Isabella stared at Richard, shocked by his harsh tone. "What are you talking about?" she asked, panic in her voice. "I give you my trust, my love, my youth, and even my career, and now you say this to me?"
Richard's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "Well, I'm not done talking, your family has been taking money from me for years. In your name and if you must leave you have to pay up. You don't believe me? Let's call them." After a revealing phone call with Isabella's brother James, who coldly dismissed her concerns, Isabella's hand shook. She turned to Richard, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and anguish. "You've turned my own family against me," she whispered. Richard shrugged, seemingly bored with the drama "I merely gave them what they wanted. Money talks, Isabella." "So what now?" she asked, her voice hollow. "Do as you're told or repay every cent I've invested in you and your parasitic family." Isabella laughed bitterly. "And where am I supposed to get that kind of money? You've made sure I have nothing of my own." "Not my problem," Richard sneered. "Figure it out or get used to your fancy cage.” In Isabella’s world, everything was gradually falling apart at the seams. She fell on her knees, burdened by this new form of betrayal that she had never imagined she would face. On the other hand, in the police car parked across town, Officer Louis could not get the look of fear etched on Isabella’s face out of his mind. His partner’s voice rang in his head, telling him to let it go, but he just couldn’t, something in his heart forbade it. With a look of a man on a mission, Louis took out his mobile and dialled a number which he rarely called. "Detective Ramirez? It's Officer Louis. I have some information about Richard Stone that might interest you." There was a pause on the other end. "I'm listening," came the gruff reply. Louis took a deep breath. "I believe he may be involved in illegally imprisoning and abusing his wife. I know you've been following him closely. Are you interested in this case?" The silence that followed was heavy. Finally, Detective Ramirez spoke, his voice low and intense. "Tell me everything, Louis. Every detail." As Louis began to recount all that happened, he felt like there was more to the case than what Mr Stone told them. Back at the Stone mansion, Isabella slowly rose to her feet, her eyes meeting Richard's cold gaze. Something had shifted within her - a spark of defiance ignited by the depths of betrayal she'd experienced. "You may have bought my family," she said, her voice quiet but steady, "but you don't own me, Richard. Not anymore." Richard's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Be careful, Isabella. You're making a huge mistake, playing a game you can't win." Isabella stood her ground, unflinching. “This isn't a game, Richard. It's my life." Richard's jaw clenched. "Putting an end to this union isn't your decision to make." Before Isabella could respond, the door sprang open. Richard's parents stormed in, their faces twisted with anger. Suddenly, Richard's parents burst into the room, their faces contorted with rage. "You ungrateful little witch!" Richard's mother shrieked. "How dare you call the police on our son? The butler just called us, he said Isabella called the police. What is the meaning of this?" Isabella tried to defend herself. "He's been abusing me, and he's having an affair-" "Affair?" Richard's father scoffed. "You called the police for such a minor issue, do you know how much damage such police reports can do to your husband if the media finds out? What kind of wife would betray her husband like that? You should be grateful Richard kept you by his side, given your... inadequacies." Isabella froze, her mind racing. "What do you mean? You...you knew about the affair?" Richard's mother rolled her eyes. "Of course, we knew. Everyone knows, you foolish girl?” Richard's father stepped forward, his voice equally harsh. "Our family needs an heir, and you can't provide one. You can't blame your husband for trying." Isabella's mind raced back to the last family gathering, remembering how warmly they had treated Eliza. She finally understood what was happening. "I was the ignorant one who couldn't tell what was happening under her nose," she said in a low tone, more to herself than anyone else. "And did you say abuse?" Richard's mother continued, her voice dripping with contempt. "You should be grateful for every moment of attention our son gives you. Do you think you deserve anything better?" She moved closer, her voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing but a gold-digging tramp who wormed her way into our family. We gave you everything, and this is how you repay us?" "I've given everything to this family," Isabella protested weakly. "Everything?" Richard's father laughed cruelly. "You can't even give us an heir. You're as barren as you are useless." Richard's mother nodded in agreement. "A real wife would have given Richard a child by now. Instead, you force him to seek comfort elsewhere. It's your fault he strayed!" Isabella felt the weight of their words crushing her. "But I've tried... the fertility treatments-" "Excuses!" Richard's mother spat. "You're a failure as a wife, as a daughter-in-law, and as a woman. Richard deserves so much better than you. You've been nothing but a burden. We gave you a chance to prove yourself worthy of the Stone name, and you've failed spectacularly." His father nodded grimly. "We should have listened to our instincts and never allowed this marriage. You've brought nothing but shame and embarrassment to our family." "And now you have the audacity to cry abuse?" Richard's mother sneered. "You should be on your knees, thanking us for not throwing you out on the street where you belong!” Years of devotion to Richard's company, designing tirelessly without a word of praise. Endless attempts to please his parents met with only more demands and criticism. Painful medical procedures endured alone, while Richard couldn't be bothered to accompany her. And now, when she finally found the courage to ask for a divorce, Richard suddenly had an opinion on what a wife should or shouldn't do. Isabella felt a change inside her. The pain was still there, sharp and strong, but now she also felt determined. Her face showed different feelings - surprise, pain, and anger. But then, unexpectedly, she started to laugh. It began as a small giggle, then grew into loud laughter that filled the room. Richard's parents looked shocked and just stared at her. After a while, Isabella stopped laughing. The room became very quiet. She looked at Richard, then at his parents. She saw how surprised and disgusted they seemed. Richard's mother recovered first, her face contorting with renewed anger. "How dare you laugh at us, you ungrateful wretch! After everything we've done for you?" Isabella's voice was quiet but steady. "And what exactly have you done for me, Mother? Besides criticising my every move, demeaning my efforts, and now, defending your son's infidelity?" Richard's father stepped forward, his voice cold. "Watch your tone, girl. Remember who put a roof over your head and clothes on your back." "Ah yes," Isabella nodded, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "The roof I clean, the meals I prepare, the company I design for - all without a word of thanks or appreciation." Richard moved towards her, his hand raised as if to grab her arm. Isabella slightly jerked backwards a reaction that caught the attention of all those present in the room. "You see?" she said in a barely audible tone. "This is what I've been living with. The constant fear, the walking on eggshells, never knowing when the next blow will come." Richard's mother scoffed. "Don't be so dramatic. A little discipline is necessary to keep a wife in line." Isabella turned to her, eyes wide with disbelief. "Discipline? Is that what you call it when your son locks me up? When he throws things at me because dinner isn't to his liking?" She looked at Richard's father. "Or maybe you believe it is okay for a husband to have sex with his wife against her wish especially when she is in a lot of pain due to the fertility treatments he agreed on?" His father glared at him but did not say anything. Isabella went on, her words becoming more forceful. “And let’s not forget the number of nights I spent sleeping alone, not knowing where my husband was, only for him to be chasing my cousin, the cousin all of you welcomed in our home while I was treated like an outcast.” She looked at their blank expressions and stopped speaking for some time. "You know what the saddest part is? I actually believed I was the problem. That if I just tried harder, worked more, changed myself more, I could earn your love and respect." Richard finally found his voice. "Isabella, you're hysterical. You need help-" "No, Richard," she cut him off. "What I need is to be free of this toxic environment. What I need is to remember who I was before I let this family tear me down piece by piece." His mother's face twisted in disgust. "This woman has mental issues. Quickly send her to a psychiatric hospital and have the doctor prescribe her some sedatives so she doesn't embarrass our family!"The steady tapping of fingers on the keyboard filled the quiet office. Seth Donovan the youthful thirty-two-year-old chief executive officer, was acknowledged as one of the most eloquent legal minds in the industry. A soft knock interrupted his focus. “Come in,” he barked without even lifting his head. He was so engrossed in his monitor. The door opened and Edward entered the room dressed in casual clothes; he was Seth’s right hand and a reliable friend. Edward ran a hand through his hair, a habit Seth recognized as a sign of stress. "We've got a situation, Seth. It's about Stone Enterprises." Seth leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. "Richard Stone. What's he up to now?" Edward dropped a thick file on Seth's desk. "It's worse than we thought.” Seth glanced through the file, his frown becoming more profound with each page. The headlines screamed accusations: "Toxic Work Environment at Donovan Corp," "Top Talent Fleeing Seth Donovan's Sinking Ship." "It gets worse,
Seth was deeply engrossed in reviewing a contract when Edward burst through the door, his usually impeccable appearance dishevelled, tie-crooked. "Seth," he gasped, clutching the doorframe. "You have to see this. Now." Seth looked up from his computer, irritation flickering across his face. “Edward, I'm in the middle of—" "Trust me," Edward cut him off, snatching the remote from Seth's desk. "This is more important." The huge screen on the wall came to life, flooding the room with mayhem. Seth's eyes grew wider as he saw the situation. "Is that..." he asked, springing from his chair. Edward nodded grimly. "Isabella Stone. Richard's wife." Isabella appeared on screen surrounded by reporters, microphones rammed into her face. Her hair was dishevelled and twisted. She wrapped her coat around herself like an armour. The camera draws near and you can see the fear and helplessness when she tries to deal with the interrogative inquiries being thrown at her. One of the reporters ask
Isabella sat cautiously on the brink of the leather sofa, her hands clasped firmly in her lap. The busy law firm hallway felt cramped, with each glance in her direction expressing implicit condemnation. She approached the receptionist's desk for what felt like the hundredth time. "Excuse me," Isabella said meekly. "I was wondering if—" The receptionist interrupted her in the middle of her statement with a fake smile. ”Sorry Mrs. Stone, but like I told you earlier, all our attorneys in the firm are busy at the moment, if you would like to leave your details we can fit you in.” “Please,” Isabella said softly. This is on the emergency level, all I need is to talk to someone for a few minutes. The face of the receptionist remained static with the same charming smile as earlier. "I hear you but it’s beyond my control. Perhaps you'd like to try another firm?" Isabella, beaten down, returned to her seat. Her phone buzzed non-stop in her purse. She pulled it out with shaking hands, shud
They reached a shiny towering building and Seth pointed at the door.“This is us,” he told her, gesturing to the doorway. No words were exchanged as they both rode the elevator together to Seth’s office. Isabella couldn't help but wonder, Why a man who had barely interacted with her would offer his assistance when all others had abandoned her. As soon as the door closed behind them, Seth gestured for Isabella to sit on one of the chairs opposite his desk. He undid his tie a little and looked her straight in the eyes, though his face seemed rather formal but benign. “Mrs Stone or may I say Isabella?” She merely looked up and nodded. He continued “I am sure you are quite puzzled as to why I have decided to take up your case.” Biting her lip, Isabella’s hands fisted in her lap. She nodded her head slightly and whispered, “The question had crossed my mind.” Seth propped his forearms on the surface of the desk, adopting a more serious posture. "Okay Isabella, let me be blunt with you.
Richard and Isabella pulled up to his parents' grand house. It was their fifth wedding anniversary, but Richard hadn't said a word about it all day. As they got out of the car, Isabella tried one last time to remind him. "Richard," she said softly, "do you know what day it is?" He checked his watch. "It's Friday. Come on, we're already late for the celebration dinner." Isabella's heart sank. He had forgotten completely. She had planned a special dinner at home, but Richard insisted they come to his parents' house instead. Now she was stuck at the last place she wanted to be on her anniversary. "Hurry up," Richard snapped as he strode to the front door. Isabella followed behind, holding back tears. This was not how she imagined celebrating five years of marriage. But she put on a brave face as Richard rang the doorbell, preparing herself for another difficult evening with her in-laws. Isabella's pulse raced as she heard footsteps coming from inside. The door slid wide, showing Mrs
It wasn't until late at night that Richard entered the room, reeking of alcohol. He threw his clothes across the room before collapsing on the bed. Isabella sat in the dimly lighted room and silently picked up the scattered clothes. As she folded them, she saw a lipstick stain on Richard's shirt collar. Her hands trembled as she turned towards him. "Richard, what's this stain on your shirt?" Richard grumbled and barely lifted his head. "I don’t know, Isabella. I was busy networking all night." Isabella's heart sank. Richard shot her a sharp look. "You know, I was left to socialize alone while you vanished. Where did you go? Did you return without me for some reason you don’t want me to know about?" Isabella's eyes filled with tears. "I stayed at the party for as long as I could but you were nowhere to be seen.” Richard sat up, glaring at her. "You could have at least tried to find me. Instead, you made it seem like you were up to something." Isabella took a shaky breath,
"Did you just say 'Eliza?'" Her voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with shock and dawning horror. Richard’s face turned pale. “Isabella, wait. I can explain.” “Explain what, Richard? That you’ve been fantasising about sleeping with my cou—” Isabella paused, then stared at Richard as if she was trying to read his mind. “Are you sleeping with Eliza?” Richard stared at her without saying a word.“Oh my God! You are sleeping with my cousin.” “I didn’t say that,” Richard replied defensively. “But you didn’t deny it either. Oh God. Richard, that is my cousin.” Isabella’s voice cracked as tears streamed down her cheeks. Richard’s expression hardened into a sneer. “Well, if you could have given me a child, this wouldn’t have happened.” Isabella felt a surge of anger. “You can’t blame me for your infidelity. Our inability to have a child has nothing to do with your philandering dick.” “Isa, watch your tone, don't you dare speak to me in such a tone!” Richard snapped, his voice
Isabella was heartbroken. She curled up in a corner and cried her eyes out. She couldn't sleep throughout the night. "She was probably a bad person in her former life to deserve this kind of fate," she figured She had been trying to reach Richard for hours, but no one answered. “Richard! Richard!” She called out repeatedly, but no one responded.How much time had passed? It should be evening by now. Wasn't the butler and the housekeeper around? Isabella felt enveloped by an endless darkness. The entire house was eerily silent, like a tomb, like her marriage.Isabella recalled how, over the years, she had obeyed Richard's every wish. Since Richard didn't like her to be in the spotlight, she appeared rarely in public. Richard often said the media were opportunistic and advised her to avoid journalists, so she kept quiet. Richard didn't like her interacting with others, claiming it made him jealous, so she devoted all her time to him.Now, the illusion shattered around her. Richard's co