Chapter 7: Flawless Escape
927 Words
The boutique was beautiful — soft lighting, polished marble, rows of stunning designer clothes. Isabella could barely walk straight; every step dragged her back to the memory of last night. The sales representative, a woman noticed, stepped closer. “Are you okay?” she asked gently. Isabella nodded, but her face had already turned pale. A thought struck her mind, maybe this was another opportunity of escape. She picked up an elegant dress and turned to Luca. “I want to try this on.” Unable to stare at him.
His jaw tightened “Go ahead.”
“I need privacy.” She said softly.
He stared at her for a beat, then stepped back. “I’ll be right outside.”
The moment the dressing room door shut, Isabella turned to the salesgirl desperately. "
“Please,” she whispered. “I’m not here willingly. Help me escape.”
The sales girl froze in disbelief, then took a quick peep outside the building and then nodded. “Service exit. Back door. Go now.”
Isabella’s heart spiked. She hesitated for some seconds. It felt like she was Deciding a death wish. She staggered through the back hallway, panting and then burst out into the alley. She waved down the first cab she saw. “Drive!” she gasped, giving her the address of the only safe place she could think of. She kept looking behind as the city blurred past the windows.
For the first time in weeks, hope flickered in her chest.",yes...fuck yes!" she screamed. She had done it. She was free. Or so she thought.
When the cab had dropped her and drove up, she stood still at the door. Thoughts flooding her mind, her hands shaking as she dared to knock. She knocked twice and waited. It opened. Her boyfriend, Ethan, stood there. Shock flashed across his face, quickly replaced by disappointment.
“Please let me in.” She pleaded searching around. He let her inside without a word.
Silence stretched between them until he finally spoke. “You got married?” His voice was low, but every word cut deep. “No calls. No messages. Nothing. We had plans, Isabella. A future. And you just… disappeared and married someone else?” He stood in front of her, his face and voice could tell the condition of his heart. Broke .
“I didn’t choose this!” Isabella stepped closer, tears burning her eyes.”
He stared at her, jaw tight. “Your father told me you agreed to it. That you wanted the money and the lifestyle. He said you chose that world over us.”
“That’s a lie,” Isabella felt intense headache “You have to believe me, Ethan. My father betrayed me! He sold me.” Rubbing her hands over her head. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “My father sold me to him," she sniffed and swallowed hard, "He forced me into that marriage. I escaped and came here because I had nowhere else to go. I knew I would find you here. They’re probably looking for me right now.”
Ethan felt bad, he brushed his hand over his hair confused on what to do or say. “Are you okay?”
“I was kidn*pped the night of prom. I’ve been trapped in that hell for weeks. Abused. Humiliated." her broken voice echoed. "I’m not okay. I’m so far from okay.”
Ethan’s expression softened. He searched her face, then pulled her into his arms. “I am sorry baby.” They had been together for years, and she had always been loyal. He was torn, unsure of what to believe—but in that moment, all he felt was joy that Isabella, the love of his life, was back in his arms.
“I’m broken,” she cried bitterly her first pounding against his chest.
“I’m here now.” He held her tighter. “We’ll run away out of the country. Somewhere they’ll never find us.” Relief flooded Isabella.
Later that evening, Ethan tossed two plane tickets onto the bed. “I bought these days ago. I waited for you at our spot, but you never showed up. I went to your house… your father warned me to stay away. Said you belonged to someone powerful now.”
He scoffed bitterly. “I just wanted to see you one last time. Tell you I loved you.”
“I’m here now,” Isabella said, touching his face. “I’ll follow you anywhere. Nothing will tear us apart again. I promise.” She leaned in and kissed him passionately, pouring all her fear and love into it. He kissed her back like he was afraid she’d disappear.
It was late and dark when the knock came. They froze. “Stay here,” Ethan said, standing up.
“Don’t open it,” Isabella begged. “I have a bad feeling.”
He smiled reassuringly. “I ordered pizza. Relax.”
The moment he opened the door, a gunshot shattered the air. Isabella ran out and froze in horror. Luca stood in the doorway like a shadow of death, gun still raised. Calm and unbothered. “Run!” Ethan shouted, clutching his bleeding leg.
She couldn’t leave him. Isabella rushed forward, throwing herself between them. she “Please, Luca! Don’t do this. It’s me you want — leave him out of it!” Luca’s cold, ruthless eyes locked onto hers with no emotion. “Please…” she begged, voice breaking.
The gun clicked. He fired again
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