A Love Unforseen (ONGOING)

CHAPTER ONE

We arrived at Donato's estate, the grandeur intimidating.  He greeted me, his eyes gleaming as I entered his mansion.

"Welcome, Issabella Mia Alejo-" I didn't let him finish his word.

"Montero."

I stood tall, trying to hide my fear.

"What do you want from me?" I asked.

His smile grew.

"You know exactly what I want." His eyes seemed to bore into my soul. "I want one night, Belle. That's all."

I stood firm, trying to hide my trembling. "What guarantees do I have?"

He chuckled. "None. But I promise... you'll be safe."

I doubted his word. "What about my husband?" I asked.

His smile grew wider. "Alezanthtriel's debts will be settled. His empire secure."

I realized the true extent of his leverage. "What do you gain?" I asked.

His eyes gleamed. "Access to your husband's group... and you."

My heart sank. "You're using me for leverage."

Parehas lang sila ni Alezanthriel. They’re using me for their own gain.

He shrugged. "It's business, Belle. Nothing personal."

I felt a surge of determination. "I won't make it easy for you."

His smile grew. "I'm counting on it." He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

I hesitated, then took Donato's arm. We walked to the mansion's grand ballroom. Candlelight illuminated the space. A solitary table set for two.

He pulled out my chair. "Let's dine before... business."

I sat, trying to appear calm.

The meal was tense, conversation forced. Donato's eyes never left mine.

"Dessert?" he asked.

I nodded, my appetite gone.

As the main course was cleared, he leaned in. "Bella, tell me... what do you desire?"

I met his gaze. "Freedom. That's all I want, Donato."

"That's... not an option."

I felt a surge of defiance. "Then what do you want from me?"

His eyes burned with intensity. "Everything."

His words hung in the air.

I stood, my chair scraping against the floor. "I won't give you everything," I said, my voice firm.

His smile never wavered. "We'll see about that." He rose, towering over me.

The room seemed to shrink.

"You're determined, Bella. I like that." His eyes burned with intensity. "But I always get what I want."

I refused to back down. "Not tonight, Donato."

His laughter echoed through the ballroom. "We'll see about that."

He offered his arm. "Shall we proceed?"

I hesitated, then took it. We walked to a hidden elevator. Down we descended, into darkness. A private suite unfolded.

Donato Rossi's domain.

The suite's opulence surrounded me. He poured himself a drink.

"Bella, join me."

I shook my head. "No."