Twice Crowned in Crimson

The second my words hung in the air, Sebastian–who had been trying to make a graceful exit–froze in his tracks.

He released Anna's hand, spun, and marched straight toward me. The chill and anger in his eyes were no longer concealed.

"Isabella Caruso." Sebastian stood a mere step away, bending down to murmur in my ear.

"You're looking pretty smug, aren't you?" His voice was icy, laced with challenge and menace.

"You think you can ruin me just like that?"

"Ruin you?" I held his stare, cocked my head to the side, and replied with feigned innocence.

"Mr. Vitale, I'm just helping you out! You begged on bended knee, and I said yes. What's with the act now? Don't tell me, all those heartfelt promises were just for show? You don't really want to marry Anna? You don't want to step up? Or maybe…"

I taunted, "You're just a thankless wolf, loving the drama, all thankful one minute and flipping the script the next?"

A muscle in Sebastian's cheek twitched, with my words hitting a nerve.

He inhaled sharply, dropping the pretense, his voice a low growl, like a ruler from another life demanding answers from a betrayer.

"Cut the act! You know exactly what I'm talking about! In a previous life, you were the one in debt to me! You caused Anna's death! And now, you've gone and aired her dirty laundry for all to see, embarrassing her, making me the butt of the joke!

"Isabella, you're still as jealous and spiteful as ever!"

I could not help but laugh as he got more worked up. It was like watching the world's biggest joke unfold. "Cut the victim act, Mr. Vitale. You're not owed anything. The Caruso family has been more than fair to you, and this is how you repay us? With accusations and betrayal?"

My words struck a chord with the other families in the room. Disapproving and scornful looks shot toward Sebastian.

"That's enough!" The room fell dead silent at my father's command. "Sebastian Vitale. I spared you some dignity for your mother's sake, but you clearly don't know when to stop or how to be thankful." He gestured toward the door with a firm hand. "Now, take your woman and leave my house. Immediately!"

Sebastian's face turned a sickly pale as he stumbled out of the hall, everyone's eyes on him.

Just then, the doors burst open, and a figure charged in. "Don Caruso! Hold on! You can't agree to Sebastian's terms!"

It was Anthony Russo, my lifelong friend.

He dashed over to my father, shouting all the way.

Anthony's sudden appearance made Sebastian freeze in his tracks.

"Anthony, what are you doing here..." My father was taken aback.

I watched Anthony, and memories of him fighting for my family in a previous life, unable to change our fate, flashed before my eyes. I felt a sting at the tip of my nose as emotions welled up.

Anthony gazed at me, his eyes wide and tinged with the threat of tears. "Isabella, what's going on?"

I sniffled and gave him a reassuring smile. "Silly, Mr. Vitale's proposal is for Anna. Why the panic?"

"Huh?

"Oh... got it."

As Sebastian took in the scene before him, something dark and savage stirred inside him. His expression seemed to say: 'Isabella Caruso! How dare you give that look to another guy! When we were married in your previous life, you never showed such feelings!'

Then, Anthony took his chance and popped the question right there in front of everyone.

The party, which had just started to settle down, erupted into excitement once more!

That night's spectacle was relentless, each moment more shocking than the last. First, the freeloader proposed to the maid, and then another mafia family's golden boy stepped into the spotlight to make his move.

I had not seen Anthony's bold move coming. My face flushed with a mix of surprise and delight, but a warm feeling bubbled up inside me.

I gave a small nod.

"Yes!" Anthony nearly leaped for joy, his face lighting up with a smile that he could not hide if he tried.

In the shadows by the door, Sebastian's expression darkened even more.

I took Anthony's hand and turned to face the doorway, locking eyes with Sebastian, whose gaze was filled with jealousy and a hint of danger. Without a sound, my lips formed the words clear as day.

"Well, Sebastian, the Carusos and Russos are joining forces in this lifetime. You won't stand a chance.

"The only fate waiting for you is to die without a trace."