Bound by his obsession

The Gala

The dress made a statement, all sharp lines and elegance.

When she stepped into the living room, Rafael was already waiting. His black suit was flawless, his hair styled back and he looks so sharp enough to intimidate anyone but she refused to let it faze her

His eyes swept over her, slow and assessing "You clean up well, so gorgeous" he said.

She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. "I always do."

His lips twitched. "Shall we? offering her his hand..

The car ride was silent, and tense

"Fix your face and stop frowning" we are almost there. He told her staring at his phone.

When they arrived at the gala, flashes of cameras surrounded them. Reporters called Rafael's name, eager for a quote, a photo, autograph or anything.

He get out of the car and offering her his hand like a gentleman, "what a pretentious man" she mumbled as she smiled at him

He placed a firm hand on her waist, pulling her close as they walked inside, possessive and clearly warning.

She smiled for the cameras and wave , but inside, she was screaming. Why does it always feel like I'm trapped in his orbit?

The ballroom glittered with grand chandeliers, expensive champagne, and a sea of powerful men and women. Guests whispered as they passed, glancing at her, clearly impressed.

Is this what being paraded feels like?

Her eyes scanned the room and she spotted her ,Elena her sister, her competitor always and headache. near the bar ugh!!

Elena's dress shimmered under the lights, a deep emerald that clung to her curves, her hair was swept up elegantly, a few loose strands framing her face. Their eyes met briefly before Elena quickly looked away, lips pressed tight, clearly not happy seeing her especially in her husband arm, as if uncertain what to make of Isabella's presence.

She turned to Rafael. "Why is she here?"

"She's my guest," he said simply glancing at her.

A strange feeling settled in her chest. His guest? Or mine?

Before she could question it further, a man approached… one of Rafael's business associates "Rafael," he greeted, shaking his hand, his gaze flickering to Isabella. "And this must be your wife."

Rafael's arm tightened around her waist. "Yes. My wife." Something about the way he said it made her shiver. Not a question. Not a suggestion, ownership, he might as well place a collar on her neck to mark his territory..

He guided her through the room, subtly introducing her to the influential guests. "This is Isabella," he said, voice calm but commanding. "My wife."

Whispers followed them "Who is she, she look exactly like a doll, is she a model?"

"She's stunning." "Is that Rafael Knight's wife?"

Every glance felt like both praise and a tiny challenge. Isabella's chest tightened under his gaze feeled overwhelmed, he's showing me off like I'm a trophy… but I'm not breaking.

The night continued with introductions, forced smiles, and glasses of champagne. But Isabella felt it— Rafael's invisible chain wrapping tighter around her with every passing second.

And Elena watching.

Always watching

Isabella felt suffocated.

Between Rafael's tight grip on her waist and the curious eyes of the guests, she could barely breathe. She was supposed to smile, nod, and play the perfect wife. But all she could think about was Elena.

Her sister hadn't spoken to her once. Elena hovered near Rafael, always within reach but never too close. Observing, Waiting. What is she plotting?

Isabella's fingers curled around her champagne glass.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Rafael's voice was low, teasing.

She turned to him, forcing a smile. "Nothing."

He smirked. "Lying doesn't suit you."

Before she could respond, another businessman approached, launching into a conversation about stocks and investments. Rafael listened, nodding occasionally, but his hand never left Isabella's waist.

She needed air. I need to get out of here.

"I need to use the restroom," she whispered pinching his arm that wrap around her like a cage

Rafael glanced at her, grip lingering for a second before he let her go. "Don't take too long."

"I'm not going to run away, so stop acting like a caring mother" she smile up at him obviously enjoy rage baiting him

"You won't try that isa, you can't escape me again" his eyes darkened with twisted smile

Isabella turned on her heel, walking away before he could change his mind.

The restroom was down a quiet hallway, away from the noise and flashing cameras. The moment she stepped inside, she exhaled. Relief washed over her. She was washing her hands when the door swung open.

Elena. Her sister. Graceful, elegant, poised emerald gown shimmering under the soft lights. She stepped inside, shutting the door behind her.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Elena smiled. "You look beautiful tonight."

Isabella crossed her arms. "Why are you here?"

Elena tilted her head and smiled "Because Rafael invited me."

"He want me to come as his partner before you enter the picture, oh I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that" Elena quickly looked down blushing.

A cold knot formed in Isabella's stomach. "Why does he always invite you?"

"Cause you are too available?

Elena's smile didn't falter. "You're being paranoid."

Isabella didn't believe her.

Her sister stepped closer. "You should go back to your husband before he comes looking for you."

Isabella held her ground. "Are you jealous?"

Elena blinked innocently at her, then laughed softly. "Of what?"

"I don't need to be jealous, remember he's always within my reach sister"

"Of me, of the fact that he married me." "That he didn't always choose you over me"

For a split second, something flickered in Elena's eyes. Something dark and twisted like her soul.

Then she turned, opening the door. "You should hurry back to him, we both know he's a mad man sister." and just like that, she was gone.

Isabella stared at the empty doorway, heart pounding, she never want all this and something wasn't right. What is Elena really thinking