Caught in His Web

Chapter 4: Fate is a joke

Bella woke up with a smile on her face.

For the first time in weeks, she didn’t feel dread sitting on her chest. Today was supposed to be simple. No family. No expectations. Just her and Jason.

She showered quickly, humming to herself as she slipped into a soft dress, fixing her hair with more care than usual. She checked her reflection one last time, heart fluttering. Today… I become someone’s wife.

A knock sounded on the door.

Her smile widened. Jason.

She hurried over and pulled the door open without a second thought.The smile slipped instantly.Standing in the hallway was her father’s secretary, expression stiff and professional with two guards by him, broad and unmoving.

“Miss Carter,” the secretary said coolly.“Your father requests your immediate return.”

Bella’s blood ran cold and she tried to close the door back but it was too late,he held the door open.

“Don't make this hard for us,Miss Carter,” he warned.

“I'm not coming”she shook her head and then yelled Jason’s name “Jason, Jason” she screamed.

The secretary gave a signal to the guards and they used a drugged handkerchief to cover her nose.She struggled, kicking and thrashing, but her strength failed her. Her vision blurred, limbs heavy, and she went unconscious.

…

Pain! Isabella woke up with a splitting headache. She groaned as she took in her surroundings and realized she was back in her room in Lakewood. She cussed thinking of her bad luck. Jason! She hurriedly got up from her bed but stumbled from the headache.

She heard someone enter her room and, before she could raise her head to see who it was—SMACK!—a sharp slap landed across her cheek. Pain shot through her face, making her stumble backward.

She looked up to see her dad's furious face.

“You damn bitch.You ungrateful b***h” he yelled.

“Dad” she whispered, staring at him,her eyes filled with sadness and disappointment.

Ryan froze for a moment, a strange prick of discomfort running through him as he met Isabella’s eyes—filled with sadness and disappointment. It was subtle, almost unnoticeable, but enough to make his hand hesitate. He cleared his throat and waved it off.

“The Ravenwoods are coming tonight, and you will behave. Do I make myself clear?”

She whispered again, her voice breaking. “I’d rather die than marry someone I don’t love.”

She grabbed the small fruit knife from the tray on the bedside table, fingers shaking.

“Bella!” Ryan panicked, stepping forward.

“Stay back! I’m tired of all this,” she cried, shoulders slumping.

He took a careful breath, then slowly approached and pried the knife from her hand. “Calm down. Listen to me.” He guided her to sit on the bed. “It’s not about being selfish…the Ravenwoods are too dangerous to offend.”

“But… we equally have money. We have power, companies…” she protested, tears streaming.

“I know,” he said softly. “But even we the Carters can’t afford to cross them. And… they specifically requested you.”

Bella blinked. “Me?”

“Yes. I was shocked too,” he admitted with a small chuckle. “Who would want my rebellious daughter?”

“I’m not rebellious,” she sniffled.

“Sure you’re not,” he smiled. Then his tone softened. “Here’s the deal—meet them tonight. If after that you refuse, I’ll call off the marriage.”

Bella narrowed her eyes. “And you think they’ll agree?”

“That’s what they said,” he shrugged.

“You're just trying to gaslight me” she looked at him suspiciously.

“Apparently, if you don’t want to get married after meeting their son, you’re free to back out.”

“Hah, they're that confident I won't reject them right” she chuckled.

“He must be really handsome if they that confident”

“Handsome or not, I’m rejecting it,” she said, wiping her tears.

“Good,” he said with a proud grin. “Now, go get dressed. Make sure you look your best.”

Bella wiped her tears, still trembling, and slowly rose from the bed. Ryan stared at her with an unreadable expression before leaving the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Isabella’s eyes darted around the room, searching desperately for her phone. Jason… I need to tell him… She rifled through drawers, tossed cushions aside, and even checked under the bed. Nothing.

“That damn secretary!” she hissed through gritted teeth, slamming her hand onto the dresser. Of course he confiscated my phone. Couldn’t risk me calling anyone who might rescue me.

As she stood there thinking of what to do,a rebellious idea took root. If she had to meet the Ravenwoods tonight, she would do it on her terms.

She opened her wardrobe and pulled out a dress that would have made even the boldest socialite blush. Deep crimson silk hugged her curves like a second skin, the bodice plunging just enough to turn heads without giving everything away. The thigh-high slit teased with each step she took, the delicate straps leaving her shoulders bare. Sequins shimmered subtly in the light, casting a soft, tantalizing glow across her skin.

Isabella examined herself in the mirror, letting a wicked smile curl her lips. This isn’t about pleasing them. This is about showing them Bella Carter isn’t anyone’s puppet.

She slipped into the dress with practiced ease, the silk sliding over her body and accentuating her rebellious defiance. Her hair cascaded in soft waves over one shoulder, and a bold red lip completed the look. She tugged a small clutch into her hand, pausing to admire the effect.

“This… this will do nicely,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts.

“Miss Carter?” the maid’s timid voice called. “The Ravenwoods have arrived.”

Her heart skipped a beat and she took a deep breath.

“Let's go” she smiled wickedly.

With one last glance at her reflection, she sashayed toward the door, heels clicking against the polished floor. She knew she was walking into a storm, but tonight… Tonight she was going to make her presence impossible to ignore.

On reaching the living, she saw her family seated and opposite them sat the Ravenwoods with their son beside them.

“Bella!” They all gasped on seeing her tight and revealing clothes.

“What the hell are you wearing” her mom mouthed to her.

Bella ignored everyone's questioning stare and took a seat,crossing one leg over the other.Her eyes immediately landed on their son,sharp jaw,neatly styled hair, impeccable suit but he wasn't as handsome as her Jason. She let her gaze linger a moment too long, letting the intensity of her glare settle on him. He shifted awkwardly in his seat, clearly uncomfortable under her gaze.

Ryan Carter cleared his throat. “This is my daughter, Isabella Carter,” he said, gesturing toward her.

Bella’s eyes flicked briefly at the Ravenwoods, already taking in every detail.

“This is Mrs. Joyce Ravenwood, the matriarch for the Ravenwoods and Mr. Samuel Ravenwood,her husband,” Ryan continued, his tone formal.

“And this…” he hesitated slightly, glancing at the young man seated beside them, “…is their son—”

Samuel Ravenwood waved a hand, cutting in smoothly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Oh no, this is my nephew, Luke. My son is just outside, parking the car—I wonder what’s taking him so long.”

Bella glanced at Luke, almost feeling apologetic for glaring at him so intensely. But if he’s not their son… then who the hell is their son? she wondered, curiosity mixing with impatience.

Just then, footsteps echoed in the room.

“Oh, there he is,” Joyce Ravenwood smiled, her eyes lighting up.

Bella didn’t even glance at him, instead lazily twirling a strand of hair and tapping her nails against her leg.

“Sorry, I’m late,” a deep baritone announced, making Bella lift her head abruptly.

Right in front of her stood Jason.His blonde hair was styled back, and those piercing blue eyes were locked onto hers with an intensity that made her knees weak.

Bella blinked, her heart racing.Wait… this couldn’t be right. Jason? Here? In my house? She stared at him in disbelief. Her arranged husband was Jason?