Chapter 9 - Eyes Full of Fear
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The second candidate arrived the following afternoon.
Isabella Vance was the daughter of a prominent judge whose court rulings had favored the Marquetti family for over a decade. She entered the room flanked by her father, a stern, imposing man who constantly nudged her forward.
Isabella was young, fragile, and dressed in an elegant lace dress. But the moment she stepped into the bedroom, Enzo’s sharp eyes caught the subtle tremble in her hands.
"Don Alfonso," Judge Vance spoke loudly, stepping toward the bed. "My daughter Isabella has been raised with the finest values. She would make an obedient, traditional wife for young Enzo."
Alfonso ignored the judge completely, his gaze fixed entirely on the young woman hiding behind her father's shoulder.
"Come here, child," Alfonso instructed gently.
Isabella stepped forward hesitantly, keeping her eyes fixed firmly on the carpet. "Yes, sir."
"Do you want to be in this house?" Alfonso asked directly.
Isabella swallowed hard, her knuckles turning white as she clutched her small handbag. She cast a swift, terrified glance at her father, who cleared his throat with a stern, warning edge.
"It... it would be a great honor to serve the Marquetti family," she recited in a faint, trembling voice that sounded entirely rehearsed.
Enzo stepped away from the window. He saw the sheer terror in the girl’s eyes—not of Alfonso, but of her own father's anger if she failed to secure the match.
"That is enough," Enzo said softly, stepping between Isabella and her father. "Judge Vance, take your daughter home."
"Enzo, wait—" the judge began, flustered.
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"The audience is over," Enzo stated coldly, his dark gaze locking onto the judge until the man backed down, taking his shaking daughter by the arm and hurrying out of the room.
When they were gone, Alfonso let out a long sigh. "A girl raised in fear will only bring weakness into this house. She needs a savior, Enzo, not a husband."
