Bound by Obsession

Chapter13: A New Dawn

### Chapter 13: A New Dawn

Isabella woke up to the sound of the bustling streets of Moscow, the city that had become her refuge. The room she rented was small but cozy, with a single window overlooking a busy market square. The air was filled with the scents of freshly baked bread and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares. It was a stark contrast to the life she had left behind, but it felt safe. It felt like a new beginning.

She stretched and got out of bed, feeling the ache in her muscles from her long journey. The fake ID Elena had provided her had worked perfectly, and she had managed to cross the border without any issues. She owed her life to Elena and Sophia, and she hoped they were safe.

Isabella dressed quickly and made her way to the kitchen. The tiny apartment came with a modest kitchenette, where she prepared herself a simple breakfast of toast and tea. As she ate, her mind wandered to Tristan. She knew he would be searching for her, and the thought sent a shiver down her spine. But she had to believe that Russia was vast enough to hide in, at least for a while.

---

In Italy, Tristan was beside himself with rage and despair. Isabella had vanished without a trace, and none of his contacts had any leads on her whereabouts. He had interrogated everyone, from his employees to his family, but no one knew anything-or so they claimed.

He stormed into his mother's study, his eyes blazing with fury. "Where is she, Mom?" he demanded, slamming his fist on the desk.

Elena looked up calmly from her book, her expression unreadable. "I told you, Tristan. I don't know."

"Don't lie to me!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "You helped her escape, didn't you?"

Elena sighed, setting her book aside. "Tristan, listen to yourself. You're acting like a madman. Isabella is gone because you drove her away with your behavior."

His eyes narrowed. "You don't understand, Mom. She belongs to me. I won't stop until I find her."

Elena stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "No, Tristan. She doesn't belong to you or anyone else. She's a human being with her own will and desires. You need to let her go."

Tristan clenched his fists, struggling to control his temper. "I can't. I love her."

Elena's expression softened slightly. "If you truly love her, Tristan, you'll let her be free. Chasing her like this will only destroy any chance you have of redemption."

Tristan shook his head, backing away. "I can't, Mom. I need her."

With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Elena with a heavy heart. She prayed that Isabella would find the peace and safety she deserved, far away from her son's obsession.

---

In Moscow, Isabella had managed to secure a job at a small bookstore. The owner, a kind elderly woman named Olga, had taken her in without many questions. Isabella's Russian was still shaky, but Olga was patient and helped her improve day by day.

The bookstore was a haven for Isabella. She spent her days surrounded by books, organizing shelves, and helping customers find their next great read. It was a simple life, but it was hers, and she cherished it.

One afternoon, as she was arranging a display of classic literature, a young man walked in. He was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He looked around the store with interest before approaching her.

"Excuse me," he said in Russian, his accent flawless. "Do you have any books on Russian folklore?"

Isabella smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, we do. Follow me."