Chapter 2

• Isabella couldn't fight her exhaustion, both physical and mental, was too much. She drifted into sleep.
• A sudden burst of shouting startled her awake. Her heart pounded in her chest, but it was just two homeless men arguing. Letting out a shaky breath, she quickly stood up and walked away, aimlessly. She needed to find a job—something, anything that could help her survive.
• She walked for what felt like hours until the mouthwatering scent of food filled her senses. Her stomach clenched in hunger as she spotted a busy restaurant. Without thinking twice, she stepped inside. The place was packed with people waiting for food, tables needing to be cleaned, overwhelmed employees rushing back and forth.
• She approached the front desk.
• "What would you like to order?" the receptionist asked, sounding impatient.
• "I’m sorry. My name is Isabella, and while I’d love to eat… I can’t afford it. I was wondering if you’re hiring. You look like you could use the help."
• "We’re full," the receptionist snapped, her tone dismissive.
• Isabella sighed.
• "I can wash dishes, clean bathrooms… I’m good in the kitchen too. Please, anything." She forced a small smile, hoping for a sliver of kindness.
• "What part of ‘we’re full’ don’t you understand?! Get out of the way, you’re in the way!" the woman spat.
• Defeated, Isabella turned on her heel and walked out. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she pressed a hand to her stomach, steadying herself.
• "Hey, wait!"
• A voice called out behind her.
• She turned to see a young woman with jet-black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin. She looked modest, yet kind.
• Isabella stopped as the stranger approached her.
• "I'm sorry, but I overheard you talking to the receptionist," the girl said. "Look, my grandmother owns a small restaurant. She doesn’t pay much, but it’s always busy, and sometimes the tips are decent. Do you seem new around here, so you could come with me? It’s just a few blocks away. I’m sure she’d let you start right away. Oh, and I’m Angela, by the way."
• Isabella felt a spark of hope. Maybe—just maybe—there were still good people in this world, even if they were rare.
• "Nice to meet you, Angela. I’m Isabella Thorne. Thank you so much for your help. I’d love to go with you." She smiled, grateful for the kindness of a stranger.
• They walked for a few minutes, but exhaustion weighed heavily on Isabella.
• "I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but this feels really far. I’m exhausted, and I haven’t eaten… We should just forget it," she said, slowing down.
• Before she could turn back, Angela grabbed her hand.
• "Look! It’s that restaurant, right at the end of the alley. It looks empty now because my grandmother is still cleaning, but with your help, we’ll be done in no time!" Angela beamed.
• Something in her enthusiasm made Isabella hesitate. But before she could process it, two men emerged from the shadows.
• A chill ran down Isabella’s spine.
• She instantly pulled away from Angela and stepped back.
• "You brought us fresh meat," one of the men said, smirking.
• Panic surged through Isabella’s veins.
• "Please… don’t hurt me," she pleaded, taking another step back.
• She turned to run, but in her haste, she tripped.
• Her body hit the ground hard.
• The only thing on her mind was her baby.
• Cristian Smith
• "Sir, I received a call informing me that they’re willing to sell you the building," Liam, his assistant, reported.
• "Call the driver. Tell him to get the car ready—I want this dealt with as soon as possible. This whole situation is giving me a damn headache," Christian replied with arrogance.
• Liam, accustomed to his boss’s temperament, obeyed without hesitation.
• "Everything is ready, sir. After you," he said, gesturing respectfully.
• Christian stepped out of his office—tall, impeccably dressed, exuding an air of cold indifference. He didn’t spare a glance at anyone as he made his way outside.
• As soon as he exited the building, four men surrounded him, escorting him to the car. He slid into the back seat, and Liam followed suit.
• The driver started the engine and headed toward the address Liam had provided.
• "Sir, your mother called. Tomorrow is her birthday, and she wants to see you," Liam reminded him.
• Christian scoffed. "I hate birthday parties. What time?" he asked, bitterness lacing his tone.
• "Eight p.m., sir. Would you like me to call your designer to prepare a suit for the gala?" Liam inquired, ever efficient.
• "What difference does it make?" Christian replied dismissively.
• Liam hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
• "One more thing, sir."
• Christian let out an exasperated sigh. "Now what?"
• Liam swallowed hard before reading aloud, "Your brother Nicolás left a message: ‘See you at our mother’s party tomorrow. I’ll be your worst nightmare, little brother.’"
• Christian let out a small, dry chuckle. "That bastard."
• Suddenly, the driver’s tense voice broke the moment.
• "Sir, we have a problem."
• Christian leaned his head back against the seat and exhaled sharply.
• "Is today just determined to piss me off? What now?"
• The driver, Rubén, who also served as Christian’s right-hand man for security, spoke up. "Sir, the road leading to your destination is blocked due to an accident. I’ll have to take a detour through a less safe area."
• Christian cursed under his breath. "Damn it! For what are you waiting? That’s why I have security. Move, Rubén!"
• Without hesitation, Rubén radioed the security team, notifying them of the new route.
• "Sir, would you like me to keep reading your messages?" Liam asked, trying to ease the tension.
• Christian shot him a glare. "Do I look like I’m in the mood to listen to you?" he snapped, rolling his eyes.
• Liam, taking the hint, shut his laptop and kept quiet.
• The convoy proceeded along the alternative route, with Christian’s security team following closely in a black armored SUV.
• Then, something caught Christian’s attention—something that made his jaw tighten with displeasure.
• "Stop the car!" he ordered abruptly.
• Liam turned to him, confused. "Sir, is something wrong?"
• Christian’s eyes darkened as he watched the scene unfold. "Rubén, something’s about to happen to that woman. Get down there with security and stop it. Now!"
• Rubén didn’t hesitate. He threw the car into the park, jumped out with his weapon drawn, and signaled another guard to follow. Meanwhile, the rest of the security team tightened their formation around Christian’s vehicle, shielding their boss from any potential threat.
• "Please, don't hurt me! If you want, take my bag, but leave me alone!" Isabella screams, overwhelmed by desperation, wondering how the world can be so cruel to her.
• "Don't say a word, doll. And drop the fear—we're just going to have some fun with you. You're going to make us a lot of money," the man says, stepping closer with a knife. His appearance is ugly and terrifying, and the evil in his heart is evident just by looking at him.