ONE

Isabella’s P.O.V.

"Congratulations, now you are the legal wife of the most handsome billionaire ‘Alexander Harrison’." After hearing these words, my mind was paralyzed.

How had my life turned upside down in just one week? How had all my dreams been shattered? How do I become entangled with these heartless people? Thinking about that, my eyes welled up with tears, and I looked around desperately for someone, anyone, to wipe them away. But there was no one; I was alone with these cruel people.

"Let's go into the room." I had been sitting still like a statue but these words shook me. I looked at him, with blank eyes. Next moment, I felt a touch on my hand. He was Alexander; he held my hand in front of all the family and signaled me to get up.

My body trembled to its core.

"I won't go with you. Let go of my hand!" I struggled with all my strength, attempting to break free from his grip.

"You have to go," he declared firmly, tugging my hand.

"Mom, please save me. I don't want to go with this cruel man!" My screams echoed through the lounge, but no one even bothered to speak. Even my mom was standing still, looking at everything silently. Her eyes were wet but she didn’t dare to help me.

"You will have to come because now, I am your husband." His triumphant smile sent shivers down my spine. I looked at his bright and handsome face and could only think why his heart was so dark? Why does he hate me so much?

"Alexander, what a joke is this? You know very well that this marriage was not done for these purposes. I can never see the daughter of this low class residing in your room.” Alexander’s mother spoke, looking at me with disdain, addressing her son. I didn’t feel bad about her words today; I just wanted to be away from her cruel son.

"We'll discuss that later, Mom. Right now, I need to go to my room." It was the first time I had seen him act so carelessly. His mother was taken aback by his response.

"Alexander, she can’t stay in your room. This is your wife's right. You can't just give her such a high status." This time the Grand Lady of the house spoke. Grand Lady, our grandmother couldn't bear to see me in his grasp any longer. She moved forward, intending to separate us and, for the first time in my life, I liked her.

"Alexander, this marriage was arranged for you, but..."

"Dad, please explain to them. I don't want any more spectacles," His voice was low but the tone was colder than ice. I looked at him in shock.

"Alexander does not tolerate anyone's interference in his decisions." He announced sternly, addressing everyone in the lounge. Hearing his tone, everyone became silent, forcing me to tremble.

"Leave me. I said leave." I continued struggling desperately to free my hand from his strong grip, but it seemed impossible. In my protest, some of the red bangles on my wrists broke and scattered on the ground, some cutting into my beautiful hands. I hissed in pain but he didn’t care.

"That's enough," he said, finally stopping in anger. Without warning, he bent down and hoisted me onto his shoulder. My helpless screams echoed throughout the house, but there was no one to come to my help. I was weak and alone in this cruel world. They pushed me into the arms of the only heir of the Harrison family and a ruthless billionaire, who hated me, wanted me to die. And I was sure today was the last night of my life.

A week ago:-

"It's just a matter of a week, and then I'll be back. We'll do all the wedding shopping together," I said to Eric, smiling. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, watching me prepare my suitcase.

"Isabella, I still don't think it’s right for you to go there alone," Eric replied, his face filled with worry and fear. His concern was evident in his tone; I always loved his obsession and care for me.

"Why are you so worried? Mom called me two weeks ago, and she really misses me. She was insisting that I return to Italy. Plus, she wants me to attend my cousin's wedding. At one point, I even thought of delaying it. And I did, but my uncle insisted so much. It was the first time he spoke to me so nicely in my life; I couldn't refuse him," I explained with a smile, looking at Eric. I genuinely believed that my uncle's behavior was getting nice.

"I don't know why, but it doesn't feel right for you to go there alone. Take me with you," Eric said. I knew he was concerned about me.

"No, no. It wouldn't be right to take you there with me. I haven't talked to mom about you yet. First, I will go there and take care of the situation. Then, after talking to mom, I will call you to a restaurant to meet her. I don't want you to come to the Mansion.” I told him in a conciliatory manner. Eric understood that, so he did not argue any more.

"By the way, how many days are there in a week?" he asked as he sat on the bed, looking at me.

"Seven days," I replied with a smile.

"Seven days. Uffff. My God. How will I live? There are too many. Also, the preparations for our marriage are still incomplete. Why don't you just stay here?" His eyes sparkled while giving this idea.

"Eric. Don’t be childish. It's only a matter of weeks. It will pass easily. Anyway, you can walk around my apartment all day." I teased him, squeezing his red cheeks.

"So what?? You call every three or four hours, don't you?" He pouted again.

"Okay and please inform Uncle James. I forgot to tell him in a hurry." I suddenly remembered Eric's father. I didn’t inform him about my departure.

"Ok. By the way, you should have talked to Dad before making such a big decision," he advised, narrowing his eyes.

"Yes. But I'm sure uncle will let me make my own decisions, just as he always has. He won't try to stop me like you do," I responded quickly, looking into his eyes.

"Good. I'm not trying to stop you. But please. Stay in touch with me after going there," Eric pleaded. I couldn't help but smile at his concern. "Alright, boss."

"Who's the boss here? You're the boss, madam," he said with a frown. "If I were the boss, you wouldn't be packing right now," he teased, walking around the room. I smiled at his worry and love for me.

Eric had been my only friend until now, and my life was an open book to him. This deep connection allowed me to share everything with him freely, and he understood my feelings, keeping a special place in my life. That was the reason I decided to accept him as my life partner. After returning from Italy, we were going to marry and that was final.