you”

Isabella sighed angrily, immediately the housekeeper left, and she locked the door behind her.

“the guts” she spat angrily, she was more annoyed at the fact she still couldn't remember what had happened after he carried her, from the scent of his perfume still lingering on the bed confirming he brought her here. Then what else? She pondered

She was about to open the fridge when she heard a knock again, she sighed in frustration and headed to the door without even asking how was knocking.

“just go back to.....”

“Hi Isabella,” he said in a calm tone, Isabella swallowed hard, she felt a knot in her stomach and also a strong urge to vomit.

“You don't want to let me in,” he said trying to follow her eyes, he noticed she was avoiding eye contact with him.

“What do you want?” she asked in a rude tone

“Nah, let's try that again, in a better tone” he demanded

Isabella just looked at him and sighed, she walked past him. She disregarded his presence and switched on the television, making sure it was on the highest volume.

Leonardo's chest was heaving with anger as he stalked towards Isabella, his eyes flashing with fury. She backed away, fear clouding her eyes, but he followed relentlessly until she was trapped against the cold wall.

"Are you running Bella, few minutes ago you looked so fearless, his voice echoing in the empty room. "I have had enough of your drama ."

Isabella's heart pounded in her chest as she met his intense gaze, her hands trembling at her sides. “Let me go, I am not having....”

But before she could finish her sentence, Leonardo's* hand shot out and slammed against the wall beside her head, effectively trapping her in place. The force of his action shook the room, and Isabella flinched.

" You were so bold yesterday night Bella” Leonardo whispered to her, his face mere inches from hers. "Dress up for dinner Bella while I am still being nice and maybe you might get to see your lovely Mason one more time”

“and if I.. if I don't?” she stuttered

“Wrong question Bella, you know the answer already” he whispered to her before freeing her, he left the room immediately.

Isabella stood there in fear, she had almost peed in her pants, what was she thinking when she thought she could disobey him? In a few minutes, the same housekeeper came in with the same bag.

Isabella slowly unpacked the bag, the dinner gown was a black short gown with silver stones at the top, and the shoes were silver stilettos, and a mini bag to match the dressing. She saw another nylon, she opened it to see a matching bra and pants. She squeezed it in anger and threw it by the door.

“Who the fuck does he think he is” she spat angrily

She took her bath and styled her hair in a messy bun. She applied a light layer of makeup, Isabella couldn't help but feel a sense of defiance bubbling up inside her. She didn't want to be at dinner with Leonardo, but she also knew that she couldn't afford to anger him. He held the key to seeing Mason again and possibly saving his life. She wore the gown, it was as though she was measured, it was her size. She didn't feel too comfortable in the gown, her cleavages were out and her curves were visible.

Taking a deep breath, Isabella checked her reflection one last time before heading out the door. She knew that she would have to put on a brave face and play nice with Leonardo, even if every fiber of her being screamed to resist.

She looked at herself one more time before leaving, as she opened the door, a man in suit was already waiting for her.

“This way ma'am,” the man said, Isabella just replied with a smile.

The cold air hit Isabella's making her body hair stand, she breathed fresh breath and smiled in satisfaction. They walked for a while before she saw a mini restaurant, filled with light and decorated with flowers.

She reluctantly walked into the place Leonardo's eyes fell on her as she walked into the restaurant wearing the elegant gown he had purchased for her, his breath caught in his throat. The way the fabric clung to her curves accentuated her beauty in a way that left him speechless. His heart skipped a beat as she catwalk towards him.

He couldn't deny the surge of pride and admiration he felt as he watched her approach the table. The dress complemented her natural grace and sophistication, making her even more stunning than he had imagined. Leonardo couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had chosen something that brought out the best in her.

As Isabella took her seat across from him, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her, the admiration shining in his eyes. The sight of her in the gown he had carefully selected made him realize just how much he truly valued her presence in his life. At that moment, he knew that he was already madly in love with her.

Leonardo's mask of indifference slipped away, replaced by a genuine smile as he complimented Isabella on how stunning she looked. Isabella ignored him and his compliment, she was just busy admiring the place and enjoying the natural air touching her skin, she was tired of the air conditioner.

“You look beautiful Bella" he grinned, “I will keep saying it as much as I want to, so be prepared”

Isabella still ignored him, a waiter came and took their orders. While they waited for the food, Isabella finally mustered the courage to ask him.

“what are you aiming at Leonardo?”