3.

ISLA

A sharp knock at the door broke the silence. “Are you ready? Your dad’s waiting downstairs.”

“Almost,” I replied, keeping my voice even as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

“Okay, but don’t take too long.”

I exhaled slowly, smoothing the crimson fabric that clung to my body like it belonged there. The gown, sleek and off-shoulder, was perfect. Nude makeup, hair parted to one side, not a strand out of place—it was all a façade.

“I can do this,” I whispered, the words meant to steel my resolve.

Clutching my black purse, I gave myself one final glance. Perfect on the outside. A flawless mask to hide the storm brewing beneath.

I descended the stairs, each step heavier than the last, the clicking of my heels echoing through the house.

**********

The grand hall was a spectacle of wealth and power, every inch of it radiating elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting soft light over the elite of society. The crowd was a blur of tailored suits and expensive gowns, their laughter and chatter a dull hum in my ears.

My parents exchanged pleasantries with Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, their polished smiles hiding the tension beneath. I excused myself silently, slipping away from the group, my eyes searching for an escape.

A low, familiar voice brushed against my ears like a dark caress. “Leaving so soon, little dove?”

I froze.

Every muscle in my body tensed, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. His presence was as suffocating as it was magnetic, the scent of smoke and spice wrapping around me like a noose.

Before I could react, warm, calloused hands found mine, pulling them together as his arms encircled me from behind.

“Oliver,” I breathed, barely able to get the name out.

“Miss me?” His voice was velvet laced with steel, dark and sweet, like poison wrapped in silk.

“Let me go.”

“Not yet.” He guided me into a slow, deliberate sway, our bodies moving in time with the soft music. My heart pounded, the heat of him pressing against my back setting my nerves alight.

I tried to pull away, but he spun me, effortlessly, until I was facing him. My chest collided with his, and my breath caught in my throat.

“Still running from me?” His stormy gray eyes locked onto mine, a cruel smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Oliver let me go..” I whispered, the name tasting bitter on my tongue.

His hand moved to my face, brushing a stray curl from my cheek. “You’ve grown more beautiful, Isla. But you’re still the same scared little dove.”

My stomach churned. “Why are you doing this? You can cancel this marriage. Tell your family you don’t want to be part of it. Please I am begging you”

His grip tightened at my waist, pulling me closer. “I am doing this because I can and because I want to.” His voice dropped, soft and dangerous. “Did you think I’d forget you?”

“I hoped you had.”

He chuckled, a low, chilling sound. “I never forget. And I always get what I want.”

I glared at him, forcing the words out. “Marriage isn’t about possession. You don’t even love me. Let’s end this before we even get married please.”

His smile sharpened. “Love? This isn’t about love. It’s about you being mine.” He leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. “You were mine the moment I laid eyes on you, little dove.”

A shiver ran down my spine, and I pushed against his chest, my voice trembling. “You can’t do this.”

“I already have,” he whispered, amusement glinting in his eyes.

Summoning all my strength, I stepped out of his arms and pushed him away. His eyes darkened, surprise flickering before he masked it with indifference.

“I’m not yours,” I said, turning on my heel and walking away, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Isla,” he called after me, his voice calm, confident. “Run if you want, but you’ll come back. You always do.”

I didn’t turn around. His voice followed me like a shadow, dark and inescapable. “You can’t run from me forever, little dove.”