My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin-Chapter 47: I’ll make it happen

Isabella Di Carpio.

Oh, how could Ashley forget this woman?

As a matter of fact, she had been waiting for her. But as far as Ashley remembered, this shouldn’t have been happening until next week.

Then again... around this time, I wasn’t even leaving my room.

So Ashley wasn’t entirely sure. It could be something she missed in her previous life, and what she remembered might have been the second time Isabella came by.

Ashley smiled as she studied the beautiful flower of the Di Carpios, welcoming Isabella to the pavilion on the far side of the mansion—well away from her precious garden.

She couldn’t allow any poison or bad luck near it.

"Ashley, how are you?" Isabella asked, her voice as soft as Ashley remembered. "I heard about what happened."

Concerned, Isabella dragged her chair closer and clasped Ashley’s hand over the table. Her eyes swirled with worry, as if searching for any sign that her sister wasn’t doing well.

"He didn’t hurt you again, did he?" she asked.

Ashley arched a brow slightly, watching Isabella’s award-winning performance.

In her previous life, Ashley had believed her, had even given her a fragment of trust. Even though they had never gotten along — and Isabella had always thought Ashley beneath her — Ashley still bought into this "I’ve changed and care for you now" act out of desperation.

Or rather, being in Dominion, Ashley simply needed an ally—someone who could help her leave.

Isabella, after all, was the only person outside Dominion — and the second Di Carpio — allowed to enter freely, simply because Lucian believed the sisters got along. He let her come and go as she pleased, all in the name of "cheering" Ashley up.

Unfortunately, cheering Ashley up had never been Isabella’s intention.

What she wanted... was to become the matriarch of Dominion.

Why? 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Well, one only had to look at Lucian.

Ashley had believed that Marshal sent her in Isabella’s place because he thought Lucian was a balding, wrinkled old man. There was no way Marshal — or Isabella — would agree to marry someone like that.

But after seeing Lucian, Isabella wanted everything Ashley had — her place, her title, her life, and her husband.

I should’ve dealt with her too, Ashley thought as she briefly walked down that bitter memory lane. Then again... for once, I have something she wants — and something she doesn’t.

In her previous life, Isabella had simply stopped visiting. From what Ashley heard, it was because she had done something that earned Lucian’s wrath.

So technically, Ashley didn’t need to deal with her. But considering all the problems this woman would bring... she had to go. Early.

Or at the very least, be kept far away from here.

I could just ask Lucian, Ashley mused. But I won’t gain much from that.

"Ash," Isabella called again, curiosity now evident in her eyes. "Is everything alright? You don’t have to look at me like that. Tell me what’s wrong?"

Isabella smiled, squeezing Ashley’s hand. "Don’t be afraid. I told you, didn’t I? Growing up, we didn’t get along. But we’re adults now. After everything you’ve done for the family, I — as the future of the Di Carpios — have to acknowledge your efforts."

"I can’t just abandon you like this," she continued, her sadness seemingly genuine. "And I made you a promise, didn’t I? Once I inherit the family, I’ll take you away from this hell and from that monster you call a husband."

"Thanks, Isabella," Ashley smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She straightened slightly and returned the grip. "I really appreciate it."

"Of course," Isabella sighed in relief. "You’re my sister. No matter what happened in the past, we still share the same father."

"Mhm."

"So?" Isabella pressed. "Is everything okay? Did he hurt you again? I heard that after your last escape attempt, he dragged you back and that he was furious."

Ashley tilted her head slightly as she listened.

During her trip, no matter how busy she had been, she would lie awake at night, replaying everything she had done before waking up again.

And that last escape attempt?

Lucian had indeed been furious—so furious that he lost control and claimed her by force.

The thing was... Isabella had played a role in that.

She was the one who tipped Lucian off, pretending concern, warning him that Ashley was planning another escape.

Lucian hadn’t believed her at first. But he let things unfold.

And just as Isabella predicted... Ashley did try to escape just like how she said it.

That was how Isabella earned Lucian’s trust.

Fortunately, that trick wouldn’t work anymore.

Not this act.

Not those flowery words.

None of it would wedge itself between her and Lucian again.

"I told you," Isabella huffed. "It was a reckless move. You should have waited for my help to increase your chances. Look what happened."

"Mhm," Ashley hummed.

"Poor you," Isabella sighed, her eyes soft with pity. "Don’t worry, Ash. He won’t hurt you again. I’ll talk to him."

This time, Ashley responded immediately. "Why?"

"Hmm?"

"Isabella... why would you do that?"

"Ash, why are you asking something so obvious?" Isabella chuckled lightly. "We’re sisters. How could I pretend I don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors?"

"But you don’t know what happens behind Dominion’s doors."

"Huh?" Isabella paused, confused.

Ashley blinked innocently. "Besides, I never said Lucian raised his hand against me. He doesn’t beat me like your father does."

At that, Isabella’s expression cracked — just for a second — before she smoothed it over. She studied Ashley, convincing herself that the girl was simply speaking without thinking.

Right. There’s no way this idiot is saying this on purpose. She’s just probably still upset.

"Ashley," Isabella said gently, though her tone carried a faint edge, "abuse isn’t always physical. He doesn’t even let you have your phone, does he? You can’t even step out of this place on your own."

"Oh..."

"See?" Isabella sighed. "And Dad doesn’t beat you. Don’t phrase it like that. You know he’s just disciplining you."

Right.

Ashley pouted slightly, muttering as if to herself:

"But he didn’t discipline you when you were caught cheating in class... bullying the top student... or when you secured first place by hiring ghostwriters. He just paid off the dean, the administration... and even had that student transferred before graduation."

"...."

Isabella’s face twitched.

What is this idiot saying?

Instinctively, she glanced around to make sure no one had heard. Once she was certain, she clicked her tongue softly and forced a smile.

"Ashley, what are you talking about? Those are just baseless rumors! People are simply jealous of me," she said, her tone still gentle. "Anyway, I’m just concerned about you. Shouldn’t you at least be grateful? I even came here despite Father forbidding me."

Ashley pressed her lips together thoughtfully. "Sorry. I’m just... upset about what happened."

"I know," Isabella said, relaxing slightly. She had already convinced herself that Ashley wasn’t capable of anything deeper. "That’s exactly why I’m telling you this. Being stuck here must be unbearable."

With that, Isabella straightened and met Ashley’s gaze. "That’s why I came."

"Hmm?" Ashley tilted her head.

Isabella leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Ash... do you still want to leave?"

Before Ashley could respond, she continued:

"I can help you. June will help you too."

"Leave this place, Ash," she urged, nodding firmly. "I’ll make it happen."