Broken Promises: The Broken Series, #2

By Aishwarya

Book 2 for The Broken Series

 

In the bustling streets of New York, Enzo's and Isabella's fates intertwine once more. Their haunted pasts threaten to shatter the delicate peace they have found, as old wounds reopen with each day passing. Enzo, driven by his burning ambition, returns to the city that holds both his dreams and his heart. Little does he know that the moment his gaze locks with Isabella's, the flames of their love are rekindled.

 

Isabella, a triumphant force in the world of modeling, hides secrets she yearns to share. As their worlds collide, lost friendships and broken relationships resurface, begging the question of whether they can be salvaged. With every interaction, the truth hangs in the balance, waiting to be unleashed. Can Isabella summon the courage to reveal her true identity this time? Will their love, once lost, be resurrected from the ashes?

 

Amidst the chaos of their shared history, one question lingers: will they finally attain the elusive happy ending they have longed for? Yet, amidst doubt and uncertainty, there is an even greater inquiry to be answered: does this second chance truly warrant the relentless pursuit?

 

Dive into this riveting tale, where passion, forgiveness, and the relentless search for love intertwine.

 

Discover for yourself if the allure of a second chance is truly worth the risk, as these two soulful characters navigate the treacherous waters of fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aishwarya
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223480204

Aishwarya

Aishwarya is a young aspiring author from India who has already written four novels. With a passion for writing romantic novels that push the boundaries, she captivates readers with her unique storytelling style. When she's not immersed in her writing, Aishwarya can be found indulging in her love for food, spending quality time with her loved ones, and enjoying her favorite drama series.

Book preview

PROLOUGE

ISABELLA

Darkness.

That's all I see. Darkness and cold. The room I am in, is dark and cold. It feels like I am all alone. Again.

I have been sitting here for hours. Days may be. I don't know how much time. It is so dark here that I can't even see me. And then the coldness. All I have been doing is sitting, crying and hearing voices. Some people asking me to wake up and some beeping voices too.

All I have been feeling is my past. It's been running in front of my eyes like dreams. Dreams about my childhood, dreams about my high school, dreams about my parents, and dreams about him... Enzo.

Does he even know that I'm here? Does he even have any idea where his Bella is? Does he even know what happened to me? I should have told him about this before leaving his office.

This darkness, loneliness is what I have felt my entire life. All my life I have been alone. When Enzo and I broke up and I came to Suburbs, it was really hard for me to move on from him.

A memory of his and mine flashes before my eyes again...

FINALLY THIS LECTURE is over! I've been dead throughout it! Enzo groaned as we are done with Economics.

You act as if he forced you hear everything. I chuckled.

Wasn’t it? I mean that guy never knows how to stop! He muttered.  And besides, I want to do something with my friend. He smirked.

Oh and who is it? I ask arching my eyebrow.

You. Can we please go to library and skip the rest of the lectures? I'm bored. And besides I am having a headache. He rubbed his temples with his fingers. Oh okay. We only have two lectures, and that too is Economics. Again. And knowing Enzo, he will be more dramatic again. He hates the Professor. He actually calls him. Professor Rich- fucking - ards.

I mean who calls that? No offense but Prof. Richards is darn boring. Sometimes it feels like to plug my ears out. And put them back on when he leaves. Um. Okay.  I muttered and he squealed like a little girl pulling me with himself.

He isn't that of a Playboy. Like Dan and Tess mentioned. He is sweet. And once you get to know him, he is nothing like you might have heard about him. And that is exactly why I never judge people before knowing them, it's not like they are always how we heard about them, they can be different with people they care about. Enzo and I have been friends for a month and half now, and all we have done is study together, play basketball when college ends, drink coffee and talk about stuff in my Cafe' and watch The Vampire Diaries or Friends show with Nicolas, Mia, Emily and Tessa.

We walked to the cafeteria first and grabbed coffees and then we went to the library and he picked out After We Collided by Anna Todd. We both sat on an empty seat and I pulled out my Accounting book and opened a notebook. I bought out my pen and started learning stuff.

We sat there for like half an hour and he spoke up.  This is stupid!

I looked up at him, What is stupid?

Tessa!

What did Tess do now? I sighed.

No! I mean, Tessa Young. From After. He clarified.

Okay what about her? I asked.

She is so stupid! How can she go back to Hardin after everything he did to her? I mean that guy took her virginity as a bet! How can she forget about it and go back to him? He asked.

She loves him, Enzo. And when you love someone, you just forgive all their flaws and accept them. Every single flaw of them becomes acceptable and you just want to be with them. I shrugged my shoulders.

But why? How? How can a person forgive it? How can you forgive a person if he hurts you? He asked placing the book down on the table.

He placed his elbow on the table and put his head on his fist and looked at me.

Because you love them Enzo. And love is the feeling that makes you do things you never knew you would have been capable of. It makes you strong. It gives you strength. It helps you heal. And even if the person you love makes mistakes, you seem to forget about them and forgive him. That is what true love does. It makes you better person. I told him.

Will you forgive the guy who hurt you? He raised his eyebrows.

If he is guilty, if he feels remorse then yeah, I will. I nodded.

And what if he does something terrible. Like really terrible and that to you. Such that it will never be forgiven at all? He asked.

I frowned. Before I could answer the dream faded away along with him.

I SNIFFLED. I MISS him. I hope he is doing better without me.

This is really worse. I have been on this bed and in this dream for days. The road accident really hit me hard. I have been in coma for . . .  I don't know how long.

Please help my daughter. I can't lose my Baby Cakes. A familiar voice said.

Is it Daddy? It has to be.

I have been hearing voices here and there.

Wake up Isabella. Please baby girl.  Is it Mommy?

What are they doing here? I thought they were dead? I saw them die. They died in my arms. How are they here then? What's happening?

Am I only hearing it or they are really here?

And again I slip into another dream. But this time I am a little girl. I was 11? may be . . .

I GOT A+ IN MY MATH Test today.

I smiled as I looked at my answer sheet. Granny and I worked a lot in this test. I was ill when my teacher taught all of this in school. I didn't attend school then. My Grandma taught me all this before the test.

Lately Mommy and Daddy have been busy. They are not even home. Granny have to look over me and take care of me as I am alone when they both are not in town. Or home.

I smiled with the paper in my hand. Daddy and Mommy, both are home today. After a month. I will show them this and they will both give me kisses on my cheek. I love them so much. I walk back home and open the front door.

As I walked in, I spot Daddy busy on a phone call. I went to him with a smile and he looked over me with his lips in a thin line. He is talking, no yelling on the call. I gulped and made my way to find Mommy. Guess he is not in good mood.

I looked all over house, but she is nowhere. May be she is in her room. So I walk up there.

Mommy? I called her.

Yes Baby girl? She called out. I opened the door and walked inside. She was on her laptop. Typing something.

Mommy look! I got an A + in my Math! I showed her the answer sheet.

She glanced at it and smiled, Good job baby! Now please excuse me. I need to work sweetie. She smiled sadly and hushed me. My face fell. Mommy always does this. She never used to pull me to her chest and kiss my cheeks telling me I am the best Daughter they could ever ask for. She didn't. She never did.

May be Daddy will. I took the paper back in my hand and went back to Daddy. He is not in the call. He is looking in his phone with a slight scowl.

Daddy? I whispered.

He looked up as he heard me and smiles.

Oh, my Baby Cakes is home. Go freshen up. I have work. He goes back to his phone again. I frowned at his words.

Daddy I got an A + in my Math. I muttered. Slightly hurt by his words.

Good. Study more. Now go Isabella. Don't disturb me. I flinched. He never calls me by my name unless he is mad at me. He always calls me Baby Cakes. Have I done something wrong?

I felt a lump in my throat. My lips started to quiver and I ran to my room and fell on bed crying. I sobbed. What happened to my Daddy and Mommy? Why are they always like this? Why can’t they love me and kiss me.

What happened? They don't even spend time with me.

I sobbed as I miss my never existing parents. And eventually fall asleep.

I HEARD SOMETHING BEEPING, bringing me back from my dream. And back to the darkness and cold.

I whimpered as tears fall my cheeks. They were never those parents I wanted. They were always busy in work, rarely came home. It was just my Grandmother and me then.

And then they were killed one night. In front of me. They both died in my arms. It still haunts me. Until he came along.

Enzo.

He saved me. Then he left again. And now that I found him after 5 years again, here am I, lying in hospital bed. Probably dead. Who knows?

All I could think of was the Second Chance I gave him worth it? I feel the exact pain I have been feeling for past years. Probably from the day I can remember.

I gave him another chance to prove himself to me. And then, I ended up hurting him to save him.

It pains when you get hurt repeatedly by the same person. And the same way. Is love always this painful?

Are relationships always so complicated? Is life always so hard? But the most important question . . .

Was this Second Chance Worth it?

CHAPTER 1

ISABELLA

" Daddy wake up please . Please don't leave me. Please don't let me go . . ."  I sob holding him close to my chest and shaking him.

Baby Cakes . . .  I . . .  L-love you . . .  Rem-ember i...t . . . He whispered. Blood oozing from his chest. I applied pressure onto it to prevent the blood flowing. He coughed blood out and started to gasp.

My mom screamed aloud and I turned to her. I saw her on floor clutching her head. Blood pouring down her head.

Mom! I screamed. She fell on the floor and her chest stopped moving.

No! I screamed again. I was full crying at this moment. Both my parents are dying. I looked at Daddy. His eyes were closed and he was not breathing anymore.

Daddy? I shook his body. But I got no response. Daddy? Daddy wake up please . . .  I cried. I don't know how much time I stayed with him in my arms, crying. I went to mom.

 Mommy, wake up please. Please. Please don't leave me. Please. I was pulling away from her body and a guy threw me to the wall. I hit my head and fell down with a thud. Tears were running down my face and blood was oozing out too. Pain that was throbbing in my head was nothing compared to the pain I am feeling for my parents.

My head was yanked with a harsh pull on my hair. You bitch! I'm going to kill you! A man with black attire and masked growled. He grabbed my throat and squeezed it tightly. I pulled on his hand to free me but couldn't. Black spots started to invade my vision. And air was leaving leaving my body. I was not able to breathe as the man was squeezing my neck. I used my hands and legs to free myself but it was of no use. I was about to faint but the man was pulling away and I started gasped for air, but still fainted.

I JOLTED UP GASPING and panting for air. I looked around to see a familiar room. My room.

I took the glass full of water from the bedside table and drank it all. I gulped it down to the last sip and placed the glass back.

I wiped the sweat flowing down my forehead and sighed. I lean my head against the headboard of the bed and try to control my breathing and palming my face.

I sigh as my breathing returns back to normal. My phone starts to vibrate. I look at the time, it's 3: 25 a. m. It's probably Nicolas calling. He calls me every night by this time to make sure that I don't have any nightmares. I get up by his calls and then I usually don't get my nightmare then when I talk to him. After we talk or a minute or two, I go back to sleep and don't have my nightmare then. It's so sweet of him.

Um, well it's right of you heard Nicolas. He shifted to Hamptons almost 14 months ago. He stayed in L. A.  and made his career as a pop singer and a music composer. He didn't wanted to stay in L.A.  so he chose New York. And I accidentally met him at the airport when I was returning from my Photo Shoot. We talked and I got to know that he was searching for a house in NYC. And coincidentally, we had a few houses on sale in the housing society I live in. He and Mia broke up, she slept with her ex or something like that and he left and Italy and L.A. too. Actually, she was drugged by Jake, she didn't do it willingly though. Nicolas was hurt that she kept it away from him. He decided to stay at a good place and near to L.A., at least 3 hours away of wanna go by Airplane. So he chose Suburbs. I told him that there's a house near mine. And he was happy to hear that so he immediately made the deal and shifted there. His place is exactly in front of mine. And since we are neighbors and friends, we got a lot closer. He promised me to call me every night by this time, so that I won't get my nightmare. We have grown a lot close. Almost like best friends. Just as if we have known each other our whole lives.

I pick up the call, Hello?

Hey. Are you good? Did you had the dream? Did I called you on time? He asked his voice hoarse. He is so sweet. He had set an alarm to wake up and call me every night. And it will definitely hurt him if I say that I had my nightmare and he called me late, so I decided to lie.

Um. No. I just woke up. I didn't had it. Thanks Nicolas.

Hey, your Welcome Ella. I'm glad you didn't. Now go back to sleep, Mama. Let's talk tomorrow. I can practically hear him grinning.

I smile and mutter a Good Night and hang up the call. And then I lie back down and grasp the pillow Enzo gave me close to my chest. It helps me a lot with nightmares. I don't have them like every night, just once or twice a week. Nicolas and this pillow helps me. This pillow reminds me of him.

It's been almost five years. Five. And all I know from Nicolas is that he takes therapy sessions for his alcohol addiction, his personality development and anger issues. Not that he had any while we were dating, but still, he does. That's all I have ever wanted, for him to care about himself. Even if he never cared about me or loved me it would be fine. Because I want him to care about himself and love himself first.

I miss him though. Every single day, the first thing I do after having a bath is pray. Pray for world peace and his happiness. That's all I want.

When you love someone, and when that person is your true love it's difficult to forget about it. That is what it is with me. I can't forget about him. Even though I moved on. And a part of me, doesn't want to move on and forget the love I have for him. Even after he hurt me terribly.

I eventually fall asleep with Enzo, again on my mind.

SO, WHEN ARE YOU LEAVING for the wedding? Nicolas asked as I served him breakfast.

Um. Friday. And her wedding is on Sunday. Classic Grace. I mutter. She loves to show off, I guess that's why she kept her wedding in Sunday. Well, Nicolas doesn't have a housekeeper yet. So I usually make breakfast for both of us. And lunch. He orders dinner or makes it himself. He is not home usually so he didn't hire one. Just a maid who cleans, washes clothes and utensils.

He has a dog though. Because he feels lonely in his house. His name is Joey. Yeah, he named him after Joey from Friends. We both love that show. And Joey is our favorite. I take care of Joey when he is out of town for work. Joey is a Golden Retriever though. He was just a puppy when Nicolas bought him. Almost 5 months. Me and Joey are so close. Oh! I am a dog person so yeah. I love him. Joey is such a cute baby. I sit down on my chair and dig into breakfast. I will be back by Monday. Don't worry.

Hm. But the problem is where do I keep Joe for a day. I'm leaving Saturday night for my recordings to L.A. He groans.

How about Ethan? He will take care of him. I suggest.

He looks up at me and makes a dirty face. Really? Ethan? He cannot take care of himself. Besides that guy is train wrecked because his wife left him. I don't want to leave Joey with him. Joey come running as he hears his name. He sits in between me and Nicolas on the floor. I pat his head.

He will take care Nicolas. And I will take Joey with me when I come back. Don't worry. I assure him.

Hm. Okay. I'll talk to him. But you better take my baby back from him Ella. He warns me and pecks Joe on his head who wags his tail. I smile at it. We continue eating till Nicolas speaks up again. How are you going to airport? Joey ran back to where he came running from.

My Uncle is dropping me or I will just take a cab Nicolas. I sigh. I'm not in mood to go. But it's Grace. Tessa's mom. So I just cannot not go.

What wedding is it? Which number I mean. He asked finishing all his fried rice.

Fourth or fifth. Tess and I lost the count after third. I chuckled.

Wow! He got up and placed his plate in the dishwasher. I always used to stop him and tell him not to. But he never listened anyway. So I don't stop him from helping me. Anyways, thanks for breakfast Ella. Meet you later. I have work. My Daddy is pressuring me to work with his Business. So I am gonna go. Come on Joey. He yells for Joey who came running towards him from living room.

Okay. Bye. I say. It hurts that his best friend is here with me but he is not. He looked at me and sighed. He knows me so well now that he can just read my expression and tell what am I thinking. He walks over to me and hugs me tightly. It's been almost five years, Ella. Five years. You gotta move on. He muttered and pecked my forehead.

I know. It's just difficult. I sighed.

Just like it is for you to move on from Mia. I teased him.

Oh. Come on. Fuck them. He groaned.

You know, I will willing do it with him. But what about you? Will you with Mia? I smirked.

You will fuck him? He raised his eyebrows.

Yeah. I mean he is good. He knows exactly where to and how to. He hits my perfect spot. What is that spot called? G sp . . . I teased him but he cut me off.

Okay, okay. Stop. Gosh, girl. You've changed a lot. Have some filters. We have Joey here. He is just an year old. He glared at me and dramatically covered Joe's ears. I laughed at his childishness.

He laughed too, shaking his head. Okay. I'm gonna leave now. Bye. He got up and took Joey's leash with him and walked out opening the door. He turns around and says, You know I'm a good fuck too. You know that. He winked. I squinted my eyes at him and crossed my hands on my chest making him laugh and he walks out closing the door behind him.

I chuckled shaking my head at his childishness. He is stupid. I chuckled again. Okay whatever. I gotta pack some stuff and then I will go to Cafe'.

OKAY. I MAY NOT BE available for three days Serena. So just text me if you have problems. Just remember about the time difference please. Okay? I finally finished all the work in cafe.

All my photo shoots for this week are done. I have no Fashion Ramp walks. So I am free to go. And the best part is I am going tomorrow evening. And it's still afternoon. I have a whole day and night to chill. May be I will watch Original Gossip Girl later and eat my salads.

You may ask how come a salad? Well, as a model I need to take care of my health guys. Can't eat pizza and ice cream. Gotta stay fit.

I walk out of my office and lock the door behind me.

Hey Isabella.

I turn around to see Ethan standing behind me. He is my oldest cousin's friend. Best friend. His wife and him are divorced. That bitch had an affair with his older brother. It shattered him. They got divorced three years ago. He is single though. And cute. He kinda has a thing for me.

Hi Ethan. I smile.

Going home? He asked. I nod. Let me walk you. He smiled. I couldn't say no. So we both walked out of the cafe. We live in same society. And my house is besides his.

We walk to our houses. A road on our left and beautiful garden at our right. Well it's far away. But you can still see the beach. Have I mentioned that we live in Suburbs? In Hamptons? It is one of the best beaches in Suburbs. It's so cool here. Tourists come here all year and they obviously want cold beverages on a beach, so here is my cafe. Doing well because of it. They even have night parties on beach. Me and Nicolas go there often. It's so cool living near a beach. And the sound of waves is awesome. They are awesome. Especially the sunsets and food.

So, I have been wanting to tell you something for a while. He blurted.

What? I asked even though I know it is about his liking towards me.

Will you go on dinner with me tonight? He asked. If Aiden knows that I am going out with his friend, he will be upset. Before I could speak up, he said. And I know you are thinking about Aiden. But don't worry. I already asked his permission. And he agreed, you can even ask and confirm with him. Just a dinner. That's all.

Ethan and I are kind of on a same page. We both are trying to move on from our pasts. I am trying to move on from him, and Ethan is trying to move on from his ex-wife who is now married to his older brother. So I don't think it's a harm. Nicolas told me that Enzo is working on himself and may be back for me. But I can't keep on waiting for him all my life. So I need to move on. Ethan is a perfect guy to date. I mean he is mature, is older than me. And besides Nicolas told me this morning to try moving on from Enzo. So there's no harm.

Okay. I will go on a dinner with you.

Really? He asked me shocked that I said yes. I mean he has been a little flirty with me now and then. But I always flip him off without my middle finger or fists, just with a simple no.

Yeah. It's just dinner so we will be fine. I smiled. He grinned too. He is damn cute, how did I never noticed?

Because you were too busy remembering Enzo!!!! My subconscious mocked me.

Shut up!!! I shout at her.

Okay then. I will pick you up at 7 today? He asked and I agreed. He then gave me a last smile and walked to his place after walking me to mine. I watch him go inside. He lives with his father. His Mom passed away while giving birth to him. His brother and ' his wife' shifted to New Jersey City after they got married. So it's just him and his dad. His dad is always on business trips. So he is alone most of the time.

I sighed as he goes into his house. I turn around to unlock my front door. As I was unlocking the door someone booed me.

Boo! I gasped and turned around. It was Nicolas. He started laughing.

You have to look at your face! It was so hilarious!! He laughed. I clutched my heart and smacked the back of his head. Ow! He rubbed where I smacked.

God Nicolas! Grow up!

Sorry Mama. He chuckled. I unlocked the door and he came inside with me. I placed all my keys and stuff on the table and said.

I'm going on a dinner date tonight. He looked at me eyes wide. What? I have went on dates before and not to mention, I even dated two guys. I shrug.

Yeah. One lasted two weeks and the another one lasted just five days! Who is he? He asked folding his hands over his chest. He was standing in front of me like a parent. And I was the kid who spilled chocolate milk over his expensive carpet.

Ethan . . . He shrieked as I said the name.

Ethan? . . .  Are you stupid? He asked.

Why? What's wrong with him? You were the one who told me to move on! I exclaimed.

Yeah. I did. But asked you to move on not to date Ethan! He said in his weird high pitched tone like a girl.

Whatever Nicolas. You told me to move on. And that is exactly what I am doing. And it's just a dinner date though. So don't worry.  I will be fine. I assured him.

Okay then. He sighed and sat down on the sofa pulling me along so I sat beside him. Just make sure you get laid. He winked at me making me chuckled and shook my head.

CHAPTER 2

ENZO

Isighed frustrated as I check the contract report of the latest construction project our company is working on. There have been problems arising with it. Dad made me in-charge of this project. Not that this is the first time I'm doing it. I have done it before for these past years. I correct two mistakes and call my secretary. She picks up the call, Yes sir?

Nina, please come in.

Yes sir. She hangs up and comes to my cabin in less than a minute. You called sir?

Yeah. Fax or just scan this file and send it to Dad. I hand her the file and she nods. She was about to leave but I stop her, Have you booked my flight to and from New York for Friday yet? I ask her shuffling through my stuff on the table to find my phone. Where the hell did I keep it?

Yes sir. Although I wanted to ask where you will be staying? You didn't tell me anything about it. She said.

I am flying to NYC for my Hotel Business setup. The hotels are old, I purchased the old ones, they are getting renovated. Dad suggested me to stay in Suburbs while I do a startup. Well, Nicolas is in NYC. He offered me to stay with him. But Mom is coming with me too, we know how parents are, she didn't wanted me to go alone in a whole different city. I have already lived in NYC, so it’s not new to me. But what can I say? And because of her, Mia and may be Emily too are coming. Em doesn't wants to stay with her Mom at her Grand parents'. Nicolas told me that Isabella is in the same society as his. I was so damn excited when he told me that. One day or other, it was bound to happen, me meeting her. And I think that I'm ready to face her now. Five years is a lot big time, but still. As what Nicolas told me she is a successful model now. And I also saw some of her ramp walking videos on YouTube and Instagram. And no, she still had me blocked. But I do follow her Manager's Instagram account. She posts some of Isabella's photos on fashion shows and photo shoots.

Okay . . .  everything else aside, where the hell is my phone?

I stopped shuffling my desk and looked at her. My friend's place. And in any hotel for Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Please book a room that way. I tell her and she nods and walks out.

Nina has been my secretary since I started working. I am in-charge of the Italy branch while Dad is of New York's. Not that I am CEO now. But I mostly take care of all the business stuff here. I will become CEO next year as I will be completing 25 years of age. Dad will be retiring then. Although it's too early for him to retire.

Past few years, I have been taking therapies. Therapy to improve my personality. Therapy to accept and understand my emotions. Therapy for my alcohol addiction or say . . .  No, no other word - Alcohol addiction is the perfect word. Because after I came back to Italy after Isabella left me, I drowned in alcohol again. First few months were not easy for me. Every single thing, everything I used to do reminded me of her. Even when I used to eat dinner, it used to remind me what she used to tell me. I have had a habit to drink water in between chewing food, she got me rid of that habit. She used to tell me that it creates gas balloons in digestion process while we drink water in between chewing the food.

Every small thing reminded me of her. Then Nicolas put some sense into me and made me get rid of alcohol and visit a therapist.

Ah! About Nicolas . . .  and Mia. They are not dating anymore. They started dating a few months before he left Italy for good. Mia slept with Jake. I don't get why, all I knew was she was drugged or drunk. But she did. I was so mad when I found out. And then shit went down with her and Nicolas. He then asked her to choose what does she actually wants. She didn't say anything then. So Nicolas packed his stuff and shifted to Mumbai. He made his career in music and settled in NYC as L.A. was so crowded place and doesn't have privacy from paparazzi. Well Mia feels guilty about everything now, it happened almost more than an year ago though. I mean Nico ( Nicolas) was right. How can she do this when she was dating him, even if she was drunk or drugged? Technically they were not dating, just fooling around. But still.

' Oh really? Who are you to say that when you did the same to Isabella? ' my subconscious mocked me.

I sigh and palm my face. It's been four and a little half years, close to five now, that we broke up. I still feel guilty for everything I did. First few months, as I mentioned, all I did was get drunk and sleep. I barely showered, barely ate. I was back to my depression mode. One day Mia got mad and had enough of it, I guess. She called Dad and told him everything.

Dad came here as soon as she told him everything. I was sleeping that time. I still remember it . . .

=======================

Flashback

======================

Cold water was splashed on my face as I was sleeping peacefully.

What the? I jolted up. I opened my eyes and looked around. I saw Mia, Mom, and Dad. Dad? What the hell?

I rub my eyes and look again.

Is he really here?

Yes, I am really here son. He sighed. I sit up against the headboard and sigh. I rub my eyes again. I was pretty drunk last night though. I may have had three to four bottles of beer. My head started to ache.

Damn! It didn't realized till now.

Mia, take your mother and wait outside. I need a man to man talk with Enzo. Dad sighed. Mia nodded and went out of the room with mom. Dad went and locked the door. He then came and sat beside me on the bed. A minute of silence passed by till Dad spoke up, What is the matter Enzo? Why are you behaving like this? Mia called me and told what you are doing for past days. I came as soon as possible. Talk to me son. He pinches the bridge of his nose.

So now he wants to play Daddy mode, huh? What even makes him think that I will tell him everything. And then everything will be alright. He is the reason why I am in this state in first place. He is a coward and he passed that trait to me. I left Isabella and didn't try harder for her, just like he did with my Mom.

I chuckle darkly, Talk? Really Dad? Talk to you? About what?

About what happened Son. What's wrong? He asked me concerned.

You don't get a chance to play Daddy mode when you left me and my mother Dad. So don't ask what is wrong crap! I raise my voice a little bit. He flinched slightly.

I know son. I know. I am here now. I'm trying to make it up to you and your mother. Let me help you son. Tell me. Tell me what's wrong. I need to know what happened to you. Not as a father, tell me as a friend. He grabs my face in between his palms and looks in my eyes. Honestly, I might add.

He really wants to be there for me. May be he just has pity that his son is getting to become an alcoholic. Just how he was, once.  She left me. Isabella left me. I whisper, a lump already forming in my throat.

What? Why? What happened? He asked.

I messed up. I cheated on her. I don't know how or why, but I did. I slept with Sia and she got hurt. And I didn't even tried to win her trust back. I'm a coward. Just like you. I did the exact same thing you did to Mom! I never had someone to show me how to be a man, because of you! You left me. You left us! I never really knew how to be a man and treat my women right! I yelled at him. His face falls a little.  I did the same thing you did Dad! I didn't even tried for her. And now she left me. I lost her. I don't even know where she is. She didn't even came for Graduation. I thought to apologize again on that day. I didn't get a chance to. And now I lost her. I lost her. I whimper. Tears fall from my eyes and I sob.

My father sighs and hugs me. Tightly. He hugs me and I sob on his shoulder.

It's okay Enzo. Let it out. He rubs my back. I sniffled.

I love he-her Dad. And now I . . .  I lost her. She is not coming back. I lost her. She said she h . . . hates me. I said my voice breaking. He shushed me and continued rubbing my back. I sob, he was holding me, for like another few minutes on his shoulder. Then I pull away. I wipe all my tears. And he grabs my hand and squeezed it. You alright now? He asked and I nod.

Good. Now listen to me. I looked up at him, It's not your fault. It's not her fault too. May be it was just right person wrong timing. It happens son. You will find her again. But when you do, you need to be better. Better then you are now. You need to be the man she wants. Try to be that. Don't make the mistake I did with your Mother. I lost her. But you have a chance. You have a future. You might find her again. And when you do, don't let her go. He squeezed my hand again.

I look up at him. But what if she doesn't wants me back? I mumble.

Then be a better man. Show it to her that you are the better man for her. Only her. Show her your regret for your actions Son. Just like that. Find her. Show her how much you love her. He said grabbing my face in his hands. Okay?

Okay. I nod.

Now, get up and bath. Come on, you stink of beer. He stood up from the bed and ordered me. I chuckled and got up.

===================

Flashback over

===================

I chuckle, laughing at myself.

I was, no. I am still a mess without her. She was my first love. And last. I'm sure of it. I may not have still became the man she wants me to be. But I am trying Bella. Only for you.

I jump out of my thoughts and look at my desk. All papers scattered. Why?

Oh right! I was searching for my phone. Where the hell did I keep it? Shit! I shuffle all the papers and files again. I also check my pockets. Nope. Not there. Suddenly my phone starts to ring.

Where is it? Table Drawer? I bend down and open it. Found it!

But who is calling me?

Nina!

Oh this girl is a life saver! I pick up the call, Thank you Nina. I found it. I sigh.

You are welcome sir. I swear she was stifling her laughter. I shook my head and hang up. Nina is really a very good secretary. I would have been so much stressed without her.

Last four years, I lost interest in sleeping at night. I always used to stay awake thinking about her . .  Isabella. I didn't used to get enough sleep, it just changed whole of my sleeping schedule. Call it that I developed Insomnia. Then my therapist suggested that I could get my work done at nights and sleep at day time. So that's what I did.

I usually stay awake at nights and get my work done, and I usually go to sleep by 3 or 4 a. m. and sleep till 9 or 10 by morning. Mom used to scold me for my sleeping schedule. But then when she got to know about why I stay awake, she understood that. And made me sleep early by 3 a. m. and wake up by 10 a. m. max. And there's a rule in our house, we should come out of our bedrooms after having a bath. You cannot exit your bedroom without a bath. Even if you are hungry. Well that's is what Mom made, this rule.

I wrap up all the files up and pack all my stuff in my drawers and lock it up. I grab my laptop and place it in my bag. I grab my wallet, phone, and car keys and my laptop bag and I leave the office.

As I exit the Room, I saw Nina on a phone call. It probably might be her Mother. Nina's dad died due to a Heart attack last year. So it's been just her mother and a sister who just got married. Nina is youngest though. She started to work for me three years ago.

She sighed and hang up the call. Should I drop you Nina? I ask her. She looks up at me. Um, no sir. I will manage. She smiles politely.

Oh, no. Nina. I insist. I know it's pretty late. Let me drop you. I insist. I smile at her. She sighs and nods muttering a Thank you. We both walk out of the building and head to my car. It's a Mercedes. Black obviously. Duh! I don't want any other colour.

You might be wondering what happened to my Ford Capri? Well, it has some engine problems, so I don't drive it anymore. But it is at home. In the garage. Safe and sound and resting.

I take out my car keys out of my pocket making the key chain jingle. It's the same key chain Isabella gave me for Christmas. It has Ford Capri' s key along with it. And before you ask, yes I am wearing the same watch she gave me on my Birthday. I can't seem to get rid of it. It's a part of my life now. A very important part.

We both sit in my car and I drop her to her house and drive to mine.

I OPENED THE FRONT door and smell of fried rice and Mom's special fish fry hit my nostrils. I walk to the kitchen and go close to Mom who was stirring the curry.

Hi Mom. I wrap my arms around her shoulders and kiss her head.

Oh you are home. Good. Go get cleaned. Come for dinner. It's just you and me. Mia and Emily are at Emily's mom's tonight. She orders me.

Okay. I peck her head, well hair, again and run up to my room upstairs.

I get rid of my wallet, phone and other stuff and have a long relaxing shower. I then go up to my cupboard and wear my t shirt and pants. I sit back on the bed and scroll my Instagram. As I scroll down, I see Isabella's manager posted her recent photo shoot. I like on it instantly and stare at the photo.

She look so beautiful yet sexy in it, with a fake tattoo on her leg. She cut down her waist length hair I guess. She looks even more beautiful now. Her thick sexy thighs are no more like that, they are thin and skinny. But I liked them that way, thick. They looked sexy. Her waist is so slimmer than it was before. Her hair are a darker shade of brown. Everything is so perfect, just how it was before. She still is stunning. Her this photo is making it hard for me to fly to her and kiss the life out of her. Although it's also making me hard. The last time I had sex was almost five months ago, it happened when I was drunk a little and was in a club. I don't even remember if it was a girl or a stripper.

I don't know how much time I kept staring at her photo till Mom came up to my room and dragged me for dinner. I just wish to meet her in NYC. I didn't get a chance last time though. I hope we meet this time.

I am hoping to meet you my Bella. And this time I am not gonna let you go, cause I still love you.

CHAPTER 3

ISABELLA

Okay, done with the makeup. Now all I have to do is select a dress. I walk into my closet to choose a dress. 

This is a room attached with my bedroom, so I made it as my closet. I have a lot of clothes and outfits you know. Being a model has it's perks. 

I shuffle through my dresses. Ethan didn't tell me where he is taking me, so it's good if I choose something casual yet formal. So I chose a black knee length dress. It had flowy ends and a black belt that made it hug my body perfectly. My long legs could be seen and the black color made them look more bright. I styled my hair and put on big round loop ear rings. I grabbed my golden medium size heels, and put them. I took a couple of photos and posted them on my Instagram account. 

Likes and comments flew on to the photo in no time. I have more than 4.8 Million Instagram followers. I first started as an Instagram model, then various stylists and fashion designers started to notice my posts and collaborated with me. I even work for promotions of brands. I am slowly reaching 5 million now. And the best part is, you get paid my Instagram for each post as well as story. And I donate most of my income to orphanages and poor people. I am slowly living my dream now. 

I just wished he was here with me . . . Enzo.

I wish he was here to seen me today. I miss him. I still have him blocked on my social account, though, he follows my manager Nicole, on Instagram. I sometimes unblock him and see his accounts like a stalker I am,  I have even seen his name on likes, for my photos on her account. 

It might sound that I am exaggerating, but I won on Sia in modeling. She still works as an Instagram model. By the way, Sia and Dan are dating.

As I keep my phone on the dressing table, my gaze goes to the Infinity bracelet he gave me on Christmas. I have been wearing it even for past years. I can't seem to get it off my mind. Or say, I can't see, to get him off my mind. But I cannot wear it today. I'm on a date with a different guy. I can't do that to Ethan, it will be wrong if I keep something my ex gave me while I am on a date with a total different guy. 

I sigh. The doorbell brings me back from my thoughts. I walk to the door and open it. Ethan is standing there smiling and holding a bouquet of red roses. 

Hi, these are for you. And you look beautiful! He held the roses in front of me and take them from him with a smile on my face.  

Thank you Ethan. Why don't you come in while I grab my phone and clutch? I step away from the doorway and he walks in.  I then place the roses in an empty vase near my door on a table. He walks inside and closes the door behind him. I then walk to my room and grab my golden clutch and place my phone and cards and some cash in it. I also place a small revolver gun in it. Gotta carry it everywhere for safety. If you know you know. I grab my house keys and walk out of the room. 

Come on, I am ready. I smile at him and he smiles too.  I am gonna move on from him. I didn't wear the bracelet. So it's a good start I