Bound by his obsession

The test

She dragged herself into the bathroom, leaning against the sink as her reflection stared back at her, her hair was a messy, skin flushed, and faint love bites painted across her neck and collarbone like reminders of Rafael's possession and obsession.

She turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash over her skin, but it didn't erase the memories she could still feel him, his lips, his hands, the way he had taken her fast and rough as if she belonged to him alone.

Her hands trembled as she reached for her foundation, dabbing carefully over the reddened marks I can't let anyone see, I will die of shame if they do. She styled her hair loose around her shoulders, hoping it would hide what her makeup couldn't she chose a fitted cream dress that hugged her waist and skimmed her thighs, modest enough for the public but dangerous in the way it clung to her curves. As she zipped it up, she hated how part of her wanted his approval

When she stepped out, she found Rafael waiting downstairs, dressed in a crisp dark suit. He leaned casually against the dining table, phone in one hand, coffee in the other. His eyes lifted briefly when she entered—and lingered.

You're late," he said flatly.

"I was getting ready," Isabella replied, taking a seat at the table, she forced herself to eat a piece of toast, though her appetite was gone under the weight of his stare

Elena's voice drifted into the room "You look lovely, Bella

Isabella stiffened, she's still her?

Her sister was leaning against the doorway in a pale blue dress, her hair curled, lips painted soft pink. She looked like she belonged in Rafael's world perfect, polished, untouchable.

Rafael's jaw tightened "Elena, wait for me at the office we'll talk there."

The dismissal was sharp Elena's smile faltered, but she quickly smoothed it over "of course I'll see you later, Rafael" Her gaze lingered on Isabella for one second too long before she walk off

Isabella's fork froze midair she didn't trust her sister and the way Rafael had shut her down so easily didn't ease her nerves, it made them worse..

"Eat, don't keep me waiting" Rafael ordered, his tone low.

She forced down another bite, her pulse unsteady "what's going on?

Minutes later, he stood and moved toward her, tugging her wrist firmly. "We're leaving.

Isabella didn't get a chance to argue.

Within minute, he led her outside his grip firm on her wrist, he didn't speak, no explanation, just shoved her into the sleek black car and got in beside her

The air inside was suffocating

She could still feel the ghost of his touch from last night—the way he had dominated her, consumed her. And yet, today, he was colder than ever.

She turned to him. "Where are we going?"

Rafael's eyes stayed on the road. "You'll see."

That wasn't an answer, and they both knew it.

Frustration bubbled inside her, but she forced herself to stay calm she couldn't afford to show weakness or have her remaining day ruined pretty fast, not now

The drive stretched in silence, tension thick between them then finally, after what felt like forever, the car pulled up in front of a towering glass building.

Knight Enterprises

Her stomach twisted, Rafael stepped out, walking around to open her door "Out."

She hesitated, searching his face for some hint of what he was thinking, but his expression was unreadable still she obeyed

The moment she stepped out, he took her hand firm, possessive as he led her inside, straight through the lobby, past the rows of staring employees

Whispers followed them like a shadow

"Is that her?"

"She's beautiful."

"Mr. Knight never brings anyone here…"

Heat crept up Isabella's neck, she was painfully aware of her dress clinging to her curves, the faint marks Rafael had left across her collarbone still visible if anyone looked too closely and he wanted them to look, she realized that as he walked with his head high, as if parading her like a possession he was daring the world to question

He didn't stop until they reached the top floor, his office, the heavy door shut behind them with a click, the lock sliding into place.

Rafael turned to her, eyes dark. "Do you know why I brought you here?"

She lifted her chin "No and I'm curious too."

Rafael stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "Because I don't like games, Isabella."

Her breath hitched as his fingers brushed her jaw, tilting her face up

"I don't like secrets," he murmured

Something about the way he said it made her pulse race. "What are you talking about?"

His lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor in it. "Your sister."

Isabella's stomach dropped

Rafael leaned in, his breath warm against her skin "She thinks I don't see it the way she looks at me, the way she tries to insert herself between us." His grip tightened slightly "But I do"

Isabella swallowed hard "then why are you telling me this?

His gaze burned into her, sharp and unrelenting. "Because I want to know where you stand not just as her sister… but as my wife, will you stand beside me when it matters or will you betray me like you once did?

A tes that's what it is, a calculated test to see if she would betray her own blood for him

The accusation in his tone made her chest tighten "I never betrayed you," she whispered, though the lie lodged in her throat, heavy with the guilt she carried

Rafael's lips curved into a cold smile, though his eyes stayed dark "then prove it, Isabella shiw me I'm wrong because in this world, loyalty is everything and I won't forgive you twice.

She should have been angry, she should have walked out but her pulse pounded in her ears, betraying her calm façade

"You think I would betray my own sister?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her

Rafael tilted his head, studying her "I think you already have."

Her breath caught "I've seen the way you look at me, Isabella," he continued, stepping closer. "You want me just as much as I want you."

" what are you hiding isa?"

She turned away, avoiding his eyes "you're delusional."

His fingers wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back to face him "am i?"

Isabella swallowed hard, she couldn't let him see through her.

"I don't care what you think," she said, lifting her chin "I'm not playing this game."

Rafael smirked. "You've been playing it since the moment you walked into and out my life."

His words sent a chill through her, but before she could respond, there was a knock on the door.

Rafael didn't move, his gaze still locked on hers.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened, and Isabella's heart nearly stopped when she saw her sister standing there, she almost forgot Elena is Rafeal secretary

Elena eyes flickered between them before settling on Isabella. "What's going on?"

Rafael finally released his hold on Isabella and turned to Elena with a charming smile, his hand slid briefly across Isabella's lower back, a deliberate gesture of possession "Nothing you need to worry about, drop the file and get out"

But Isabella knew better

She saw the flicker of jealousy in Elena's gaze the way her lips parted slightly as she looked at Rafael

And in that moment, Isabella realized something terrifying

Elena didn't just love Rafael, she wanted to take him from her

Hah" she exclaimed cause Elena hid it too well or is there something she is missing?