Chapter 2

Isabelle

I had been walking for so long, mind blank, my vision blurred with tears. I had no direction in mind but somehow, I found myself in the park. Cold seeped through my buttocks as I collapsed onto a steel bench.

My mind reeled with unchecked thoughts but I snapped back to reality at the excited chatter of children playing a few inches away. My eyes glistened as I watched them for a heartbeat, their happiness, a sharp contrast to my emotional turmoil.

My mind wandered to the day Jason proposed. It was right here in the park. He knelt, slipping a diamond ring onto my finger and gazing at me with so much passion that I melted. Into his arms. His kiss. His stormy eyes filled with love as he promised forever.

Forever. What a cruel joke.

My heart shattered into pieces at the memory. My chest felt tight, making it difficult to breathe. I rose too quickly, almost losing my balance, my arms flailing. My cheeks flushed and I looked around but I found no one staring.

I started in the direction of home, or what I thought was still home, as the sun dipped low, casting shadows across the road. When I reached the estate, the gates didn't open.

"Moses!" I called the gateman. He appeared quickly, relief evident in his eyes. But it vanished at once.

“Madam Isabelle...” He stepped out. “I’m really sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” I asked slowly.

“I’ve been instructed not to let you in.”

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. “What? Moses, it’s me.”

“I know, madam. But Mr. Jason gave strict orders this afternoon. No entry.”

"What do you mean? You've known me for four years, Moses." My voice cracked.

He looked torn. “I do, madam. But this is my job. Please, don’t make it hard.”

“I need to get my things,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “My clothes. My laptop. My life is in there.”

“I’m sorry.”

I stepped forward but he blocked my path gently. The large gates stayed shut behind him.

He winced as if he was in pain. "I'm sorry."

I stood there for another second, waiting… hoping that he'd change his mind. Still nothing.

I turned and walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. I had become homeless, just like that.

By the time I reached the street, it had fully darkened. My purse felt too light. My phone’s battery was nearly dead. I had no one in this city. No close friends. I’d shut everyone out, too focused on being the perfect wife. And my parents... we hadn’t spoken since I married Jason against their wish.

Hotels were out of the question. The prices were outrageous. I ended up in a worn-down motel on the outskirts.

The next morning, I woke up with a pounding head. No breakfast. No plan. No Job.

Still, I showered, dressed, and left the motel. I walked the streets, looking at windows, checking notice boards, asking around.

By noon, I had walked out of six stores with rejections. My feet ached and my throat was dry.

Then I spotted a small printed flyer on a pole outside a convenience store.

Cleaner needed. Private residence. Immediate start. Daily pay.

I dialed the number immediately anda woman’s voice answered. “You available to come now?”

“Yes.”

“Be here by four.”

"Sure." I answered.

After the interview, I returned to the motel, yet I couldn't sleep. That’s how I ended up at a downtown club.

The smell of sweaty bodies mixed with alcohol hung in the air like a cloud. The music pounded and lights flashed in red and blue. I began to regret my decision to come here.

At the bar, I ordered vodka. Then whiskey. The bartender raised a brow.

“You okay, miss?”

“Do I look okay?” I asked, arching a brow. He didn't respond.

I shrugged. “Just pour.”

I downed several glasses within minutes, the drinks burning my throat. My limbs felt light, numb.

I turned to the dance floor, letting the beat take over. Bodies moved in rhythm, lost in the sound.

Some men came around but I shrugged them off. I was too busy enjoying myself to notice that something was off. My heart hammered against my chest as two men grabbed me, bumping me against their bodies. I tried to scream but no sound came forth.

"Step aside. Now!" A voice boomed in front of me.

"Who are you?" One of the men chirped, his hands still tight on my waist. I struggled to wriggle out of his grip to no avail.

"Leave her now!" The voice commanded, a dangerous edge to his voice.

The men hesitated but as he approached, they pushed me forward and scurried away.

I stumbled forward, my face almost to the ground but a strong hand wrapped around my waist steadying me.

I looked up to face him, too stunned to speak. I took in his features. Tall. Broad shoulders. Dressed in black. Dark eyes. Everything about him screamed power, danger, sending a chill down spine. He moved toward me slowly.

"You okay, miss?"

I recovered at his voice, swallowing hard.

I nodded. "I'm fine. Thank you for saving me."

He shrugged. "It's nothing."

"May I?" He extended his hand, asking for a dance. I gave a nod in approval and slipped my hand into his. I gasped as a jolt ran through my body.

His hand settled lightly on my waist as we began to dance. I leaned into him, my head tipped back as I laughed at something he whispered. We danced until my legs hurt. Then we left together.

The cab ride was a blur.

I woke, the next morning with a headache that split my skull in half. My heart raced as I sat up in bed. It was a hotel room, not the motel with clean sheets and soft pillows.

What did I do?

I patted my body, frantic. There was nothing out of place; I hadn't been touched.

Then I saw it. A bottle of water and a strip of aspirin with a handwritten note.

You were too drunk. You needed rest, not a mistake. Be safe.

I sat in silence for a while, staring at the note. Who was this mysterious man? Why did he treat me with such kindness?