"Please, let me go," she begged, her eyes brimming with tears and her voice shaking with fear. Struggling to breathe, she felt trapped in his overwhelming embrace. He ignored her pleas, seemingly unaware of the pain he was causing, driven by jealousy that clouded his judgment. With all her strength, she pushed against him, desperate for even a moment of freedom. But he held her down, his voice low and threatening as he said, "No, I want you now." In that moment, everything changed for her. She was his younger brother's fiancée, and this encounter marked the beginning of a dark path. In an instant, her innocence was shattered, but she would eventually seek justice.
Chapter 1 1
Isabella sat nervously in her room, peering out of the window every so often, eagerly awaiting her fiancé Zack's arrival. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across the sky, but Isabella felt a chill of anxiety creeping in. Her mind was consumed with a whirlwind of thoughts regarding finalizing wedding plans and determining the exact date for their much-anticipated special day. The excitement was palpable, but so was the anxiety, as she wondered how everything would come together in time. Would the flowers be ready? Had she forgotten any crucial details?
With Zack preoccupied with work commitments that demanded much of his attention, Isabella had taken on the responsibility of handling all the wedding preparations herself. She had always envisioned this day as a celebration of their love, and now that it was so close, she felt a mix of joy and trepidation. She eagerly longed for the moment when she could officially become his wife, especially now that she had recently graduated from high school and turned eighteen. This transition into adulthood filled her with hope and dreams for their future together, and she couldn't help but imagine the life they would build.
Zack had gone to great lengths to convince her parents to allow them to marry at such a young age, arguing passionately that he was no longer a young man himself. He had worked hard to establish himself in his career, gaining respect and admiration from those around him. At twenty-five, he had been entrusted with full authority over one of his father's thriving companies, demonstrating a level of maturity and responsibility that seemed to reassure Isabella's parents. Their approval meant everything to her, and she was grateful for Zack's determination.
Undeniably, Zack was every family's dream partner-wealthy, handsome, and genuinely in love with Isabella. It was no surprise that her parents had no objections to her moving in with Zack's family before the wedding. After all, she would be living there once they were married, and they wanted her to settle in comfortably before the big day. Isabella felt a sense of relief knowing that her parents trusted Zack, and she could sense their excitement about the upcoming union.
The grand family house, akin to a palace with its sprawling gardens and elegant architecture, was already inhabited by Zack's father and a multitude of devoted servants. The place had a sense of history and grandeur that made Isabella feel like she was stepping into a storybook. She felt there was little cause for concern regarding her new living arrangements, and everything seemed perfect. Isabella envisioned long dinners with Zack's family, laughter echoing through the halls, and a home filled with love.
However, little did anyone anticipate the presence of Xander, Zack's older brother, who had gained a notorious reputation in the business field as a heartbreaker and troublemaker. Xander's presence loomed large in their lives, often overshadowing the joy surrounding the upcoming wedding. Xander, nearing thirty years old, was known for his womanizing ways, earning him the unflattering title of the "nasty wrecker." With a different woman in tow every day, he indulged in his sexual desires, leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. Women flocked to him, eagerly offering themselves to him, only for him to discard them and move on to his next conquest without a second thought.
And then there was Xander, a wrecking ball in the business world. He had a reputation that preceded him, one that struck fear and admiration in equal measure. He was ruthless, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals, often leaving a trail of destruction behind him. Money and authority consumed him, driving his every move with a relentless ambition that knew no bounds. His reputation for manipulation extended beyond business, spilling into his personal life, where he exerted control and wielded power over those around him.
Isabella, on the other hand, had only ever had eyes for Zack, her fiancé and true love. From the very first time he confessed his love to her, to the beautiful flowers he would gift her and the gentle kisses on her hands, he had captured her heart from a young age. She cherished those memories, replaying them in her mind as she awaited his arrival. His unwavering love and protection had blossomed into a deep and abiding affection that she couldn't ignore, making her feel cherished and safe.
Yet, despite her devotion to Zack, Xander consistently ignored her presence, dismissing her as if she were invisible. His dismissive attitude perplexed her, but she brushed it off, not allowing his behavior to affect her overly. That is, until one fateful night when circumstances beyond her control forced them together in a way she could never have anticipated. This night would change everything, and Isabella had no idea how much.
As Isabella anxiously waited in her room, she heard strange noises coming from downstairs and the screeching of tires from a car that had just arrived. Her heart quickened with anticipation, and she hurriedly went to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside, but the darkness hindered her view. Suddenly, the entire house went black as the electricity went out, plunging her into an unsettling darkness. Startled and filled with dread, Isabella fought back the urge to scream, her fear of the dark threatening to overwhelm her senses.
Silence engulfed the room as Isabella sat and waited, desperately hoping that the one who would arrive would be Zack. With each approaching footstep, her anticipation grew, causing her to stand up as the door suddenly swung open. She felt a mix of hope and fear as she braced herself for the unexpected.
But to her shock and dismay, it wasn't Zack who barged into her room. It was Xander, his presence casting a dark shadow over the uncertainty of her future. The air grew thick with tension, and Isabella's heart sank at the sight of him.
He moved closer to her, his eyes scanning her body with a sensual and lustful gaze that made Isabella's skin crawl. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she tried to process his invasion of her space.
Feeling her heart race, she nervously met his gaze, attempting to read his intentions. Her voice quivered as she asked, "Is something wrong? Your room is on the other side of the corridor, remember?" Her innocent reminder was a subtle attempt to distance herself from his intoxicated late-night appearances, but she could sense the danger lurking beneath the surface.
But her innocence meant nothing to him. With a swift motion, he forcefully pushed her inside and slammed the door shut behind him. The sound echoed ominously in the quiet room, amplifying her fear. The smell of alcohol on his breath made her flinch and shiver, the scent thick and suffocating.
She took a step back, pleading, "Xander, please go. You're clearly drunk, and it's concerning." Her voice trembled, reflecting her rising panic as she tried to maintain her composure.
He didn't need a reminder; he was well aware of his condition. This wasn't anything new. Every day, he came home like this, and since she had moved in, it seemed to be worsening. He was always angry, particularly after Isabella's wedding plans had been set in motion and Zack's distant behavior had left him feeling neglected.
The reason behind his anger remained a mystery to him, swirling in a haze of alcohol and unresolved emotions. He was trapped in a cycle of his own making, and Isabella was caught in the crossfire.
Was it the alcohol, the overpowering lust, or even a twisted form of love? The questions raced through her mind, but she knew instinctively that none of it justified his actions.
In that moment, he didn't consider anything else, solely focused on taking what he desired, even if it meant using force. There was a predatory glint in his eyes that sent chills down her spine.
Pulling her into his chest, his hands roamed down her thighs and up to her chest, igniting a firestorm of fear and confusion within her. The sensation of his touch was foreign and wrong, and she recoiled instinctively. When she attempted to break free from his firm grip, he tightened his arms around her waist, unwilling to let go. In a matter of seconds, he forcibly claimed her lips, his kiss rough and aggressive, seeking entrance. She tried to resist, desperately grazing his lips with her teeth, struggling to make him go away.
But to her dismay, she received nothing but a low groan of pleasure as he forcefully pushed her down onto the bed, pinning her beneath his heavy and muscular body, rendering her nearly immobile. The weight of him was suffocating, and her mind raced as she searched for a way out.
In a desperate attempt to escape, she wriggled and writhed, attempting to roll away, but it was futile against his overpowering strength. She opened her mouth to scream, but he quickly covered it with his hand, silencing her pleas for help. The panic surged within her, a primal instinct to survive kicking in.
Compared to his towering, powerful frame, she felt weak and insignificant. Every inch of his arms seemed to bulge with muscles, accentuating his dominating presence and leaving her feeling utterly helpless. She fought with all her might, twisting and turning, but her efforts were in vain.
He seized her hands and forcefully brought them up to her head, immobilizing her as he used his other hand to unzip his pants. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when she heard the faint sound of her cellphone ringing from her jeans. Summoning every ounce of courage she had left, she bit down on Xander's hand and fumbled to answer the call. It was Zack on the other end-a lifeline in this nightmarish situation.
"Isabella, sweetheart..." Zack's voice came through the phone, filled with concern and confusion as he shifted from speaker to silent listener, utterly shocked by what he was hearing. The tension in her chest tightened, and she felt a flicker of hope.
And what could be more devastating and mentally crushing than a lover hearing that his fiancée has been sexually assaulted? Hearing her voice in distress sent a jolt of fear through Zack, and he struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.
They were meant to be married in just a few short days, and the thought of that future was now hanging by a thread. The gravity of the moment pressed heavily on Isabella's heart, and she feared what would come next.
Isabella pleaded with Xander, tears streaming down her face, "Please, just leave me alone. I need help!" Her voice cracked with desperation, and she felt the walls closing in around her.
But he ignored her cries, consumed by his own desires. Instead, he forcefully ripped the cellphone from her trembling hand and callously tossed it onto the bed beside him. With a mixture of anger and determination, he stripped away her clothes, callously stating, "No! I will take what I want, and right now, I want your body!" His words echoed in her mind, a haunting declaration that sent chills down her spine.
Despite her screams and pleas, Xander showed no remorse as he violated her, the darkness of the room swallowing her cries whole. There was no escape, and every moment felt like an eternity.
When he finally reached his climax, he withdrew from her bleeding body, his eyes lingering on her torn clothes, her swollen eyes, and the bloodstained sheets that told a story of horror and betrayal. The reality of what had just transpired settled heavily in the air, suffocating and oppressive.
But he wasn't the only witness to this horrific scene. The door swung open, and Zack entered the room just as Xander completed a troubling act against Isabella. The sight before him shattered his heart.
As his eyes fell upon Isabella, who stood naked on the bed, a wave of pain washed over Zack, crashing over him like a tidal wave. His mind raced as he tried to process the horror unfolding before him, disbelief gripping his heart.
In shock, Zack watched as Isabella, tears streaming down her face and her gaze blurred with hurt, stumbled off the bed, desperately seeking solace. She reached out for him, her eyes pleading for understanding and comfort.
All Isabella desired in that moment was for Zack to hold her, to provide solace and a sense of safety. However, he pushed her away, causing her to fall to the floor, and delivered his words with a cold and detached tone. "Isabella, I'm sorry, but I can no longer marry you after what happened between you and my brother." The finality of his words cut deeper than any physical pain.
Isabella gasped, feeling a mix of disbelief and fear as she desperately attempted to convey her innocence. "But I'm the victim! He r*a*ped me! I didn't do anything wrong. I swear it. Please believe me!" Her heart raced as she spoke, trying to make him understand the truth of her situation.
Suppressing his anger, Zack turned his back to Isabella, his voice devoid of warmth or compassion. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I cannot touch you or be with you after what transpired. You have to understand that this changes everything." The weight of his words settled heavily on her, and she felt the ground beneath her feet shift.
Suddenly, Xander's confident voice filled the room, cutting through the tension like a knife. "I will marry you, Isabella!" The audacity of his claim sent shockwaves through the air, leaving Isabella speechless.
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