A Love Unforseen

ALU4

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."

disgusting.

Don's eyes gleamed. "Suit yourself." He sipped his drink, watching me. "Oh, Bella. don't make this harder than it needs to be."

I stood firm. "I won't make it easy for you."

His smile grew. "I like your spirit." He set his drink down. "Let's get down to business."

My heart raced.

"Ano bang kailangan mo sa'kin?!"

bahagya siyang natawa. "I want everything. Your heart, your soul... your loyalty. Simple lang ang mga hiling ko, Bella."

I faked a laugh. "Simple?" I felt a surge of defiance. "You'l never have that."

Donato chuckled. "We'll see."

He walked closer. "Bella, don't fight it."

I glared at him. "I'll always fight."

Suddenly, a sound echoed outside.

Footsteps.

Donato's head turned.

"No interruptions tonight." His eyes burned with intensity. "Bella, come to me."

I stood firm, despite my trembling. "No." nakakadiri, nakakasuka siya.

His smile grew. "Bella, don't deny the attraction."

I shook my head. "There's nothing between us."

He chuckled. "Liar."

He took a step closer. "Your heart beats faster when I'm near."

I tried to sound firm. "That's... f-fear, not attraction."

His eyes gleamed. "Maybe both." He reached out, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"Bella, surrender."

I felt my resolve weakening. "Never. Hinding-hindi ko ipauubaya ang sarili ko sa kagaya mo, Donato!"

His face inches from mine. "Tonight, Bella... you're mine."

His lips brushed against mine.

I pushed him away. "No!"

His eyes flashed with anger. "Bella, don't play games."

I stood firm. "I won't surrender." I forced to straight my voice.

This can't be happen. Hindi ako papayag.

Don's face hardened. "Fine. I'll have it my way."

He grabbed my wrist. "Tonight, you'll learn obedience."

I struggled, but he held tight.

Donato'a grip tightened. "You're mine tonight, Mia."

"Don't call me with my second name, hindi tayo close- hmmp!"

His lips crushed mine. I felt trapped, suffocating. His touch ignited fear.

I pushed, kicked, and scratched - But he wouldn't relent.

In desperation, I bit his lip.