CHAPTER 6

The Betrayal

Isabella pov 

I stood frozen, my mind reeling from my brother's words. "Alessandro is not the man you think he is," what did he mean? 

Alessandro had been my rock, my confidant, my partner in every sense of the word.

 We had built a life together, and I had grown to trust him with my life.

My brother's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep concern. 

"Isabella, listen to me. Alessandro Killed our parents not Gabriel"

"C'mon brother, what are you saying?" I laughed 

 " I am serious bella, Alessandro is the one who actually killed our parents," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

I felt like I'd been dipped in ice water. No, this couldn't be true. 

Alessandro would never do such a thing. 

We had built a life together, and I had grown to trust him with my life.

"You're lying," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "Alessandro would never hurt me like that."

But my brother's expression remained grim. "I'm telling the truth, Isabella. 

Alessandro is not who you think he is. He's been playing you all along."

I felt a wave of doubt wash over me. Was it true? Had Alessandro been using me all along?

Alessandro's face turned pale, and he took a step back, his eyes wide with panic. "Rodriguez, what are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice shaking slightly.

My brother sneered. "Don't play dumb, Alessandro. 

I know all about your little secret. You killed our parents, and you've been using Isabella ever since."

I felt like my world was crashing down around me, I didn't know what to believe. 

Part of me wanted to trust Alessandro, but another part of me was screaming that my brother was telling the truth.

I stared at Alessandro, my mind racing with questions. 

How could he do this to me? 

How could he kill my parents and then pretend to love me?

Alessandro took a step forward, his eyes pleading. "Isabella, please listen to me. I can explain everything."

But I was beyond listening. I felt like I'd been blindfolded and led down a path of destruction. 

"Explain?" I spat, my voice venomous. "How can you explain away murder?"

My brother stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "You used her, Alessandro. You used her trust and her love against her."

Alessandro's face contorted in pain. "I never meant to hurt her, Rodriguez. I swear it."

But I wasn't having it. I turned to my brother, my heart heavy with emotion. 

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My brother's expression softened. "I was trying to protect you, Isabella.

 I didn't want you to get hurt any more than you already had."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. Anger, sadness, betrayal. I didn't know what to do or where to go from here.

Alessandro took another step forward, his eyes locked onto mine. "Isabella, please. Don't believe him. 

He's just trying to turn you against me."

Alessandro's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a desperate plea. "Isabella, my love, don't believe what your brother is saying.

 I'm telling you, I had nothing to do with your parents' death. Rodriguez is just trying to manipulate you."

I felt a pang of doubt, despite my brother's words. Alessandro's voice was like honey, sweet and soothing.

 He took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "You know me, Isabella. 

You know I'd never hurt you. We're in this together, always."

My brother scoffed. "Save it, Alessandro. You think you can charm your way out of this? You're a monster."

Alessandro's gaze never wavered from mine. "Isabella, trust me. I love you. I'd never do anything to harm you or your family."

I felt torn, my heart wavering between my brother's words and Alessandro's persuasive charm.

 But before I could respond, Gabriel's deep voice boomed from the doorway.

"Alessandro, you're not convincing anyone," he said, his eyes narrowing.

Alessandro's smile faltered, and he turned to face Gabriel, his expression calculating. 

Gabriel strode into the room, his presence commanding attention.

"Isabella, come with me," Gabriel said, his voice firm.

Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool, his gaze locked onto mine. "Don't go with him, Isabella. Stay with me.

Gabriel's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Take her home, back to the Santos villa Now."

Before I could react, his men moved in, surrounding me. Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger, but he didn't move, his gaze locked onto Gabriel with a fierce intensity.

The men closed in, their grip firm but not ungentle. 

They escorted me out of the house, Alessandro's protests echoing behind me. "Isabella, don't go! We'll talk about this!"

But it was too late. I was swept away, leaving Alessandro behind. 

Gabriel's men took me to his car, and I was driven away from the only home I'd known with Alessandro.

As we drove, I thought about Alessandro's words. Was he telling the truth? Or was my brother right? I didn't know what to believe anymore.

The car pulled up to Gabriel's mansion, and I was led inside. Gabriel was already there, his expression unreadable.

"You're safe now Isabella," he said, his voice calm. "You won't be going back to him."

But was I safe? Or was I just trading one danger for another?

 I looked up at Gabriel, searching for answers. But his face gave nothing away.

I stood there, my mind racing with questions. What did Gabriel plan to do with me? And what did he mean by "you won't be going back to him"?

Gabriel's expression remained calm, but his eyes seemed to bore into my soul. "You're not safe with Alessandro," he said, his voice firm. "He's not who you think he is."

I felt a surge of defensiveness, despite my brother's accusations. "You don't know anything about him," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Gabriel's gaze never wavered. "I know enough," he said. "And I know you're not safe. You'll stay here with me until we can figure out what's going on."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did Gabriel have planned for me? And what did he mean by "figure out what's going on"?

As I stood there, trying to process everything, Gabriel's phone rang. He answered it, his expression darkening as he listened.

"What is it?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Gabriel's eyes flicked to mine, his expression grim. "It's about Alessandro," he said. "He's not taking this lying down."

Suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of alarms blaring and lights flashing. Gabriel's men rushed to the windows, their guns drawn.

"What's happening?" I asked, feeling a surge of fear.

Gabriel's face was set in a determined expression. "Alessandro's making his move," he said. "Let's see how he plays this."

I stood still, my heart racing with fear.

Alessandro's words echoed in my mind, "Isabella, my love, don't believe them, don't believe what your brother is saying." 

But my brother's accusations had planted a seed of doubt. Was Alessandro truly capable of such a heinous act?

Gabriel's men surrounded me, their guns drawn, as the alarms blared and lights flashed. I felt like I was in the midst of a war zone.

"What do you plan to do?" I asked Gabriel, trying to keep my voice steady.

Gabriel's expression was grim. "We'll defend ourselves, of course. Alessandro's not going to take this lying down."

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. What would happen next? Would Alessandro try to rescue me, or would he try to hurt Gabriel and his men?

As I stood there, I realized that I didn't know what to believe or who to trust. 

Alessandro's words had been persuasive, but my brother's accusations had shaken me.

The alarms stopped blaring, and the lights ceased flashing. Gabriel's men stood down, their guns still at the ready.

"It's just a warning," Gabriel said, his voice calm. "Alessandro's trying to show us he's serious."

As I stood there, I realized that my fate was tied to Gabriel's, at least for now. But what about Alessandro? Did I still trust him?

" Take Isabella to the east wing of the Santos villa, she's to remain there, until I deemfit to release her." Gabriel ordered firm and commanding

I nodded numbly as Gabriel's men gathered around me. 

They escorted me to the east wing of the Santos villa, a sprawling mansion that seemed to stretch on forever. 

The east wing was a luxurious suite with high ceilings, marble floors, and lavish furnishings.

As they locked the door behind me, I felt a surge of panic. I was trapped, at Gabriel's mercy.

 But what did he plan to do with me? And what would happen to Alessandro?

I paced back and forth in the suite, my mind racing with questions and fears. 

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in grave danger, that Gabriel's intentions were far from pure.

As I walked, I noticed a small balcony overlooking the gardens. 

I stepped out onto it, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. 

The gardens were beautiful, but they seemed to stretch out endlessly, a reminder of the vastness of santos's mansion.

I stood there, lost in thought, wondering what the future held.

 Would I ever escape from Gabriel's clutches? And what would happen to Alessandro? Was he truly the monster my brother claimed he was, or was he innocent?

" What about the child in my womb?" I thought holding my belly.

The child growing inside me was Gabriel's and the thought filled me with a mix of emotions. 

Fear, uncertainty, and a deep-seated love for the life growing within me.

I stood on the balcony a little more longer, the cool night air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. 

I wrapped my arms around my belly, a protective gesture that seemed almost instinctual. 

The child growing within me was a secret I had to keep hidden, at least for now.

I knew I had to be careful, not just for myself, but for the life growing inside me.

 I had to protect my child, no matter what. But how could I, when I was trapped in Gabriel's mansion with no clear escape?

As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard a faint noise coming from within the suite. 

It sounded like footsteps, light and cautious. I turned to see if someone was approaching, my heart racing with fear.

"Ma'am the don asked me to bring your dinner over"

I turned to see the maid standing in the doorway with a tray of food.

 I nodded, trying to compose myself. "Thank you," I said, my voice neutral.

The maid set the tray down on a nearby table and began to arrange the dishes.

 I watched her, wondering if I could trust her, if she might be willing to help me.

As she finished and turned to leave, I spoke up. 

"Wait," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The maid turned back to me, a questioning look in her eyes. "Yes, ma'am?" she asked.

I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. 

But something about her expression made me think she might be willing to listen. 

"Can you tell me something?" I asked, my voice low.

The maid nodded, her eyes darting around the room cautiously. "What is it, ma'am?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, trying to choose my words carefully. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why did the don bring me here?"

The maid's expression changed, a flicker of fear crossing her face.

 "I don't know, ma'am," she said quickly. "I really shouldn't be talking to you about this."

I sensed her fear, and I knew I had to tread carefully.

 But I also sensed that she might know more than she was letting on. "Please," I said, my voice soft. 

"I need to know what's going on. Can you tell me anything?"

The maid hesitated, glancing around the room nervously. 

And then, in a barely audible whisper, she spoke. "Be careful around the don, ma'am. He's not what he seems."

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on the maid's. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The maid glanced around the room nervously, as if she feared being overheard. "The don has secrets, ma'am," she said, her voice low and cautious. "Secrets that could put you in danger."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What kind of secrets could Gabriel possibly have? And why would they put me in danger?

The maid seemed to sense my fear, and her expression softened. "I'm sorry, ma'am," she said. "I shouldn't have said anything. Just...be careful, okay?"

I nodded, my mind racing with questions. What did the maid know? And how could I trust her?

As the maid turned to leave, I spoke up again. "Wait," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The maid turned back to me, a questioning look in her eyes. "Yes, ma'am?"

I hesitated, unsure of what to ask. But something about the maid's expression made me think she might be willing to help. "Can you help me?" I asked, my voice soft. "Can you help me escape?"

The maid's expression changed, a flash of fear crossing her face. "I don't know, ma'am," she said quickly. "I really shouldn't be talking to you about this."

I sensed her fear, and I knew I had to tread carefully. But I also knew I had to try. "Please," I said, my voice soft. "I have to get out of here. For my own sake, and for the sake of my child."

The maid's expression softened, and she nodded slightly. "I'll see what I can do," she said. "But you have to be careful. The don has eyes and ears everywhere."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could trust this maid. And maybe she could help me escape.

As the maid turned to leave, I felt a sense of motherly protection.

 I would get out of here, no matter what it took. And I would protect my child, no matter what.

The maid paused in the doorway, looking back at me. "Be careful, ma'am," she said. "The don is not a man to be underestimated."

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew I had to be careful. But I also knew I had to try. For my own sake, and for the sake of my child.

Alessandro's eyes blazed with fury as he watched Isabella being taken away. He took a step forward, but Gabriel's men blocked his path.

"You're not going anywhere, Alessandro," Gabriel said, his voice cold and calculating.

Alessandro's face twisted in rage. "You'll pay for this, Gabriel," he snarled. "You'll pay for taking her away from me."

Gabriel smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I'm not afraid of you, Alessandro," he said. "You're just a relic of the past, a reminder of the darkness that lurks within us all."

Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger, and he launched himself at Gabriel. But Gabriel's men were too strong, and they quickly subdued him.

"Take him away," Gabriel ordered, his voice firm. "Lock him up until he cools down."

As Alessandro was dragged away, he struggled and cursed, his eyes fixed on Gabriel with a burning hatred. Gabriel watched him go, his expression unreadable.

But just as Alessandro was about to be taken out of sight, he suddenly broke free from his captors. With a fierce cry, he launched himself at Gabriel, determined to take him down.

The two men clashed in a flurry of punches and kicks, their bodies crashing against the floor. But Gabriel's men quickly regained control, and Alessandro was pinned to the ground.

Gabriel stood over him, his chest heaving with exertion. "You're a foolish man, Alessandro," he said, his voice cold. "You should have stayed out of this."

Alessandro glared up at him, his eyes burning with hatred. "This isn't over," he snarled. "I'll get out of here, and I'll make you pay."

Gabriel smiled again, a cold, calculating smile. "I'm looking forward to it," he said.

As Gabriel's men dragged Alessandro away, Gabriel turned to his lieutenant. "Make sure he's secure," he ordered. "I don't want him escaping."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed as he watched Alessandro being dragged away. 

He knew the man was a threat, a wild card that couldn't be trusted. 

But he also knew that Alessandro's love for Isabella was for his own benefits, and that made him a formidable opponent.

As he turned to leave, Gabriel's thoughts turned to Isabella. She was supposed to be a pawn in his game, a piece to be used and discarded. 

But he couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her. She was beautiful, intelligent, and strong-willed. And she carried his child.

Gabriel's hand instinctively went to his pocket, where he had placed the ultrasound pictures of the baby.

 He had been surprised by the depth of his emotions when he saw the images. 

He had always known he wanted children, but he had never expected to feel this way.

He walked into his office, his mind racing with thoughts of Isabella and the baby. 

He knew he had to protect them, to keep them safe from harm. And that meant keeping Alessandro at bay.

Gabriel's eyes hardened as he thought about Alessandro. He knew the man was capable of anything, and he wouldn't hesitate to use Isabella as leverage. 

But Gabriel was one step ahead. He had a plan, a plan to keep Isabella safe and ensure the baby's future.

As he sat down at his desk, Gabriel's phone rang. He answered it, his voice firm. "What is it?" he asked.

"It's about Alessandro," his lieutenant replied. "He's been secured, but I think we should keep a close eye on him. He's not going to give up easily."

Gabriel nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "I agree," he said. "Keep him under surveillance at all times. I don't want him causing any more trouble."

He hung up the phone, his thoughts turning to Isabella once again. 

He knew she was scared, unsure of what to do or where to turn. But he also knew she was strong, stronger than she realized.

Gabriel's eyes softened as he thought about Isabella's situation. 

He knew she was trapped, caught between her love for Alessandro and her growing feelings for him. But he was determined to keep her safe, to protect her from harm.

As he sat there, lost in thought, Gabriel's expression changed. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.

 He knew what he had to do, and he was willing to do whatever it took to protect Isabella and their child.

The sound of the door opening broke the silence. Gabriel's assistant walked in, a look of concern on her face. "Sir, is everything okay?" she asked.

Gabriel's expression smoothed out, and he nodded. "Everything's fine," he said. "Just dealing with some...family matters."

His assistant nodded, understanding in her eyes. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," she said.

Gabriel smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I'll keep that in mind," he said.

As his assistant left the room, Gabriel's thoughts turned back to Isabella.

 He knew he had to be careful, to tread carefully. But he was determined to protect her, to keep her safe from harm.

And he would do whatever it took to make sure that happened.