Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella gazed fixedly at Emanuele. For some reason, she felt that when Emanuele said those words, he was sincere, as if he genuinely wanted her to be his queen. But when she remembered the mocking words he used earlier, such as not having enough fun with her yet, so he couldn’t let her run away, Isabella became uncertain. She wondered if Emanuele was acting at this moment, perhaps putting on a show for everyone present.

She decided to assume he was acting, putting on a performance for the audience. With a furrowed brow, Isabella responded, “Rest assured, we’re married, and in front of everyone, I’ll cooperate with you. As for the things you said, I’m not that naive to believe a flip-flopping liar like you.”

Emanuele watched her lips as they moved, and he couldn’t help but think about how much he wanted to kiss her, to silence her with his lips. How could she be so eloquent, saying things that hurt him?

Isabella, in a moment of bravery, took on a resolute attitude. This pleased Emanuele, yet it also stirred a faint pain within him. He quickly locked away all those emotions deep inside, reaching out to hold Isabella around her waist. Her waist was soft, and he had full control with just one hand, effortlessly keeping her close.

Isabella, in turn, leaned against his chest. To the onlookers, they appeared like the perfect and harmonious couple. However, only they knew their true thoughts.

Emanuele resolved that he would never reveal his feelings for Isabella unless he was certain she loved him. Otherwise, this woman might use it against him and pose a serious threat to his life.

Soon, the speeches began. Emanuele’s father was the first to speak, followed by his friends who shared blessings, advice, and a few well-timed jokes to liven up the atmosphere. Smiles adorned everyone’s faces, and it was a rare moment of tranquility.

“Isabella, I never thought you would marry Emanuele,” Grazia said, approaching Isabella with her husband, Andrew. They greeted her with congratulations.

Indeed, the turn of events was astounding. They had come to celebrate Isabella’s wedding to Clark, but at the last minute, Emanuele somehow replaced him. Grazia finally learned that Emanuele had long been infatuated with Isabella. While their relationship as step-siblings may not conform to conventional ethics, Grazia reasoned that she couldn’t oppose Emanuele, who was the head of a mafia family, even if her father was on his side. She also believed that Isabella hadn’t been coerced into this marriage. To her, it was cool for them to be together.

“Indeed, it’s unexpected,” Isabella replied, hugging Grazia.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“That’s great; this way, we’re more like a family now,” Grazia said, planting a kiss on Isabella’s cheek.

Soon, the dance floor came to life. Music filled the air, and Emanuele led Isabella into the middle of the dance floor. As the center of attention, everyone danced around them.

Isabella looked at Emanuele’s handsome face. “It’s clear that you’re very happy today,” she said, her tone tinged with irony.

Emanuele furrowed his brows briefly, but he quickly regained his composure. He didn’t want Isabella to discern his true feelings. He extended his hand, framing Isabella’s face, and bent down to do what he had wanted to do all along, sealing her lips with a kiss. This was a way to silence her from saying things that angered him.

Isabella didn’t resist Emanuele’s kiss; instead, she leaned into it. Her body was soft, and she carried a sweet fragrance.

This sensation fascinated Emanuele, left him addicted, but also made him realize that Isabella held his heart tightly. It was dangerous for him because Isabella’s rebellious nature would surely seize upon this vulnerability to provoke him. He hoped she would never discover his true feelings, or else, he might suffer because of her.

After ending the kiss, Emanuele’s gaze was locked onto Isabella’s face. His fingers lightly caressed the red lips he had just kissed. Despite Isabella appearing a bit disheveled, her eyes shone as brightly as the sun, indicating she was now completely aware of her surroundings.

Leo approached with Sophia. Emanuele released Isabella and took Sophia’s hand. They moved to the dance floor, where Emanuele sensed that Sophia wasn’t in a particularly good mood. He reassured her, saying, “Relax, Sophia.”

Sophia was not only his stepmother but also his mother-in-law.

“I just didn’t expect you to marry Isabella,” Sophia sighed, recalling Isabella’s gaze of suspicion and resentment. It weighed on her mood, making her feel like she was selling her daughter. Indeed, as Isabella had said, she had treated her like a commodity, pushing her to attend Lombardi family gatherings and interact with mafia people. She had even witnessed Isabella’s pain, but she had hoped that Isabella could endure it to avoid embarrassment in front of Leo.

But now, Isabella had given up her beloved career to marry a mafia boss.

Sophia began to regret why she had repeatedly ignored Isabella’s feelings in pursuit of her own interests. She recognized that she hadn’t been a good mother.

Sophia was well aware of how much Isabella despised any association with the mafia, yet she had pushed her to marry Emanuele.

Of course, it’s not that Emanuele isn’t amazing. He’s powerful, handsome, and treats the people close to him well, but…

All in all, it seems like Isabella might not be into this kind of men.

Emanuele noticed Sophia’s concerns and sadness and assured her, “I will take care of her.”

“I know,” Sophia replied. “But I know she doesn’t like this world. I’m afraid she’ll hate me, hate all of you.”

“That’s okay. She’s strong-willed. I think she’ll adapt quickly. Thank you for raising Isabella so well, Sophia. I like her very much,” Emanuele smiled slightly, putting Sophia more at ease. Sophia also felt his genuine fondness for Isabella and believed that he could protect her.

Now, she could relax.

At this moment, Emanuele looked at Isabella not far away. She had gone to chat with Grazia. He thought about her rebellious eyes, always saying things to provoke him. She dared to challenge even a mafia boss like him. What else wouldn’t she dare to do?

Emanuele believed that no one was more suitable to be his mafia queen than Isabella.

But damn, when would this wretched wedding finally end?

Isabella’s mood was equally wretched. She felt like this day had been long and chaotic. As she looked around at the joyful guests, and even caught a glimpse of happiness on Emanuele’s face, she couldn’t help but feel odd. Was she the only one living in turmoil?

It wasn’t until the reception ended, and Isabella sat in Emanuele’s SUV that she still hadn’t come back to herself.