I am telling you all I hate maths. I am dying for the upcoming exams🥺🥺don't expect to see me anytime soon.

But finally the truth--

Isabella's POV:

I stirred in my hospital bed, my eyes slowly fluttering open. The soft hum of medical equipment and the faint glow of monitors greeted me as I gradually became aware of my surroundings. A sterile, antiseptic scent filled the room, mingling with the sweet aroma of flowers that had been brought by my brothers, who were now gathered around me.

Gio's face lit up with relief as he gently grasped my hand, his rough fingers providing a comforting anchor. "Hey, you're awake."

I blinked a few times, my vision adjusting to the soft hospital lighting. The concern in my brothers' eyes was palpable, and I managed a weak but genuine smile. "Hey, guys."

Maximo's expression softened as he adjusted the bouquet of flowers on my bedside table. "How are you feeling?"

Victor watched me closely, his emotions hidden behind his usual stoicism. His voice was soft, a rare hint of vulnerability slipping through. "Do you need anything?"

I managed a small smile, their presence a soothing balm to the lingering ache in my arm. "I'm okay, just a bit sore."

Enzo nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the mixture of relief and worry that seemed to permeate the room. "We need to talk, but not now. Your recovery is what's most important."

My brothers were my pillars of strength, always concerned about my well-being. However, there was a conversation that loomed ahead, one I couldn't postpone any longer.

"But..." I began, my voice a hesitant murmur.

"Not now, mi amore," Victor's eyes locked onto mine, understanding and determination shining in their depths.

.

.

.

The next day, I was discharged from the hospital, and a wave of mixed emotions flooded over me as I returned home. The house seemed different as if the walls held the secrets of my family's worry during my absence.

Uncle Leander, Daniel, and Grandpa were waiting for me in the living room. Their expressions ranged from relief to concern, and it was evident that my ordeal had taken a toll on them.

Uncle Leander approached me first, enveloping me in a warm hug. "Isabella, thank the heavens you're safe. We've all been so worried."

I returned the embrace, appreciating their unwavering support. "I'm okay, Uncle Leander, Grandpa."

Daniel sat nearby, a mixture of emotions playing across his face. His relief was evident, and his voice held genuine concern as he greeted me, "Isabella, I'm so glad you're okay."

My gaze met Daniel's, gratitude welling up within me. "Thank you, Daniel. I really am fine."

The weight of the unspoken conversation hung heavy in the room, and I knew it was time to reveal the truth about my past, as much as I could bear to share.

"We'll talk later," Daniel said cryptically, his eyes holding mine, hinting at the complexities of the discussion that awaited.

After lunch, I found myself in Victor's study, where he, Daniel, Uncle Leander, and Grandpa had gathered. The atmosphere was tense, brimming with unspoken questions and lingering concerns.

Victor's steady gaze never wavered as he spoke, his voice tinged with both understanding and anticipation. "Isabella, you've been through a lot. We want to understand."

Daniel's eyes held a mixture of curiosity and care. "We care about you, Isabella. We just want to know what's going on."

Uncle Leander added his support, his voice gentle yet firm. "You can trust us, Isabella. We're here to help."

I took a deep breath, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It was time to share the truth, at least as much as I could bear.

"I'll tell you what I can," I finally said, my voice trembling slightly. "But there are things I can't talk about, things from my past that I'm not ready to share."

Victor's understanding gaze remained unwavering as he reassured me. "We'll take it one step at a time, Isabella. Whenever you're ready."

As I began to share my past, I could feel the weight of it all, like a haunting melody that had played throughout my life.

Each word I utter brings back the pain of my past, memories I've tried to bury. But they deserve to know the truth, to understand the scars that hide beneath the surface.

"My mother," I began, my voice quivering with the raw emotion of old wounds, "she used to love me. But everything changed when she met her boyfriend. She started hating my existence, and one day, she sold me off to a gang leader."

Uncle Leander's face contorted with anger, his fists clenching in righteous fury. Grandpa's eyes blazed with indignation as they processed the horrifying revelation.

They're furious, as they should be. But I hope they don't let their anger consume them. I need their understanding, not their wrath.

"My mother didn't just hate me emotionally," I continued, my voice carrying the pain of memories I wished I could erase. "She physically abused me. It was a nightmare."

Their anger on my behalf was a bittersweet comfort, their empathy a reminder that I was no longer alone in this battle.

"That gang leader," I continued, "turned out to be Louis' father, Fabio—the late don of the French mafia. He adopted me because he had no daughter of his own. He trained me in self-defence and etiquette because I held a formal position as the don's daughter."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recounted the strange twists of fate that had entangled my life with Louis's.

I can still remember Fabio's stern yet caring eyes as he taught me how to navigate that dangerous world. He was a father to me when my own failed me.

"After an attack in which Fabio died," I went on, my voice growing steadier as I delved into my past, "I was forced to work for the Russian mafia. I received training to become an assassin."

The room was filled with heavy silence, my family absorbing the harsh realities of my life.

I've spent years suppressing the memories of those dark days in Russia. Now, I must relive them to help them understand.

"But then," I continued, "I met Louis, and I realized he was Fabio's son, my adopted brother."

Their empathy was palpable, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude that they were willing to listen to the painful chapters of my life.

Louis, my confidant, my partner in this treacherous journey. He's been my anchor in a stormy sea.

"We had to keep our relationship a secret," I explained, my voice quivering with the weight of the secrets we had harboured. "From a young age, Fabio sent Louis away to live in disguise because of the dangers of the mafia. We knew of each other's existence but could never meet."

A heavy silence settled over the room, the complexities of my relationships and the risks we had taken sinking in.

We danced on the edge of danger, Louis and I. One misstep and our secret world would come crashing down.

"Together, we faced my past," I continued, my voice growing stronger with each word. "I helped Louis eliminate the Russian leader's family and his loyal men, weakening his grip on power."

The room was filled with empathy and quiet admiration for the strength I had found within myself and the bond Louis and I had shared.

The darkness of my past, the choices I've made—they define me, but they don't break me. I'm stronger now, and they need to see that.

"Back in France," I continued, "we opened Fabio's will. He left all his legal estates to me and entrusted me with his legacy. He expressed his love for both of us and wished for us to be the best siblings to each other."

As the truth of my past unfolded before them, my family's expressions shifted from anger and sorrow to understanding and empathy.

I can see the sadness in their eyes, the pain of knowing what I've endured. But they must also see the strength, the love I carry with me.

"We decided to split the gang and legal business in half," I explained, "between Louis and me."

Uncle Leander and Grandpa exchanged glances, acknowledging the complexities of the situation. Victor remained silent, his unwavering support unwavering.

I can sense their confusion, their struggle to grasp the intricacies of my world. But it's a world I've navigated with Louis, and we've thrived.

"In time," I continued, "Louis helped me establish my gang in France. Together, we expanded our influence, capturing parts of Spain."

My brothers had been listening intently, their emotions a mixture of awe and concern for the path I had walked.

They're impressed by the empire Louis and I have built, but they must also know the sacrifices and the ruthless choices we've had to make.

Daniel, who had been quietly absorbing every word, finally asked the question that had been looming in the room.

Daniel, is always the inquisitive one, always searching for answers. He won't rest until he knows everything.

"Isabella," he began cautiously, his voice filled with a genuine desire to understand, "what about your gang? What role do they play in all of this?"

The room was filled with anticipation as Daniel's curiosity about my gang grew like a storm on the horizon, pressing for answers that were long overdue.

I exchanged a cryptic glance with him, a hint of a knowing smile playing on my lips. "Daniel, sometimes, the truth is right in front of you, hidden in plain sight."

The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense as the unspoken question hung in the air, my brothers waiting for answers that I had kept hidden for too long.

The revelation about my gang, about the Black Rose, will change everything. They must be prepared for what's to come.

"What about your gang, Isabella?" Daniel asked again, his tone more insistent now. "Tell me who they are."

"Sometimes, Daniel," I replied cryptically, my voice carrying the weight of the secrets I had concealed, "the answer is right in front of you. You just need to see it."

As the tension reached its peak, Victor and Daniel exchanged a knowing look, their calculated minds piecing together the puzzle that had long eluded them.

They're close to the truth, so close. Soon, they'll understand the magnitude of the path I've chosen.

Victor leaned forward, his unwavering gaze locked onto mine. "Isabella, you've always been enigmatic. The Blood Disciples—the Black Rose—it's you, isn't it?"

The room fell into a heavy silence as my brothers absorbed the truth. The complexities of our relationships had just deepened, and the path ahead remained uncertain.

Grandpa, with a gentle yet inquisitive tone, asked, "Isabella, what about your role in the gang? The rumours say you're a formidable leader. Is that true? Were you as cruel as they say?"

I took a moment to collect my thoughts, their questions a reminder of the shadows of my past that still clung to me.

The rumours—distorted fragments of truth—how do I explain the decisions I've made?

"The rumours might exaggerate," I replied, my voice carrying a hint of regret, "but yes, I've had to make difficult choices, and I am the same as you all."

Uncle Leander's concern was evident as he offered his unwavering support. "Isabella, did you do things you regret?"

I nodded, a sense of remorse shadowing my eyes. "Yes, there are things I wish I hadn't done. But it was a world where I had to adapt to survive."

Their empathy and understanding were a bittersweet comfort, a reminder that I was no longer alone in the shadows of my past.

They're willing to forgive, to stand by me. But can they handle the truth of what lies ahead?

"We're here for you, Isabella," Grandpa said, his voice filled with love and determination. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

Uncle Leander, his anger at my mother's actions still fresh, added, "No one will ever hurt you again, Isabella. We'll stand together as a family."

Tears glistened in Victor's eyes as he spoke, his voice quivering with emotion. "Isabella, I can't believe you went through all of this alone. I... I should have been there for you."

Daniel, always the pillar of strength, couldn't hide the cracks in his façade any longer. His voice wavered as he said, "Isabella, I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed someone."

They're vulnerable now, exposed in their love and regret. I've kept them at arm's length for so long. It's time to let them in.

"But now you're not alone in this, Isabella," Uncle Leander said with a reassuring smile.

Grandpa spoke, his voice trembling: "Isabella, I wish I could have protected you from all of this."

Uncle Leander, eyes filled with regret: "I can't believe we didn't know about your suffering all these years."

Victor, his vulnerability showing through: "Isabella, you've been through so much. I'm proud of your strength."

My voice choked with emotion: "Thank you, all of you, for being here for me now."

I really didn't know how to thank them for all this. But their love, their understanding—it's the solace I've yearned for.

As I held my brothers in my arms, their embrace a symbol of our newfound closeness, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The revelation of my role as the Black Rose had changed everything, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our family's unity would soon be put to the test.

Little did we know that the shadows of our past would soon threaten our Family, a storm on the horizon that would test our bonds like never before. The Russians were lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike, and I would have to make the ultimate choice.

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byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!❤️❤️❤️