Chapter 3
Isabella's POV
The next morning, I went to the pharmacy. Nathan's temporary medication wouldn't be enough; I needed a long-term solution.
"I'm sorry, Miss Salvatore," the pharmacist looked at me sympathetically. "Your insurance has been terminated—policy changes at the community center. Without coverage, this prescription will cost $568."
I stood there clutching the prescription slip, feeling dizzy. Five hundred sixty-eight dollars? That was nearly half a month's salary at my current pay rate. My fingers unconsciously fidgeted with the edge of my wallet as I weighed my options. Could I hold out another week? Maybe take half-doses?
As I turned to leave, a voice came from behind me.
"Looks like the Salvatore princess can't afford her meds anymore?"
I turned to see Tony leaning against the pharmacy entrance, suit jacket draped over his arm, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms and an obviously expensive watch. Sunlight illuminated his handsome face, causing my heart to skip involuntarily.
"You've already gotten what you wanted, Tony," I lifted my chin, struggling to steady my trembling voice. "I have nothing left. You won. Satisfied?"
He gave a cold laugh, his eyes full of mockery as he walked toward me. "No, Bella," his deep eyes locked with mine. "I'm far from satisfied. This is nothing compared to the pain you caused me!"
His words stabbed into my heart like knives, making it almost impossible to breathe. I wanted to tell him the truth, but...
"By the way," he leaned closer, his lips nearly touching my earlobe, "Saturday night, Fairmont Hotel, my charity gala. All employees are required to attend." He paused, a cruel smile playing at his lips. "Carlo will be there too... I look forward to your reunion."
My face instantly drained of color, the medication bag slipping from my hand. Carlo's coming? No, impossible, I can't...
Tony bent down to retrieve the bag, deliberately letting his fingers brush slowly across my palm as he handed it back. My hand instinctively jerked away as if burned, yet I couldn't help feeling a familiar electric current run through my body.
"Don't be late, Isabella." He stepped back, his expression returning to coldness. "It will have... significant implications for your career."
Saturday evening, I stood before my closet, staring at my reflection. Dark circles under my eyes, hollow cheeks. Is this really me?
I wore my only presentable dress—a black cocktail dress I'd bought five years ago. Now it hung loose at the waist, the neckline too low, only the sleeves fit properly, conveniently covering the scar on my wrist. I adjusted the neckline with safety pins and applied borrowed lipstick, hoping to hide my pallor.
Nathan's temporary medication sat on my coffee table. I counted: six pills. Not enough to last until my next prescription. I'd have to take half-doses, risking worsening symptoms. I swallowed half a pill dry.
The Fairmont Hotel ballroom was magnificent, crystal chandeliers illuminating marble floors. Waiters circulated with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The air was thick with expensive perfume, liquor, and the scent of power.
I stood at the entrance feeling completely out of place.
Tony was the room's focal point, everyone orbiting around him. He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, his bow tie impeccable. He conversed with political and business leaders, exuding charm and authority. He's still so damn attractive.
I tried to slip into a corner but was intercepted.
"Isabella Salvatore," a cold voice announced. "Your seat is at the main table."
I turned to see Marco staring at me expressionlessly. "The main table?"
"Boss's orders," he said curtly, placing his hand on my back and guiding me through the crowd.
When I saw Carlo sitting beside my assigned seat, I stopped abruptly, an icy fear instantly gripping my heart.
"Hey, Isabella," Tony came over to pull out my chair, whispering in my ear, "Let him see that his former woman now belongs to someone else."
Belongs? I'm not anyone's property! I fought to control my shaking hands as I silently took my seat. Carlo's gaze slithered over me like a venomous snake, making me feel cold to my core.
As the dinner began, Tony stood to make a speech, champagne glass glittering in his hand. "Welcome to the Russo Foundation charity gala. Tonight we're not only raising funds for South Boston's children's health programs but also celebrating our family's return to its roots..."
His gaze finally landed on me. "I'd like to specially introduce a guest—Isabella Salvatore, once the Salvatore family princess, now... my special assistant."
Polite applause mixed with whispers. Everyone knew the Salvatore family history.
"Fate has reunited us, hasn't it?" Tony raised his glass, his gaze drifting between Carlo and me.
Carlo raised his glass too, a sickening smile on his lips. He'd barely changed—still the same thin face with thin lips, small cunning eyes, and that prominent scar on his chin. "Indeed, seeing Isabella again is... an unexpected pleasure. Those days were unforgettable."
I gripped my glass tightly, knuckles white, feeling nauseated. Tony's eyes studied me, searching for any reaction. He's testing me. I struggled to maintain composure, though every nerve in my body screamed to flee.
Halfway through the evening, I was exhausted. Navigating between Tony and Carlo felt like dancing on a knife's edge, every second excruciating.
When I got up to use the restroom, Carlo followed. In a dimly lit corridor at the corner of the ballroom, he suddenly appeared before me.
"Isabella," he said softly, stepping forward, evil gleaming in his eyes. "You look... worn out. Life's been hard, hasn't it?"
I backed away, hitting the wall, feeling cornered. "Stay away from me, you bastard."
He moved closer, his cologne surrounding me, making my stomach churn.
"You've kept our little secret all this time, haven't you? Does Tony know what happened that night?"
I began struggling to breathe, my heart racing painfully. Dissociation started to set in—I was sliding toward a panic attack. Not here, not now.
"You piece of SHIT, stay away from me!" I forced out the words, my voice shaking yet full of hatred. "One step closer, I swear I'll kill you!"
He hesitated momentarily, but quickly regained his smug expression. "Still so fiery, Isabella. That's what I always liked about you." His finger traced my arm, and I violently pulled away.
I maneuvered around Carlo, practically running away. But just around the corner, I collided with Tony's solid chest.
"Where do you think you're going, Isabella?" he asked with a frown, his arm blocking my path. "The gala isn't over."
"I don't feel well, I need to leave," I said, fighting to control my trembling.
"Really? Or is it that you're upset your little rendezvous with Carlo was interrupted?" he taunted, his eyes dangerous.
I looked up at him, heartbroken. "You know NOTHING!"
"Then enlighten me," he grabbed my wrist with a grip so tight I couldn't break free.
"Let go—" Before I could finish, he dragged me into a suite in the corner and slammed the door shut.