CHAPTER 7

James adjusted his tie, preparing for a crucial meeting with his business partners and Employees.

 "I won't be staying long at work today, just brief meetings with my employees concerning the investors coming in to sign the contract. Try to rest."

Isabella faked a smile, waving goodbye. "Be careful, James."

James stepped into the conference room, greeting his colleagues. Steve, his business partner, nodded in acknowledgment.

"Gentlemen, let's get started," James began. "I got a call this morning that the investors are arriving soon. We need to finalize our pitch; we don't have much time on our hands."

Steve leaned forward. "James, we've discussed this already. Your marital status is a concern."

James's expression turned stern. "My personal life is none of their business."

"James, it is. They want stability, and a married man represents that," Rachel added.

James sighed. "I'm working on it."

Steve pressed on. "The Reed family name carries weight. We can't afford scandals or instability."

"Besides, you have a fiancée now, so what's stopping you from moving things to the next level," Micheal chimed in.

James's jaw clenched. "Nothing really; I just don't want it to look like I'm moving things too fast, I recently just proposed to her.

Steve leaned back. "But we don't have the time, your marriage is relevant to the investors. They want a united front."

James stood. "I understand the stakes. Let's focus on the pitch."

"James, I know you're capable of greatness. But this marriage...it's a risk. Are you prepared for the consequences?"

James's eyes narrowed. "What consequences?"

Steve's voice dropped. "If Isabella's past catches up, or if she's not what she seems...we can't afford to lose everything."

James's expression turned cold. "You're questioning Isabella's integrity?"

Steve shrugged. "I'm questioning everything. That's my job."

"Let's finalize the financials, so I can lead the presentation," James said, ignoring Steve.

James feels a sense of determination, he knows the importance of securing this contract. 

The meeting continued, with James's colleagues tossing around ideas and strategies. As the discussion wrapped up, Steve lingered.

Isabella tackled the household chores. The silence was a welcome respite from the previous night's celebrations. Finishing the laundry, she decided to unwind with a warm bath.

The water enveloped her like a soothing cocoon. Her eyes drifted shut, letting the stress melt away.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside the bathroom door. Her heart skipped a beat.

"James? I wasn't expecting you back so early," she called out, hoping it was him.

No response.

The footsteps stopped outside the door. Isabella's unease grew.

"Who's there?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady, as she grabbed her robe and tied it around her body.

The door creaked open. Alex stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on her. 

"Hello, beautiful."

"Alex, what are you doing here and how did you get in?" Isabella's voice trembled.

Alex sneered. "Come on, I've missed you, Bella. You look stunning, as always."

Isabella's skin crawled. "Get out. Now."

Alex took a step closer. "You're still mine, Bella. You'll always be mine."

Isabella stood firm, clutching the towel around her. "Leave now, Alex. This is harassment."

Alex sneered. "You think you can just move on with your life, Bella? Forget about me?"

"What we had was in the past, and that is where it's going to remain, so leave now or I'll call the police, and so you know, I've moved on," Isabella said, trying to keep her voice steady.

You think you can hide your past forever, Bella? Your precious James doesn't know the truth, does he?" 

Isabella's heart pounded. "There's nothing to tell."

Alex chuckled. "Oh, Bella. You're still a liar."

He pulled out a folder filled with photos and documents.

Alex's eyes gleamed with malice. "I have proof of your little secrets."

Isabella's eyes widened in horror.

"What are those and what exactly do you want from me?" she whispered.

Alex's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "I want you back. And if you refuse, I'll expose your past to James and the world."

Isabella's world crumbled around her.

"You wouldn't dare," she stammered.

Alex's smile grew wider. "Try me.”

Alex took a step closer. "You'll always be mine, Bella. No one else can have you."

Isabella's fear turned to anger. "You lost the right to claim me when you abused me, you did not only abused me you also cheated on me countless times with your numerous hoes."

Alex's expression darkened. "That was just a misunderstanding, and every time it happens, I always apologize. Look, I know I hurt you but I still love you.

"Understand this: over my dead body will I ever go back to you and you can never have me," Isabella spat.

Alex chuckled "Who is the Billionaire I heard you're flirting with? So, you want to pick him over me right? Come on Isabella, you should know by now that he won't settle for something less like you."

"It's none of your business; all I want you to do right now is to leave my house before he comes back; him finding you here won't be funny," she added.

Alex's eyes flashed with anger. "You're just playing games with that rich boy, James. But he'll never love you like I do."

Isabella shook her head. "James cares for me, not controls me. Just so you know, he has never raised his hand on me."

Alex chuckled. "You think James can protect you? He has no idea what you're capable of."

Isabella stood firm. "I'm not afraid of you, Alex."

Alex's expression darkened. "You should be because I'm back and I'm not leaving without you."

 "Get out of my house!"

Alex could sense she still had feelings for him, he moved closer to him and used his hand to brush her hair from her face.

"Let me go! Please," she whispered.

Isabella’s heart skipped a beat as she felt his hands on her skin. She wanted to pull away but felt stuck.

Alex's grip tightened. “Come on, don't be afraid; I know deep down you still feel something for me and you can't resist me. You're mine, forever."

Isabella struggled, determined to break free.

Before she could say, Jack, Alex pushed her to the bed, leaned in, and pressed his lips to hers, taking off her robe. 

Suddenly, Isabella's room door was pushed open.