Lucas Harrington, a charismatic and incredibly wealthy businessman, is known for getting what he wants. When he becomes captivated by the enigmatic and gorgeous, Isabella Brooks, his desire becomes an all-consuming obsession. As Lucas pursues Isabella relentlessly, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the allure of his wealth and power. Their connection deepens, and they discover a love that transcends their differences. However, their happiness is threatened by a formidable adversary: Lucas's own family. They see Isabella as a threat to their fortune and reputation and will stop at nothing to tear the couple apart. This cause of unexpected turn of events of their love story
Chapter 1 Isabelle Brooks
Isabelle POV
A new day dawns, filled with the promise of encountering people I cherish and some, well, not so much. After getting myself ready for another day of classes, I swiftly collect my belongings and step out of my apartment. The journey begins as I make my way down to the parking lot, where I hop into my trusty, albeit second-hand, car, ready to embark on my daily routine.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Isabelle Brooks, and I am 21 years old, I'm just an ordinary college student leading a rather modest life. I'm pursuing an education degree, hoping to graduate and secure a job that can sustain me and grant me the simple life I desire. My parents died in an accident when I was 15 but because of some of their life insurance and savings that put me through to survive alone, it is enough to sustain my needs and live humbly.
As I arrive on campus, I maneuver my car into its customary corner in the parking lot, making sure to lock it securely. My first class awaits, and with it, a rendezvous with my dearest friend, Maddie. Maddie and I have known each other since childhood, and she's become somewhat of a sensation at our school. With her intelligence, beauty, and she also a member of cheerleading squad, she's a prominent figure.
"Belle!" she exclaims, enveloping me in a tight hug. "My innocent Belle! I've missed you so much, girl!" She plants kisses on my cheeks, each one punctuated by her infectious enthusiasm.
"Maddie, we've only been apart for a week. How on earth did you manage to miss me so much in that short time?" I tease her.
"I can't help it, Belle. I miss you even if it's just a single day without seeing my adorable friend!"
"Maddie, come on! Haha, everyone's watching!" I laugh as she continues to pepper my cheeks with kisses, leaving me feeling ticklish and slightly embarrassed.
As we laughed and chatted in the corridor, the bell rang, signaling that it was time to head to our next class. We have our class and everyone feels like they are still in their academic break phase so everyone is so un-focus which make our professors annoyed about it. But they cannot do anything but still continue the class as it is.
After our class, Maddie and I decided to head to the nearest coffee shop to tackle our assignment. Getting it done in advance was a smart move, ensuring we wouldn't be scrambling at the last minute.
"You stay here, and let me order our drinks. Chocolate chip frappuccino, right?" Maddie asked, already knowing my go-to.
"Yes, please," I replied with a smile, appreciating her thoughtfulness as she headed to the counter.
As I set up my laptop, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. My instincts told me to look around, and that's when I noticed a man sitting across from me. He appeared to be around 25, and there was an undeniable air of charisma about him. He was engrossed in a phone call but couldn't seem to resist stealing glances in my direction. I felt my cheeks flush, but quickly dismissed the idea that he could be interested in me. It seemed too far-fetched.
Maddie returned with our drinks, breaking my train of thought. She placed my chocolate chip frappuccino on the table, diverting my attention away from the enigmatic stranger.
"Thanks, Maddie."
"Oh yeah, before I forget," she began, opening her laptop. "The others are planning a party for the upcoming weekend."
"A party? Whose house?"
"It's not at someone's house. We're going to this new, fancy bar that everyone's talking about," she said excitedly.
"Oh no, you know bar hopping isn't really my thing, right? Besides, I can't afford to waste my money on that kind of stuff."
"Here you go again, Belle. Just enjoy your youth and have some fun once in a while. You need a break," Maddie urged.
"But you know I am having fun in my life... just not in that kind of stuff."
"Okay, money is not a problem. Rey said he'd cover all the expenses, and you know him. Just this once, try it, and I promise you'll have a blast. Plus, I'll be there, and our other friends too. Nothing bad will happen, I swear."
I couldn't help but sigh before nodding in agreement. "Alright, I'll go."
"Yes! This is going to be the best night of your life!"
"Or the worst," I added with a smirk.
"Nah, and who knows, you might even meet someone special there. Live a little, Belle!"
"Thanks, but I'm fine as I am," I said, content with my life.
Maddie laughed at my response before we turned our focus back to our assignment. The truth was, I'd never been in a relationship, and Maddie couldn't understand why. For her, it was about experiencing the thrills of youth, but for me, it was about chasing my dreams and goals without any distractions. However, deep down, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy whenever my friends introduced their significant others. I wanted someone special in my life too, but finding that someone was proving to be more challenging than I'd anticipated.
The rest of the day passed with classes and casual moments of relaxation. After our last class, Maddie insisted I accompany her on a shopping spree to buy some clothes. She came from a wealthy family, and her parents owned hotels in our city and others, while her mother was a renowned fashion icon. Despite their success, they treated me like family, which had only strengthened our bond. Losing my parents was a shared tragedy, and even though her parents offered to adopt me, I wanted to maintain my own identity. Nevertheless, they became my legal guardians until I turned 18 and decided to become independent.
"How about this? Doesn't it look cute?" Maddie asked, examining herself in the fitting room mirror.
"The color suits you perfectly," I replied.
"You're right. Let me try this one next!" She went back into the fitting room, emerging a moment later with another dress. "What about this one?"
"It looks great on you. You could pair it with a cute blazer."
She suddenly stopped, looking at me with a curious expression. "What are you doing?"
"Waiting?" I replied, puzzled.
"Why are you waiting? You need to pick out some dresses too!"
"Why would I need to do that?"
"Didn't I tell you about the bar-hopping plan for this weekend? You need a cute outfit for that."
"I have some clothes at home that will do."
"Nah, those are definitely not cool enough," she retorted and promptly handed me three dresses. "Try these on."
"But-"
"No buts, honey!" With a nudge, she pushed me into the fitting area, leaving me little choice but to try on the dresses she'd selected. After an eternity of trying on clothes, she ended up purchasing not only the dresses but also a pair of shoes to complete my new outfits.
We returned home, and I expressed my gratitude to Maddie for her generosity. After saying our goodbyes, I entered my house, spread the new dresses out on the floor, and then collapsed on the sofa. The day had taken its toll, and my eyelids grew heavy. I mumbled to myself, "What a day," before succumbing to sleep, with the events of the day slowly fading into darkness.