Love and lies: Married to his enemy

My sheets were soaked with tears as I woke up. Yesterday's events fought its way back into my memory, making me feel every emotion that I felt all over again. A part of me hoped and prayed everything had been just a nightmare. Taking a deep breath, I swing my legs to the side of the bed, summoning the courage to face the day. Then, the truth dawned on me. After our wedding, Martin never agreed to us sharing a bed. He only came to me when his desires demanded fulfillment and had always made me believe in the narrative that it was an unbreakable rule in the Lancaster Family, which he was compelled to obey. It only made sense to me now — Maybe I had been foolish for seeing all this and still believed his lies. It was never about rules– It was about him not wanting me. It was about me being nothing more than a game to him. Shoving the pain aside, I slipped into something comfortable and headed down to the kitchen. As I descended the staircase, my gaze fell on an envelope that was sitt

My head throbbed as I forced my eyes open. My vision did not make sense of where I was. I found myself in a room that looked new. The bed beneath me was more comfortable, much bigger and more luxurious — far beyond the room I had booked. Before I could fully grasp my surroundings, a deep, commanding voice cut through my thoughts “Hey, you're awake already?” The unexpected sound startled me, causing my heart to race. I turned my head toward the voice and was stunned by the man that stood in front of me–a tall man with broad shoulders who looked to be in late thirties. He wore a well tailored suit, an unmistakable testament of his affluence. I looked back at myself on the bed, confusion swirling all over me.“ Who are you? And where am I?” “You got drunk last night,” he answered, his voice steady. “I figured bringing you in here to help was the best thing to do.” he spoke with an air of nonchalance, as if he could read my mind on the questions swirling in there and was ready to an

Adrian's POV I sat behind my desk, my eyes darting to the clock almost every second waiting impatiently for Lucas to check in again. He was late. Too late. Then the phone rang. I snatched it up without checking the ID, expecting to hear Lucas’ voice at the other end. “Yes?” A pause, and then a familiar, soft voice layered with disappointment filtered through the speaker “Adrian, you’ve decided not to pick up my calls anymore?" My Dad asked, his voice laced with disappointment Guilt hit me like a delayed punch “No Daddy, I've been busy with…” “Work,” he added, his tone edged with frustration. “Work, work, always work. When are you going to focus on yourself, get married, and give me a grandchild? You know I'm not getting any younger. You are my only son. I don't even know....he paused his voice shaking “Daddy,” I said quickly before leaning back into the chair. “Don't talk about that. You know everything I do is for us.” “I know, Adrian, but I'm just saying

ISABELLA'S POVThe car ride was silent. My body still felt warm from being so close to his. But my mind was racing. There was something about the timing with Adrian. He always showed up at my most vulnerable moment. It felt like he had a radar tuned in my desperation. First, he showed up at the hotel bar and somehow took care of me when I got drunk, and now he shows up when I'm half-naked walking on the street. What are the odds? The car slowed down as we turned into a gated driveway. I leaned forward, slightly curiosity slowly overtaking my thoughts The mansion was massive. It looked like something I only saw in movies or architectural magazines. White stone pillars, tall glass windows, and manicured hedges trimmed to perfection. Soft white lights shone on the pathways, and a waterfall was positioned in the middle of the house. This didn't just scream wealth—it commanded it. I curled my toes under the car mat as I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. Adrain glanced at me, and I

ISABELLA'S POV I knew I didn't have much time–he could return any moment from now or try to prevent my escape. Somewhere between panic and frustration, I began tearing up the room like a possessed woman. My mind was racing, and even though I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, I knew anything that could help me leave was my sole focus. My eyes scanned the room, but everything was properly arranged, leaving me frustrated.I quickly rushed to the wardrobe and flung it open. Inside, there were no ropes,no belts, and no hidden tools. It was only filled with designer clothes and some empty hangers swinging gently. Did he have a wife? Or was it a normal routine for him to kidnap women at his house and do whatever he pleased with them? I swallowed down the panic and turned around. Then my eyes caught something tucked behind the curtains. A bundle of cords may be from an old lamp. I rushed toward it in a heartbeat and snatched it up. In my haste, my elbows knocked the table by the