Shadows beneath the vows

The rain was heavy that night. Not just falling but hitting hard. Cars lined up outside the Van Holt Hotel. The drivers rushed with umbrellas, trying to cover the rich people stepping out.Inside the ballroom, it was another world. Lights everywhere, chandeliers shining like gold. The marble floor was bright with soft music playing. Waiters moved around with champagnes. The people were laughing, acting rich, and smelling of perfume and money.Isla felt very out of place. The dress she was putting on was not hers; she borrowed it. She kept pulling the dress because it felt so tight. Her heels hurt.They were cheap and second-hand. But she wasn’t thinking about that. She came here with one reason.The folder pressed to her side had her designs. The jewellery she drew night after night. She wanted to give it to Dominic Thorne, a buyer people said would be here. Maybe he could change her life.Bills for her mom's hospital were too much. The debt is much. Working at the diner was not enough. She had nothing left. Her dreams didn’t feed anyone. But tonight maybe something could happen. She kept walking, moving between people. Men are shaking hands, women whispering.Then he saw him.Damian Voss She froze. He was standing by the stairs. putting on a black suit, slicking his hair and wearing a smile that looked dangerous. Everyone knew his name. Rich, powerful, influential. But what she saw made her chest tight.A senator gave him a small box. Damian gave him a small envelope. No words.just a deal.But not clean or safe.Isla’s breath caught. She looks away and pretends that she didn’t see anything. But Damian’s eyes caught up to hers. She felt like he could see everything inside her.Her heart raced. She turned and moved fast through the crowd. Her shoes sliding on the marble with loud music and loud laughter, but all she could hear was her heartbeat. Don’t run. Don’t show fear. She looked back. He was walking towards her. Her panic grew; she almost hit a waiter. She whispered 'sorry' and rushed to the elevator and pressed the button with a shaky hand. The door opened; everywhere was empty. She stepped in fast and pressed the top floor, then leaned back on the wall. Breathing heavily The elevator climbed; it stopped. The doors opened. Silence.A long hallway; the windows showed it was raining outside. She walked slowly. At the end, doors half opened. She pushed inside. The penthouse was big, rich, and cold with expensive furniture. She shut the door, breathing fast. Just as she was about to hide. Then a voice said.“If this is a game, you have five seconds to explain.”Her body jumped. A man was there. Adrian Cross.She knew him. That was the hotel owner. He is rich, feared and respected by everyone. And he was looking at her. Her knees felt too weak to run.'I’m sorry,' she whispered. “I thought—Don’t. His voice cut sharp. He stepped closer. “You are not staff. You’re not a guest. You don’t belong here.” Her back touched the glass, and it was raining heavily behind her.“No one sent me.” She said, shaking. Lies. I don’t like liars. He came closer, his cologne strong.Then,The elevator chimed outside. Her heart stopped. Footsteps are approaching. “She’s here. “Find her.” That was Damian’s voice. Adrian’s jaw clenched. He looked at the door, then at her. In one move he closed the door and braced his arm on the wall near her head, blocking her. His voice was low. You’re my problem henceforth. Isla’s lip opened to speak, but no sound came out. Adrian leaned close, his breath very hot. And I don’t let problems leave alive.. Isla realised then she didn’t escape. She walked into something worse.The storm outside was louder. Rain banging the glass like it wants to break it. Isla put her hands on the window. Her chest was heavy. Outside she was still hearing steps. Damian’s men are looking for her. But the danger is not outside. It was here.Adrian crossed. What did you see? His voice was low. 'I see nothing,' Isla said fast. Lies I swear, her voice was breaking. He bends closer. His breath on her face. “If Damian is after you, you’re in something already.” I don’t know him. Isla hissed. I only want to survive. Adrian’s eyes changed small. “Survive,” he said.Knock. Loud. Hard.Isla jumped. Adrian. “Damian’s voice through the door. She is inside, I know. Adrian calm. He put a finger to Isla’s lips. Quiet. Then go to the door. He opened small. “Damian”, he said softly, “why are you here?You know why, Damian's voice sharp. She saw me. Give her to me. The silence was heavy.Damian laughed. Careful Adrian Cross, you’re playing with fire. Adrian’s voice was calm. I don’t play. I own. He closed the door and locked it.Isla’s heart was beating too fast. She can’t breathe. Adrian turned back and said, 'You better thank me.' I saved you.Save? You trap me with you. Isla said, He walked to her. She pushes on glass. Cold on her back. “You think Damian is the worst? You’re with who is worse now.”Her throat dry. Then why not give me to him?He said because you step in my room, and when something enters my world. It doesn’t leave.'Please,' she whispered. I just want a chance again. Start again? Adrian said. Many beg me the same. You know where they are? Her voice was small. Dead?His smile was cold. “Owned by me”Tears in her eyes. I’m not a property. Then show me Adrian's eyes cut deep. She couldn’t say any words. You want to live? He said. Live through me first. He walked off slowly, pouring a drink in a glass. You stay tonight. Isla’s mouth is open. Stay? I can’t. My mother is sick!!!He turned. Mother? So you’re weak there. Don't speak about my mom. Everything hidden gets used, he says, drink in his hand. That's why Damian is still alive. That's why I rule. Her hands shake. She hates him.Knock again on the door. Louder. Damian's voice. Adrian. You can’t keep her forever.'Forever,' he says softly. Long-time And Isla knows now. Damian hunts her. Adrian owns her.