Blackmailing His Runaway Bride

"I don't believe this." The suited man turned in his stance to further bore his grim sight at the tearing woman seated in front of him. "I have been calling the wrong man my father for thirtyone years."

"Christopher is still your father regardless. He accepted you, loved you as his own," she said, her voice trembling, her expensive silk scarf doing a good job of wiping her tears off before they could damage her makeup.

"He knew?" Charles scoffed as his mother confirmed it. Taking a seat on the leather sofa which strangely was the only furniture he ever sat on, he ran his hair backward, the dryness annoying him a bit. "I still don't believe that you kept this from me."

"Charles," the richly dressed woman whose age wasn't telling on her spoke softly, "truthfully, if I had my way, I would have preferred you not to know. Rodrigo is sort of a bastard, Charles."

"I was a bastard unknowingly for years, mother."

The gentle look on his mother's face turned to a frown for a second. "Don't speak such things about yourself, Charles. You were raised by a wonderful father, the best you could ever have."

He sighed.

He did love the man he called Father. Charles appreciated him for everything he had done. But it hurt. It hurt to know that he had spent years calling the wrong man his father.

"So, if this letter hadn't come, I wouldn't have known about this."

"I really wish it didn't come," Mrs. Oxford whispered into the office that wore a cold look similar to the one on the face of its main occupant.

Silence took over. The mother avoided her son's piercing glares. It was as though she knew that he was trying to mask the anger within him behind his roughly chiseled face. Charles took another look at his mother, his eyes all set. "I have to meet Rodrigo Ordinaz."

The silly hat on his mother's head bobbed as her whole body reacted to his statement. Shaking her head, tears forming on the surface of her eyes, she begged, "Please my son, don't do this. Don't give in to his demands."

"I deserve to meet my real father before he dies." He rarely saw his mother cry, so he could tell how serious she was with her pleading. But his mind was made up.

"But if you want to meet him, you will have to give in to his demands."

Charles gave a short shrug. "I have to get married, how hard can that be?"

"You can't just pick any girl to marry, that's like the worst thing that can happen to a man."

"Who says I am marrying any girl? Mother," his hands tucked beneath his chin. "I am a man that deals with precise selections of things, I will not make an exception when it comes to choosing a wife."

"Is this about his wealth? Rodrigo's wealth? You don't have to do this son. Your father's empire is more than enough."

"I don't care about his money. I just want to meet my real father, dammit!" He hated to see his mother flinch, but she was too blinded by her emotions to see how important it was to him. Heck! He would marry a thousand times to get to meet his real father and… siblings.

"I even have siblings. Don't I deserve to meet them?"

"What I am saying is that you don't have to give in to his demands, there are other ways…"

"Mother, you said it yourself, Rodrigo Ordinaz is a strange yet calculating and highly manipulative man. I am sure he must have broken off any alternative routes that I could use to get to him. Please mother don't make this any harder, I have made my decision."

"So, you are getting married." Contrary to the usual excessive grins mothers wore whenever their children tell them they are tying the knot, the formallooking middleaged woman had her face falling.

"It seems so."

"Just be careful Charles." And she got up, leaving him with his thoughts and his lonelylooking office.

His recent decision meant a change in his plans. Apart from looking for a woman who would want to be his wife (which would be a bit tasking), he needed to move to America where his real father has lived for many years. Charles needed to be closer to his recently discovered family.

His intent on meeting Rodrigo Ordinaz may seem unnecessary to some people, like his mother. But, he grew up wondering why he had the features of a Brazilian when both his parents were British. He certainly wasn't going to miss an opportunity to find a complete answer to his question.

But the conditions attached... Where was he going to find a woman that he could trust enough to get married to?

If only she had gotten married to him back then, he wouldn't be having this problem. He still had not forgotten her. It was difficult to forget a woman with a face like hers. Voice so seducing, it made you react instantly. Her body was so curved in the right places, Charles could almost see him running his hands through her soft skin.

It bothered him though, that he was yet to forget her.

For crying out loud, she left him waiting at the altar, left without a note, and vanished without a trace. She made him suffer heartbreak and it sure was a heartbreak, because he loved her and he had every reason to believe that she did too.

"Mr. Charles?" The voice of his secretary brought him out of his thoughts.

"Miss Kane, what is it?"

"The files are on your table sir," he noticed that her shirt had a few buttons loose and they definitely weren't like that when she came in to announce the arrival of his mother.

"What about the contract…?" he cleared his throat, and she offered to pour him water. "What about the contract with Jubili Limited?"

Charles could see the swell of her breasts as she angled her body to achieve a seductive pose. He had to give it to her, she knew her game. Miss Kane was attractive no doubt, with her blonde silky hair that she never failed to flaunt. And her office wears which she always wore fitly to bring out her body shape. But he had a strict nosexwithemployee policy and he sure wasn't going to break it.

"Here, sir." Her fingertips brushed his knuckles as she handed him the glass of water. "They have sent the copy of their signed contract."

"I need you to have the private jet ready. By next week Monday, we will be leaving for New York."

"Okay, sir." She was importantly competent, he wouldn't want to taint that by having a night pleasure with her.

"So, send me the rest of the documents yet to be signed. And try to see if you can squeeze meetings into the rest of this week. If at all any meeting will fall in the following weeks, make sure it is meetings that will be held in the States."

"Alright, sir. Is that all?" He gave a curt nod which was to his secretary's disappointment, but he did not notice that. He had gone back to relishing the beauty of the woman in his earlier thoughts.

Charles hated that he was doing it, yet a part of him seemed joyous as though Isabella was still in his life and was going to walk into the room any second soon, her eyes beaming with a hunger for him.

Tired.

There was no other word to use to describe her feeling at that moment. Slumping onto the brown leather couch, Isabella recalled with bitterness, the meeting she just had with the bank's representative.

The company was running more and more into debt and she was not seeing a way out soon. Grabbing her phone to check the time, Isabella realized it was almost time to go home.

Home.

That was another problem on its own. A problem she would deal with once she gets there but at that moment, she needed to work out a way to get her company out of the extraordinary debt it was in. Getting up, she walked towards her desk and dialed her secretary to come inside.

"Hey, Isa."

"Caleb." She sat slightly against the edge of the glass desk.

The blonde man walked towards her, his stride different because of some accident on his father's farm. Something that had to do with chickens or something. On seeing the look on her face, he sat back and made a whooshlike sound, "I take it the meeting didn't go well."

"Things are actually worse. We can't get more loans anymore, we risk being closed down anytime soon." She faced him and asked, "What do I do Caleb? I have no idea. No one around wants to help. Nobody wants to form a meagre, they keep saying the business is old news."

"I know you can't bear losing this company, so we just have to try harder when it comes to saving the company. But Isabella, apart from some issues we have right here, you know where the main problem is."

Suddenly reminded of the burden waiting for her at home, heaviness befell her chest. "I am trying, Caleb. I am trying to get him to stop being so wasteful but he will not even listen to me."

"Leave him, Isabella. Why don't you just get rid of that man?"

The misery within her flashed through her face for some seconds, Isabella got up to hide it. "It is not that simple Caleb. I wish it were, but it is not. Forget that for now, what new ideas do you have to get us out of this mess? Cause the way we are going, by next week, more than ninety percent of the staff would be laid off."

Sighing, he uncrossed his leg, his hand went to his rough chin to scratch out some ideas, "There is this charity event happening next week Thursday."

"Okay?"

"It is going to be held in Hotel Achilles and you and I know the kind of people that hold events there."

"The rich part of this world. Go on." Isabella took her seat.

"I can get us an invite and we can maybe mingle with the crowd and who knows, someone might be willing to merge or buy us out of this situation."

A quick frown lighted Isabella's tired face. "Buy out? No. No, Caleb, I am not selling my company, I worked hard to convince my father to not sell this place to some stranger but to let me head it. So, no buying out."

"Oh." Caleb smiled apologetically. "I am sorry, I didn't mean it that way. Well, that is probably the only chance we have to get anything done about the debt."

"It is our only option, we just have to do it. Work on getting those invites and I will work on portraying the company in a good light."

"Okay. I guess that is settled. How much time do we have till the bank takes an action on closing us down?"

"A month," replied Isabella.

"Okay. Things are going to work in our favour at that event, I can feel it." Isabella just had to appreciate his optimism. Contrary to his bright declaration, Isabella was a bit unenthusiastic. She really was glad that she had Caleb, she was happy she had befriended someone like him.

"I guess it is time to go home," Isabella said and Caleb nodded, the chair making creaking sounds as he got up. "My regards to your father and get something done about your walk, you are starting to have a stride similar to that of the chicken that attacked you."

"Yeah, yeah. Goodnight Isa. Stay safe."

Safe.

She needed to hear​​​​​ that word. An image flashed in her head that caused her to grimace. She did need to hear that word.

~

The whole room smelt like alcohol and that was a bad thing already.

"Gabriel," Isabella gently called as she laid her bag and jacket on the nearest chair. The scent getting stronger as she walked, Isabella just had to wonder how many bottles he had.

The night before, she had counted close to fifteen bottles.

"Gabriel."

"What the hell are you shouting my name for?" The door that shielded their room from prying eyes slammed shut as Gabriel walked out, making a big deal out of the gentle manner she had called him.

Closing her eyes to prepare herself for the drama ahead, Isabella turned to face her husband of more than five years. Her husband that always got people asking; why are you with him? anytime they were seen together. "Gabriel, why is the house reeking of alcohol?"

"Who are you to question me?" The tall man walked towards her, a scowl on his face. Grabbing her elbow forcefully, he continued, "This is my house and I can do whatever I want to in this place. Is that clear?" Isabella nodded quietly as the monstrous flare of his nostrils caught her attention. "I fucking asked if that is clear!" he roared.

Almost shuddering to shake away the growing fear within her, Isabella replied quietly, "Yes, Gabriel."

His hand pressed further into her skin to her discomfort, but she stood there anyway, not a complaint on her face. "You are my wife not my boss and it should stay that way."

Forcefully, he retracted his hold and that caused the woman's petite figure to stagger, her curvy buttocks almost kissing the brown tiles if not for the remaining stamina she had within her.

Her tired eyes trailing Gabriel as he walked to wherever he was going in only boxers and a white singlet, Isabella wondered whether to ask him if he had eaten.

"Oh, by the way, the money you hid in your clothes, I have spent it. So don't bother looking for what is not lost."

She was not asking him any shit about eating.

The feeling of anger which she wished to keep at bay, couldn't help but wrap her soul and she sternly questioned the man, saying, "What on earth are you talking about, Gabriel? That money was supposed to last us for the next six months. I was just about to take it to the bank. How could you just..." A deep breath followed. Trying not to visibly grit her teeth, Isabella continued, "What on earth did you spend it on?"

Gabriel shrugged, his hand going on to scratch the region just above his thigh. "Things. Listen, don't beat yourself up too much, you will get more money. That's why you are working."

Her hands were fisted and the fury inside her was almost leading to tears. "You were not supposed to touch it, Gabriel."

"Listen," the man's anger resurfaced and Isabella took a step back even though he wasn't that close to avoid him getting physical, "this is what you get since you refused to give me a son."

"Gabriel..."

"Give me a son and I will stop wasting your stuff." Isabella had heard that phrase so many times, her ears were almost bleeding at that point. Now feeling empty, Isabella allowed her weakness to get to her. She fell onto the chilly ground and Gabriel wore an amused smile in response before he said, "Don't wait up tonight, I will be out having fun."

"You are going to gamble again, aren't you?"

If he heard her, he did not show. As the door of the bedroom slammed from within, Isabella felt her shoulders slump. The heaviness in her chest was so much, that it seemed it had found somewhere else in her soul to extend to.

If only a miracle could happen, she thought as she got up to find something to eat. Because at that stage a miracle was just what she needed to get out of her mess.

Charles pinched the bridge of his nose. The past few days had been a mental hell for him. Apart from his norm of attending meeting after meetings, the fact that he was so close yet far from his real family members tortured him.

And there was the fact that he had not found a suitable time to devote to searching for a wife.

He needed a break, he needed some sort of entertainment. At that moment, in order to find his plans working out perfectly, he needed a clear mind.

Charles picked up his phone and called his secretary.

"Sir, you called me," Miss Kane said as she walked in with careful steps, her dress quite provocative as always.

"Yes," he poured himself some whiskey, his one and loyal company, "are there any events in town that I can attend? I need a break."

As he swirled the quarterfilled glass in his majestic hold, he locked eyes with his secretary.

"I don't know..." The woman's eyes darted with uncertainty.

"Miss Kane, I like to think that you are good at what you do. I would be quite disappointed if my thoughts are proven to be wrong. So, instead of telling me you don't know anything, I should be hearing you say you will be finding out if there is any."

The slight cruelty in his voice did not appear to move her, and that was one of the reasons he had her promoted to the status of being his secretary. Unlike some of his employees, she never looked startled whenever he was being the angry, thorough boss.

As expected, Christina Kane nodded her head slightly and said, "I will make sure to find out if there is any."

"Just call me to tell me what you have confirmed. I don't want to be disturbed either, take the rest of the day off." Charles felt his tiredness seep in further. The past few days were indeed tasking and it would be risky for the man to refuse himself a minute of rest.

"Alright, sir."

A few minutes later, she called to inform him about a charity event holding the next day.

Slipping off the chair onto the rug, Charles resumed his drinking.

He had found his entertainment and he hoped it would be fun. He hoped something reasonable would come out of it and that he wouldn't waste his special time.

If anything, his time was highly precious to him and those who have wasted his time in the past felt a burn they were yet to recover from.

~

Charles Oxford was starting to feel absolute regret as the murmurs in the ballroom reached his ears.

Peeling his eyes off the sight of a group of people who cheered loudly with their champagne glasses, he questioned himself.

Why did he decide to find something to do? Now, the very thing he wished not to happen was occurring. His eyes darted sharply across the room once again and watched the crowd whose bright smiles became unbearable to watch.

Then, the man sighed. His barely existent time was being wasted.

The whole room reeked of boredom. Nothing fun was being done. The music being played was doing more of weighing his soul down. Neither was the exact reason for the gathering being discussed. Nobody was talking about the purpose of the charity.

Their excited chatters were definitely all about business talks. Charles wished to guess that the cluster of expensively dressed men and women would result in a milliondollar deal for some and losses for others.

Either way, it was quite unfortunate that they masked the event with a tag that most of them didn't care about.

Rubbing his huge recently moisturized hands, Charles reasoned that it would have been preferable to spend the whole day locked up in his room with his thoughts and his indulging work than to be at that event.

"Christina." He faced his secretary who he had decided to take along with the intention of relieving her of her work.

It was bad enough that she was going to be stuck with him for a while.

As usual, she was dressed to kill. If not for his morals and principles, Charles knew he would be taking her right into the bathroom as a means of surviving the boredom in the huge space. But, if he did that, Charles knew that he would not like what follows.

He might decide to fire her or she might take his move as an invitation to be with him romantically.

"Yes, Charles," the lady responded, her eyes set on him. Charles had given her the liberty to call him by his first name.

"When is this event supposed to end?"

"In two hours, sir."

"How long have we been here?"

"Ten minutes, sir."

"Um," he hummed and he gave Christina a side glance. The way she had her eyes glued on him made him suddenly feel uneasy.

Charles could read her spoken words loud and clear, Christina wanted him. At any cost.

He was used to seeing such looks.

Shifting his stance slightly to the left, his hand clutching his almost empty wine glass a bit harder, Charles's eyes travelled to the entrance and at that moment, the most unexpected sight greeted him.

Realizing his heart was thumping, Charles shifted again, cleared his throat, and pocketed his hands into the silkiness of his suit trouser.

Within a swift second, Charles gathered his ego, pride, and masculinity into one big attitude, he could not afford to appear weak as he just felt.

His surprised sight traveled back to Isabella who was walking hand in hand with a tall guy toward one of the small gatherings in the room.

With his sharp gaze, he observed her movements. He tried to determine what was different about her, he wished to see how much she had changed.

She had not changed a lot.

She was dressed in a red, longsleeved pencil gown that held her body in the right places. Isabella always looked good in red. Always.

It made her eyes appear fiery like the character she was. Or rather, the woman he knew.

Her hair, brunette and long was curled into layers and they kept dancing as she talked and laughed with the people she was with.

Charles closed his eyes as the image of her closing her eyes in satisfaction whenever he ran his hands through her hair, came to his mind.

Opening his eyes, with locked jaws, Charles noticed further that something was missing in her eyes. They still looked fiery but they lacked the happiness that always made him smile whenever he saw her.

Wondering who the man she was with was, Charles chastised himself for bothering himself by recalling the past. Instead, he could be dealing with the present the way he wanted.

He smirked to himself as he imagined what reactions would be on the face of the woman that was meant to be his wife.

"Christina?"

"Yes?" He extended his arm for Christina to hook hers onto.

"It is time for us to mingle with the crowd." Charles returned the smile Christina gave him as her slender arm went around his. He could still feel Christina's eyes on him from time to time.

That was her problem.

What was on his mind at that moment was the woman in red and how he was going to make a reentry into her life.

After six years.

"So, it is basically a hotel?" The fat man asked again.

"She just said..." His partner gave up trying to explain anything to the man who was making light of the little meeting they were having.

And Isabella was trying so hard not to get unduly angry. Her free hand kept tugging at the tablecloth, and at the same time, her smile widened. "Yes, it is a hotel. But a vintage kind of hotel."

"Why would anyone want to stay in such a place?"

"The services offered there are like no other, sir. Everything about the hotel is amazing and magical. Our guests always have a good time."

"If it is so magical, why is it failing?" David Maxwell's secretary gasped with shock at the directedness of his boss. Isabella could feel it, the anger, it had made its way to her chest. Her hold on the cloth became fiercer, it shifted off the table.

Caleb placed his hand over hers to placate her.

"We are working on ways to improve the standards of the hotel. We just have a bit of monetary…"

"Save it, Ms. Shade. Your hotel is a lost cause. The best thing you can do right now is selling it. That's the advice I can give."

'How dare you say such a thing? Do you know how hard I worked to get this company?'

Isabella wanted to cry out, but she maintained that smile. The smile of defeat. The side of her eyes blinking with tears, she looked down and said, "Thank you for your advice sir."

"I wish you the best Ms. Shade." Isabella nodded and looked in the other direction to see if any waiter was in sight. She needed a glass of wine. Actually, a bottle of wine would do the job.

"Mr. Maxwell, can we join you?"

That voice! Isabella felt her body shiver.

No, it could not be him!

Still looking for a waiter to pass by, Isabella resumed squeezing the cloth.

"Mr. Oxford, of course, you can. I am glad you made it today."

"I am glad as well."

No, no. It couldn't be.

A glass of wine found its way to her hand immediately and she faced another gathering that was concentrated at a table.

"So, anything fun going on here?"

"Well, Ms. Shade over here was telling me about her hotel. Ms. Shade," she immediately faced David Maxwell so she could not see the man's face if at all he was who she thought he was, "tell Mr. Oxford here about your place. Maybe he might be able to help."

Isabella shook a little as her head shifted to face this Mr. Oxford.

If she had her way, she could have become invisible at that instant. It really was him. With green orbs staring right into her with a snarky smile beneath them, Isabella noted how much he had changed. He looked huger, more built, more handsome.

"Well, Shades and Cloaks is a vintage hotel. As the name vintage implies, everything about the settings is purely historical."

The side of his mouth had gone up with a smile while she talked. His smile. It always found a way to affect her back then. And at that moment, it was affecting her with even more intensity than before. Why not? Anthony was looking like a complete sex god that women fall in love with without him even trying.

She pinched Caleb lightly for him to take over. As soon as he did, Her eyes traveled to the woman beside him. She was pretty. They suited each other.

Good for him.

Isabella darted her eyes to the side as she began to feel Anthony's stare fall heavily on her as he responded monosyllabically to Caleb's explanation. She needed to get out of that place. She needed to find a way to regain composure. "Um… please excuse me."

As Isabella walked towards the restroom, she became tempted to look behind to see whether or not he had his eyes on her.

On getting to the restroom, her hand slamming the door hard, Isabella went to the mirror and leaned against the counter, staring at herself. She could read the mixed emotions inside her by just looking at her eyes. Isabella could not afford to have that happen.

Not now. Not ever.

Sighing, she reasoned out her present situation.

Isabella never thought she would be meeting Anthony so soon. She always thought if at all they would meet, it would be when they are old and close to their graves. Her mind picturing the magnificentlooking man, Isabella felt her hands shake a bit.

It really was him.

Gosh! How many years had it been?

Five? Six?

Recalling the circumstances of the past, Isabella shook again. She had done something terrible to him.

Oh, God! Rubbing her forehead, Isabella wondered what she could do. Crazily, explaining the situation that caused her action in the past was not an option she was willing to explore at that moment.

But then, she needed something, anything to help her face him.

A knock on the bathroom door announced his presence.

"Bella?"

Her eyes widened, and her legs lost their stance. It was him!

He was just outside the bathroom. And… he called her Bella. Anthony was the only one who ever called her that and she loved it whenever he did. His British accent to be thanked, him calling her name always did things to her. It awakened things within her, whether she wanted it to or not.

"Sooner or later, you will come out, Bella and I will be waiting here."

Scanning the exquisite restroom, Isabella saw no potential exit. So, she bade goodbye to her idea of doing the cliché; escaping through the toilet's window.

Finding her stance, Isabella reasoned that it was better she went out. If at all Anthony had not changed, one thing about him is that he never gives up till he gets what he wants. And she knew better than to try to drag the situation at hand.

"Finally." Her eyes evading his own, Isabella resumed walking.

As she expected, he did not allow it. Isabella immediately felt her arm being slightly pulled, next thing, her chest was glued to his huge body, she looked so little in his hold. "I won't allow you to run this time around Bella."

Finding the fact that she was beginning to warm up to his touch a bad sign, Isabella struggled to get out of his arms. "Let me go please."

"I need to talk to you." His hands repositioned as his firm voice bluntly stated his mission. While one snaked around her waist, the other settled on her hair, he was holding her securely against his strong, firm body, Isabella could not move despite her budging.

"If you want to talk, let me go."

"Okay." She should have just let him hold her. Isabella's hands went up as the shock that befall her when his lips attacked hers was not an ordinary one.

Kissing away, licking away, exploring her mouth like he was munching on his favourite chocolate bar, Isabella knew he wasn't going to end it soon no matter how much she budged or tried to complain.

Pushing her against the wall, he took the session to the next level. His huge hands gripping her buttocks firmly, Anthony pushed her towards him, his lips still engaging hers in a heated session.

Slowly, he ground against her, Isabella just had to moan. It was then she realized that she had fully given in to his kiss. She was actually loving it.

"Hm. You are still freaking hot, Bella." Anthony's hand pushed her even closer despite their closeness and put his hand to use and caressed her through the cotton dress.

Pulling away from her lips, without pausing for a second, his lips went to tease her earlobes. She gave a short gasp, her fingers digging into his back.

She was actually loving it!

Isabella finally realized the gravity of what was happening. Managing to push him away slightly, she took a look around to check if anyone had seen them.

Facing him with a sharp glare, she asked angrily, "Anthony! How dare you kiss me?"

"Charles. Nobody calls me Anthony anymore." He took a step back, his hands going into his pockets. "And, don't fool yourself, you enjoyed what just happened. Instead of complaining, count yourself lucky that I just made your day."

"Made my day? By kissing me? Oh please! The next time you touch me carelessly, you will regret it."

The side of his mouth went up with a smirk, his eyes wore amusement. "I am certain you will be the one regretting Bella. Because, once I start something," he took a step closer to her, his scent engulfing her once more, his eyes boring threateningly into hers, "I make sure to finish it."

Her jaws dancing to contain the emotions jumbled within her, she walked away from the corner where he had her staying put. "What do you want from me, Charles?"

"I spoke to your… the man that came with you. I am interested in your hotel, Isabella."

That was the first time he called her that way. It was always 'Bella' he called her back then.

Taking out a card from this breast pocket, his hand stretched towards her, "Take this and call me whenever you are ready to discuss business. I have a proposition that will ensure everyone is happy at the end of the day."

Isabella's brows quirked as she collected the card. "I don't think I will be calling you, but thank you."

"Oh, Bella," he swept a strand of hair into the back of her ear, "you and I know that you want whatever happened minutes ago to occur again. So, I will be waiting for that call."

Isabella found herself sneering mentally at his words. Just because she kissed him back he thinks she wants him. As she watched him walk out of the restroom area, her mind wondered if he knew she was married. Looking down at the card in her hand, Isabella thought, ‘Like hell, I would call him.’

It really was him.

Isabella sat back in her chair. She had been hoping it was a dream, but it wasn't. He really kissed her.

Anthony... No, Charles aroused her without trying hard. After six years he was still that good. Her fingers grazing her lips, she recalled to the last detail how he took her with more intention than he used to when they used to date.

That same day, when she got home and took a look at Gabriel, Isabella realized it had been a while since she felt so strongly aroused. Her husband never took the liberty to make her feel good during sex. All Gabriel ever wanted to do was empty his nut into her.

Feeling sadness set in again, Isabella wondered how life would have been if she had not run away a few minutes before tying the knot with Anthony. She wouldn't be deprived of intense intercourse, certainly. She probably won't have a failing company to be worried about too.

Sighing, Isabella reasoned that it was useless to swim in regret at that stage. If anything, she should be working harder at getting her company out of its ruins.

Isabella's eyes travelled to the card that had been lying on her table. Temptation surrounded it. It was calling Isabella to pick up the hard paper and dial the number on it.

"Isa, there is an issue." Caleb's voice snapped her out of it. As he sat down, Isabella prepared herself for the terrible news that was going to come out of his mouth. Earlier that day, one of their loyal customers had an accident in the bathroom and that caused a dent in the already collapsing state of the hotel.

"I have called every single person that promised to see if they could help us, none, I mean no one is willing to merge. It is just so terrible. It is as though they all had an overnight meeting and decided to not consider us at all. Isa..."

"Caleb. What is going on? Why does everything keep getting worse? Just yesterday..."

Caleb reached for her hand and stopped her lamenting. "Hey Isa, don't do this now. Sulking about the state of this place is not going to help." He tapped her skin gently, in an assuring way before sitting back. "I was thinking, don't you think it is high time you started considering selling this place?"

"This place is the only thing stable in my life. I wake up every day in that damn place I call my husband's home and the next thing I want to do is rush out of there and just spend the whole day here. Selling this place is a good idea, but..." Isabella could feel her heart thumping with fear at the mere thought. "It is not going to be as easy as saying it."

The small, encouraging smile that stayed on Caleb's face made her realize how pitiful she was making herself look. So, she looked away, one hand wiping away the tears at the corner of her eye. "I wish you would explain the reason why it will be so difficult to leave that Gabriel."

"One day, Caleb. Hopefully."

The both of them left the remaining words in their mouths tucked in and they both sat in silence, each man delving into their thoughts.

Moments later, Caleb said, "We still haven't called Mr. Oxford though." Her eyes darted at him sharply. "I checked him yesterday on Google and I must acknowledge, that man is in money. Apart from his father's fortune, he has made himself a ton of money. And their empire? It flourishes daily."

"You think he would be able to help?" Isabella started replaying their moment, she felt hot immediately. It really bothered her. The fact that he came out of nowhere but still, he had as much effect on her as he did years ago.

"He did mention that he was interested in our case."

"Maybe I should go meet him then. Hopefully, he can help." Isabella wanted to slap herself for saying that.

For some reason, Isabella was angry at Anthony and that was stupid because she was the one that ran away before they could get married. She broke his heart, she destroyed a beautiful relationship without giving a single excuse. She did not have it easy either after the whole running away drama.

But to speak the truth, she had no other option. Isabella knew meeting Anthony was the only hope left for her company. If that doesn't work she might as well sell the hotel no matter how painful it could be.

"Do you want me to come along?"

Isabella wanted to meet Anthony alone, so she shook her head in response. As her hands went to tuck beneath her chin, she thought, 'Maybe it is time I explained everything about six years ago to Anthony, I need to clear my conscience.'

~

The house was unusually quiet and that gladdened the brunette who would have killed for some alone time in the house. Kicking off her pumps, Isabella found herself twirling on the smoothness of the tiles before she made her way to the kitchen.

Their bedroom was just a few distances away from the kitchen, so the noise she heard as she downed a gulp from the wine bottle she opened on a certain tiring day, was without mistake from that room. Dropping the bottle on the marbled counter, she grabbed her bag and made for the room.

The sight that greeted her made her knees grow weak. "Gabriel..."

Her voice was so faint and full of pain.

With no care at all, her husband opened his eyes and took off the slender hand on his naked chest. After whispering something to the three ladies that immediately rushed out of the room giggling, with no clothes on, he finally faced Isabella.

"Why did you interrupt my fun?"

"Your..." She scoffed. "Gabriel, why on earth would you decide to bring hookers into our home?"

"Why? Are you jealous that they are getting all my attention?" He moved closer. "You know what you have to do to get it."

"Get what? Your attention? Oh please. If there is any getting to be considered, it will be getting out of here."

"How dare you?" He was glowering at her, his breath kept fanning her mercilessly. "How dare you talk to me that way? In case you are forgetting something, your father is the one who gets to suffer if you try anything funny."

His huge, rough hand grabbed her by the hair and tugged so hard, that she had to give a loud cry.

"Gabriel..." she reached for his hand which kept tightening his hold. "Please... Stop."

He glared at her, his offensive smell hitting her nose even more. "I need you to understand that a wrong move from you means that it is all over for your father. You don't want to be the reason your father loses everything do you?"

She could not respond as she was trying so hard to ease her hair from his painful hold.

But her silence offended the irritated man who grabbed her roughly from behind and dug his fingers into her buttock.

"Do you understand?"

"Yyes." Isabella nodded quickly.

"Good. Now, I need you to do something," he finally released her. "Take off your clothes and get on the bed."

"Uh?" Isabella was screaming in her head. His sleeping with her meant more pain and not just physical.

"Get. On. The. Bed." He growled at her.

"I I am on my period."

"What? You are of no use then. Get out," he mumbled as he made his way to the bed with a short frown.

Her hands stylishly massaging her head, Isabella walked in to get a small bag she tucked just behind the door. As she made for the entrance again, her mind still in disarray, she faced Gabriel who was playing with his groin.

"I have to go to the office." That place was more like a home compared to the hell she got married into.

"Get some groceries on your way back," he instructed without looking her way. "And, call those beauties back in. I am getting bored."

Isabella let out a shaky sigh which could have led to her breaking down into tears had she not held herself together with the last string of sanity and patience within her.

As she made her way into the kitchen to get some food, Isabella made an inner cry for the miracle she had been wishing for.

She needed it at that moment.

There was definitely something off with her, Charles thought as he landed his buttocks on the softness of the chair behind him.

After settling, his thoughts continued.

It was as though Isabella was lacking something or maybe she wanted something so bad.

Whatever it was, Charles wondered what it could be.

Sitting back into the leather chair he had specifically constructed to his taste, he wondered when she exactly was going to walk into that room and ask what his proposition was with attitude.

He smirked to himself.

She sure acted like she did not break his heart six years ago. And he knew her so well, it was certain that she would keep up with that attitude for a while until he decides to break it.

Smiling more, he could picture the defiant look on her face once he does kill that attitude.

That would be quite a sight. Seeing the woman that broke his heart wear that look would be something that would please him.

Suddenly, Charles groaned inwardly, his hands almost pulling at his hair.

She was driving him crazy.

So, so crazy.

And, that was wrong to him. He should be the one making her feel regretful. He was meant to be driving her crazy. All she had to do was show up, Charles was sure he would do that perfectly.

Almost absentmindedly, he checked his watch.

Something was telling him that the woman he was waiting impatiently for was nearby.

And, he hoped his guts were right.

"Sir?"

Charles turned his attention to the men seated opposite him.

"What?" His response sounded rough even though it was not his intention.

"We asked if you are okay with the plan," the man clothed in a grey suit carefully said, his low bangs bobbing as he peered at his boss who had suddenly arranged for his and his colleague's arrival in the States for certain business issues.

Charles adjusted his silk robe which he hadn't bothered to change out of since he was in his residence. "I gave a response, didn't I?"

"Uh... no sir. You just smirked... smiled actually." Even the man was surprised at what he just said. But his onesecond expression of shock soon turned into a serious look as though he feared getting lashed at.

"I did?" Charles's famous stone look was back in a jiffy.

"Uh... sir? The plan?"

Charles's ringtone filled the anxious air.

"Excuse me." He majestically crossed his legs which were clothed in matching blue silk pants.

" Yes?" He prompted Miss Kane to talk without wasting his precious time.

"Isabella Shade is here to see you, sir," the woman on the other side informed.

Charles wanted to smirk again, well, his face wished to wear a grin, but a look at the gentlemen in front of him, caused him to keep it in. And he disguised his slight happiness with a low throatclearing sound.

"Let her in." As he spoke, Charles hoped he was doing a good job of hiding how much his chest was beating, just like he hid his smile.

"But you are in a meeting, sir," Miss Kane responded, the tone of her voice seemingly complaining.

"Did I stutter, Miss Kane?"

"I'll let her in right away."

"Mr. Wade, Mr. Blunt..." Charles faced the men who quickly gave their full attention to him. "I like the plan, but I want to know more about this business. Have the owners properly prepare a presentation and..."

"Good evening." His knees felt instantly weak so much so that his legs had to disentangle. Her voice did that much to him. Charles didn't like how that was the reality, but it was.

But like the strong man he was, he was quick to regain composure.

"Miss Shade. Have a seat." Charles pointed at the seat that was close to his huge, neatly dressed bed. As he watched her take a seat, he suddenly wished that the chair was not there. Seeing her on his bed was a sight he missed. And a sight he would love to see again and again.

"Sir... you were saying something."

"Yeah... Have them prepare a presentation and meet me sometime next week. I want to know more." Charles also wanted to know what had Isabella glued to her phone. His eyes couldn't stop staring at her slender, cute, and quite sexy hands as they slid over the device in her hold.

Slowly, as he halflistened to what Mr. Wade was saying, he traced her entire body. From her slightly opened lips that she hardly adorned with lipstick, to her sleek hair that kept calling him to run his hands through them, he noticed every single thing. That look he saw on her face at the party, the one he could not decipher was present too.

"Mr. Oxford?"

Charles realized he had zoned them out once again. And that was a very unusual thing for a man of focus like him to do. He was sure the men would be so confused since they were seeing him act that way.

"Just let me know how everything goes."

"Okay, sir."

After they had packed their stuff and left, Charles just had to let out that smirk he had been hiding. "Miss Shade."

Her head came up finally and their eyes met. "Mr. Oxford."

Charles's smile widened. She was trying to act professionally. The next few minutes sure were going to be fun. He got up and made for where she was seated.

"It is good that you showed up." She gave a short shrug as her eyes followed him as they should. But as his robe came off suddenly, her eyes which bore a grim look suddenly widened.

"I was starting to think you had given up on your suffering company." His pants came off next as he made for his small wardrobe, and her eyes swiftly darted elsewhere.

"You said you have a proposition," Isabella said, her neck trying not to turn. Charles wondered how much her body reacted to him at that moment.

Years ago, that sexy body of hers melted on just seeing him.

"I don't start my meetings that way, Miss Shade." He walked back into the room, fully clothed in a casual tee shirt and sweatpants. "Why exactly are you here, Miss Shade?" His legs crossed again after he has his seat on his chair.

"My company is in a lot of debt." It was ridiculous that she was seated so far from him, but he wasn't going to stress about that. She definitely would move closer to him at a point.

"So I gathered when I did my research."

Isabella scoffed. "I see you are still nosy."

"It is a habit. So, what do you want me to do?"

Her eyes became a shade of pity, it was like she was sorry for herself. "I would actually appreciate it if we could reach an agreement that will benefit you and pull me out of the debts."

"Hmm." Charles sat back. "Well, like I said when we met, I have a proposition that would benefit you extremely."

"What is that?"

Charles smirked as he knew what he was about to say would force her to move closer to him.

"All you have to do is marry me."

"Are you joking right now?" As Isabella asked that question Charles felt impressed. He wasn't sure why it might partly because she still maintained a cool look as the inquiry slipped off her lips but he was.

"You heard me, Miss Shade. Marry me and your debts will disappear, I assure you."

Isabella let out a bitter chuckle as she got up. "You must be joking."

"I am most certainly not," Charles replied calmly.

"So, you just want me to marry you." She moved dangerously yet graciously towards Charles.

"Be my wife and that's all you need to do."

Then, after her hand briskly ran through her hair, she asked, "Did you hit your head? Or don't you know that it is stupid to tell a married woman such nonsense?"

Charles's eyes narrowed as he thought confusedly, 'She is married?'

He checked her ring finger on both hands but there was no sign of her being married. He wondered if she was lying. The man who had her situation checked didn't mention anything about a husband and truthfully, even if the man had told him about her married state, he wouldn't have believed him just as he wasn't trusting Isabella's words at that moment.

"You know I am not joking, so you can cut out the attitude," Charles finally said, his voice sterner than he intended it to be.

"Attitude? You think I am giving you attitude?" she asked unbelievably as she moved even closer. "I am married, Anthony. If your research didn't tell you that much, I am letting you know the reality of the situation. So, now you know, you can shove your proposition back into where it came from."

Charles was dazzled.

If she was really married, she just made the game way fun. Getting up, he maintained this smirk that showed how eager he was to put the woman in her place.

When he stood a few inches away from her, he stopped and his hand immediately went into his pocket.

"You know..." His eyes scanned the walls of the room which were plastered with a spiral design of black and white wallpapers before they looked down at hers which looked like they were eager to tear him apart.

"For someone who is in a lot of debt, you are being too rude." Her pupils dilated. "You are being so rude that you look stupid especially, if I recall correctly, that about six years ago you left me standing at the altar waiting for you hopelessly."

Isabella's legs gave away almost immediately but Charles caught her and sat her down on a nearby cushioned chair, her scent briefly tickling his nose.

"Listen to me carefully Isabella..." His ringtone interrupted him, but he ignored it. " I don't care if you are married or not. I am going to get back at you for what you did. But, no, I am not going to harm you. All you need to do is marry me and have your debts cleared and I will get what I want, simple."

"I can't be married to two men at the same time!" Isabella seemed to have found her voice.

"Well it doesn't look like your marriage is doing you that much good, so a divorce is an approachable option."

"What the hell do you think you are doing? You think I am going to leave my husband?" Charles found it silly of her to be putting up such an attitude. She was making a fool of herself.

His eyes roamed her again as he thought that even when a bit foolish, she looked beautiful.

Damn... there it was again.

The desire that coursed his veins...

That will to pin her between his legs and kiss the hell out of her... That desire to fuck her senselessly as he did in the past...

Those feelings came back and Charles realized that he was doomed around the woman.

But he soon caught himself.

And, he continued speaking.

"If you want your company's debt to be cleared, you will have to do as I want." Isabella huffed for the umpteenth time. "And yes, you owe me a lot for not marrying me earlier."

"Are you blackmailing me?"

Charles shrugged as he took a few steps back. "If that is what you want to term it, fine. I am just going to remind you that my proposition is simple, just marry me."

Isabella got up angrily and looked him straight in the eye and said, "Never."

Charles sighed and picked up a halfempty bottle of whiskey lying on a low stool. "I guess I will have to ask you again at a more convenient location." His head swung in the direction of the furious woman. "Will your house be okay?"

"I am not going to marry you and that is final." Isabella did not even wait to capture the smug look on Charles's face before storming out.

~

Christina Kane was angry. And that was evident in the manner with which she pressured the almost empty wine glass with her fingers.

And, why was she angry?

She had just heard the most stupid reply come out of the mouth of the nonfashionable woman that just stormed out of her boss's room.

Christina just found it intensely insane, she found it absurd that the woman just boldly rejected Charles's proposal. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she caught the part where Charles had asked the lady to marry him and the part where the woman said she wasn't going to before angrily storming out of his room.

Her manicured, whitepainted fingers caused a crack as she thought more and more about it. As Christina spared the glass and set it down, she thought of how foolish the Isabella woman was. Charles Oxford was not a man you can say no easily to.

His glare was enough to drive reluctance out and leave you with nothing but want for him. His body, without being exposed looked so yummy. Even, his beautiful, beautiful face was not left out.

Christina had been crazy about him way before she got a job at the company he specifically headed. Before she became his secretary almost two years back, she worked in a position where she was very invisible.

So, all she did was admire the gorgeous man from afar and hope that he would one day jam into her and offer her a smile as he apologized. And then, he might just ask her to go out.

But that was just pure wishful thinking.

But heavens smiled on her when a spot for his secretary was thrown open. And for the six months used to carefully select a candidate, Christina did more than her best. She drove herself to a point she never would have thought she could have reached.

And, that certainly paid off.

And, that left her with just one problem making him her man.

Christina's face lit up as reason approached her. If Charles was looking for a wife, maybe she finally had a chance to be with him.

That brought a smile to the sexy blonde's face. Grabbing her phone, she knew she just had to play her cards right. And she knew how exactly she was going to do that.

[ THIS CHAPTER HAS TRIGGERING CONTENT. I TRIED TO MAKE IT AS MILD AS POSSIBLE.

PLEASE DO NOT READ IF EASILY TRIGGERED. ]

~

Isabella violently adjusted the neck of her gown which felt like it was growing into the length of her neck to suffocate her more and more just as her husband's presence did.

But, she was just harming the poor gown whose neckline did a good job of giving her chest breathing space.

Her hands retreating from the almost mutilated material, Isabella found a nearby bench to sit on to gather her thoughts properly.

As it turned out to be, the only source of help she had put her hope on was putting her in a spot.

A spot she did not see coming.

Recalling his proposition which he said with all seriousness, Isabella wondered why it had to be her of all people.

She understood that he would want her to pay back for what she did, but marrying her?

Why?

It was just absurd. Who gets married to someone who has hurt them?

Even if she wanted to atone for her sin and she decides to get married to him, there would always be Gabriel and her father holding her back.

That is a cage she has found herself in, a cage that is seemingly impossible to break free from.

'But maybe this is the miracle you have been waiting for.'

A voice from the back of her mind reminded her.

As she stared at the space ahead, her mind suddenly derailed and she recalled the time he briefly took off his robe. Not only did her face heat up a bit, her insides turned mushy, and her neglected private part cried for attention.

Those few seconds were hellish for her and for an extra minute, she wanted to desperately satisfy the sexual starvation that mere toys failed to fill. For a minute, she wished to end up in bed with him.

But as usual, she held her head high and acted calmly.

Well, that was until he mentioned the incident.

She expected that he would mention it, but she did not foresee the way he casually dropped the bundle of her sin.

Isabella sighed as she looked up at the huge building that spanned grandly to form the hotel.

As she recalled events that had passed, she acknowledged that she messed up in the past and that was causing her present life to face disaster.

At that point, her tomorrow wasn't looking so good either.

"Do you think I should marry him to save my company?" Isabella asked the pigeon that had perched right beside her in search of crumbs. "You know my company means a lot to me."

The bird did not acknowledge the devastated woman who was engaging it in a conversation, but her phone rang before she put all her attention on the animal and raid it with questions it wouldn't be able to answer.

"Caleb?"

'How did the meeting go? Are we going to get help?' a concerned Caleb asked from the other end.

Isabella quickly weighed her options. She was less likely to accept Charles's proposition, but since a part of her wanted the miracle she yearned for so bad, being married to two men didn't sound so bad.

'Isa, are you there?'

She shook her head as her thoughts immediately made her feel disgusted.

"Mr. Oxford and I are trying to work something out, but it doesn't seem like we are going to get that help soon," Isabella replied, her eyes narrowed.

'That sucks. I hope he changes his mind and helps us. Anyway, Gabriel came by a few minutes ago.'

"What did he say he wants?"

'He... he said he knows you are ovulating today.'

Her arm that rested against the arm of the bench felt weak instantly. "What?"

'Isa... Be honest with me. Is your husband molesting you? Is he forcing you to do things you don't want to do?'

"I..."

'Talk to me, Isa.'

"I need to get home, Caleb. I will talk to you later."

'Isa...'

She cut the call and let out a shaky breath as her eyes followed the bird as it flew away, its feet almost touching the ground.

A few seconds later, Isabella gathered her stuff and braced herself for the craziness ahead.

~

Gently, her feet moved as a part of her wished her husband was deeply asleep.

"Hey, baby."

Startled by his sudden voice, Isabella clutched her chest area, her eyes bulging a bit afterward as they saw the sight waiting for her.

Gabriel, who was in nothing but a robe was poised in a weird way, a rose flower in one hand, a card in another.

"What's going on, Gabriel?" She recalled that he had even called her 'baby'. That word of endearment scared Isabella greatly.

His sandcoloured hair, which he seemed to have taken time to roughen danced as he approached her.

With a hint of excitement, he said, "What do you mean? I am treating you to something nice before we get down to business."

"Uh..."

"See..." He pointed toward the area behind him. "I even bought the best champagne in town."

"Oh." Isabella was confused further as she glanced at the champagne bottle which she sure was one of the expensive ones.

Gabriel was being nice, too nice. She had to be wary.

Once he was standing in front of her, Gabriel let go of the items in his hands and his long fingers began to trace her face. They grazed over her cheek for a while before they went to cup her chin. Tilting her head, he murmured against her lips, "God, you fucking are beautiful."

"Thank you?" she whispered as she was still not sure what to make of the drama he was acting.

"And, I can't wait anymore," he uttered before capturing her mouth fiercely. Without the thought of making sure the woman in his arms was willing to keep his pace, he began to bite at her lower lip as he suckled on it fiercely.

Isabella pulled away as she was beginning to feel the deep imprints of his teeth on her soft tissues which she felt would become a bruise.

Her lips crying for a means of being soothed, Isabella said to the eager man, "Gabriel, I can't do this today."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't have sex today, Gabriel."

His eyes narrowed. "But you are ovulating today."

She closed her eyes as she shook her head with determination. "I am tired, Gabriel."

"What nonsense are you saying? First, you lied about your period, I said nothing. Now, you are giving some silly tiredness excuse."

"But I am tired, Gab..."

"Shut up!" She jolted, her eyes slamming shut as she wished for the silence that ensued to last for a long time. "Just keep quiet," Gabriel growled.

As she felt his heavy breath against her lips, Isabella opened her eyes. It seemed that moment of silence wouldn't come after all.

Cautiously she nodded, saying, "Gabriel..."

"Don't..." He went straight for her neck. "Don't freaking call my name."

"Gabriel, your hands. Please release your hands." He was not squeezing, but she felt suffocated because of the way his fingers circled her neck.

"Are you telling me what to do?" She shook her head frantically. "How dare you? How dare you tell me you won't be having sex, because you... you are tired?" His hold tightened a bit as he angrily asked with a deep scowl implanted on his bulgy face.

"Gabriel... Please your hand..." Isabella pleaded.

"I said shut up!" Within a second, he had her back against a nearby wall, his fingers pressing into her flesh a bit harder. As she struggled to ease his hold and not piss him off, he continued with a hoarse voice, "In case you have forgotten, your father sold you to me and you have no right in whatever way to refuse whatever I ask you to do."

"Hmm..." she groaned as his other hand snaked past her gown and up her thigh.

"Now, I want to have sex with you and..." His long fingers went past her vulva and without warning, he dug three of his digits into her dryness causing a loud shriek to escape her lips. "If you say no, I am going to deal with you. Do you understand?"

As he talked, his fingers expanded her painfully, her eyes just had to let her tears flow.

Those were tears she had been hiding for a while.

Gabriel finally retracted his hold on her neck but quickly replaced it with his mouth which bit into her skin without mercy.

He ignored her sobs as she was already giving in without putting up a fight. "I asked you a question, baby." His fingers inside her had eased a bit. "Do you understand what I just said?"

Isabella nodded.

Then, he plunged the fingers back in. This time, her scream was louder, it showed the pain she had been hiding. "Answer me with words," he demanded, his voice making her flinch.

"Y yes." Her voice sounded tired. She was very tired. She was fed up.

"Good. Now moan for me." He bit her earlobe hard.

"Hmm..." she made the sound as more tears broke out.

Gabriel's hand reached for her dress roughly and tore it mercilessly, exposing her halfnaked. Next, he tore her panties and removed his fingers which had caused so much damage already.

Isabella just stayed against the wall hopelessly as she beat herself up for putting up a fight in the first place. She watched as he removed the robe which he put on to hide his nakedness.

Almost lifelessly, he threw her up, and instantly, he jammed her with his manhood, going almost ball deep.

This time, it was a mixture of a scream and a cry that left Isabella's lips.

While Gabriel took up the job of initiating distasteful motion between them, Isabella cried even more.

She cried for her life, her sorry life.

She cried because of her unnecessary suffering, she cried because almost six years ago, she threw away an invitation to a good life because of her father.

As Gabriel took his finishing grunts, she cried even more because of her father who has been ignoring her after dumping her into a terrible mess.

Isabella had no idea when Gabriel put her down, but when she heard him say, "That should get you pregnant," she came back to her sorrowful present and all she could do was lay in her mess on the cold tile, her eyes streaming with more and more tears.

Like every other human on earth, Claire Oxford had her past sins.

And typical of some iniquities, her sin was back to haunt her and take grasp of her son, Charles.

While she wondered what her precious son was doing at that moment, she took another second to silently pray that he did not stray or fall into wrong hands.

As she took a seat on one of the cushions in her tailoring room, Claire wondered if it would be safe to let her husband know of the present situation.

She certainly did not hide her previous shameful marriage with Ordinaz from her husband. And, she always appreciated the fact that he did not judge her based on the fact that she was sold to the evil man called Ordinaz.

Her husband even accepted her son who was the primary reason for running away from Ordinaz's abode. Claire also saw danger looming when troubles kept mounting troubles in Ordinaz's home.

No, she wasn't going to tell her husband, Claire immediately decided.

She shook her head as her eyes wearily wandered the huge room that reeked of lavender and was a sight to anyone who loved expensive garments. Telling her husband about the return of her past could hurt him. He might begin to worry about Charles which could turn out to be dangerous to his health.

So, Claire pushed that idea aside. As she inhaled deeply, the sophisticated woman realized that it was not enough if all she could do was wail silently. She had to do something. She needed to take control of the situation before things can get out of hand.

If Ordinaz was playing a dirty game with her, she sure could play along and get him to lose.

But, she was not so sure about her son. Charles was not in his right mind.

Even if he found a wife just as her exhusband required, Charles could find out that Ordinaz wants something more and since the boy was very blinded by his need to know his real father, he would do it.

So, she wasn't comfortable with sitting idle when Ordinaz ruin could her only son with his stupid requests.

No doubt, it was necessary for Claire to take charge of the situation regardless of what her stubborn son said or says.

Setting Charles up with a lady from one of the reputable homes around was not too terrible for a start.

Nodding, Claire decided she was going to do that first.

Only if she had the intention to lie to herself, she was aware that she would not be able to bear the thought of her son marrying just anyone, even if it was just for show.

As she picked up her phone to dial her son's number and notify him of her intentions of coming down to the States, Claire quickly changed her mind.

Setting the device aside, she realized that she needed to be meticulous about her intentions.

As she happily sketched a plan in her head, her phone rang.

"Yes," came Claire's curt greeting.

'Good day, ma'am. This is Christina Kane, Mr. Oxford's secretary.'

A frown deepened on her face as Claire wondered why her son's secretary was calling her. "Is something wrong with Charles?"

She hoped that was not the case.

'Not at all, ma'am. It is just...'A pause that lasted seconds ensued before the next words came. '... I don't know if it is my place to say this, but yesterday, a woman came to see Mr. Oxford, and by chance, I heard him ask her to marry him.' Claire's eyes bulged instantly. 'I was so surprised, I thought I had to call you to tell you about it.'

"Miss Kane, right?"

'Yes, ma'am.' The politeness in the socalled Secretary's voice failed to rouse Claire Oxford.

"Tell me, do you always spy on your boss? Do you always report his movements like a jobless idiot?"

'No. Not at all ma. This just happened to be a...'

"I will make sure I have you sacked. My son shouldn't be around people like you."

'Ma'am...' the voice from the other end begged but Mrs. Oxford ended the call before she could utter another word.

Her head ticking even more, Claire, as she put down her phone knew that at that junction, she had to act fast.

She had to act before her son takes the wrong path or worse, fall into the wrong hands.

~

"Yes, she is married to Gabriel Manifold." The name was not familiar to Charles who signaled to the man in front of him to go on with his report. "He was once a millionaire, but he wasted all of his money, including his inherited fortune on gambling and women."

Charles frowned instantly.

What was Isabella doing with such a man?

"She got married to him on the sixth of October, 2013." That was barely two months after she left him. "There were rumours of her being pregnant, but they do not have a child to date. Even though they live together, Isabella hardly stays at home, word around says their marriage is not so solid anymore.

Contrary to the situation at beginning of their union, the couple are not close anymore and it seems, Gabriel is cheating on her. Their neighbour said she notices modellike women always going to their house whenever Isabella was not around."

Charles clutched the arms of the chair he was seated in as anger seethed through him.

Why was Isabella with such a man? Even if she had to leave him, couldn't she have found a better man?

Why was she still with that damned soul called Gabriel Manifold?

"Sir, there is more," the investigator continued. "Their neighbour also expressed concern for Isabella. In her words; not only is she looking leaner than usual, but Gabriel might also be abusing her."

"What?" Charles's blood was beginning to boil.

"Their neighbour is not so sure, but on certain days, she hears Gabriel raising his voice in anger and every time, a few minutes later, Isabella always leaves the house looking sad."

Charles's heart squeezed. Yes, he might hate her a bit for the hurt she made him feel, but he still cared a lot about her.

And, just like before, the urge to protect her was coursing through his veins.

"What job does Gabriel presently do?"

"He does nothing, sir," his private investigator replied as he adjusted his hat that covered most of his eyes.

"Nothing," Charles repeated as his fingers played with each other.

Charles finally understood the look on her face that he saw at the party. The man called Gabriel had injected sadness into Bella's eyes, he ripped something out of her.

That had to be it, Charles thought.

"Is there more?" he asked.

"There is also the rumour of Isabella's father using her to settle his debt with the older Manifold."

"What? Her father too?"

"I am still looking into that matter, sir."

"Please do and be fast about it." The man tipped his hat and walked out of the room briskly.

Sighing, Charles sat back in the chair. He wondered why Isabella let herself be used in such a way. The woman he knew didn't give a crap about anyone regardless of who they were. He wondered where all that fierceness went.

There was no doubt, that Charles needed answers just as he needed her back in his life.

And, once he has her glued to his side, he was going to make sure all she might have gone through will become a thing she would forget.

He promised himself.

Isabella felt dirty.

She felt the same way the first time Gabriel had sex with her.

Hours she spent under the shower trying to console herself, trying to assure herself that things would be okay.

Back then, she had told herself that she wouldn't regret her decisions.

Years after, nothing was okay. No amount of days spent under the shower could assure her of better days in Gabriel Manifold's house.

As she gathered her mattress into a corner of her office, Isabella immediately cringed.

The pain from that deadly evening was still there, her body wept and her whole being was crying for help.

But then, she was tired.

Fighting was a ridiculous thing to her at that moment. She just wanted to give up or maybe give in. She was sold off to her husband anyway, she might as well give him the opportunity to use her the way he wanted.

She could give up the company and become a sitathome wife who does nothing but follow her husband's words. Occasionally, she could visit her father...

Her father.

'My father,' she thought as she picked up her phone from the desk where it had been laying ignored for the past few days.

Ignoring the numerous messages and missed calls she had gotten from Caleb and surprisingly, Gabriel, she selected the contact of her father's secretary who happened to be her godfather.

For some reason, each time she tried her father's number, it never went through. It seriously bothered her on most days but dealing with Gabriel on several days made it hard for her to think about following up on her father.

The few times she did, she ended up calling her father's secretary who readily picked up her calls every time.

'Isabella, my girl,' a mellow voice said from the other end.

"Uncle Ben, hi. How are you doing?"

'You know how silly old men like me are, I have been moody all week about the number of wrinkles that keep appearing on my face.'

Isabella managed a genuine chuckle before she said, "I am certain you are still finer than my dad anyway."

'He must not hear you say that. How are you, Isabella? How are you holding up?' Uncle Ben, since he was in no place to have a say in her life, could only console her when he found out what his friend was up to. He supported Isabella with words of fortitude when the whole 'marriage to Gabriel' issue happened.

"I am trying to keep sane, Uncle."

'I'll be praying for you from here.'

Isabella smiled gently as she wished she had the street to tell him about Gabriel's craziness and how he has been treating her. The first few days of her marriage, she did that very thing and nothing good came out of telling people about it.

Since then, she kept things to herself.

"Is my father there?"

'Uh... no. He just left.'

"I always get this feeling that he doesn't want me around him." Isabella's voice shook as tears threatened to pour.

'No darling, don't say that. Your father loves you regardless of how he acts towards you.'

"All I know is, if he really loves me as you say, he wouldn't have distanced himself like he did ever since my damn marriage."

'Isa...'

"Goodnight, Uncle Ben. My regards to my wonderful father."

As she ended the call, the tears came right after. Ever since what Gabriel did days ago, her tears always fell easily. She didn't have the strength to keep them tucked away for long.

"Isabella..." Caleb squatted by her side as he held her firmly and allowed her to rest on his chest.

"Why doesn't he want to speak with me?" Isabella asked a clueless Caleb through her thick sobs. "He is the reason I am in this mess in the first place. He left me in this mess after making sure I did as he wanted."

"Isabella, it is okay."

"No!" She threw her hands in the air as she released herself from his hold. "It is not fine. If I had not given in to his demand, I would be married to the man I truly loved. I would be happy." She whispered the last words.

"Talk to me, Isa. I need to know what you are talking about."

"I..." Her words were interrupted by footsteps that helped themselves into the office.

"Good day," a firm voice greeted.

Isabella immediately got up, her hands wiping off her tears hurriedly. "H hi, welcome."

"We are from the bank," the man who appeared to be the leader of the suited trio said.

"Oh yes, hmm welcome." She waved to Caleb to offer them seats.

"Actually, we won't be taking much of your time." Isabella did not trust the smile on the man's face. "Our bank appreciates your patronage over the years. But we regret to inform you that if payments of debts are not made within the next three days, the bank will have to take over your company."

Isabella's legs went weak as she asked quietly, "What?"

"Wait, we still have about a month left to settle that," Caleb butted in, an equally confused look on his face.

"We hate to inform you about this, but our new management had that window sewn a bit tighter." Isabella hated how the man and woman with him kept nodding in agreement with what he kept saying. Their uniformity which extended to the colours of their hair also pissed her off. But that was not even the issue.

Isabella sighed. "This is so... this is crazy."

"In case you won't be able to meet up with that deadline, we have with us documents that you can sign to hand over Shades and Cloaks to the bank without hassles."

"What the heck, guys? At least let us try to pay."

"Caleb," Isabella gave him a soft smile. "It is fine. Can I see those documents?"

Caleb rushed to her side. "What are you doing?"

"I am taking a look at the papers."

The lady from the bank who had been standing with a small frown on her face paused the fetch of the document from her bag.

Their leader then asked, "Is everything okay? Is there a problem?"

"No, there is not." Another voice joined the party.

"Mr. Oxford," Caleb was elated to see the man who he probably considered a saviour at that moment.

Isabella was shocked.

"Hello, gentlemen and... ladies." The frown on the blonde's face instantly changed to a smile.

'Talk about miracles,' Isabella thought within herself.

"I will be helping out my darling over there with her debts. I have been a terrible boyfriend and I need to make it up to her. So..." He took out a book. "How much is this debt?"

"Well..."

Isabella was quick to pull Charles out of the room. "What on earth are you doing?" she asked once they were far from her office.

"Helping my woman out?" He stood akimbo as he looked down at her with a smirk.

"Wipe that smug look off your face, I am not getting married to you."

"Oh trust me, you are going to, eventually."

Isabella scoffed, "Don't you get that I can't be with you? Not only am I married, but my father's life also depends on the marriage."

"Your father?" Charles was almost laughing pitifully.

"Yes, my father."

"Isabella..." He reached for her arms and sent warmth that she ignored, through them. "Your father is no more."

She immediately tore off his hold, anger began to build within her. "What the fuck are you saying?"

He sighed, licked his lower lip, and said, "Your father... is dead. And I have proof."