Isabella barely slept.
She lay awake, staring at the ceiling, replaying everything that had happened, the way Rafael kissed her, grip her jaw, his hot hands on her breast and his hot lips and the way she had kissed him back, heat pool beneath her, the way he had walked away like it was nothing. Like she was nothing.
By morning, she was exhausted but determined If he wants to play this game, I'll play it too. I won't let him control me.
She got up, showered, and dressed in a simple blouse and skirt nothing extravagant. She wasn't giving him the satisfaction of thinking she cared about impressing him.
When she stepped out, Rafael was already at the dining table, crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. He didn't look up.
Good morning," she said, forcing her voice even
Morning," he replied without glancing at her, still on his phone
She sat across from him, feeling the weight of silence pressing down and it has always like this… the tension between them was thick and blush crept up to her cheeks as yesterday flood in again, but she refused to acknowledge it. Picking up her fork, she took a careful bite of toast and moan how good it taste, at that moment she realized she's hungry and she didn't eat anything yesterday so she can fit in her dress…
Halfway through breakfast, he finally spoke.
"We have a gala tonight." Get ready I'll send your clothes and accessory and continue eating..
She froze mid-bite almost choke on her toast. "A gala?"
"Yes. Business event. You'll be attending as my wife" glancing over at her briefly
Her stomach twisted. Everything was happening too fast and she feel like a puppet
"And if I refuse?" she asked, heart hammering.
His eyes lifted, locking onto hers with that unreadable intensity, his jaw clenching and he scoffed "then I'll make sure you regret it."
A chill ran down her spine. She knew he wasn't bluffing. He's a beast waiting to be unleashed
She swallowed hard. "Fine."
"Good girl." He smirked, returning his attention to his phone.
Her grip on the fork tightened, she lost her appetite. She hated the way he spoke to her, reducing her to another deal he had secured. But hatred alone wouldn't win this.
If he wants a performance, I'll give him one but on my terms
Isabella spent the day preparing herself. Not just for the gala, but for the mental battle she knew was coming. She wouldn't be his puppet.
By the time evening arrived, she wore a asleek black gown that hugged her figure he sent her, she give him the kudo cause the dress is breathtaking It wasn't much revealing and cameras can't do justice to the back of the dress and she pair it with gold heel and purse and her makeup artist alway ate cause she looks so stunning that she almost can't recognize herself… her look will compliment him so well cause she knows he's a selfish man, he'll do anything to looking more ruthless and powerful.