Bound By Vengeance : The Billionaire's Deadly Deal

Chapter 5 - New Beginnings

Isabella's POV

The cold air in the corridor prickled my skin as I crept toward my father’s study. Each step felt heavier than the last, my pulse hammering against my ribs. My fingers tingled with anticipation as I pressed them against the ornate brass doorknob, twisting it slowly. The creak of the hinge echoed in the silence of the night, louder than I expected. My breath caught as I froze, waiting for any sign of movement. Nothing.

Damien’s instructions played over and over in my head. “The password is likely something personal to him. Think of what he values most—his pride, his family, or his money.”

Inside, the study smelled of cigars and leather—a space steeped in power and secrecy. This room had always been off-limits to me, yet here I was, defying the unspoken rules that governed my family. My heart thundered in my chest as I approached the safe. Its metallic sheen seemed to mock me, daring me to fail. With trembling hands, I keyed in the most obvious choice: GRAHAM.

A loud beep. Denied.

“Damn it,” I whispered under my breath, my fingers hovering over the keypad. What could it be? My eyes darted around the room, searching for clues. My father’s desk was meticulously arranged, every item screaming order and control. Then it hit me—a name I hated almost as much as I hated him.

Elena.

My lips curled bitterly as I typed her name. The safe clicked open, and a sharp exhale escaped my lips. Of course, it had to be her. Inside lay a single envelope, embossed with a golden crest and marked “Confidential.” My breath hitched as I reached for it. This was it—Damien’s golden ticket.

The door creaked open behind me, and I froze, clutching the envelope like a lifeline. A familiar voice sliced through the silence.

“Isabella?”

Elena.

I turned slowly, my mind racing for an excuse. Her suspicious gaze locked on me, her arms crossing over her chest. “What are you doing here?”

Think fast, Isabella.

“Looking for my bracelet,” I said, feigning annoyance. “You know, the one Mother gave me? I thought I might’ve dropped it in here earlier.”

She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “You’re always losing things. Honestly, how do you manage?”

I forced a sheepish smile, shrugging. “You’re right, Elena. I’m hopeless.”

She rolled her eyes, leaning against the doorframe. “Well, hurry up. I don’t have all night to babysit your scavenger hunt.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, brushing past her with the envelope tucked securely in my bag. My pulse hammered in my ears as I walked down the corridor, my steps deliberate but steady. The moment I was out of sight, I let out a shaky breath.

That was too close.

The grand hall glittered under the light of crystal chandeliers, every detail designed to scream wealth and perfection. My family’s eyes bore into my back as I stood at the altar, gripping the bouquet like a lifeline. The weight of their expectations pressed down on me, but I refused to crumble.

Father leaned in, his voice low and sharp. “What’s the meaning of this?”

I didn’t meet his gaze. “You’ll see,” I replied, my voice laced with quiet defiance.

The officiant cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the room. “May I present the groom…”

The doors at the end of the aisle opened, and Damien entered. His stride was purposeful, his tuxedo sharp enough to cut through the chaos erupting around us. Gasps filled the hall, followed by a deafening silence.

Elena shot to her feet, her voice breaking the stunned hush. “Wait—what? Damien? This isn’t right! Leo’s supposed to be the groom!”

I turned slightly, catching her outburst from the corner of my eye. Her face twisted in fury, her voice rising. “Isabella, take off that dress right now! You’re not the bride—I am!”

Before I could respond, Damien’s voice boomed, commanding and unyielding. “Sit. Down.”

The weight of his words silenced everyone. Even Elena faltered under his piercing gaze, her protests reduced to a choked stammer.

“You can’t do this! This was supposed to be my moment!” she shrieked, her desperation clawing at the edges of her composure.

Damien’s expression didn’t waver. “Get her out of here.”

Two guards appeared, their movements swift but firm as they escorted Elena away. She kicked and screamed, her voice echoing through the hall like a storm, but no one moved to intervene. My mother followed her, her face a mask of fury, but my father remained seated. His expression was cold, his silence louder than any words he could have spoken.

When the room settled, his gaze met mine. “You’ve brought shame to this family, Isabella.”

I lifted my chin, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “Maybe, Father. But this shame is mine to bear—not yours.”

He didn’t respond, only tightened his jaw as the ceremony continued.

The room felt different now, carrying a weight of permanence I couldn’t ignore. I stood by the mirror, my fingers tracing the intricate lace of my wedding dress. The memory of Damien standing up for me at the altar replayed in my mind, an unfamiliar warmth blooming in my chest.

The door opened behind me, and I turned, my breath catching. Damien stepped in, his presence filling the room. His gaze softened as it met mine, a flicker of vulnerability flashing across his face.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

I swallowed hard, nodding slightly. “A little.”

He took a step closer, his movements measured. “If you’re not ready, we don’t have to…”

His words hung in the air, a lifeline I could grab onto. But instead, I shook my head. “No, it’s okay. I’m ready.”

For a moment, he looked surprised, almost hesitant. Then his eyes darkened, a quiet intensity taking over.

“Isabella…” His voice was low, almost a growl. “You can still back out. Because once I start… there’s no stopping.”

My heart pounded, anticipation thrumming through my veins. “I don’t want to stop.”

His hands found my waist, firm but gentle as he pulled me closer. When his lips met mine, it was like stepping into fire—intense, consuming, and impossible to escape.

As he lifted me effortlessly, his whispered words sent shivers down my spine. “You’re mine now, Isabella. All of you.”

And in that moment, I surrendered—not just to him, but to the storm of emotions threatening to drown me. There was no turning back now.