Chapter 2 THE KIDNAPPING

The world blurred as Damian DeLuca dragged Isabella through the chaos of her ruined wedding.

Her screams echoed against the marble walls of the church, but no one dared to stop him. Armed men in black suits lined the aisle, their guns gleaming under the chandelier lights.

"Let me go!" Isabella cried, struggling against his iron grip. Her bouquet slipped from her hand, scattering petals across the floor like broken promises.

Daniel stumbled after them, his face twisted with rage.

"Bring her back! Isabella!"

But a single punch from one of Damian's men sent him crashing to the floor. Blood stained Daniel's white tuxedo. Isabella's heart wrenched at the sight, but she was powerless, yanked out into the night like a prisoner being led to her doom.

Outside, sleek black cars waited with tinted windows. Damian shoved her into the backseat of the largest one. The door slammed shut, trapping her inside.

She pounded against the glass. "Help! Somebody help me!"

Damian slid in beside her, calm, composed, as though kidnapping a bride was as ordinary as breathing.

"Stop wasting your breath," he said coolly, his voice deep and commanding. "No one out there would dare defy me."

Her chest heaved, fury boiling inside her.

"Who do you think you are?" she spat. "You just ruined my wedding, my life-"

"I saved you," he cut her off sharply, eyes glinting like steel. "That man you were about to marry? He could never protect you. Not from this world. Not from me."

Her brows knitted in confusion. "What are you talking about? I don't even know you!"

His lips curved into a dark smile. "Oh, Isabella... you know nothing, but your father did. He promised you to me years ago."

Her stomach twisted. "Lies. My father would never-"

"Wouldn't he?" Damian leaned closer, his scent of leather and smoke invading her senses. "Your father owed me a debt he could never repay. His life was spared because of you. You were the price."

Her blood ran cold. A contract? A promise?

It couldn't be true.

"You're insane," she whispered, shaking her head. "I'm not your property!"

For the first time, his expression softened-but only slightly. His hand reached out, tilting her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"You will understand soon, bella mia. I don't let go of what's mine."

The car sped into the night, the city lights flashing past like fading stars. Isabella's chest tightened with dread as towering gates came into view, leading to a sprawling mansion hidden in shadows.

Her prison. Her new reality.

Her nightmare had only just begun.