Chapter 2-An Unpleasant Surprise

2

Isabella 

I could hardly breathe.

And it wasn’t just because of the pressure I felt but how tightly I tied my corset.

The custom-made royal blue Saint Laurent velvet gown was the only nice gown I had left. I had sold every other expensive one except the ones I wore at my wedding.

This was the second look for the reception, Derek had picked it out for me, I hoped I would be able to remind him of the special night.

When I slid it on, it was a bit loose because I lost weight so I had to add the corset to give the snatched look.

It didn’t matter that my ribs were crushed beneath the dress. I wanted to look curvy and sexy, it was a small price to pay to get my husband back.

Satisfied with how I look, I left the room. Every step I took my heart thumped loudly with racing thoughts.

What would he think?

How would he react?

And most importantly, where were we heading to?

When I stepped outside to the patio, Rashford was already waiting.

That alone unsettled me—my fingers curled into the fabric of my dress, and my steps slowed.

As he looked in my direction, I stumbled on the gravel. My legs wobbled, but before I could fall, I corrected my footing, placing my right foot firmly on the ground.

When I looked up Derek wore a look that made my stomach churn.

“Just get in,” he drawled and I gulped hard.

The night just began and I already made a complete fool of myself.

He didn’t care much for the dress and once again my heart bled out.

Nursing my pain, I shifted my focus to the SUV sitting in the courtyard, far too expensive for what little we had left. My first thought was that it had to be a rental. There was no other explanation. 

A man stood beside it, dressed neatly in a raven black suit, posture straight, eyes hidden behind shades. He moved quickly to Rashford’s side, helping him into the passenger seat.

I hesitated, watching the scene unfold. Wherever we were headed must be really important and that added to my anxiety.

If only he shared more information with me. Was it a meeting? An event or just a casual dinner date.

The last one seemed very unlikely.

“Ma’am.” The man in the suit called out to get my attention. He had opened the back door and I forced a smile and walked with the grace I could muster and slid into the back seat. The door shut with a heavy sound that echoed in my chest.

Next, the man got into the driver’s seat and with a turn of the key the engine roared to life.

As the ride began, unease settled over me like a second skin. I shifted in my seat, then shifted again, trying to ignore the way my heart wouldn’t slow. I hated this feeling—being carried somewhere without knowing why, or where, or what waited at the end of the road.

I glanced at Rashford’s reflection in the glass. His jaw was tight, his gaze fixed ahead. I opened my mouth once, then closed it again. 

If he wanted to tell me he would. Asking would only get me scolded so I decided to stay silent.

When the SUV stopped, I looked out the window and my breath caught. Lights glowed against the night, music pulsing faintly through the walls. A suite. I couldn’t recognize the place but just from the ambience it was clear it was for the Elite.

The driver stepped out first and came around to help Derek out. Pulling out his wheelchair and helping him get into it.

While I walked out robotically awaiting instructions. 

“Are you ready Isabella?” I froze as he finally acknowledged me.

My tongue felt numb so I nodded as his lips curved into something that was meant to resemble a smile. “Let’s go,” he ordered and the man began wheeling him in.

I followed a step behind as we entered the building, my senses overwhelmed by light and sound and movement. 

We walked up to the receptionist.

“Client 39,” Derek said as we got to the desk. The lady gave him a sympathetic look before the keyboard began clicking.

“Found you, two rooms reserved.” She said after a while then placed two key cards Derek stretched his arm to grab them and then we continued  down a quieter hall.

Well it was quiet till a lady giggled out loudly, I looked up and my eyes widened at the lady wrapped around the arms of an old man. It was what she wore that startled me. A net neon dress that hugged her body, exposing the little lingerie she wore under.

It didn’t look appropriate for this type of place.

We kept walking until we got to room thirty-nine.

“This is your room,” Derek said with a smile, handing me the key card.

I frowned as I took it. “My room? What about you?”

“We’ll be in separate rooms.”

The words hit harder than I expected. My chest tightened, unease twisting sharper. Separate rooms. In a place I didn’t know. My thoughts raced ahead of me, landing on places I didn’t want to look.

“Why?” I asked before I could stop myself. “What is this place? What are we doing here?”

His eyes darkened instantly.

“Don’t start,” he warned.

“I just want to understand,” I said quickly, my voice low. “You said I needed to be useful, and I don’t—”

“Don’t overthink it,” Derek interrupted “There’s a surprise inside, behave yourself. It’s just for one night.”

I searched his face for something—anything—that would give an explanation but I found  none.

“One night,” he repeated, flicking his fingers so he could be moved. “Don’t ruin this.”

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the door, my heart beating too fast. I slid in the key card and it beeped open, slowly I pushed the door open to the luxurious room. It had a large space, a couch, TV console and a king size bed which I noticed there was a black box on it.

It must be the surprise. I thought then sauntered towards it.

With shaky hands, I pulled up the lid and sucked in a breath at the reveal. 

Inside was a red lace lingerie.

My face burned instantly, heat rushing up my neck. For a moment, I just stared, my thoughts tumbling over each other.

Was this… was this him trying to fix things?

My chest tightened, hope blooming painfully within. Maybe this was why he brought me here. Maybe tonight was different. Tonight he wanted to be with me.

My hands trembled as I lifted the fabric. It was different from anything I’d worn. If he wanted it, I had to comply.

I undressed slowly, then struggled with the straps. It took a while but I finally figured out how to put it on. 

I stood in front of the mirror, barely breathing. 

Maybe tonight I will be a wife again.

A knock sounded at the door.

My heart leapt so hard it hurt.

“That was fast,” I whispered, wiping my eyes. I hurried to the door, joy spilling over, my chest tight with emotion. My hard work had paid off. He wanted me. He finally wanted me.

 Taking in much needed air, I opened the door only to be met by unfamiliar eyes.

It wasn’t Derek.

An aged man I didn’t recognize stood there, his eyes sweeping over me. Slowly. From my face, down my body, and back up again. His mouth curved into a grin that made my stomach twist.

“Who are you?” I asked, my smile collapsing instantly.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he stepped inside like he belonged there, reaching back to close the door behind him. 

“Wait—” I started.

But he didn’t listen, instead he moved closer, his gaze still crawling over my skin. “Damn,” he said lightly. “Didn’t expect this.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. “You need to leave,” I said, backing away. “You’re in the wrong room.”

He snorted then his hand shot out and grabbed my arm.

I gasped. “Let go of me!”

He pulled me toward him. Panic surged through me. I shoved at his chest with all the strength I had.

“Get away from me!”

I pushed him so hard he slammed to the door.

For a second, everything froze.

Then his face twisted with rage.

“You bitch,” he snarled as he recovered his face contorted in pain and anger. “How dare a prostitute like you push me.”

I went completely still.

“A… prostitute?”