His Ruthless Redemption (Isabella and Dominic) novel Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Isabella’s POV

It was late when I finally got home after the event.

The house was quiet in that particular way that came only after a long day, lights dimmed, footsteps softened, voices lowered as if the walls themselves were tired. I slipped my shoes off near the door, my body aching in places I hadn’t noticed until now, adrenaline slowly ebbing out of my system now that the rush of it all had faded.

Before I could even reach the stairs, Mateo came barreling towards me.

“Mamma!”

I laughed softly as he wrapped himself around my waist, nearly knocking the breath out of me. Caterina followed more slowly, a shawl draped over her shoulders, her smile warm and proud.

“We waited,” Mateo announced. “Nonna said it was okay.”

“You didn’t have to,” I said, my throat tightening despite myself. God, I’d missed my baby boy so much tonight. It made me wish kids could attend events like this, too. I’d never let him stay home, away from me if that was possible.

“Yes, we did,” Caterina said gently, making me look up at her. “Tonight was important.”

Something about that, about them waiting for me, about the quiet pride in Caterina’s eyes, lodged itself deep in my chest. I hugged them both, breathing them in like an anchor. Because that’s exactly what they were. Holding me in place.

“Thank you,” I said to Caterina as I pulled back from the hug, my lips tilting up into the most genuine smile I’d given all evening.

“You don’t have to thank us, Isa. We’re both proud of what you’ve achieved today. And I wish you even greater success in the future, cara mia,” Caterina said, and I knew without a doubt that her words were without a hint of malice.

My smile only widened

as

I

a at her, grateful to have her in my life.

When I tucked Mateo into bed later, he looked up at me sleepily. “Did everyone

“Yes,” I said softly. “They did.”

like your

work?”

He smiled, satisfied. “I knew they would,” he whispered before his eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep kissed his forehead softly before getting up to leave.

As I turned off the light, I realized Dominic still wasn’t home.

The thought landed without drama. Just something I noted almost subconsciously. He had still been religiously keeping up with his ritual of giving me those handwritten pages with the day’s events mentioned clearly.

I had a feeling he might miss it tonight.

Unable to fully calm myself, I went downstairs and made myself a cup of tea, the familiar movements calming my nerves. I stood by the counter, watching steam curl upwards, when the front door opened.

Dominic walked in, jacket slung over his arm, exhaustion etched deep into his face.

“They admitted her,” he said quietly. “The doctors want to keep her overnight

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11:48 am PP p

Chapter 122”

Creped keeping my tone neutral

“I’m worried about her,” he added

I nodded once. No questions. No reassurance. I didn’t really want to engage in any kind of conversation with him.

I turned to leave.

“Isa,” he said, stopping me.

I paused, not turning around.

“I just wanted to say that tonight was incredible,” he continued. “You were incredible. I’m proud of you and everything you’ve achieved.”

9

I looked at him then. Really looked.

“Don’t,” I said.

“Why?” His voice cracked just slightly. “I mean it.”

“I know you do,” I said. “But I didn’t do any of that for you.”

He took a step closer. “I know. That’s what makes it even more impressive. There’s been so much going on at home with the Vitellis, and then Nico, and Alessia, and then mamma falling ill. It’s commendable what you’ve done despite all that.”

I huffed out a quiet, humorless laugh. “I learned how to compartmentalize from the best.”

His brows furrowed, realising the jab for what it was “That’s not fair”

“I didn’t have a choice,” I went on. “It was either let my life fall apart or keep moving. So I did.”

Silence stretched between us.

“Isa,” he said finally, softer now, “can we talk? Really talk?”

Something inside me tightened. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I miss you,” he admitted. “And I know I’ve made mistakes, but I’m trying

“That’s the problem.” I said, frustration flaring. “I don’t like who I become when I’m with you.”

Γ

His face went still at my words.

“I become weak,” I continued, the words tumbling out now without any filters whatsoever. “Pathetic. I start measuring myself against women like Alessia. I get jealous. Old wounds tear open like they were never healed.”

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