Caught in His Web

Chapter 3: Fate or Illusion

Back in Lakewood, the Carters were busy making calls.

“Anything yet?” Evelyn Carter asked her husband.

“Nothing yet,” he said solemnly.

“It’s been three weeks now. Where in the world is this girl hiding? The Ravenwoods will be coming here in two days,” Evelyn Carter said, frustrated.

“Mom, Dad you better find that daughter of yours . I'm definitely not marrying a useless heir in her place” Brianna said lazily while sipping tea.

Just then the secretary for the Carters walked in “We traced her recent debit card transactions. She’s in Seattle.”

“Seattle? Go get her now.Use every means” Ryan shouted furiously.

“Should we bring her back immediately, sir?” The secretary asked seriously and the whole family glared at him.

“At times you make me wonder if your mom dropped you as a baby” Brianna sighed “just go get my sister alive”

In Seattle, Isabella was in her room, scrolling through her social media account, not knowing what was soon coming her way. A text from Jason made her blush. The two of them had gotten much closer over the past few weeks.

“Dinner at 7 pm?” she read the text and replied, “Ok,” giggling.

At the restaurant, a waitress led her to the private room where Jason was waiting. He stood immediately and pulled out her chair.

“You look breathtaking,” he said, staring deeply into her eyes.

“Thank you,” she murmured, cheeks flushing under his intense gaze.

He returned to his seat and signaled for the waiter. Moments later, menus were placed before them.

Jason glanced at Isabella gently. “Anything catching your eye”

“Hmm yes I want ...seafood risotto for me. What about you?”

“Steak, medium rare, and seafood risotto please” Jason said to the waiter politely.

The waiter left after taking their orders. Bella and Jason talked about random things in their lives while waiting, though it was mostly Bella doing the talking while Jason just listened, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched her.

After a while, Bella stopped mid-sentence, let out a soft sigh, and said, cheeks flushing,

“Why do you keep doing this?”

“Doing what?” he blinked, amused.

“Stop… pause… and smile. You know… you just… pause and smile at me like that!” she admitted, hiding her face in her hands for a moment.

Jason leaned closer, his eyes warm. “I can’t help it… you’re just beautiful.”

Bella froze, her heart skipping a beat. She felt her cheeks heat up even more, and a small, involuntary smile slipped past her lips despite herself.

“Bella” Jason stated seriously and she panicked hearing his serious tone.

“Relax, it’s nothing serious,” he added quickly, noticing her wide-eyed expression.

“Oh… I see,” she murmured, taking a deep breath.

“I’m getting married,” Jason stated calmly, meeting her gaze.

Bella’s smile faltered. “You… you said it wasn’t serious!” she stammered, stunned, her mind racing.

“That’s because it isn’t,” Jason tried to explain, running a hand through his hair.

“You’re married and that’s not serious?” Bella laughed bitterly, shaking her head.

“Wait… you’re right. It isn’t serious. I got way ahead of myself, misread the signals… I’m sorry. Congrats on your wedding.” She grabbed her purse, standing abruptly.

“Bella,wait…” Jason rose as well, taking a careful step toward her. “I don’t even know who I’m getting married to. It’s an arranged marriage.”

“You're joking right?” Bella,stared at him shocked thinking of her own arranged marriage situation.

“I'm not Isabella” Jason ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear in his eyes. “It’s a family situation,” he said quietly. “I’m being forced into a marriage with someone I don’t even know. And to be honest…” he stepped closer to her ,hesitated briefly and then knelt on one knee “and to be honest Bella I'm in love with you and I know this is crazy, but I am. Bella….will you marry me”

“Jason, we've known each other for just three weeks” She whispered, relieved and surprised.Relieved that he was equally in love with her but surprised that he was proposing marriage that early.

Jason smiled, eyes warm. “Look at the signs, Bella. We met on that building. Then we met again in a completely different city… in the same hotel. Tell me that’s not fate, Isabella.”

Isabella let out a soft, disbelieving laugh. “I ran away from home because I’m also being forced into an arranged marriage,to someone I don’t even know.”

Jason’s eyes widened, then lit up. “You see?” he said, almost triumphant. “This is fate.” He reached for her hand. “So what do you say… will you marry me?”

“Fine, I'll marry you” Bella smiled and placed her hand in his. Jason got up and hugged her tightly

“I promise to get you the biggest diamond ring tomorrow ok?” He kissed her cheek.

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes let's get married tomorrow, don't tell me you're already backing out?” He challenged teasingly.

“You know what?” Bella said, heart racing. “Screw it. Let’s get married tomorrow.”

After dinner, Jason walked her back to her room.

“Get enough rest,” he said softly. “It’s a big day tomorrow.”

He leaned in, pressed a brief kiss to her cheek, then turned and left.

Isabella stood there, staring at his retreating figure long after he disappeared down the hallway.

Was he deliberately avoiding kissing her… or was she just imagining things?