The hospital room was quiet, except for the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. Isabelle stared at the ceiling, her body was too exhausted to move, and her was mind too overwhelmed to process everything that had happened to her.
Her gaze moved to the man seated in the chair beside her bed. Liam Anderson. Thinking about it now, she’d heard that name before, long ago. But she really couldn’t place it. He sat there now, pressing his phone, his expression calm and composed.
“Why are you still here?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
Liam looked up at her, setting his phone aside. “Because you need someone to be here.”
“I don’t even know you,” she muttered, turning her face away.
Liam leaned forward, his voice, firm. “You didn’t know who I was when you asked for help, but I still stopped and brought you to the hospital. I could’ve just kept driving.”
She sighed. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I don’t know why you’re bothering to help someone you don't know. Plus, you look like a very busy man.”
“Because it’s the right thing to do,” he said simply. “And because no one deserves to be left on the side of the road, beaten and broken.”
His words cut through her like a knife, the raw honesty of his words, made her heart hurt. She hated how vulnerable she felt, and how exposed she was in front of this stranger. She had lost a lot, including the baby she was carrying, and she didn't want to trust anyone else. Her family members betrayed her, how could she trust someone whofound her on the roadside?
“I don’t want your pity,” she said, her voice trembling.
“It’s not pity,” Liam said softly. “It’s a concern. And if you want to get out of this mess, you’re going to need someone on your side.”
Isabelle swallowed hard, her hands twisting the blanket covering her. “You don’t understand. He won’t stop. Richard always finds a way to drag me back.”
“Then let me stop him,” Liam said, firmly.
She turned to him. “Why would you do that? You don’t even know me.”
Liam hesitated. “ I've said it before, I brought you to the hospital, why would I leave you here? Also, let’s just say I’ve seen what men like him can do. I won’t let it happen to you.”
His words stirred something in her. For the first time in a while, she felt hopeful. But she wasn’t ready to trust him, not yet.
“I can’t stay here,” Isabelle said, sitting up and slipping into her worn sneakers. “It’s not safe.”
“You’re in no condition to leave,” he said, his tone hardening. “You just escaped from a man who’s clearly dangerous, and now you’re walking right back into harm’s way.”
“I’ll figure it out,” she snapped.
Liam stepped in front of the door, blocking her path. “Where will you go? Huh? You said he'll come back for you, didn't he? If you're alone, he'll catch you faster.”
The words hit her like a slap, but she lifted her chin proudly. “I don’t need your help.”
“Yes, you do,” Liam said, his voice quiet but unyielding. “And whether you like it or not, I’m not letting you leave like this.”
Isabelle clenched her fingers into fists, anger and frustration bubbling inside her. “You’re just like him, aren’t you? Thinking you can control me.”
Liam’s expression softened. “I’m not trying to control you. I’m trying to help you. There’s a difference.”
For a moment, they stood in silence, neither of them willing to back down. Finally, Liam let out a shuddering breath and stepped aside for her to pass.
“Fine,” he muttered. “You can leave, but if I find you in trouble next time and save you, you have to do whatever I say.”
Isabelle nodded, stepping aside. “Fine.” As long as she wasn't near Richard, she wouldn't be in trouble and she wouldn't have to meet the strange man who was hell-bent on helping her.
“Here,” Liam spoke, offering her an ATM card.
“ What...”
“ Accept it. It's the only way I can let you go. The pin is 1203. You can spend as much as you want, then pay me later. If you use your card and he traces it, he'll find you.”
Isabelle thought about it for a while and Liam was right. If she wanted to leave, she'd need money and if she used her own money, Richard would trace it to her location and find her. She took the card from him and smiled slightly.
“Thanks, Liam Anderson. I'll make sure you don't have to save me again and I'll pay you back for your help too.”
Liam smiled in response and watched as she left the room. He had to let her experience being in danger before she realized that he was the only one who could protect her. He brought out his phone from his pocket and made a call.
“A lady left Meadow Hospital now. Keep an eye on her and report to me if anything goes wrong.”
---
By the end of the day, Isabelle found herself in a small, quiet village on the outskirts of the city. The air was crisp and clean, the streets lined with quaint houses and shops. It was a world away from the chaos she had left behind.
She stood still, looking around like a lost puppy. “ This place feels safe. He won't find me here,” she reassured herself.
“ Are you lost, child?” A voice belonging to a woman in her late fifties snapped Isabelle out of her thoughts.
Isabelle took that opportunity to ask the woman questions. “ Hello,ma'am. Uhm. Is there a quiet place I can stay for a while?”
The woman looked at her from head to toe. “ I would have asked if you're a criminal avoiding the law, but you look a mess like you escaped a hospital.”
Isabelle, feeling conscious of the woman's words, adjusted her rough hair and smiled. “ Well, you're right. There's someone I need to run away from and staying in a hospital won't help that. Compared to how my heart is feeling, I'm not hurt and I don't have a transmittable disease, so you don't have to worry.”
The old woman laughed at her unintentional sense of humor. “Men... People like him should be thrown in prison for how they treat women. My husband eloped with a younger woman when I just had my third child, because my body was no longer beautiful to him. I survived, raising my kids alone. So this one too, shall pass. Just forget the idiot. Have you got any kids?”
Isabelle shook her head, the pain of her miscarriage dawning on her. A part of her was sad and another, was happy, that she wouldn't bring a child into this world to suffer abuse like her. “ Gone, before I could get the gender” she replied.
For a split second, the woman looked at her with empathy in her eyes. “ You've come to the right place then. My name is Mrs Aldric. I own a small restaurant and guesthouse here. You can stay and help me with the restaurant. My third child just got married, so I'm alone. Is that fine?”
Isabelle nodded without hesitation. She felt a bond between her and the woman, and she felt safe.
“ It's for the best. Nothing can happen now.” Isabelle said to herself as she followed the woman.
But little did she know that they were people watching her from the shadows. The one, Liam Anderson sent to keep an eye on her and the person, her husband; Richard Carter, sent.
CHAPTER 5: A NEW START.Isabelle ran fast, her breath running out, her heart beating fast like crazy, her bare feet slamming against the pavement as Richard’s furious shouts echoed behind her. She didn't want to look back,but she had to see if she was close, her heart dropped as she saw him actually closing in on her. “ Isabelle, I told you before. You're mine and you can never get away from me.” His face was twisted with rage, his hand raised, ready to strike.“No!” Isabelle cried out, her voice trembling with fear. Her chest rose up and down restlessly and her breathing became shallow and uneven. The sound of a soft knock on her door pulled her back to reality. Her eyes snapped open, her heart still pounding in her chest.“Isabelle, dear,” Mrs. Aldric called gently from outside. “Are you alright?”Isabelle sat up, wiping the cold sweat from her brow. “Y-yes,” she stammered, though her voice betrayed her unease. She had been staying with Mrs Aldric for about two weeks now without
The next morning, Isabelle woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains, a huge difference from the unease that had settled in her chest the night before. She remembered the encounter with Dan, his smug grin and invasive questions lingering on her mind like a bad memory.She found Mrs. Aldric in the kitchen, humming softly as she stirred a pot of soup. Mrs Aldric greeted her with a warm smile. “Good morning, dear. Sleep well?”“Better than I thought I would,” Isabelle admitted, though she left out the part where she had tossed and turned at a point worrying about what happened with Dan and if he'll come back and cause trouble for her and Mrs Aldric.“Good,” Mrs. Aldric said, setting two bowls on the table. “You’ve got a busy day ahead. Saturdays are our busiest at the restaurant, especially with the tourists coming through. So we have to eat before setting out for work.”Isabelle nodded, grateful for the distraction. Sje needed to work to keep her mind occupied.---The restaura
Isabelle stood in the kitchen, rinsing out a few dishes as the older woman bustled around, preparing her things for the busy day ahead at the restaurant.Mrs. Aldric paused at the doorway, turning to Isabelle with a thoughtful look. “Isabelle, I want you to stay home today.”“What?” Isabelle blinked, setting down the dish. “Why?”Mrs. Aldric sighed, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Dan’s got his sights set on you, and I don’t want to give him another excuse to show up at the restaurant. I don't think he's been so focused on something like this, it only just lasts for a while, but what he said yesterday sounded pretty serious and I don't want to put you in danger.”Isabelle frowned, a pang of guilt and frustration tightening her chest. “But I can’t just hide here. I don’t want to be a burden to you. With the way I told him off and rejected him, he would know that I'm serious and stay away too, wouldn't he?”“You’re not a burden,” Mrs. Aldric said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on Isa
The evening sun cast long shadows across the quiet streets as Mrs. Aldric hurriedly locked the restaurant door, her hands trembling. Isabelle should have arrived hours ago. Something was wrong. Her gut churned with unease as she practically jogged home, her thoughts racing.“Please let her be home,” she muttered under her breath, her shoes clicking against the cobblestones.When she reached the house, she threw the door open, calling out, “Isabelle? Isabelle, are you here?”The silence that greeted her sent a chill down her spine. She checked the kitchen, the small sitting room, and even upstairs, her worry growing with every empty room. Isabelle’s bag and the ledger were gone, but the house was eerily quiet.Mrs. Aldric sank onto the sofa, her head in her hands. “Where could she have gone?” she whispered, fear tightening around her chest.She didn’t sit for long. With a resolve born from years of running her business and protecting the people she cared about, she bolted out the door a
The air was cool and damp as Dan pulled up to his secret house on the outskirts of the town, the small property cloaked in shadows from the surrounding trees. Isabelle’s unconscious form lay slumped in the passenger seat, her face pale in the faint moonlight. Dan smirked as he stepped out of the car, walking around to lift her limp body into his arms.“She’s lighter than I thought,” he muttered, adjusting her weight.He had just reached the porch steps when he noticed a figure standing near the doorway. The man was tall, dressed in dark clothing, and leaning casually against the doorframe. The dim light from the porch lamp didn’t quite reach his face, leaving it covered in the shadows.Dan tensed, his grip on Isabelle tightening. “Who the hell are you?”The man straightened, his movements slow and deliberate. “Just someone with a lot of interest in the girl you’re carrying,” he said, his voice smooth and low.Dan narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. “Is that so? What do you know about
Dan sat comfortably on his worn leather couch, a self-satisfied grin on his face as he sipped whiskey from a crystal glass. Outside his home, the muffled voices of the townspeople grew louder, their determined footsteps heading straight for his door, just like he had expected... or heard from Clara. He barely flinched when the knock came—a loud, insistent pounding that echoed through the small house.With deliberate slowness, Dan rose from his couch and strolled to the door. He opened it just enough to lean against the frame, his smirk widening when he saw Mrs. Aldric standing at the forefront of the group. Her face was lined with worry and anger, a combination that only fueled his amusement.“Well, if it isn’t the town’s matron saint,” Dan uttered, dully. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Aldric? And the others?”Her eyes narrowed. “We’re looking for Isabelle. Where is she?”Dan raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Isabelle? You mean your little stray? Haven’t seen her.”“Don’t lie to
Flashback: Hours AgoLiam Anderson leaned back in his chair, the weight of the boardroom’s discussions pressing heavily on him. The sleek conference room was filled with sharply dressed executives, their voices droning on about projections, prices and market trends. Normally, this would be his domain—strategic, controlled, predictable.But today, his mind was elsewhere.The vibration of his phone against the brown polished table snapped him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw the name flash: Marcus.Marcus was his man on the ground, the one he’d hired to keep tabs on Isabelle from the moment he found her in that hospital and left her to go her own way. He didn’t trust the world enough to leave her alone, not with the shadows of her past looming all around her.“Excuse me,” Liam said abruptly, interrupting the executive that was speaking. He stood up and buttoned his suit jacket. The murmurs in the room reduced as all eyes turned to him.“Mr. Anderson, this is a crucial
The police station was colder than Isabelle expected, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on the tired faces of the officers and suspects alike. Isabelle clutched her arms tightly around herself as she walked in beside Liam, her steps hesitant. She had a lot on her mind at that moment.Dan was being held in a separate room, but Liam had arranged for her to see him once she felt ready. For now, Isabelle sat in the waiting area just outside the room, trying to piece together her scattered emotions and waiting for Liam to come with a police officer escort.She barely noticed the sound of hurried footsteps and people walking about in front of until a familiar voice cut through the air. It was from inside the room where Dan was kept. “I thought you were better than this?” Clara demanded, her voice tight with worry.Isabelle looked up sharply, her breath catching in her throat. She recognized that voice. It was the voice of someone from the town. It was Clara's voice. What was she
The city lights flickered past in a blur as Frank maneuvered the car through the streets. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was tense, filled only with the steady hum of the engine and the faint tapping of Liam’s fingers against his iPad. His gaze was locked onto the screen, scanning through endless articles, reports, and anything remotely connected to the name Marcus Carter.Frank, who had been watching his boss out of the corner of his eye, finally spoke. “Alright, boss, where exactly are we headed?”Liam didn’t respond immediately. His brows furrowed deeper as he scrolled, his jaw tightening.Frank sighed. “And what are you looking at so damn intensely? I swear, you’ve been at it since we left the office. Did we get a project that I don't know about?”Liam let out a slow breath, lowering the device slightly. “I’m going through everything online that has Marcus Carter’s name on it.”Frank frowned. “Marcus Carter?” He repeated the name, searching his memory. “Can’t say it rings a bel
The drive to Westford University was tense. Isabelle gripped the steering wheel firmly, her mind racing through possible ways to handle the situation. Next to her, Selena sat with her arms crossed, tapping her nails against her knee impatiently.“I still don’t see why we have to be nice about this,” Selena muttered, shifting in her seat.Isabelle sighed, keeping her eyes on the road. “Because we need them to trust us. If we go in there guns blazing, they’ll only become more defensive.”Selena scoffed. “That’s assuming they deserve any respect after what they pulled. They didn’t just reject our partnership—they publicly trashed Polaris Tech. If they had doubts, they could’ve kept it internal.”Isabelle nodded. “I agree. What they did was irresponsible. But think about it—did they say anything false?”Selena frowned. “Well—no, but—”“They didn’t outright lie,” Isabelle continued. “They didn’t fabricate anything. They just repeated what they thought was true. And whether we like it or no
By the time Isabelle finally walked through the doors of the house, exhaustion weighed down on her shoulders. The day had been long—Crestview’s success, Westford’s betrayal, and the revelation that Laura and Estella were behind the attack on Polaris Tech.And worse, the growing suspicion that Marcus had been orchestrating this entire thing from the start.She barely had time to gather her thoughts before she heard the deep, familiar voice from across the living room.“You’re late. Again, Isabelle.”She looked up to see Liam standing by the bar, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened, and a glass of whiskey in his hand. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unreadable.Isabelle sighed, setting her bag down by the couch. “I know. I'm sorry.”Liam placed his glass down and crossed the room in three long strides. Before she could react, he cupped her face, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.“Are you alright?” His voice was low, laced with concern.She swa
The next morning, Isabelle and Selena sat in Isabelle’s office, scanning an email from Professor Langston.Crestview University had officially agreed to host the Polaris AI demonstration next week.Selena grinned as she leaned back in her chair. “We finally got a big one. This could set off a domino effect for other universities.”Isabelle nodded, feeling a rare sense of accomplishment. “If Crestview endorses us, others will follow.”But before they could fully celebrate, another email arrived—one that wiped the smiles off their faces.Westford University, another top university on their list that they visited and pitched their ideas too had rejected their proposal outright. Worse, they had publicly warned students against using Polaris AI, citing “concerns over long-term data privacy.”Selena’s expression darkened as she slammed her hand onto Isabelle’s desk. “This is bad. If one university publicly doubts us, others will hesitate too.”Isabelle scanned the content of the email showi
Isabelle arrived at Polaris Tech that morning, fully prepared for a long day. The student discount marketing plan was in motion, and she had no room for mistakes. The moment she stepped into her office, a member of the PR team handed her a thick folder filled with reports and updates. She barely had time to flip through it before her phone buzzed with a meeting reminder.Taking a deep breath, she headed toward the conference room. Inside, the marketing and PR teams were already gathered, with Marcus seated at the head of the table. Greg, the head of marketing, was going over the discount structures they had decided on—tiered percentages for students based on their courses and subscription plans.After some final adjustments, Marcus turned to Isabelle and Selena. "Your job is to make sure students actually know about this. Partnerships, ads, outreach—whatever it takes."Selena crossed her arms. "Universities would be the best way to go. If we get academic institutions to endorse Polari
Isabelle took a deep breath before stepping out of her office. It was time for the meeting with the marketing team, and she had already put together a few ideas on how to boost Polaris AI’s public image. As she made her way toward the meeting room, she spotted Selena walking ahead of her, her posture stiff, her steps quick and purposeful."Selena," Isa called out.Selena didn’t stop.Isa frowned but quickened her pace until she caught up and gently grabbed Selena’s arm. The woman turned sharply, her eyes flashing with irritation."What do you want?" Selena asked coldly.Isa let go of her arm and met her gaze with calm confidence. "Look, I know you don’t like me here. You think I’m here to take your position, but you don’t have to worry about that. I have no intention of staying in Polaris Tech permanently."Selena’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes."I’ll be gone in three weeks," Isa continued, her voice steady. "I was brought in temporarily,
The towering glass building of Polaris Technologies loomed before Isabelle as she stepped out of the car. The sleek, modern exterior was almost like Anderson Corp’s, yet there was no sense of familiarity—this wasn’t her first time here. But today, everything was different. Today, she was not a visitor or a negotiator. She was an employee. Even if temporary.With a deep breath, she adjusted her blouse and made her way through the entrance. The moment she stepped inside, the air changed. Whispers rippled through the lobby like a wave, eyes discreetly flicking in her direction. Some employees murmured with excitement, others with skepticism."So that’s Isabelle Rivers? Liam Anderson's wife?""I heard she’s brilliant.""I heard she played a big role in the security breach scandal. She even held a press conference. What’s she doing here?"" Has she been hired permanently by Mr Carter?"Isabelle kept her head high, ignoring the murmurs as she reached the reception desk. The receptionist, a
Isabelle stood in front of the mirror, absently gathering her hair to tie it up. But the moment she lifted it, she froze.Hickeys.Deep, reddish-purple bruises littered the pale skin of her neck and collarbone, evidence of last night’s passion. She inhaled sharply, her fingers grazing over them.Her cheeks flushed.She should be annoyed—it was inconvenient to go around with these marks. But instead, a small, traitorous smile tugged at her lips.Liam was insatiable.She bit her lower lip, caught between amusement and frustration. There was no way she could wear her hair up today.Behind her, the door to the walk-in closet opened, and Liam stepped out, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit. His hair was neatly styled, and he was adjusting his tie with practiced ease. The sight of him, so effortlessly put together, made last night’s memory even more vivid.Liam glanced at her reflection in the mirror and smirked. “What’s got you so happy this early in the morning?”Isa snapped out of her daze
Isabelle gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white as she maneuvered through the dimly lit streets. She wasn’t supposed to be doing this.Both Allison and Ethan had warned her—stay away.But how could she?The way Vivian had been dragged away, the panic in her eyes, the sheer weight of what had happened—it wouldn’t leave Isa’s mind. And Marcus... she had never trusted him completely. Something about him had always felt off.Now, more than ever, she needed answers.She arrived at the detention center, her heart pounding as she stepped out of the car. It was a grim-looking building, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded heavily. What the hell am I doing? she wondered. But it was too late to turn back now.After going through security and the necessary formalities, she sat in the visitation area, waiting. The fluorescent lights flickered above her, making the dull gray walls feel even colder.The door on the other side of the glass partition buzzed open.Vivian stepped in.I