Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Isabella heard Clark mention Emanuele feeling very sad, and her heart couldn’t control the pain it caused.

But in the end, Isabella held back the almost-spoken truth and simply hung up the phone. Clark, who was waiting to hear Isabella’s innermost thoughts, was shocked when the call was abruptly ended. He felt that Isabella was a cold-hearted woman. No wonder Emanuele could like Isabella; apparently, these two were quite alike. Clark realized he was overly concerned about Isabella and Emanuele’s affairs, especially since they both seemed indifferent to his help. He decided to forget about the situation altogether. He tossed his phone aside and embraced Madilyn, kissing her lips softly. “Madilyn, when should we get married? My parents are urging me,” he murmured.

Despite his prior relationships with many women, it was the first time he felt strongly for someone as he did for Madilyn. From the moment he saw her, he knew she was his soulmate. So, he worked hard to have Emanuele give Madilyn to him and to win her over. And now, seeing Madilyn starting to soften towards him, Clark was filled with relief. He wanted to marry Madilyn. Madilyn looked at Clark, “I know you want to marry me now, but I’m not ready yet. Can you wait until I am?” She wasn’t ready for marriage yet, especially given their problematic introduction and the fact that she had not recovered from the shock.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She didn’t even know how to introduce Clark, as her mother would be displeased with any connection to the mafia, knowing how her father had died because of it. If her mother found out, it would surely cause a rift. “Of course, Madilyn. Let’s continue this way until the day you’re ready to marry me,” Clark replied. Madilyn’s lashes fluttered at Clark’s words. Initially resentful of his forcefulness in keeping her by his side, Madilyn felt like a prisoner. However, Clark’s respect and affection towards her over the days softened her heart. She knew Clark genuinely liked her and understood that he had no choice but to treat her this way due to her special status.

His proposal demonstrated how strongly he felt for her. He wasn’t the type to play with her emotions and leave. Madilyn felt his sincerity. But she also knew that becoming the queen of the mafia would bring heavy responsibilities. Just like Isabella, she knew that entering the mafia world as an ordinary person came with risks, given Isabella’s experiences with Emanuele. And seeing Isabella face danger and even consider divorce while following Emanuele made Madilyn question if being with Clark would expose her to similar danger. Would she regret marrying Clark if her life was at stake? Madilyn looked at Clark’s handsome and gentle face, feeling lost and uncertain about her future decisions.

She hoped she wouldn’t make the wrong choice.

—

Evelyn eventually called James to help take Isabella back to her apartment. Isabella was too drunk for Evelyn to move alone, so she called her boyfriend for assistance. James, seeing Isabella inebriated, furrowed his brows, “What happened to Madame?” “She’s happy about getting a divorce,” Evelyn replied. She wanted to say Isabella wasn’t happy, but knowing James was Emanuele’s subordinate, she kept the truth hidden to avoid any interference. While sympathetic towards Isabella’s condition, Evelyn respected her friend’s decision. If she were in Isabella’s shoes, she would have made the same choice. As Isabella’s friend, she also had her own ulterior motives. Isabella’s current sadness would eventually pass, leading to better days ahead.

However, if Emanuele couldn’t ensure Isabella’s safety, she might face a premature death following him. It was better for Isabella to live, no matter the sadness, than to risk her life unknowingly. James, hearing Evelyn’s explanation, sighed. He knew about Emanuele’s divorce plans but seeing Isabella in this state made him suspicious. “Is Madame truly happy? She seems to have cried a lot,” James, usually careless, felt something was amiss. Evelyn calmly replied, “Yes, she’s so happy that she’s crying tears of joy.” Though James couldn’t see Isabella’s happiness, he understood women were sometimes difficult to comprehend.

On the way to Isabella’s apartment, James heard Isabella say something. “Emanuele, I don’t want to divorce you.” Evelyn was startled and quickly covered Isabella’s mouth. If Isabella was spoken this way while sober, it would be disastrous. James turned to Evelyn, “What did Madame say? She doesn’t want a divorce?” “You misheard. She meant she wants to divorce Emanuele.” Evelyn was overwhelmed, torn between her best friend and her beloved boyfriend. Luckily, James trusted her completely; his reassurance allowed them to continue to the apartment.

However, as they carried Isabella inside, she spoke again, “I don’t actually hate you, Emanuele. I love you.” James heard her clearly this time and turned to Evelyn, concerned, “Evelyn, drunk words are sober thoughts. Is there something Isabella’s hiding from me? Or is there something you’re hiding from me?”