Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella was feeling rather content these couple of days as she prepared to meet Evelyn and go out for a walk. However, there was one thing that troubled her – Emanuele. She had messaged Emanuele, but he hadn’t replied. When she called, he didn’t pick up. Isabella turned to Tony and Harry, her brow furrowed.

“Has something happened to Emanuele?”

“It’s impossible. If something happened to the boss, we would’ve received the news right away. He’s in New York, probably handling some business,” Tony assured her.

Isabella nodded, trying not to dwell on it. She felt somewhat powerless. She couldn’t help Emanuele much. He was busy, in danger, managing so much daily, carrying numerous responsibilities. She, on the other hand, was confined to a luxurious cage. Whatever she wanted to eat, Lilly would make it for her, and her clothing choices were unrestricted. Besides freedom, she had everything else.NôvelDrama.Org content.

She felt useless. Her only task was to ensure her safety, not to distract Emanuele. The day they’d agreed upon arrived quickly. Before they set out, Tony handed Isabella a gun.

“Mrs. Lombardi, the boss insisted you carry a firearm with you. Just in case of any danger, you should be able to protect yourself.”

The compact handgun easily concealed behind her lower back. It was hidden when her blouse hung over it, not revealing anything. But when Isabella held the gun, it felt like she was clutching something burning, as if she wanted to throw it away immediately.

Although she had used a firearm before, hitting an opponent and even being forced by Emanuele to kill a man, she had hidden a gun under her pillow. She’d even pointed a gun at Emanuele. Still, she wasn’t accustomed to this lifestyle. She felt anxious that she had to carry a gun specifically when going out. It was as if ice were coursing through her veins, chilling her to the bone with each breath.

This was a constant reminder that she was drifting further from her old world, that the dark underworld of the mafia was gradually consuming her.

“I don’t need it. I won’t use it. What if it accidentally goes off?” Isabella remained apprehensive.

“But the boss insisted. He said you must carry the gun, or you can’t go out,” Tony reminded her.

Isabella sighed, feeling it was all too crazy. Did she now have to carry a gun when she was out, in addition to having bodyguards? How formidable were Emanuele’s enemies if they compelled her, someone with no prior firearm training, to be armed?

Eventually, Isabella gave in and placed the handgun in her handbag. It was a secure position, and she could quickly retrieve it and defend herself in case of danger. However, the question remained – could she hit the target?

Once they left the apartment, the bodyguards did indeed surround Isabella’s car as Emanuele had foretold, proceeding to the cafe. When Isabella arrived, the cafe was eerily empty, devoid of customers, and even the staff were absent, leaving only the freshly brewed coffee sitting on the tables.

Considering it was a Sunday and the usual gathering spot, this was the first time Isabella had seen the cafe so deserted, and it made her feel uneasy. Shortly after, Evelyn and Pippo arrived.

Evelyn, at the sight of Isabella, immediately gave her a warm hug.

“Isabella, it’s been so long! I’ve missed you so much, and you look even more beautiful,” Evelyn pressed her cheek against Isabella’s and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

They soon separated, and Pippo also greeted Isabella with a brief hug. They took their seats.

Seeing Evelyn and Pippo sitting close, displaying an affectionate stance, made Isabella feel a bit uneasy. It had never crossed her mind that Evelyn and Pippo were together. It seemed like their relationship was going well, and Evelyn seemed quite dependent on Pippo.

“Isabella, you’re different now as the wife of the mafia boss. When we came in earlier, the bodyguards even searched us. Furthermore, there are hardly any people around here. It’s the first time I’ve seen a cafe so empty at 3 pm,” Evelyn, a regular girl, was a bit startled by the grand setup.

She knew that she was growing distant from Isabella. Isabella chuckled, and her smile held a tinge of awkwardness.

“Maybe it’s because it’s been more dangerous recently.”

“Yes, you were almost shot at the hospital last time. I was scared to death,” Evelyn sighed, recalling the frightening incident.

However, Isabella remained much calmer, her expression appearing unruffled. She acted as though assassination attempts had no effect on her. Evelyn hadn’t met Isabella for a while, and she noticed the change in her friend.

The old Isabella was sunny, positive, and full of life, the kind of student fresh to the world. But the current Isabella, while still youthful and beautiful, exuded a composed aura. It was as if she had weathered a storm and emerged unscathed.

With her luxurious designer clothing, bags, and shoes, and a diamond ring as dazzling as a pigeon’s egg on her finger, Isabella looked every inch a noble mafia queen. Even when joking and chatting, Evelyn couldn’t help but feel that she had to look up to Isabella.

However, they had been good friends for many years. They had been through a lot together. Evelyn had accompanied Isabella through emotional lows and even lent her money when Isabella had none. She knew so many of Isabella’s secrets. Despite the transformation, Evelyn still saw the same Isabella she had known for so long.

They chatted until late afternoon. Pippo, sitting nearby, spoke briefly with Isabella initially, but then she and Evelyn engaged in conversation.

At around 5 o’clock, Pippo checked the time and suggested getting dinner. However, Isabella knew she had to stay in the cafe and said, “I’ll pass on dinner. It’s rare for us to meet again today, and I’m delighted, Evelyn. We’ll meet again sometime.”

Evelyn reluctantly hugged Isabella. “Isabella, take care of yourself. Who knows when we’ll meet again?”

She hated to part, but there was no other choice.

Before leaving, Isabella looked at Pippo. The man appeared as courteous as ever, and upon catching her gaze, he nodded.

“Pippo, take care of Evelyn. I wish you both happiness,” Isabella said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.”

Evelyn and Pippo watched as Isabella’s car departed. She embraced Pippo and confided, “Even though Isabella doesn’t have to worry about material things anymore, I feel she’s not happy. The mafia is powerful, but she’s losing her freedom.”

This pained Evelyn. No one understood Isabella better than her. She loved a carefree life.

Pippo ran his fingers through Evelyn’s hair. “Don’t think too much. Maybe soon, Isabella will find her freedom again.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, I just think she won’t keep living like this forever.”

Pippo’s face bore a hint of gloom.