The headquarters of the notorious Blood Axe mafia was a fortress of luxury and intimidation, nestled in the heart of the city's underworld. The exterior was a nondescript high-rise, blending into the urban landscape like a ghost. But once past the heavily guarded entrance, a different world unfolded.A lavish lobby with marble floors and crystal chandeliers led to a private elevator, which whisked visitors away to the upper floors. The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, and the air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke and fine whiskey. A majestic axe, symbol of the Blood Axe family, hung proudly above the reception desk, its blade gleaming in the light.The inner sanctum was a sprawling complex of offices, meeting rooms, and lounges, all lavishly decorated and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Blood Axe logo, a silver axe head with crimson edges, was emblazoned on every available surface, a reminder of the organization's power and reach.The boss's office was a
sabelle sat on her bed, staring blankly at the wall as thoughts of Stacy flooded her mind. She wondered if her friend was still looking for her, if she was still worried about her safety. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to contact her, for not being able to let her know she was alive.After a few moments of introspection, Isabelle stood up and walked to the door. She reached out to grab the handle, guessing it would be locked. But she had to try. She had to know if there was any way out of this prison.With a deep breath, she turned the handle and pulled. As isabelle opened the door to her room, she was surprised to find it unlocked. but her relief was short-lived, as she was immediately confronted by the guards stationed outside. their eyes narrowed, their hands resting on the grips of their guns. isabelle's heart raced as she explained that she just wanted to take a walk around the house, reminding them that collins had instructed them not to lock her up or let her esca
Isabelle was led back to her room, a prison she couldn't escape. She couldn't help but wonder why she had ever listened to Stacy's advice in the first place. The blame crept in, but she knew deep down it wasn't Stacy's fault - just her own ill luck. The date had yielded a nice man for Stacy, but a monster for her. Defeated, she flopped onto her king-sized bed, feeling utterly helpless. Ruby, her dog, jumped up beside her, hoping for playtime, but Isabelle pushed her away, her frustration and despair evident. "Why did he even bother getting me a dog?" she thought, her mind filled with resentment. As she lay there, the pungent smell of her unwashed body hit her. "I haven't taken my bath throughout today!!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the luxurious room for the bathroom. She spotted a door on the far side, partially hidden by a sleek glass partition.Isabelle strode towards it, her fingers already imagining the warm water and soothing suds. As she entered the bathroom, she gaspe
Stacy and Liam walked hand in hand into the police station, worried about Isabelle's cryptic phone call. "We need to report a missing person," Stacy told the officer at the desk.The officer nodded sympathetically. "Let's get some information. Who's missing?""Isabelle," Stacy replied. "She's my best friend. We talked earlier today, and she said she was okay, but something felt off. She couldn't talk long, and it sounded like she was in trouble."Liam added, "We're concerned about her safety. Can you help us find her?"The officer nodded. "We'll do our best. Can you tell me more about your conversation with Isabelle? Did she give you any clues about her location or what she's going through?"Stacy hesitated, trying to remember every detail of their brief call. "She just said she was okay, but it sounded like she was scared. And then she had to go."The officer nodded, taking notes. "We'll look into it. Do you have any idea where she might be or who she might be with?"Stacy thought ba
Isabelle stood in shock, her heart racing with fear for Rose.'Will he kill her?' she thought, her mind racing. 'But she's just a dog.' Despite her attempt to rationalize, tears streamed down her face, not just for Rose, but for her own desperate situation. 'No, Isabelle, this isn't the time for tears, it's time to fight,' she told herself, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth. She frantically scanned her surroundings, but her eyes landed on nothing but emptiness.With nowhere to go at this late hour, she knew she had to escape, but couldn't bear to stay any longer. 'Tomorrow, I'll run,' she vowed, her determination fueled by the fury in her brown eyes and the unyielding passion burning within her. She laughed mockingly at her own predicament, thinking how she'd gone from being controlled by her father to becoming a billionaire, all due to 'ill luck.' Tears streamed down her face once more as she apologized, 'I'm sorry for not protecting you, sorry.' Despite having met Rose j
Overwhelmed with relief, Isabella burst into tears as she pushed open the heavy doors of the police station. She had finally escaped the nightmare that had held her captive for two days. With a mix of fear and hope, she rushed towards the safety of the police, her eyes scanning the room for a friendly face. As she ran, her long brown hair swung wildly behind her, like a pendulum fueling her desperate search for aid. Her eyes darted around the room, pleading for someone to notice her distress. The fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with her racing heart, illuminating the eerie atmosphere of the station. With a burst of adrenaline, Isabella flung open the door and stumbled into the station, gasping for air. Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, her eyes fixed on the officers behind the counter. She staggered towards them, her legs trembling beneath her, and grasped the counter for support. The officers looked up from their paperwork, startled by her sudden a
Isabella's world spun around her, her senses reeling from the kiss. Collins' lips still lingered on hers, his warm breath dancing across her skin. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes, unable to escape the passion that had ignited between them.As they broke apart, gasping for air, Isabella's mind raced with conflicting emotions. She was angry at herself for surrendering to his touch, yet couldn't deny the desire that now pulsed through her veins. Collins' gaze never left hers, his eyes burning with intensity, as if daring her to deny the connection they shared.Without a word, he swept her into his arms, cradling her like a child. Isabella didn't resist, her body melting into his embrace. He carried her to the bedroom, his strides long and purposeful. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the fireplace. Collins laid her on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. He joined her, his body stretching beside hers, his warmth enveloping her. Isabella felt
Collins pulled up to the nondescript high-rise, and the car glided to a stop. He got out, walked around to Isabella's side, and opened the door. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his hand. Isabella hesitated, her heart racing. But Collins' eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She took his hand, and he pulled her out of the car. As they walked towards the entrance, Isabella's eyes scanned the building. It looked like any other high-rise, but something about it seemed off. The windows seemed too dark, too reflective. And the entrance... it seemed too secure. Collins led her through the heavily guarded entrance and into a lavish lobby. Marble floors and crystal chandeliers gleamed in the light, and the air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke and fine whiskey. Isabella's eyes widened as Collins pulled her past the reception desk and into a private elevator. The doors slid shut behind them, and they began to ascend. "Where are we going?" Isabella
Collins attempted to focus on her, his expression a mix of regret and defiance. "None of your business, pookie," he slurred. Isabelle's jaw dropped in disbelief, but before she could respond, Collins staggered up to the altar. The officiant, looking uncomfortable but dutiful, stepped forward to proceed with the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." the officiant began, but his voice was drowned out by the shocked murmurs of the crowd. Isabelle felt a wave of nausea and dread wash over her as Collins took her hand, his grip unsteady. She could barely focus on the words being spoken, her mind racing with confusion and fear. "Do you, Isabelle, take Collins to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?" the officiant asked. Isabelle hesitated, glancing at the crowd. Her mother, Stacy, and Kelvin all looked at her with worry etched on their faces. She took a deep breath and n
The officiant nodded respectfully and stepped aside. Isabelle took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. The guests began to move toward the reception area, their whispers a constant reminder of the humiliation she was enduring. She felt a mixture of relief and frustration, knowing that she had no choice but to wait for Collins' explanation. Vivian and the other family members stayed close, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. Isabelle's mother and Stacy flanked her, offering silent support as she tried to navigate the emotional storm brewing inside her. "I can't believe this is happening," Isabelle muttered to Stacy, who gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know it's hard, but we have to trust that Collins has a good reason," Stacy replied. "And remember, we're here for you no matter what." Isabelle nodded, though the knot of anxiety in her stomach refused to loosen. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. The day had been a whirlwind of emotio
Minutes turned into hours, and yet Collins never appeared. The murmurs from the crowd began as quiet whispers, but soon they grew louder, filling the grand wedding hall with a low hum of gossip and speculation. Isabelle stood at the altar, her heart pounding and her mind racing with confusion and dread. She could feel the stares of the guests, their eyes boring into her with judgment and pity. "What is this man doing?" Isabelle muttered under her breath, her voice trembling. She tightened her hands around the small bouquet she held, the knuckles turning white from the pressure. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a precipice, the ground beneath her feet threatening to give way at any moment. The grand doors of the hall opened, drawing everyone's attention. Isabelle turned to see a group of rich-looking people entering. They carried an air of authority and wealth, their presence commanding immediate respect from those around them. Two older couples and a middle-aged couple wa
As Isabelle stepped into the grand wedding hall, her eyes fell upon the variety of people who had gathered to witness her union with Collins. The hall was a sea of elegant dresses and sharp suits, with the scent of fresh flowers mingling with the faint hum of conversation. The decorations were breathtaking, a testament to the care and attention that had gone into planning this day. Her gaze drifted over the crowd, and suddenly, she spotted two familiar faces that made her heart skip a beat. Her mother, dressed in a beautiful deep blue gown, stood next to her best friend, Stacy, who was wearing a stunning bridesmaid dress that complemented Isabelle's own bridal gown. The sight of them filled her with a rush of emotions—joy, confusion, and relief all mingling together. Isabelle's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't seen her mother or Stacy since she had been taken by Collins, and their sudden appearance here at her wedding was both bewildering and comforting. She had worried about them
The sun had barely begun to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the estate, when Isabelle was gently awakened by her loyal dog, Rose. The day had finally arrived—the day she would marry Collins. A flurry of emotions washed over her: anticipation, nervousness, and a small but persistent flicker of hope. The maids entered her room with soft footsteps, their arms laden with an array of tools and accessories. They greeted her with polite smiles, sensing the gravity of the occasion. Isabelle sat up, rubbing her eyes and taking a deep breath, steeling herself for the long day ahead. "Good morning, miss," the head maid said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Let's get you ready for your big day." Isabelle nodded, rising from the bed and allowing herself to be guided to the dressing area. The maids set to work, drawing a warm bath infused with soothing lavender oils. Isabelle sank into the tub, closing her eyes and trying to relax as they washed and conditioned her hair. After the bath, the m
Kelvin chuckled softly, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "That's a fair question. It's not something I talk about often, but I suppose you deserve to know." Isabelle settled back against the pillows, curious to hear his story. Rose, sensing the change in atmosphere, rested her head on Isabelle's lap. "I grew up in a pretty tough neighborhood," Kelvin began, his voice taking on a reflective tone. "My family didn't have much, and life was a constant struggle. My father left when I was young, so it was just me, my mother, and my younger sister. I had to grow up fast, take on responsibilities that most kids my age didn't have to think about." Isabelle listened intently, her eyes fixed on Kelvin as he spoke. "When I was a teenager, I got into some trouble," he continued. "I was angry and frustrated with our situation, and I made some bad choices. But then I met someone who changed my life—a mentor who saw potential in me and helped me turn things around. He taught me discipline, self
Isabelle sighed, sitting up and running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Kelvin. It's all just so much. I feel like I'm losing myself in all of this." Kelvin sat down on the edge of the bed, his expression softening. "It's understandable, Isabelle. This is a lot for anyone to handle. But remember, you're not alone in this." Isabelle looked at him, a question forming in her mind. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Kelvin, can I ask you something?" "Of course," he replied, his tone encouraging. "Why did you become a bodyguard? I mean, you're so... handsome and capable. You could have done anything. Why this?" Kelvin chuckled softly, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "That's a fair question. It's not something I talk about often, but I suppose you deserve to know." Isabelle settled back against the pillows, curious to hear his story. Rose, sensing the change in atmosphere, rested her head on Isabelle's lap. "I grew up in a pretty tough neighborhood," Kelvin began, h
Isabelle woke up the next morning to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Rose, her loyal dog, lay curled up at the foot of her bed, her eyes opening as Isabelle stirred. Isabelle reached down to scratch behind Rose's ears, smiling at the comfort her furry companion brought her. As she got out of bed and began her morning routine, Isabelle's mind wandered back to the previous day. The time spent with Kelvin had been a welcome distraction, and she felt a renewed sense of determination to face the days ahead. Today, she knew, would be filled with more preparations for the wedding, but she was resolved to stay strong and keep a clear head. After dressing in a simple but elegant outfit, Isabelle made her way downstairs to the kitchen. The mansion was quiet, the staff already bustling about their duties. She found Kelvin in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He looked up and smiled when he sa
Isabelle sat on her bed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She felt drained, both physically and emotionally, and the weight of the recent events pressed heavily on her shoulders. Despite her efforts to stay awake and make sense of everything, her exhaustion overcame her, and she dozed off, sinking into a deep, dreamless sleep. She did not wake up until the next day. It was Rose, her loyal dog, who woke her, jumping on her and licking her face. Isabelle groaned, blinking groggily as she pushed herself up. She felt disoriented, her body stiff from sleeping in the same position for too long. The events of the previous day came flooding back, and she sighed heavily, rubbing her temples.Before she could fully gather her thoughts, there was a knock on the door. Isabelle's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly got up, her legs still shaky. She opened the door cautiously, expecting another confrontation with Collins or one of his minions.Instead, she was met with a group of m