MasukSomething tells me… this is just the calm before the storm. Whatever’s coming, it’s big. Curious? Keep reading.
Isabella's POV After a few blissful rounds that left us both glowing, Ray and I finally pulled ourselves together and went back to the kitchen to finish cooking. Within minutes the food was ready. I plated our portions, sat down beside him, and just as we started eating, my phone buzzed sharply.“GIRL GET HOME NOW!!”That was it. The message was short, commanding and absolutely Sabrina. My stomach knotted instantly. Something about that message felt wrong… too urgent.“Babe, are you okay?” Ray asked, watching me closely as he slipped a stray strand of hair behind my ear.“Umm… yeah. I mean not really. Sabrina just sent something urgent, and I’m kind of freaking out,” I said, forcing a tiny smile that fooled absolutely no one.“Excuse me,” I murmured, slipping away from the table. I dialed Sabrina immediately. It rang… and rang… and rang but no answer. My palms were damp. Typical Sabrina, queen of never answering her phone, but somehow this silence felt different.I drifted back to th
Isabella's POV The minute I stepped out of the villa, the sunlight hit me. It was too bright I squinted, lifting a hand to shield my eyes while the heat soaked through my skin. Then my phone buzzed against my palm and Ray’s name pulsed on the screen.“Hey, babe. Are you done with the interview?”Ray’s voice came through before I even said hello.“Yeah… it went okay,” I said, keeping it vague on purpose. I wasn’t ready to talk about any of it . Not the villa and certainly not Damien. I keep telling myself I should tell Ray everything before it blows up in my face. Before he hears it from someone else. But every time I even think about opening my mouth, my chest goes tight. I don’t know how he’ll take it, or what it’ll change between us. All I do know is that I’m not ready to lose him. Not now. Not ever.“Alright, great. I’m on my way to pick you. Give me 15 minutes,” he said.I could hear the engine hum through the phone and then I knew he was already speeding. I smiled, even though
Damien's POV I sighed softly as I watched her leave. She seems calm, beautiful and most of all natural. She hadn’t worn a hint of makeup, yet she looked breathtaking. My thoughts drifted to her composure during the interview so poised, so collected. I thought the moment she recognized me, shock would flash across her face.I expected anger, maybe a storming exit, given how much she despises me. But she didn’t react. She remained composed, carrying herself as though she didn’t know me at all.Seeing how fiercely she held her ground, refusing to tolerate humiliation or disrespect, made it clear there was much more to her than I had realized. A quite strength I couldn't ignore. When my secretary mentioned that someone named Isabella Monroe had applied, I brushed it off. But reviewing her file made my pulse quicken, it was her. I felt a surge of anticipation, thinking I could finally assert my authority. I planned to draw her into my den… not realizing I might be the one ensnared.A sha
Isabella's POV Wait… two million dollars a month? That’s insane. But why is he suddenly hiring me? Weren’t we supposed to be enemies? I asked myself, my mind racing.“Look, if you’re only considering this because I saved your daughter and you hate feeling indebted, that’s fine. I didn’t do it for you, no. I did it for her,” I said, locking eyes with him.He stood there in a plain white shirt and black jeans yet somehow managed to look infuriatingly effortless.His golden eyes, framed by thick black lashes, gleamed against his smooth caramel skin. His nose and lips were so perfectly shaped they seemed sculpted.Except for the faint tattoo tracing his shoulder, his skin was flawless. And yes, I hated how noticeable his perfectly sculpted body was. I couldn’t stop noticing the way everything about him seemed perfectly… balanced.I couldn’t understand why he appeared more handsome now, somehow less intimidating, more… human.“Hellooo,” he said, snapping his fingers just inches from my fa
Isabella's POV He walked in with one hand buried casually in his pocket, acting as if he didn’t recognize me though I could feel the awareness in his eyes.“Hi,” I stood to greet him, my voice steady even though my pulse betrayed me. He gestured for me to sit, lowering himself into the chair with the effortless authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed.“Introduce yourself.” His gaze pinned me in place as he ordered, almost without emotion. “I…” I paused, stuttering briefly. For a moment, my mind stalled. I pinched my palm as I coaxed my racing heart into cooperating.“Hi, I'm Isabella Monroe. I'm skilled in cleaning, organising and maintaining a safe, comfortable environment. I'm hardworking, trustworthy and pay close attention to details. I'm good at managing my time and following routine, and I like making sure everything is comfortable for the family I work with. I'm reliable, respectful and committed to doing my best,” I said without stuttering.I still couldn’t read hi
Isabella's POV The next morning, the sun’s first rays spilled across my face, nudging me awake. I threw my hands to my sides, instinctively searching for Ray, but the bed was empty.I swung my legs off the bed and glanced at the clock. Thirty minutes past seven.“Holy shit.” A jolt of panic ran through me.I rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep.Fortunately, I had already packed the dress I planned to wear for the interview. On my way out, I saw Ray in the kitchen, flipping pancakes and humming softly.“Hey, babe,” he greeted, planting a quick kiss on my cheek. “Already heading out?”“Yeah, babe. I’ve got an interview today at nine,” I said, squeezing his hand.“An interview?” His eyebrows shot up in surprise.“Yes, babe. It’s a long story, but I promise I’ll explain everything when I get back,” I said, hoping he’d understand.“Okay, but I’m making your favorite breakfast. It’ll be ready soon,” he said, flashing a hopeful smile, clearl







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