Chapter 3 Isabella's Problem

Isabella sat in her room, which was peaceful and safe, and felt the weight of the evening on her. The drapes made a pleasant noise when the moonlight came through the windows. The lighting flickered and formed soft shadows on her face as she looked at herself in the fancy mirror. The sparkle of her emerald dress seemed far away, like a mask she didn't want to wear anymore. Without meaning to, her mind went back to the years she spent in Seraphina's frigid grip. The memories came back in quick bursts, each one more agonising than the last.

Seraphina initially showed up on a summer afternoon, just like any other. Isabella was reading in the sunroom when her stepmother's voice interrupted the peace. Seraphina had remarked, I'm not here to be your friend, Isabella, and her eyes glinted with a coldness that made Isabella tremble. I'm here to make sure you know your place. Isabella's jaw tightened at the remembrance; the sound of those words still hurt. Seraphina had always been calculating and used every interaction to get what she wanted. Every phrase and every gesture was a trick. Another memory came back to me: a dinner gathering from a few years ago. Isabella had said something and Seraphina had quickly and cruelly answered. You don't matter, dear, she replied, her voice full with disdain. If you were really smart, you would know when to be quiet. That was when the loneliness started. Slowly, but surely. Seraphina's grip on every part of her life had gotten tighter, like a noose. Isabella had been thrown out of the family's business and left to hide in the corners of the home, where she was neglected and belittled. A memory of a fight late at night came back to me. Seraphina's words had hurt like knives. Isabella, you'll always be a pain in my neck. A reminder of a life I never desired. The thought was so terrible that Isabella's heart hurt. But today, as she sat alone in her quiet chamber, something inside her had changed. The rage that had been there for years started to get stronger. She had been hiding behind the walls of this home for too long and not saying anything. It was time for her to take charge. The next day, Nathaniel discovered her again, this time in a quiet chamber in the estate, away from the noise of the party. He closed the door quietly behind him, and as he walked across the room to her, his presence filled the area. Isabella stood by the window with her arms crossed, looking out at the world. Nathaniel's voice was low and almost secretive when he said, Isabella, we need to talk. She didn't turn to look at him right away. Instead, she let the silence grow between them as she thought of the man who was always there for her. He had a bad reputation before he even got there: he was rich, ruthless, and ambitious. But could she believe him? He went on, his voice getting more intense, I've been thinking about what we talked about last night. About Seraphina. When someone said her stepmother's name, Isabella's heart raced. She knew what this was all about. What do you want, Nathaniel? she questioned in a stern voice. You don't seem like the kind of man who does things without a plan. Nathaniel smiled, showing his teeth quickly but not his eyes. You're right. I don't do things for no reason. Now I have a reason to live. If you will, a plan. She looked at him and her eyes narrowed. What kind of plan? Nathaniel's eyes become sharper, and the look in them was unmistakably intense. I can assist you get rid of Seraphina. I have the money, the connections, and the know-how to destroy her. But I can't do it by myself. Her heart skipped a beat. And what do you want in return? He leaned in a little and spoke more quietly. Your full cooperation. Isabella, I need you to be with me. I can't do this without you. But if you are with me... He stopped talking, his eyes unwavering and almost predatory. We can kill her. Together. She felt a cold run down her spine. His offer was very risky, yet it was also alluring. For years, she had fantasised of bringing Seraphina down and getting back the life that had been taken from her. Is Nathaniel the solution she had been looking for? The stillness dragged on, full with doubt. Isabella's thoughts were racing. Nathaniel's comments seemed like a heavy weight in the air, tugging at her with a power she couldn't ignore. She walked across the room, pacing, trying to figure it all out. She finally stopped and turned to him and whispered, I don't know if I can trust you. Her speech was firm, but her thoughts were all over the place. You've made it clear what you want, Nathaniel. But who are you really? And what's in this for you? Nathaniel didn't move. He stood up straight, but not too confident. You think I'm just taking advantage of you, don't you? Isn't that what you are? She yelled back, her voice harsh. Nathaniel smiled knowingly as he looked at her. Maybe. But this isn't just a business deal. I'm giving you something that no one else can: power. The ability to modify your future. To make sure Seraphina pays for what she did to you. She shook her head. And how do I know you won't just use me like everyone else? His face become softer, but his eyes stayed sharp. Isabella, I'm not like your stepmother. I'm not trying to trick you. I'm here because we both want the same thing: her to fall. I'll help you if you help me. Isabella stopped and thought for a moment. Is it possible that he is telling the truth? Or was this merely another trick? What's the catch? She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Nathaniel's eyes got darker, and he looked pleased. I already have everything I need to kill her. Things she thought were buried: illegal activities, corruption. But I can't do it by myself. Isabella, you're the key. Your help and your expertise of the family all fit together. The room felt colder, and the weight of his words made her feel heavy. She could feel the urge to get retribution, the draw of what she had wanted for so long, but something in her gut urged her to be careful. If she trusted him, she may lose everything, or she could finally get the justice she wanted. She gazed at him, torn, since she knew that the choice she made now may change everything.