In His Grasp: A Mafia Romance novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Emanuele's Wild Kiss

"Isabella, since Chloe misses you so much, why don't you let her stay for a couple of days? You two can catch up," Sophia suggested, unaware of the situation. She believed that Isabella and Chloe, having grown up together, must have a lot to talk about.

Isabella hesitated, suppressing the trembling within her. "Well... alright," she finally whispered. She couldn't bring herself to refuse her mother's proposal.

Emanuele gave Isabella an odd look, but since she had agreed, he chose not to say anything. Her state of mind seemed fragile, but since it was her choice, he didn't want to interfere too much. After all, he wasn't going to be around the apartment every day.

As soon as Isabella agreed, she began to regret it. She knew the days ahead wouldn't be easy. Could she endure it? That was the question on her mind.

"Isabella, see you tomorrow," Chloe said, hugging Isabella with apparent joy. Then, she leaned in close, speaking in a hushed tone, "Isabella, you've got to put in a good word for me with Emanuele. You know, among the Hurley family, I'm the one who truly deserves to stand by his side. I'm the queen who belongs with him. You're just a stray dog, not even in the same league as me."

As they sat in the car, Isabella's mood remained low. Emanuele looked at her and asked, "Isabella, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Isabella responded almost reflexively. It had become an automatic response by now.

Emanuele noticed Isabella's discomfort around Chloe. He pointed out, "You seem to be afraid of Chloe. Even when she served you that awful food, you didn't say a word. Last time, I had to coax you into eating."

He didn't buy into any notions of sisterly bonds.

Isabella tried to defend Chloe, saying, "No, Chloe is nice. And, Emanuele, did you notice? She seems to really like you."

Isabella tried to recall Chloe's positive attributes. But in her mind, all she could think about were the times Chloe had physically hurt her. Like when Chloe had used Isabella's own violin to hit her, breaking it in the process. Then she'd lied to her parents, blaming Isabella for the damage, which led to Isabella being scolded and punished. Her parents even replaced Chloe's violin.

Isabella's childhood had been full of envy, always desiring the things Chloe effortlessly possessed, while she had to save up for even a simple Barbie doll.

Recalling these painful memories, Isabella forced a smile as she spoke to Emanuele. However, her words seemed to irritate him further. He couldn't understand why Isabella was speaking so highly of Chloe, especially given the resentment he sensed.

Frustration overwhelmed Emanuele. He lit a cigarette, filling the car with smoke. Isabella coughed involuntarily, choking on the thick fumes.

Before she could question Emanuele's smoking, he abruptly pulled her into his arms.

"Shut the hell up!" Emanuele barked at Isabella. His usually light hazel eyes darkened with anger, and his gaze was filled with menace.

Isabella shrunk into Emanuele's embrace, too frightened to move. She didn't understand why he was so furious. She had only complimented Chloe. If Emanuele disliked her, she could have kept quiet. Why was he reacting this way?

Emanuele himself wasn't entirely sure why he was so furious. But hearing Isabella introduce Chloe and repeatedly praise her virtues had ignited a burning anger within him. It made him feel like he wanted to swallow Isabella whole.