Bound By Revenge Redeemed By Love

Isabella’s POV “Smile nicely, Isabella. For God’s sake, put on a smile.” My mother whispered, pinching me in the process as she greeted her guests with fake smiles, keeping on appearances like it meant as the happiest day of her life. Just a glance at her, one would mistaken her for the bride as she was richly dressed, her lips and nails painted pepper red with perfection, giving her an elegant look. I managed to force a smile so she could let me be, but the weight of my diamond necklace around my neck was much heavier than the duty they assigned to me. “I can’t breathe anymore,” I muttered, already suffocating from too much accessories, but no one cared. “You’re breathing just fine in my eyes,” she hissed. “Tonight is special, and it decides everything. Ensure to hold your head high, and don't forget to at least pretend this is the dream you’ve always wanted his your childhood.” Did she just say pretend? That’s all I had been force ld to do for weeks, even not months now. My eyes gradually shifted until it landed on him; Alexander Knight. The very man I was in no time about to call my husband. His dark suit giving out the vibe of being sculpted to his tall, lean but not too slender frame, his presence having the commanding aura, loud enough to silence an entire room. He didn’t care to smile, but I was told to smile. He didn’t care to throw even a glance to my way. His cold eyes never left the minister, but even without him looking at me, I could already see something strange, more like anger, or triumph. I wasn't certain, but I know something was wrong. From the very first vow, I had harbored the thought of running away, nursing it like it needed air to survive. Would they even notice my absence, since they are so engrossed in the ceremony more than the celebrant? It wasn't long and everything was finally over, the exchange of the vow looking more like a play. I was more than happy at the rate it ended, before I blinked. But shockingly for me, before I knew what was happening, I was in his limousine. Not alone , but with him. I shifted nervously trying so hard not to annoy him. “Mr. Knight...” “Alexander,” he cut in too sharply that I feared his temper. His gaze wasn't helping at all, all firce and piecing. “You’re my wife now, you should call me by my name.” “Alexander,” I managed to whisper, but my throat dry. “I… I don’t know the reason you chose to marry me, but...” He ley out a humorless laugh, though it was low, but also mocking. “Chose you for what?” His voice dripped much venom that I can remember. “Don’t try to flatter yourself, Isabella. You were and would never be a choice in my selection. You were just a mere transaction.” I didn't know if I heard right, or I was hallucinating. “A mere transaction?” I repeated, unable to believe my ears “Yes.” He leaned in closer to my ear to say, his scent intoxicating and at same time suffocating. “Your father simply sold you to me like a property. Or rather, I paid a huge amount of money to buy you, at the price of your father's empire. Hart Enterprises as we speak now is mine, and you, my darling, happens to be the final nail in his coffin.” “But there seemed to be something else in his tone, something rather unspoken. His eyes revealed something darker, like he was hiding a secret bigger than revenge. But does it mean I hadn't just married into hatred, but also into mystery? My stomach knotted by just hearing him rant. “You… married me not because you wanted to, but for revenge?” He smirked, an annoyingly cruel curl of his lips. “Exactly, my dear. Every smile tonight, every cheer you witnessed… everything was actually all built on your family’s ashes. Do have any idea what it feels like to watch helplessly, while everything you love burn to ashes, Isabella? Because you’re about to witness that in no short time.” I didn't know when Hot tears flowed like a river down my cheeks. “Why me? Why choose to drag me into this mess?” “Because,” he whispered, clearly enjoying the moment, his voice low and deadly, “what better punishment could it be other than for your father to watch helplessly while his precious daughter is trapped in my bed, bearing only my name, and all her freedom taken from her on a cruel manner? You are my tool for revenge, Isabella. Nothing more than that.” By now, my chest was full, the words crushing me. “You’re a monster, Alexander.” “And you,” he mocked, “happens to be the wife of a monster. And this union is for better for worse." I didn't realize how far we've gone until the moment the limousine finally pulled up to his mansion. It was an intimidating fortress of glass and steel, screaming old money in every side. Each clang of iron was more like a death sentence. This isn't a home but my prison. My fate has been sealed the moment the gates shut behind us. He guided me upstairs, though there were servants to do that, but he did it himself. His hand was on my back, it was the firm and commanding hold, nothing close to gentleness. “Why exactly are you bent on doing this?” I demanded, by now, my voice had lost its smoothness. “If your hatred for my family is that much, why not take the company, all the money till we become bankrupt, then spare my life instead of ruining me?" He stopped abruptly, and with a great force, made me to face him. His eyes nothing close to being kind. “Because, all those things you mentioned are not enough, Isabella. I don’t want just his money, I plan on getting his soul broken into pieces. And unfortunately for you, you are the perfect weapon.” I flinched at how easy it was for him to draft out everything. “I won’t give you the opportunity to destroy me.” He smirked, a dangerous and deadily smirk. “Oh, darling Isabella… you’re not about to be destroyed, you are already. You just haven't realized it yet.” His word carved deep hole in my heart, and I knew I was in for destruction. Without being told, I knew that if there's no route for escape, I have to create one. I wanted to scream for help, but it would be foolishness as bone would come for me. “Try and get some rest,” he finally said like he cared . “Tomorrow, your new life would start in filull. And the sooner you learn that there's no escape route, the easier it would be in adjustung to your new role."