The icy wind from the gazebo still caressed Isabella's skin as she turned to Dante, her heart racing not only from the kiss, but from the doubt burning within her.
"Dante…" she began, her voice trembling. "It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who left those flowers and the note on my bed."
His smile faded. Dante frowned, genuinely confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't pretend not to understand!" Isabella took a step forward, her gaze fixed on him. "It had to be you. Who else would have the courage to break into my house like that?"
For a moment, Dante just stared at her, serious. Then, slowly, he shook his head.
"Isabella, listen. I didn't leave flowers. I didn't write a note."
The words fell like a bucket of cold water. Isabella recoiled, feeling an even more intense chill in her chest.
"How… how come it wasn't you?" she murmured. "So... who was it?"
Dante took a deep breath, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.
"Alexander," he said, almost spitting the name. "It had to be him."
"No!" Isabella denied it immediately. "I asked him. He swore it wasn't. I... I believed him."
A heavy silence fell. The distant sounds of the city seemed lost amid Isabella's rapid breathing.
She brought her hands to her face, her eyes watering.
"This is so scary, Dante. Someone broke into my house while I was away... what if they come back? What if they break in again while I'm sleeping?" Her voice cracked, filled with real fear.
Dante watched her for a few seconds. And suddenly, his expression changed. He took a step toward her, lowering his voice slightly.
"You don't have to go back there."
Isabella looked up, confused. "What?"
"I told you you don't have to go back to that apartment today." The intensity in his eyes was almost suffocating. "Come with me. I'll take you somewhere safe."
"Somewhere safe... with you?" Isabella hesitated, her heart racing even more.
"Yes." Dante moved closer, almost touching her hand. "I can protect you from things Alexander never could. Trust me, Isabella. Tonight, at least tonight... sleep under my protection."
The silence that followed was heavier than any answer. Isabella felt the world spin inside her: fear, doubt, desire.
And when she looked into Dante's eyes, she knew her decision would change everything.