Chapter one
Isabella
As I walked into the living room of the humble apartment I lived in with my parents and older brother, I already felt something was wrong.
My mother was never happy to see me but this time her expression was pleased. My parents were misogynists that considered me a failure while my older brother got spoiled rotten and could do no wrong in their eyes.
“Ma, Pa, you called for me?” I lowered my head.
“Yes,” my mother replied with a cheering tone. “We have finally found a use for you.”
My heart skipped a beat for this. I was just a “use” for them.
“You know my boss’s son, don’t you?” My father came to the point. He didn’t care what I thought.
“Fred?” I looked up at once. Everyone knew him, he got off on torturing women, half his girlfriends either landed in the hospital or mysteriously disappeared.” The only reason he wasn’t behind bars was because of his father’s connections and protection. Why did father suddenly mention him?
“Good you know him. I made a deal with my boss and you are going to marry Fred.”
“What?” I exclaimed;. I was going to marry the man I loved in a few months, but he married me to a devil. “How could you do such a thing to me? You know George is my fiancée.”
My father laughed uproariously. “What? George? You really think he is going to marry you. You are even more stupid than you look if you think you have any choice.”
The words stabbed at me. I met my father’s threatening eyes and trembled as memories of how he beat me to death when he was drunk flew into my mind.
“I am not going to marry a sadist.” I said almost in a whisper and quickly ran back to my room. I needed George badly at this moment.
I couldn’t believe this. I knew my father. He meant what he said. My fate was totally decided by him.
No, I didn’t want this. I picked up my phone to call George but he wasn’t answering. I dropped the phone and quickly picked random clothes from my wardrobe and shoved them into a duffel bag.
Then I called him one more time to let him know I am coming to stay with him and I needed his help but he was still not answering it. What’s going on?
There’s no time left for me to wait for his call. I just couldn’t marry a devil. So, I ran away directly.
When I got to George’s apartment, the door was open. I was confused. If he was at home, why didn’t he answer my call? As I walked in, I got the answer.
I saw women`s clothing and underwear scattering in the living room that wasn’t mine accompanied by moaning coming from the bedroom. My duffel bag fell from my nerveless fingers.
That’s why George didn’t answer my call. That’s why my father mocked me when hearing I mentioned him.
“Your p***y is so wet.” George's coaxing voice was like a loud slap landing hard in my face. He never used this kind of voice when talking to me. I could hear my heart breaking.
I sobbed into my hands.
The man I loved and wanted to marry was cheating on me.
I couldn’t believe this, tears streaming down my face., How dare he do this to me? I loved him so much. What should I do? I was not myself now.
Yes, Tara, my best friend. She was clever. She must know what I should do. I brought out my phone with trembling hands and dialed my last straw. The next second, I heard her ring tone coming from the pile of clothes on the floor. I couldn’t believe my ears.
Oh no, I refuse to believe it was what I think it was.
I summoned my last courage and walked to the bedroom door, as I opened it, all air fled from my lungs.
My best friend and fiancé were naked and panting in bed. They turned and were shocked to see me standing there. But the next second, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Don’t you feel ashamed?” I was speechless about their looks. Then I started at George. “How could you, we are getting married in a few months and you are here with my best friend?”
“Oh, come on, don’t act so upset as if you are not marrying Fred.” George said to me like it’s just a small thing, while Tara hid her body in the blanket.
“What? How do you know that?” I was stunned.
“It was our idea of course. We get money from it and-”
“Wait.” I got a message from his words. “You sold me with my family? To a man that tortures women?”
“I guess I decided it was worth it, so you can either thank me or join us.” He smirked.
“You are so shameless.” I shaked my head. “I can’`t believe I loved you.”
“Go to hell.” I said while taking a glass of water from the table and poured it all on their faces, and stormed out.
All the people in my life betrayed me and I have nowhere to go to.
I walked aimlessly until I came across a bar and went in after showing a fake id for I only came to 18 several days before.
As the bartender slid my order towards me, I thought about calling my brother. We may not have the best relationship but I don’t think he hates me. Maybe he could help me out. I dialed his line and ended up on voicemail so I decided to leave him a message.
“Hi Daniel, it’s me, I know we haven’t always been the closest of siblings but I need your help, Mom and Dad made some kind of deal to sell me to some sadist who is probably going to kill me and I just found out my fiancé and best friend were in on it. Please I need your help, call me or text or . . . please.”
I said and ended it.
“How does the name Bianca sound?” A voice from my right said, causing me to jump in surprise. Did he hear everything I just said?
I turned to see a man who looked to be in his fifties. His salt-and-pepper hair was impeccably styled, framing a face that was adorned with a neatly trimmed beard. He seemed to be a wealthy person.
“Perhaps I could make you a better deal,” he continued, his voice sounded raspy and confident as though he did not expect people to say no to him.
“What are you saying?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
“You heard me. In less than a day, I could relocate you to another country with a whole new identity and add a few zeroes to whatever meager amount you currently have in your account,” he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.
The thought of starting a new life sounded tempting, but there was a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach, telling me that there was more to this offer than met the eye.
“What’s the catch?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You marry me instead."