Isabella, born into a harsh and unjust world with divorced parents, managed to find her footing and achieve stability. But what happens when her world is turned upside down, and she must rely on a complete stranger? Discover what fate has in store for her.
Chapter 1 A Downward Spiral
My life has always been a bit unconventional. Growing up with limited resources and my parents' divorce left my brother and me to fend for ourselves alongside our overworked mom. My brother, the dedicated student, became a doctor, while I, never much of a studier, found my niche in accounting. Now, I was doing well for myself with a good job and a boyfriend, and life seemed perfect. Or so I thought.
One day, everything changed. I received a message at work: "Miss Isabella, we regret to inform you that your services are no longer required." My heart sank, and I felt utterly confused. My second-class degree made finding another job like the one I had difficult.
Feeling down, I decided to head to a bar for a drink. I ordered some vodka, and that's when I heard a familiar voice.
"What's a pretty girl like you doing here all alone?" I turned around to see the most charming man I'd ever laid eyes on. Just as I was about to respond, he interrupted me. "And more importantly, who did that to your face?" His concern was genuine, and I felt a glimmer of hope.
His name was Ethan, and he had a way of making me feel at ease. "It's a long story," I told him, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Well, I've got nowhere to be," Ethan replied, signaling for a drink. "Go ahead and tell me what's going on."
I told him everything, from my job loss to my concerns about my relationship with my boyfriend, Mark. Mark had started becoming abusive. I didn't even think he loved me anymore. At the beginning of our relationship, he had showered me with affection and promises, but it didn't take long for his true nature to surface. He rarely showed any genuine interest in my feelings or needs. I constantly felt like a burden to him, never truly loved or valued.
Throughout my life, I never felt my parents loved me. Sure, they took care of me, but all that was confirmed when my dad turned his back on us. My mother, although hardworking, never cared about my mental health or what I liked. She was always too busy to notice my struggles or my interests. It was even more difficult because I was not the studious type. My brother, on the other hand, loved studying and eventually became a doctor. My mother was so proud and happy with his achievements, and I couldn't help but feel like a disappointment in comparison.
I tried to leave my relationship with Mark several times, but to no avail. What's worse is that he threatened my family and friends if I dared leave him. Life was not fair. He cheated on me countless times with other girls, yet he still held me against my will. Each betrayal cut deeper than the last, making me feel worthless and unlovable. His abuse wasn't just physical; it was mental and emotional too. He belittled me, made me doubt my worth, and isolated me from those who cared about me. I was drained, a shadow of my former self, with no hope in sight.
Ethan listened attentively, not once interrupting or making me feel uncomfortable. "You don't deserve to be treated like that," he said firmly. "No one does."
"I know," I replied, feeling teary-eyed. "But I don't know what to do. I'm scared of what might happen next."
"You need to take care of yourself, Isabella," Ethan said, his voice full of conviction. "You deserve better than that."
I knew Ethan was right, but I didn't know how to go about it. That's when Ethan surprised me with an offer. "Come stay with me," he said. "I have a spare room, and you can stay there until you get back on your feet."
At first, I was hesitant. I didn't know Ethan, and accepting his offer seemed foolish. But something about him made me feel safe, and I knew I couldn't stay in my current situation any longer. "Okay," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I'll take you up on your offer."