Bound To BlackwoodUpdated at May 21, 2026, 01:02
Isabella Hale walks down the aisle in white lace that feels like chains, forced to marry Damian Blackwood to save her father’s collapsing company. She’s never kissed him, never wanted him, never even known him asides watching him on the news. But her father’s desperation and Damian’s control leave her with no escape. Two guards block the doors, and the promise of finding her missing mother is the only thing keeping her from running. At the altar, Damian claims her with cold certainty, lifting her chin and saying “I do” without hesitation. Isabella hesitates, the word no burning on her tongue, but the thought of her mother and her father’s silent plea break her. She whispers “I do” low enough that the priest makes her repeat it louder, and the moment she does, it feels like something inside her tears apart. Damian seals the marriage with a possessive, final kiss in front of the cameras, declaring that she’s his now and no one is coming to save her. He ignores the buzz of his phone until the ceremony is over, then whispers that they’ll have plenty of chances later. Isabella’s stomach sinks as she realizes the truth—she’s been sold to fix every problem in her family. Her father hugs her with relief rather than love, while Damian’s arm stays locked around her waist, unyielding. When he finally checks his phone, he reads a message and hides it before turning back to her. Isabella stands lost in the moment, her only thought a silent message to her missing mother: Mom, I got married.