Love on the shadow of the wolf

The night was deep, and the cold wind howled outside the car, filling the silence inside. Isabella sat in the passenger seat, gazing at the blurred scenery rushing past the window. A strange unease stirred in her chest. Turning her head, she looked at Derek, who was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his expression tense, as if deliberately avoiding her gaze. “Derek, where are we going?” Isabella asked, her voice probing yet gentle. Derek hesitated for a moment before responding, “To meet my uncle, Ethan. He wants to see you.” “Ethan?” Isabella frowned. “You’ve never mentioned him before. Why does he suddenly want to meet me?” “It’s… complicated.” Derek’s voice faltered, his eyes darting nervously. “He’s an important person. Once you meet him, everything will make sense.” “Important?” Isabella’s unease deepened. “Derek, are you hiding something from me?” Derek forced a strained smile. “Don’t overthink it, Bella. Just trust me, okay?” Isabella’s chest tightened, her instincts screaming at her that something was wrong. Still, she clung to the hope that Derek had a valid reason. The car slowed to a stop in front of a grand estate. The wrought-iron gates creaked open, revealing a winding driveway leading to an imposing mansion. Isabella’s apprehension peaked as she took in the opulence before her. Derek hurried out of the car and opened her door, his movements unusually brisk. “Come on, he’s waiting for us.” Reluctantly, Isabella followed him. As the mansion’s grand doors swung open, the warm glow of the interior did nothing to ease her growing dread. Standing in the foyer was a tall, commanding man in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharp features and piercing eyes exuded an air of authority, and the cold smirk on his lips sent a chill down Isabella’s spine. “So, this is how you’ve chosen to repay your debts?” Ethan’s voice was deep and laced with mockery, his gaze sweeping over Isabella. Isabella froze, her heart sinking as she glanced between Ethan and Derek. “What is he talking about, Derek?” Derek lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes. “Bella… please, just listen to me. This is for the best.” “For the best?” Isabella’s voice trembled with disbelief. “What have you done?” “He brought you here to settle his gambling debts,” Ethan said coldly, his tone devoid of sympathy. “A rather convenient transaction, wouldn’t you say?” “What?!” Isabella’s body stiffened as if struck by lightning. She turned to Derek, her voice rising with anger and betrayal. “Tell me this isn’t true!” Derek opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, he averted his gaze, a coward unwilling to face her fury. “You sold me for money?” Isabella’s voice broke, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m your girlfriend, Derek! How could you do this to me?” “I had no choice!” Derek finally shouted, his desperation spilling over. “I owe too much! Ethan was the only one willing to help me. Bella, I didn’t want this, but it’s the only way!” “The only way?” Isabella’s disbelief turned to searing anger. “You don’t care about me at all, do you?” Derek’s silence spoke louder than any words. Ethan, who had been watching with detached amusement, finally intervened. “That’s enough. Your little drama ends here. From now on, she’s mine.” “What do you mean, ‘yours’?” Isabella snapped, glaring at Ethan. “I’m not some object to be traded!” Ethan smirked, taking a step closer. His presence was overwhelming, and Isabella instinctively retreated. “In this house, no one cares about what you think. Derek handed you over to me, and I accepted. From this moment on, you belong to me.” Isabella felt the walls closing in around her, suffocated by the enormity of the betrayal. She looked at Derek, hoping for even a sliver of regret, but all she saw was a man too weak to even apologize. “I was blind to ever trust you,” Isabella said, her voice low but cutting like a blade.