Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella and Emanuele finished their shopping and returned to the apartment with many purchases. Despite her insistence that she didn’t need so much, Emanuele bought everything that Isabella liked. This display of wealth completely amazed her. Fortunately, the apartment was spacious enough to accommodate all their new belongings. Isabella remembered how empty and desolate the place was when they first moved in, with few of Emanuele’s possessions, creating a rather bleak atmosphere. Now, everything was different. Many items had been replaced with her preferred style, adding vibrant elements that made the place look especially sunny. Isabella found the previous black, white, and gray color scheme too cold and impersonal, feeling it didn’t resemble a home. Now, everything seemed just right.

Isabella sorted through their purchases and suddenly felt a craving for dessert, only to realize Lilly was not around. She sighed, “Emanuele, do you know when Lilly will be back?”

“She asked for leave last time, so she should be back tomorrow,” he replied.

“Good, I really miss her,” Isabella said.

Observing Isabella’s melancholic expression, Emanuele thought that Isabella was indeed quite sensitive. Lilly was just the chef he had hired to keep her company, yet Isabella had developed an emotional attachment to her. Just like Elisa before, Isabella seemed capable of befriending anyone he hired to take care of her. She truly was an angel, warming the hearts of those around her and eager to make friends. They were truly polar opposites. Emanuele couldn’t help but marvel. It was precisely because they were so different that he was drawn to her. At first, he had entertained wicked thoughts of bringing her into his world. Now, he had indeed brought Isabella into his world, but he couldn’t bear to hurt her. He was also careful to protect the light in her heart. Emanuele didn’t even know when he had become so changeable.

“How about I find another chef to join us?” Emanuele quietly asked Isabella. He thought Lilly must also have her own affairs to attend to, and as she grew older, she would eventually retire. By then, Isabella and Lilly would have become like family. After Lilly left, Isabella would be devastated. It might be better to find more people to keep Isabella company. Moreover, the taste of a single chef’s cooking could become monotonous. It would be more diverse to find a few chefs skilled in other cuisines from around the world.

Isabella shook her head, “No need, Emanuele. I think one Lilly is enough. Too many people would make our home feel crowded.”

“Alright, if you want more people, feel free to ask me. You don’t have to be polite,” replied Emanuele.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

The next day, Lilly returned. Upon seeing Lilly, Isabella happily embraced her. “Lilly, you’ve been away for so long. I’ve missed you. These days, I’ve either been eating out or making simple dishes myself. I’ve grown tired of it. I’ve been craving your tomato spaghetti, pan-fried steak, and your donuts, cheesecakes, and tiramisu!”

Isabella kept talking to Lilly, seeming genuinely eager to eat all these dishes. Hearing Isabella’s words, Lilly couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright, Isabella, I understand. I shouldn’t have taken so much time off. I should have returned earlier to make these delicious foods for you. What do you want to eat now? I’ll make it for you.”

“I want some fries and a burger,” Isabella said. Although she knew these foods were high in calories, she couldn’t help but crave them at that moment. Lilly had previously made fries that were much tastier than those she had eaten outside.

“Alright, Isabella, I’ll make them for you,” Lilly said as she walked into the kitchen.

Watching Lilly, who had a plump figure, bustling about in the kitchen, Isabella felt that something was amiss. In the past, when Lilly was in a good mood, she seemed as if she could fly from happiness. But now, Isabella could clearly sense that Lilly was not in a good mood. Despite their earlier conversation and laughter, Lilly’s face had noticeably darkened when she was alone. Lilly had never been like this before. Isabella remembered seeing Lilly walking with a man on the street that day, and she seemed very despondent at the time.

Isabella couldn’t help but walk to the kitchen and ask Lilly, “Lilly, have you encountered something these past few days?”

“Why do you say that?” Lilly looked puzzled.

“You seem a little unhappy,” Isabella hesitated, deciding not to bring up the day she saw Lilly, fearing it might upset her more.

“It’s nothing. I’ve just been busy since I got home. My husband fell ill, so I had to take care of him for a few days,” Lilly sighed.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Lilly. Do you need more time off?” Isabella’s face showed some regret. “Shouldn’t you take a few more days off?”

“It’s okay. He’s much better now, resting at home,” Lilly replied.

“Good to hear,” Isabella said, feeling quite sorry for Lilly. No wonder she had found Lilly looking upset that day. She had thought it strange at the time, but now it made sense. Lilly’s husband had been ill.

“Lilly, if you need anything, especially money, you can tell me,” Isabella offered.

Lilly nodded, “Thank you, Isabella, I don’t need anything.”

After cutting the fries, Lilly began frying them in the oil. “Isabella, you should go out. I’m afraid the oil might spatter on you.”

Isabella nodded and left the kitchen. She didn’t see Lilly wiping away the tears that had welled up in her eyes after Isabella left. Lilly felt overwhelmed with guilt. The kinder Isabella was to her, the more guilty Lilly felt. However, she had no other choice. For the sake of her family, she had to continue. She hoped that Isabella and Emanuele would forgive her in the end.