Chapter 2 You're Drunk, Isolde

Isolde Black's POV

Everything was going as usual. Perhaps I saw warmth and affection in my mother's eyes, but deep inside, there was something strange-I wanted to deal with my unsteady emotions.

After resting in my room, my mother came in. I stood up to embrace her. Even if we had been apart for a while, she was still my mother, my entire family-the only person I knew in this world.

"Take it easy, Isolde. I missed you more."

I pulled away slowly, taking in her appearance with admiration. She wore an exquisite nightgown. Even in sleepwear, she exuded obscene wealth.

"Mother, what's with the sudden change in your wardrobe? You really look rich now!"

She playfully smacked my shoulder, whispering,

"It's just nightwear-don't exaggerate. If Vlad saw me outside dressed like this, I'd die on the spot."

I chuckled softly. Her fear of Vlad was oddly intriguing. My mother wasn't a weak woman, and she was much older than him. But was Vlad Montgomery truly so sadistic and powerful that even his own woman feared him?

If my mother had become weak, I was not. I feared no man on this earth.

Why should I fear a man?

Was I born to be afraid?

No. He should be the one fearing me, not the other way around.

Curious, I asked,

"You were supposed to arrive here at ten. Why were you late?"

I lowered my head hesitantly.

"I overslept, Mother. I'm sorry-I didn't realize the time."

"It's alright. What matters is that you're safe and well."

"Get some sleep and don't make any noise, sweetheart. Vlad doesn't usually sleep at night, so he roams the estate."

Her words, her whisper, and the way she looked at me unsettled me a little. But I brushed it off quickly and acted naturally.

"I'm not a child, Mother. I'm twenty-three years old."

She huffed in mild exasperation before replying,

"I know, Isolde. But he's meticulous about everything. If I could, I'd introduce you to him properly, but our conversation was brief. It's late, and he'll be angry if I disturb him. You'll meet him at the party instead."

"Fine, as you wish. I understand."

The night passed slowly. The bed did little to lull me into sleep. I missed my hotel room's bed, but here I was, in the mansion of the man who would soon be my mother's husband. For now, I had to be grateful-to myself and to the life that was about to change, thanks to his obscene wealth.

---

At the Party

I turned in the direction of my mother and spotted a tall man beside her-undeniably, devastatingly handsome beyond imagination. He sipped his drink from an elegant crystal glass, watching me intently.

To be honest, he looked different now that he was standing there, smiling. Last night, he had been handsome, but the cold, brooding look on his face had prevented me from appreciating his striking features. My mother's friend was truly something else.

His eyes were sharper than my dress. Damn, he looked good!

"Isolde, come here, my daughter. From now on, Vlad Montgomery will be like a father to you."

My mother spoke cheerfully, holding my hands. His eyes never left mine, and I... I didn't look away either. We stared at each other boldly.

He extended his hand, breaking the intense eye contact that had stirred chaos in my heart, and spoke in a deep, husky voice that my ears had never had the pleasure of hearing until today.

"Welcome to the party, little one-or should I say, daughter?"

I hesitated, glancing at his hand before murmuring softly,

"I'm not little, and I'm not your daughter, Vlad Montgomery."

My mother nudged me lightly, chiding,

"Are you really going to refuse to greet someone older than you?"

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I shook his hand briefly. His touch was warm, soft, and...

Hot.

If my mother knew I was mentally swooning over her man, she'd throw me out without hesitation.

He spoke again, his alluring voice laced with mystery.

"Are you alright, Isolde?"

He said my name. He actually said my name while his hand still held mine. I quickly withdrew it, my fingers trembling slightly, and feigned indifference.

My mother chuckled, stepping closer to him before turning to me.

"Finally, I get to introduce you properly to my future husband. His name is-"

He cut her off swiftly, all while devouring my features with his gaze. I smiled faintly and averted my eyes from him within seconds.

His name suited his face-and his devastatingly good looks. Adjusting my dress at my waist, I moved to stand beside Marie, my childhood friend.

I glanced at my mother, who was engrossed in conversation with Vlad, her hand wrapped around his arm. But he... he didn't seem interested in her or their conversation.

He was looking at me.

What's his deal? Is he a pervert?

The evening dragged on painfully. Even as he conversed with the guests, I couldn't stop stealing glances at him. He was so handsome, so charismatic, so refined. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him-or from his broad, sculpted frame. I was content just watching.

The evening dragged on painfully. Even as he conversed with the guests, I couldn't stop stealing glances at him. He was so handsome, so charismatic, so refined. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him-or from his broad, sculpted frame. I was content just watching.

We cut the cake, and I shared a warm embrace with Marie and my mother. I gave her the luxurious gift I had brought from London, as I always did. Vlad, on the other hand, presented her with an extravagant diamond set. I swear I had never seen anything like it in my life. It looked absurdly expensive-damn.

"My love, Isolde, if you're tired, go to your room and get some rest. You too, Marie."

"Alright, let's go."

I wasn't fully paying attention to them. My mind was too distracted, too dazed.

"Isolde."

My mother called my name, snapping me out of my trance.

"Yes, yes, I'm coming. Goodnight, Mother."

She waved at me as I turned and walked away, stumbling slightly. It hadn't dawned on me that I had downed ten glasses of tequila throughout the party.

"You're drunk, Isolde."

I shook my head, half-conscious.

"I'm not. I'm just... shocked, Marie."

She eyed me suspiciously.

"Shocked by what, exactly? Your cheeks are burning red. Come on, hurry-we're almost there."