DESTINED | The game of fate (Stopped Working)

Chapter five

Isabella stepped into the dimly lit club her presence commanding the attention of those around her. The bass of the music pulsed through the air and her sparkling black dress shimmered under the flickering neon lights. The dress was backless showcasing her smooth toned skin as her high heels clicked softly on the polished floor. Her blonde hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail swaying gracefully with every step she took giving her a sharp yet elegant edge.

Tonight Rosalyn was caught up with her photo shoots and Mirabel had been busy dealing with news shit leaving Isabella alone with her thoughts. She hated being alone and the idea of spending the evening cooped up wasn’t appealing. So she made her way to the club seeking some thrill and distraction.

Isabella reached the bar her movements confident yet casual. She leaned against the counter her blue eyes scanning the room for a moment before turning to the bartender. "One small shot" she said her voice smooth but commanding as though it wasn’t a request but an expectation. The bartender clearly captivated by her aura nodded quickly preparing her drink without hesitation.

As she waited she tapped her manicured fingers lightly on the counter her ponytail falling over her shoulder as she turned slightly to glance around the room. She wasn’t here for the attention but it seemed to follow her wherever she went. The shot arrived quickly and she lifted the glass the cool liquid shimmering in the dim light. Isabella smilled to herself taking the shot in one smooth motion feeling the burn slidedown her throat. Tonight she was here just to let loose for a while.

Isabella downed another shot but no matter how much alcohol burned its way down her throat it couldn't numb the pain that lingered just beneath the surface. Memories from her past crept in uninvited and relentless. The pain come back with each glass she threw back.

Isabella lost in the depths of her past found herself once again standing at the door of her childhood home. It was a small weathered house the paint peeling from the wooden siding the scent of dampness and stale air filling the space. She had just come home from school her uniform slightly crumpled her backpack slung over one shoulder. As she stepped inside the sight of the old man seated in his usual chair met her gaze the man she called her father.

He was pouring alcohal in glass.His bloodshot eyes staring blankly at the television that flickered in the corner. Isabella had grown used to this scene. She ignored him as she always and made her way toward her small room her mind preoccupied with homework and the peace she craved behind closed doors.

But then the voice broke the silence "Love come here" her father called.

Isabella froze That voice it wasn’t the usual gruff slur of words spat out between drinks. This was different Slowly she turned her heart beating a little faster asshe processed the change in tone. Her father had never called her with such warmth. Tension settled over her like a cloak but she forced herself to walk toward him.

"Yes Dad?" she asked her voice cautious unsure of what to expect.

The old man with his hands reached out and took hers in his. His grip was tight. He looked up at her with bloody eyes a crooked smile forming on his lips. " You know I love you don’t you?" he said his voice still coated with an odd sweetness.

Isabella just nodded her throat dry not trusting herself to speak. She had long stopped believing those words.

"Only you honey. You’re all I’ve got" he continued his voice lowering to a whisper. He squeezed her hands his eyes searching hers. "Dad’s gonna ask you to do something and you have to promise to do it okay? Can you do that for me?"

A shiver ran down her spine a chill creeping into her bones. Something was off. She could feel it but she couldn’t place why. The sudden affection the way he was looking at her it didn’t feel right. But she was just a girl and she couldn’t understand the full weight of the moment. She nodded again her lips pressed into a thin line as she swallowed her unease.