Wounds of the Past
1109 Words
“Isabel, I know I haven’t been a good father figure in your life, but this time… I hope you can forgive me,” Mr. Roland said quietly. “I know that incident five years ago made you hate us, but I trust you. You are mature now — I know you can do it.”
“Uncle, I hope I won’t let you down,” Isabella replied softly and walked away from the dining table.
She made her way upstairs and stopped just outside Angela’s room. She listened.
“Mom, I’m not against Dad selling the shares, but… you know the state of Raymond’s father’s company,” Angela said, worried. “Now our company suddenly has a new CEO. What if she stops our business deal? What happens to my wedding? Nathan will definitely not support it.”
“I understand, baby,” Mrs. Roland said soothingly. “But calm down. Your dad and I will figure it out. We can quietly buy back the shares after his retirement.”
“What if the new CEO doesn’t want to work with us?” Angela asked, panicked.
“Honey, leave that to me and your father,” Mrs. Roland replied. “Trust me — your wedding will be the talk of the town.”
Outside, Isabella smirked, then quietly returned to her room.
---
A Clash of Sisters
Angela barged into Isabella’s room. Isabella rose, anger flashing in her eyes.
“Where are your manners? Oh wait — you never had any,” Isabella snapped.
Angela smiled coldly. “No matter what you say today, I won’t let you ruin my moment. Raymond and his family are downstairs. I bet it’s been a while since you saw your ex-fiancé.”
“I’ll pass,” Isabella said coolly. “If he sees me, he might cancel the wedding to marry me. I wouldn’t want history repeating itself.”
Angela scoffed. “You’re blaming me? Raymond chose me. There’s no way he’ll choose you again. You’re past tense.”
“Chose you?” Isabella laughed bitterly. “That’s your word for stealing? If he were truly mine, he wouldn’t have stooped low enough to fall for someone like you.”
“You’re pathetic, Isabella!”
“Then go be pathetic with your dog downstairs. Send him my regards.”
Angela stormed out in rage.
---
Dinner Drama
Angela returned to the dining room, furious. She slammed the table. Mrs. Roland rushed to her.
“Angela! No matter what your sister does, control yourself. Don’t disgrace yourself before your future in-laws.”
Angela forced a smile and sat beside Raymond.
“Where’s your sister?” Mr. Roland asked.
“She’s not feeling well. Let’s eat without her,” Angela lied.
“I’ll use the restroom,” Nathan, Raymond’s older brother, said.
“I’ll show you—” Angela began.
“No need. I’ll find my way,” Nathan said, heading upstairs.
---
An Unexpected Visit
Isabella was about to sleep when a knock came at her door. She opened it — it was Nathan.
“Long time no see, Miss Isabella.”
“Indeed. So… what brings you to my bedroom, Mr. Nathan?”
“You ignored my messages. Were you planning to ditch me forever? I wouldn’t have known you were back if I hadn’t come.”
“Nathan, what your brother and I had died five years ago. Please… leave me alone.”
“This isn’t about Raymond. This is about me and you. You know how I feel. If I can’t have you, no one will.”
He stepped forward, trying to hold her. She shoved him back and slapped him.
“Respect yourself, Mr. Nathan. This is my house.”
Her voice attracted everyone downstairs. They rushed in.
“Isabella, calm down,” Mrs. Roland said. “I’m sure he just lost his way.”
“You don’t even know what happened. But you always take their side.”
“Isabella—” Angela began.
“No. They are your guests, not mine. And kindly warn them — I don’t like pests near me.”
She slammed the door in their faces.
“We’ll take our leave,” Raymond said.
“Please, pay no attention to her,” Angela said.
Still, they left.
---
The Breaking Point
Angela stormed into Isabella’s room, raising her hand to slap her — but Isabella caught it and slapped her hard, pushing her into Mrs. Roland’s arms.
“Isabella! Are you out of your mind?” Mrs. Roland yelled.
“Had she slapped me, would you call that nonsense? You never defend me.”
“I’m your mother!”
“I wish you weren’t,” Isabella shouted.
Mrs. Roland slapped her. Angela smiled.
Again, Isabella quietly began packing her bags.
“Where are you going? Running again?” Angela mocked.
“Oh no, baby. This time, I’m here to stay — just not with you and your crazy mother.”
Dragging her luggage, she walked out.
---
The Final Straw
“Isabel…”
“Uncle, you can’t stop me. I’ve made up my mind.”
She left. Mrs. Roland rushed in.
“How could you let her go?!”
“She needs space,” Mr. Roland said. “She’s grown. Do you forget what we did to her five years ago?”
“Dad! You’re siding with that stupid girl!” Angela cried.
“She’s your sister. One more word from you and you won’t speak again,” Mr. Roland warned.
“Honey—”
“No, you reflect on yourself. You think you’re raising Angela, but you’re spoiling her.”
He walked away. Angela followed. Mrs. Roland sat down, haunted by memories from five years ago.
---
The Vow
“How could your mom still behave like this?” Mercy asked.
Isabella smirked. “Five years ago, I hated Mr. Roland. I thought he stole her from my dad. But I’ve grown. She had a choice — and she chose him over me and Dad.”
She broke down in tears. Mercy hugged her.
“I want to make my father proud. I want her to see that the daughter she abandoned now has more than she ever dreamed of.”
“We’ve come too far to give up now, Isabella,” Mercy said.
“I want revenge. I want justice. But Nathan… he won’t stop.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll overcome this,” Mercy said.
Isabella wiped her tears. “You’re right. What we went through five years ago was worse. This? This is nothing.”
“It’s late. Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow is another day.”
Isabella nodded
- Writer
