Chapter 62: The Truth and the Healing

The press conference was once again set up, but this time Isabella was prepared for a different line of questioning. The media, still buzzing with excitement over the video Antonio had released, had now latched onto a new story: Valentina’s claim that she had truly loved him and that they had once been a perfect couple. The reporters, hungry for drama, were trying to make it appear as if there was still some unresolved love between the two, casting doubt on Isabella’s place in Antonio’s life.

Isabella knew this was coming. Valentina had not been silent in the aftermath of the video; instead, she had tried to twist the narrative, painting herself as the innocent party in the failed marriage. But Isabella wasn’t about to let the world believe that lie. She had already cleared the air once, and now, she was going to make sure the truth came out—no matter what.

The room was packed with reporters, cameras flashing as Isabella stood at the podium. She felt the weight of the questions that would come her way, but she was ready. As soon as she began speaking, the questions started flying.

“Is it true that Valentina loved Antonio?” one reporter asked. “Isn’t it possible that she still does?”

Isabella took a steadying breath, her fingers gripping the edge of the podium. She knew this question was inevitable, and she was ready to answer. She had to make it clear—Valentina’s version of events was a lie.

“Let me address that clearly,” Isabella began, her voice firm but composed. “Valentina may have loved Antonio once, but love is not just about words. Love is about actions, and her actions spoke otherwise. If she truly loved him, she wouldn’t have cheated on him—especially not just a month after giving birth to their child. She wouldn’t have thrown away everything they had for a brief affair with Antonio’s ex-best friend.”

A murmur spread through the crowd, but Isabella wasn’t done.

“She broke him. She broke him into pieces that he could never have put back together on his own. It was her actions, her betrayal, that turned him into the cold, angry man he was for so long. But I’m here to tell you that I was the one who picked up those pieces. I was the one who helped him heal. I was the one who saw beyond the walls he built around himself and showed him that he could be whole again.”

She paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words sink in. The reporters were silent now, hanging on her every word.

“Valentina may have loved him once,” she continued, her eyes burning with conviction. “But she didn’t love him the way he needed to be loved. She didn’t cherish him, she didn’t protect him, and she didn’t honor him. And that’s where I come in. I am here to stand by my husband—not because he’s perfect, but because he’s mine, and I love him. And that is something that no one can take away from us.”

Her words were direct and unyielding, and she could see the reporters beginning to reconsider their earlier assumptions. Isabella had turned the narrative on its head, and now, there was no doubt left in anyone’s mind—Antonio was hers, and she was not going to let anyone, especially Valentina, tear them apart.

As the press conference concluded, Isabella walked away from the podium with her head held high. She had said everything that needed to be said, and now it was time for the world to understand the truth.

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Later that evening, as the media coverage continued to swirl around them, Isabella and Antonio sat in the living room, their minds heavy with the events of the day. Luca, who had been quietly playing in his room, came into the living room holding his tablet, his innocent eyes wide with confusion.

“Momma, Dad,” Luca said, his voice small but filled with curiosity. “I saw some videos online. They said you and Mommy had problems… and that you’re not really happy.”

Isabella’s heart sank, and she glanced at Antonio, who was already looking at Luca with a protective gaze. It was clear that Luca, though young, had picked up on the tension surrounding their family in the media. The weight of the situation was not lost on him, even though he didn’t fully understand it.

“Luca, sweetie,” Isabella said softly, motioning for him to come closer. She reached out to him, pulling him onto her lap as she kissed his forehead. “There’s nothing to worry about. Your father and I are fine. But I know you’re probably feeling confused about all these things happening.”

Luca nodded, his small face full of concern. “But… but why do they say those things about you and Dad? Why do they say we’re not happy?”

Antonio’s heart broke at the innocence in Luca’s voice. It was painful to see his son struggle with this, especially when he had been trying so hard to protect him from the ugliness of the world. He sat beside them, his arm wrapping around both Isabella and Luca, trying to provide the reassurance they needed.

“Luca,” Isabella began, her voice soft and soothing, “sometimes people say things that aren’t true. Sometimes they don’t understand what’s really going on. But the truth is, your dad and I have been through a lot. We’ve made mistakes, yes, but we’ve also learned a lot. We love each other very much, and we love you too.”

Luca looked up at her, his little brow furrowing. “But why did they say those bad things about you?”

Isabella smiled gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from Luca’s forehead. “Because there are people who don’t understand what it means to truly love someone, Luca. They think love is about being perfect, but it’s not. Love is about standing by someone, even when things are hard. Love is about supporting them and helping them grow, even when it’s difficult. Your father and I, we’ve been through tough times, but we’ve always come out stronger because we love each other. And that’s all that matters.”

Antonio’s heart swelled as he listened to Isabella’s words. She was so strong, so wise, and he was in awe of her ability to explain things in a way that Luca could understand. He had spent so many years focusing on his business and his empire, but now, he knew that his family was his true priority.

“I want you to know something, Luca,” Antonio said, his voice steady and filled with warmth. “Your mother and I are a team. We’re not perfect, but we’re perfect for each other. And we love you more than anything in this world. You’re the reason we fight so hard to be better—to be the best parents we can be for you.”

Luca’s eyes brightened a little, his small hands reaching up to hug his father. “I love you, Daddy.”

Antonio smiled, his heart swelling with love for his son. “We love you too, Luca.”

The tension that had filled their home over the past few days slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of warmth and comfort. They had their struggles, yes, but together, they could face anything.

As Isabella kissed Luca’s forehead, she looked at Antonio, her eyes filled with love. “We’ll get through this, Antonio. Together.”

Antonio nodded, his heart finally at peace. He had a family that loved him—truly loved him. And no matter what the world said, that was enough.