The Principessa's Final Lesson

That smug look on his face—the look of a small man who thinks he's won—was all it took to set my fury ablaze.

I vividly remembered how humbly he had held my hand when he was pursuing me.

"Bella, I know I'm from the streets. I don't have much. All I ask is a chance to love you. Even if you stop loving me one day, I'll be forever grateful that you once did."

He even promised that if we ever broke up, he'd still treat me like family, that he'd always be my safe harbor.

Now, all that was left was the ugly sneer on his face.

I bit my lip, a sharp ache of sorrow piercing my heart as I looked at him.

"Marco, six years of love, and you throw it away just like that. Fine. But be honest with yourself, just for a second. Did you really build this place alone? Would any of this be yours without me?"

For a moment, his expression softened, but it was quickly replaced by impatience as he planted his hands on his hips.

"What do you want, then? A payoff? Fine. For the six years, a hundred grand. Is that enough?"

With that, he yanked a thick stack of cash from his suit pocket and flung it at my face.

"Take it! And get out of here, so you don't run around telling everyone I'm a heartless bastard who used you for six years!"

The bills fluttered down my face and scattered at my feet. Ava sauntered over, crossing her arms with a mocking smile.

"What are you waiting for? Pick it up. That's a hundred grand. You could keep yourself in boy toys for two years with that!"

Immediately, the crowd of leeches erupted in laughter.

"That's right! She's been a leech for six years. A hundred grand is more than she deserves!"

"Look at her, acting all high and mighty. I bet she's itching to get on her knees and scoop it all up!"

"Hey! Marco's done with you, you have no business being here! Get the hell out!"

My eyes swept across the room. Dozens of faces, most of whom I had personally helped at one point or another.

But now, not a single one would speak up for me. A profound sense of betrayal washed over me.

Marco wrapped his arm around Ava, watching coldly as the mob insulted and mocked me.

"Alright, Isabella, I know you've got your pride, but what are you going to live on without me? Just take the money. It'll cover you for a few years."

I stared at his face, a cold smile forming on my lips, and kicked the cash towards his feet.

"A hundred grand? That wouldn't even cover one of my handbags. You keep it. It might pay for your whores for a couple of years."

My words made his face darken with fury.

"You—Isabella! I never knew you had a mouth like a sewer! I'm with Ava now, fine, but I never cheated on you. The thought is disgusting!"

"Hmm, maybe you should ask your precious Ava. Weren't those her words? I guess... she would know."

Marco's head snapped toward Ava, his eyes blazing. Her lip quivered as she stammered pitifully.

"I... I was just running my mouth..."

Her pity party ended in a flash. Her expression hardened as her glare fixed on me.

"Isabella, you bitch! What are you trying to do, turn him against me? If you don't get lost, believe me, I'll have someone throw you out!"

I leaned closer, my face inches from hers.

"Go ahead. I dare you."