Seduction In Ink

Chapter 10

Challenging the Abyss

Isabella stood in the fitting room, her heart racing with excitement. It made her feel like she had stepped out of the pages of her favorite novel—empowered and ready to embrace the world. The charity event offered her a fresh start. The electric buzz between her and Tyler hinted at a thrilling new phase in their relationship, filling her with a sense of possibility.

As they left the shop, Tyler held her hand firmly, guiding her into the evening. Laughter and music filled the air as they arrived at the gathering, where soft lights illuminated the celebratory mood. While she caught her breath, she felt nervous. She yearned to give herself completely to Tyler, but his frequent hesitations during their intimate moments gnawed at her. Why did he always say "not yet"? Had she done something wrong? If he wasn't ready, why let her into his life and home?

Isabella felt the eyes of the crowd upon her. She became the center of attention, drawing admiring glances from other men. She noticed the way Tyler's protectiveness flared at their gazes.

"These men staring at you... it bothers me," he said, pulling her closer, concern lacing his voice.

Isabella looked up, affection shimmering in her eyes. "There's only one guy I'm interested in, Tyler," she murmured, playfully patting his chest.

Allysa, Tyler's ex-fiancée, entered, breaking their closeness. Panic surged through Isabella, and she darted into the restroom, desperate to escape the piercing gaze that had haunted her. But Allysa followed, a smirk plastered on her face, her confidence radiating like a dark cloud.

"Well, if it isn't Tyler's little distraction," she sneered, her tone sharp and cutting.

Isabella's heart sank at Allysa's cruel words, and she felt tears threatening to spill. "I'm not a distraction," she shot back, surprising herself with her boldness. "I'm someone he cares about."

Allysa laughed, the sound bitter and laced with jealousy. "Care about? Please. Do you think you know him better than I do? We grew up together. You're just a phase, a fling. He'll get bored and come running back to me."

Isabella clenched her fists, battling the anger rising within her. "You don't know anything about us, Allysa. Just because you were in his life first doesn't mean you have any claim. You don't."

Allysa's eyes narrowed, her composure cracking. "Oh, really? Because from where I stand, it looks like you're just a temporary diversion. You think you're special, but you're just filling a void until he realizes he made a mistake."

Shame and fury coursed through Isabella as she struggled against Allysa's hold on her arm. "Let go of me!" she protested, her voice rising. "I'm not going anywhere. Tyler wants me, not you. I've seen the real him—how he cares, how he protects. You're just a childhood memory to him."

Allysa's grip tightened, her face twisting in annoyance. "You're so naive. He'll tire of you soon enough. You'll see. Just like everyone else, he'll move on."

Isabella's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and rage as the scene unfolded before the onlookers, intensifying her distress. "You have no idea what we have! Do you think you can walk back into his life and demand attention? This isn't about you anymore!"

Tyler's deliberate steps broke the tension like lightning. "Allysa, let her go," He wanted his voice to stand out from the crowd.

Allysa faltered for a moment, her confidence wavering. "Oh, Tyler, how noble of you," she scoffed, but her tone was desperate.

"Let her go!" Tyler insisted, his jaw tightening as he attempted to pry Allysa's fingers from Isabella's arm. He stepped forward, his protective instincts flaring.