Prepare the Divorce and Ruin My Husband

My husband was getting married.

Not somewhere else. Not in secret. In our house. With another woman. With my parents and his parents sitting in the front row, smiling like this was a blessing from heaven.

This was the first thing I saw after I tore myself out of a kidnappers grip and ran home barefoot, bleeding, half dead.

Among the guests, I saw him.

Westley George.

The man who chained me to a concrete floor. The man who broke my ribs when I cried too loud. The man who kept me for a full year and made sure I never forgot who owned my pain.

He was sitting comfortably, sipping champagne, laughing with my in-laws like an old friend. Back then, the chain burned my ankle raw as he crouched in front of me, fingers lazy around the key.

You keep calling his name, Westley George said softly. Your husband? He will never save you. He handed you to me like an offering.

I spat blood and shook my head. Youre lying!

He laughed, He loves your sister. Always has. You? You were convenient. Expendable.

I did not believe him. I remembered Davids hands at my waist, the way he kissed my forehead every night, the vows whispered like secrets. I clung to those memories like scripture.

Westley only smiled wider. Hold on to that, he said. It will hurt more when you finally see the truth.

My vision went white.

A year ago, my husband had been taken.

David Vanderbilt. Mafia boss of the east coast. Untouchable. Feared.

They said he was kidnapped.

For our son. For the family. For the empire. I did not hesitate. I stepped forward and said take me instead. I thought I was being brave. I thought I was being a wife I became the hostage. I became the bargaining chip. I became nothing.

And now my son?

My little boy.

Ryle Vanderbilt was walking through the crowd with a tray too heavy for his thin arms. He bowed his head at every step, voice small and flat.

Please enjoy, sir.

Thank you, maam.

I am sorry! I will be faster.

He looked like he was afraid to breathe.

Like fear had been trained into his bones.

When I stumbled inside, the music stopped mid note. Every face turned. David was standing at the altar, ring in his hand. For half a second, his eyes widened.

Then his face went cold.

This is a wedding! he said sharply. Whatever nonsense you came to say can wait until tomorrow. Look at you. Dirty. Bloody. You stink. Leave now and do not ruin this.

I stared at him.

I wanted him to ask where I had been. I wanted him to ask why I was shaking. I wanted him to ask who did this to me. Instead, he looked at me like I was trash dragged in from the street.

I looked past him.

At the woman in white.

Roxanne.

My younger sister.

The girl I raised... The girl who cried in my arms when she was scared. The girl who called me sister like it meant something.

She would not meet my eyes.

Westley laughed softly from his seat.

My mothers scream sliced through the room.

You disgusting girl! Where have you been hiding?! David treated you like a queen and you repay him by sleeping with criminals? You disappear for a year and still dare come back here? Have you no shame? Do you want our whole family to be laughed at?

Cheated? Me?

That was the word they chose? Huh. I almost laughed. My throat hurts too much. So this was the story

Then an arm wrapped around my shoulder.

I froze.

Westley leaned close, fingers digging in hard enough to bruise. His smile was polite. His voice was low.

Still pretending we are strangers? he said. You really never learn, baby. I taught you obedience every night. Do you want me to remind you again in front of everyone?

My knees went weak.

My body remembered before my mind did.

Whispers exploded around us.

So thats the man she ran off with.

No wonder Mr. Vanderbilt is remarrying. Any man would.

She comes from nothing. Look how low she fell.

Her mother worked this wedding like a maid. And her son is serving drinks. This whole family knows their place.

David strode over, jaw tight, eyes irritated like I was an inconvenience. Did you really have to come today? he snapped under his breath. I worked for a year on this. I wanted Roxanne to have a perfect wedding. Everything was finally peaceful. And you show up like this. Are you doing this on purpose?

Just a wedding.

That was all it was to him.

Not the year I spent bleeding.

Not the nights I was beaten until I passed out.

Not the days I was starved until I licked rotten food off the floor just to stay alive.

All of it was just groundwork. A clean excuse. A pretty lie so he could stand here and marry my sister with everyone cheering.

Something inside me collapsed.

I walked toward my son.

R-ryle, I whispered. Baby, come with Mama. We are going home.

He looked at me like I was a ghost. Then he dropped to his knees so fast the tray crashed to the floor.

No! he cried, shaking. I cannot leave. Please do not make me leave. I will stay. I will serve Mr. Vanderbilt and Ms. Cooper. I am loyal. I will work harder. Please do not punish me.

He bowed his head and pressed his forehead to the ground.

I felt my heart tear open.

My husband watched.

My sister looked away.

And the man who destroyed me smiled like he owned everything I loved.

When I saw Ryles face up close, I froze.

He was shaking. Not crying. Not yelling. Just small and quiet, like fear had already hollowed him out.

He was only eight.

Eight fucking years old!

How could a child look like this?

As he kept bowing, his sleeves slid up. I finally saw it. Dark bruises layered over old ones. Thin scars crossing his arms. When he tilted his head, my stomach dropped.

Marks.

Clear marks around his neck. Like a leash.

I rushed forward and grabbed his shoulders. Ryle, baby, get up. You do not have to kneel! Mama is here.

The second my hands touched him, he panicked. He slapped himself. Hard. Again and again.

I was wrong! he cried, voice fast and flat like he had memorized it. I deserve punishment. I will go to the cold storage now. Three hours. I will not cry. I promise.

I felt my soul crack.

Slowly, I lifted my head and looked at David.

I did not say a word.

I demanded an answer with my eyes.

Before he could open his mouth, Roxanne rushed in and pulled Ryle into her arms, hugging him tight like a saint in a painting.

You misunderstood everything, sister, she said softly. Ryle and I play house all the time. Sometimes I am the servant. Sometimes he is. Today was just his turn. He is very imaginative.

I stared at her.

Then I lifted my hand and pointed at my sons neck. My finger would not stop shaking.

This! I said hoarsely. This is not imagination. These are marks! These are injuries. You call this a game? Is this how you treat my son?

Roxannes eyes filled with tears.

Davids face darkened. He shoved me back hard enough that I stumbled.

That's enough! he snapped. Do you enjoy humiliating people in public this much? You always loved making scenes! Roxanne is nothing like you. She has no schemes, no poison in her heart. He pointed at Ryle like he was an object.

That is just paint. The kids were drawing. It did not wash off yet. You disappeared for a year and failed as a mother! Roxanne stepped in out of kindness. And this is how you repay her? With accusations and ingratitude?

I laughed. It came out broken.

Paint?

Ryle looked up at Roxanne.

His eyes were pure terror. Not love. Not comfort. Fear. The kind that lives deep and never leaves.

I looked back at David, tears finally spilling.

Are you blind? I whispered. Look at him! Really look. He's terrified of her. He's terrified of you. How can you stand there and say this is a game? How can you be this stupid?!

David hesitated.

For just a second. His eyes lingered on Ryle. Doubt flickered and Roxanne saw it.

She suddenly sobbed out loud.

I only wanted to belong, she cried. I thought if I treated Ryle well, if I played the role properly, I could be part of this family. But I was dreaming. I will never belong. People will always see me as an nothing. Forget it. Forget the wedding. I am a joke.

She ripped the veil off her head, shoved it into Davids chest, and ran toward the bedroom, covering her face.

The room exploded.

Everyone shouted at once.

She fuvking ruined it!

What a cursed woman.

She brings bad luck wherever she goes.

David watched Roxanne disappear, his face dark and furious. Then he turned on me.

Are you proud of yourself? he barked. The wedding was just a formality. It means nothing. You could have let it pass. But no, you had to make a show.

He sneered at Ryle.

And your son, he added coldly. The child you raised yourself. Crying and kneeling like he was abused. Very convincing. He is quite the actor for eight. If he ever wins an award, he should thank you.

Then he walked away to chase Roxanne.

My parents did not say a word in my defense.

My mother slapped my face and my father shoved me hard to the floor.

All your fault! Don't you know your sister was now ptegnant with twins?!"

You could not even keep your husband.

Shameless woman.

I did not explain.

I was too tired.

I dropped to my knees and wrapped my arms around Ryle, pulling him into my chest. My scars pressed against his small body. We were both shaking.

It's okay, I whispered over and over. Don't be afraid. Mama is here... I am taking you away. No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it.

Tears soaked his hair.

Right there, I took out my phone.

I texted my lawyer. One line.

Prepare the divorce.

Then I dialed the number of the man who pulled me out of hell. Colt Blackwood.

When he answered, I said quietly, I... I need a favor.

I looked around at the Vanderbilt mansion. At the mafia empire built on blood and lies.

I will destroy the Vanderbilt Group just like you wanted. This time I won't stop you, I said. In return, I want me and my son safe.

And for the first time since my captivity, I meant every word.

Back in Ryles room, I moved quietly.

I folded his clothes. Grabbed our passports. Birth certificate. Bank cards. A few things I could not replace if I lost them again.

I did not take much.

I had learned what it meant to live with nothing.

When I finally lay down, I pulled Ryle into my arms. His body was stiff even in sleep, like he was afraid to relax. I kissed his hair and closed my eyes.

Footsteps stopped by the bed.

Still sulking? Davids voice came lazily out of the dark.

The mattress dipped. He reached out and dragged me against his chest, one arm locking around my waist. His tone softened, like he was soothing a child.

Belle, calm down and listen to me, he murmured. That kidnapping was staged. I only did it so you would not get jealous and make trouble for Roxanne. You know how you are... And Westley is my friend. His people know the rules. No one would actually hurt you. I protected you the whole time.

He sounded proud.

Like he had done me a favor.

If he had just looked, really looked, he would have seen the scars on my arms. The bruises that never fully faded. The way my body flinched when he touched me.

I swallowed everything down and turned my back to him, putting space between us.

So what you are saying is that I should stay kidnapped. Let everyone think I ran off with another man. Let people call me the other woman. And let my own sister replace me as Ryles mother. Wow."

David stiffened.

His patience cracked, even though he tried to hide it. I kept my voice steady, but my mind betrayed me.

Because the dark remembered before I did.

Westleys hands were never gentle. They were claims. Orders. Every night blurred into the next, a locked room that smelled of alcohol and sweat and laughter that was not meant to be kind. When I cried Davids name, when I begged like a fool who still believed in rescue, Westley only laughed. He told me David had handed me over. Told me I was free. Free like a thing no one wanted anymore.

When he drank, the cruelty grew louder. He would pull me into the light, make me stand where his men could see. Their eyes stripped me faster than hands ever could. Laughter followed me everywhere. I learned to disappear inside my own body, to float somewhere far above the ceiling, to leave only skin behind.

I did not scream anymore. Screams were currency. Silence was survival.

And now David was behind me, breathing easy, telling himself a story where he was the hero. Where I had been protected. Where my fear was just jealousy dressed up as pain.

You do not have to be so sharp, he said coldly. If Roxanne became his stepmother, that would just invite more gossip. The wedding was only for show. I had to do it so people would stop saying she seduced me. Do you understand?

I almost laughed.

So my words were cruel because I called her a stepmother? Wow. Not because I had been erased.

I said nothing.

The silence irritated him. He looked around the room and noticed the bag by the bed.

Why did you pack? he asked, frowning. Where do you think you are going when you're just came back?

Before I could answer, his phone rang.

Roxanne.

My younger sister.

Her crying filled the room, loud and desperate.

Dave, she sobbed. The moment Isabella came back, she posted about me online. She said I stole her husband. That I am shameless. That I destroyed your family! She's forcing me to leave.

Her voice broke dramatically.

Please talk to her. I know I was wrong. I will never mention the wedding again. If she's angry, I will go outside and apologize to everyone. I will humiliate myself. Just please do not make me leave the country.

David clicked the link she sent.

His face darkened. The post showed my photo. The words were vicious. Threatening.

I stared at the screen in disbelief. That's not me, I said quickly. I didn't post that. Someone is pretending to be me"

SLAP.

His hand came out of nowhere.

The slap cracked across my face. My ears rang and I tasted blood.

Roxanne was your sister! he shouted. Your fucking damn younger sister. And you want to throw her out? How do you expect her to survive alone? You are disgusting. Truly vile.

He turned away from me without another glance.

His voice softened instantly as he spoke into the phone.

Don't cry. I'm coming. No one will make you leave. I will handle her.

Then he walked out.

The door closed.

The silence crushed me while I sat there, frozen and wondered.

When he left me with Westley, did he ever think about how I would survive alone? Did he ever worry if I was scared? If I was bleeding? If I would live to see another day?

I smiled without meaning to. My mouth tasted like metal. I lay back down and patted Ryles back as he stirred uneasily. I did not sleep again.

Morning came without mercy.

Ryle burned in my arms before the sun was fully up. His small body trembled, skin flushed, lips dry. When he cried, it was weak, broken, nothing like him. Panic slammed into me so hard I could barely breathe.

Mommys here! Ive got you. Ive got you. I called David while wrapping Ryle in a blanket. Ryle has a fever, My voice cracked despite my effort. Its high. Im taking him to the hospital.

There was movement on the other end. Keys. A door. For one brief, stupid second, hope rose.

Ill drive, he said. Im coming now.

Relief almost made me cry. Then another call cut in.

Roxanne.

I heard her voice through the speaker before he even answered. Loud. Weak. Dramatic.

Dave my stomach hurts so bad. Im vomiting. I cant stand it. I think something is really wrong with me

Silence.

Then David exhaled sharply.

Belle, he said, already distant. You take him first. Ill come later.

Later.

I waited for him to say more. To choose. To remember he was a father. He didnt. The line went dead.

I did not cry. I carried Ryle downstairs myself.

The family driver rushed to open the door when he saw Ryles condition. The car sped through the streets, the city blurring past like it was running from us.

Ryle whimpered against my chest. I rocked him gently, counting his breaths, pressing kisses into his burning hair.

Stay with me, I murmured. Just stay with me.

My phone vibrated again.

Messages.

Photos.

Posts.

My fingers went numb as I scrolled and every word stabbed.

Shameless. Cheater. Liar. Whore.

People I once knew commented beneath them. Old classmates. Distant relatives. Faces I recognized, all nodding along to the lie like it was gospel.

I tried to explain.

My hands shook so badly I mistyped every sentence. I rewrote it. Send it but my comment vanished.

Deleted.

I tried again.

Gone.

Again.

Erased.

My chest tightened. I could not breathe. Then the drivers voice cut through my spiral, sharp with fear.

Madam.

I looked up. He gripped the wheel hard, knuckles white.

Theres a car following us.

My stomach dropped. I turned, heart pounding, and looked through the rearview mirror.

One car.

Then two.

Then more.

They appeared like shadows spilling onto the road, surrounding us slowly, deliberately.

No plates! At least ten. Theyre speeding up.

I saw iron bars glint in the sunlight. Arms hanging out of windows. Faces hidden under caps and cloth.

My blood turned cold.

Ryle stirred, crying weakly. I pulled him closer, shielding his face with my body as if flesh alone could stop metal. I grabbed my phone and dialed David.

Once.

Twice.

No answer. The cars closed in.

The driver swerved, sweat pouring down his face.

Theyre blocking the front, he shouted. Madam, hold on!

Then it happened.

One second the road was there. The next second everything exploded.

BANG.

The car was hit hard from the side. Metal screamed. Glass shattered. The world flipped. I slammed into the seat, my head snapping forward, my chest crushed tight. Ryle screamed my name.

Before I could even crawl toward him, the door was ripped open.

Then hands grabbed my hair. I was dragged out and thrown onto the road like trash.

I twisted, reaching back. My son please, my son is inside

A boot came down on my spine.

All the air left my lungs.

You still worrying about other people? a man laughed above me. Youve lived too easy. Today you learn what pain feels like.

I didnt do anything, I tried to say.

My mouth barely opened before a slap cracked across my face. Stars burst behind my eyes. Warm blood ran down my chin.

They didnt touch Ryle.

I heard him crying inside the car. Someone said, annoyed, Leave the kid. Madam only wants the woman.

The slap came fast. My head snapped to the side. Blood filled my mouth. Everything spun.

They tied my wrists to the back of the car.

I realized what was about to happen and started begging. I screamed Ryles name again and again until my throat tore itself raw.

The engine revved.

Then I was dragged.

My body scraped against the road. Stones ripped through my clothes, my skin, my bones. Pain was everywhere, loud and sharp and endless. My arms felt like they were being pulled out of their sockets. My knees burned. My back screamed.

They laughed.

Someone filmed it.

Like I was nothing.

Like pain was entertainment.

I don't know how long it lasted. Time broke apart. I remember stopping. Hands loosening the rope. Someone kicking me once more for good measure.

Then nothing...

When I woke up, it was quiet.

Too quiet.

Moonlight spilled over rows and rows of gravestones. A cemetery. Funny. I felt safer there than anywhere else. Dead people never hurt me. Living ones always did.

I dragged myself to the road. Every step felt unreal. Like my body belonged to someone else.

When the sky started to lighten, my strength finally gave out. I collapsed right there on the roadside.

....

Maam? Can you hear me?

I opened my eyes to bright lights and white walls. A nurse was adjusting something in my arm.

Pain hit all at once. Everywhere.

Wheres my son?! I croaked. Where is Ryle?

She looked startled. Hes here. Hes okay. He had a fever earlier but its gone now. Hes sleeping.

I turned my head.

Ryle was on the bed beside mine, small and pale, an IV taped to his hand. Dextrose. His lashes rested on his cheeks. Breathing steady.

I cried without sound.

They cleaned my wounds. Asked questions. I answered only what I had to. I pulled the hospital gown tight, hiding my scars, hiding myself.

By evening, they discharged us.

Just like that.

Ryle clung to me the whole time, his arms tight around my neck like if he let go I would disappear.

Mommy, he whispered over and over. Are you hurting? Are you okay now?

I kissed his hair. Im okay, baby. Mommys okay.

He looked up at me with those too old eyes.

Why do people always hurt us? he asked softly.

I had no answer.

....

I went back inside the hospital to settle the bills.

I stood in line, quiet, numb.

Then I heard her voice.

Dave, Im really fine now. Youre worrying too much, Roxanne said, light and sweet.

My body froze.

Davids voice followed, low and gentle in a way I had not heard in years. The doctor said you need to be careful. They said theres a risk with the pregnancy.

She laughed softly. I know. Im used to it. Yesterday was my fault anyway. I shouldnt have upset Isabella.

My hands curled into fists.

I turned.

David was staring at me like he had seen a ghost.

Isabella? he said.

Shock hit him first. Then his face hardened.

Roxanne hid behind him like a scared child, fingers clutching his sleeve, body shaking on purpose.

Please dont look at me like that, sister, she whispered, I didnt do anything online. Youre frightening me. Im barely pregnant. The doctor said I cant be stressed. After I give birth, if you still hate me, you can do whatever you want. Ill leave. I wont fight.

Her words sounded soft. Too soft. Like rehearsed lines. Then David stepped forward, blocking me completely. His eyes were cold, sharp.

She almost lost the baby yesterday because of you, he said. You posted things, stirred trouble, ruined the wedding. Do you know how much stress you caused her?

I opened my mouth.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to pull up my sleeves. Show him the bruises. The wounds. The body that was barely holding together. I wanted to ask him why my blood never counted. But the look on his face killed my voice.

He was disgusted. Like I was something rotten he wished would disappear.

Ryle squeezed my hand.

Hard.

His little fingers were ice cold. His head lowered slowly, shoulders curling in like he was bracing for a hit. He didnt cry. He didnt speak. He just trembled beside me, eyes fixed on the floor.

My chest tightened so badly it hurt to breathe. I wrapped my arm around him and pulled him close, pressing his head into my side.

Its okay, I whispered. Mamas here.

David glanced at us. Just once. Then he sneered.

Nice act, he said flatly. Both of you. If there were awards for this, youd win. Pretending to be sick, pretending to be broken, just to get my sympathy. Do you really think I cant see through it? The real victim here is Roxanne.

Roxanne suddenly bent forward with a soft cry. David my stomach hurts

That was all it took.

He didnt even think.

He picked her up and ran toward the doctors area like she was glass. His shoulder smashed into mine as he passed and I fell.

Fuck! Get your ass away from here, Isabella!

My elbow hit the marble floor hard. Pain shot up my arm and straight into my skull. I sucked in a breath but no sound came out.

He never looked back.

I stayed on the floor longer than I should have.

People stared. Some whispered. Some pretended I wasnt there.

Ryle knelt beside me, tugging my sleeve with shaking hands. His eyes were full of fear. I forced myself up, every movement burning, and pulled him into my arms again.

Then I went back to the line.

Step by step.

When it was my turn, I signed the discharge papers without speaking. My hands shook so badly my name didnt even look like mine.

We went home.

The house felt dead. No sound. No warmth. Just cold walls and air that smelled empty. Ryle took off his shoes carefully, like he was afraid to make noise. Then he suddenly stopped and grabbed my hand hard. Too hard.

Mom, he whispered, not looking up. You shouldnt have come back.

My heart dropped.

What do you mean?

He swallowed. His eyes were wet but he didnt cry.

When you show up, Dad gets angry. Then people get hurt. I dont want them to hit you again. I can stay. Im used to it.

I broke.

I pulled him close, crying into his hair, holding him so tight my chest hurt. Im sorry, I kept whispering. Im so sorry.

He was eight. Fear raised him faster than love ever could.

Then my phone rang.

My parents.

Come home now, my mother snapped. Bring the child.

Why? I said, still holding Ryle.

Dont play dumb, she barked. If you dont show up today, youll regret it.

The call ended.

I didnt argue. I took Ryle and went.

....

Their house was nothing like before. New gates. Guards. Expensive cars lined up like trophies. Power everywhere. That was where the Vanderbilt favor went.

The moment I stepped inside, my mother slapped me. Hard. My head snapped to the side.

She spat at me.

You shameless thing! How dare you upset Roxanne while shes pregnant. Do you want to kill her babies?

Babies. Plural.

You went online, she screamed. You made her bleed. Shes carrying twins. If anything happens, Ill bury you myself.

Ryle shook beside me. He bowed his head.

Im sorry, Grandma, he whispered. Ill be good. Please dont hit Mommy. Please dont hit me.

Something inside me shattered.

My father kicked me in the stomach. I crashed to the floor, coughing blood.

You shouldve stayed with your criminal lover, he roared. You ruined David and Roxannes happiness.

The door opened.

Roxanne.

My mothers face changed instantly. She shoved me aside and rushed to her.

Are you scared? Did she hurt you?

Roxanne saw me and stepped back like I was dangerous.

Why is she here? she asked softly. Did she say bad things about me again? I never wanted to take her husband. Im really sorry, sister.

My parents shielded her immediately.

My father pointed at the door.

Take your face and that child and get out.

Roxanne cried quietly, hiding her face.

That was when I stopped crying.

I smiled. Small. Bitter.

A year of kidnapping hadnt broken me like this. My family did it in minutes.

Then David arrived, gifts in his arms, men behind him filling the room with pressure. When he saw me, his face turned cold.

What are you doing here?

Roxanne stepped in fast.Please dont be angry at her. Shes always hated me. Shes insecure and jealous. Now that you chose me, she cant accept it. She lowered her head. Ill apologize to her. Just dont hate her because of me.

I watched them And finally understood. I was never their daughter. Never his wife. I was just the mistake they all agreed to erase.

I got home with Ryle.

The house was silent, empty in a way that made my chest ache. I put him down slowly, and he wandered over to the kitchen like a little ghost. I made him something to eat. He barely touched it, just stared at his plate while I sat across from him, tired to the bone, bruises burning under my clothes, arms still raw.

When he finally finished, I cleaned up, tucked him into bed, and kissed his forehead. His little body was warm, soft, and somehow all mine, but I felt every crack inside me that hadnt healed.

I collapsed onto the couch after. My phone buzzed. My lawyer.

Divorce papers are ready. Needs signatures from you and David.

I typed back, hands trembling. Okay.

Then the phone rang again. Colt Blackwood. My pulse hitched.

Is your divorce ready? His voice was calm but sharp. In five days Ill get you out of that house. You and your son.

Yes, I whispered. I will make him sign.

The weight in my chest eased a little. A small victory.

The next morning came Davids call. Cold. Sharp. The kind that made your bones ache before your mind could even think. He told me to go to the hotel. I left Ryle with the maid. I wanted to take him with me so badly, but I couldnt. Not yet.

....

When I arrived, the room was bright with cameras and lights. Roxanne was there. My sister. The one everyone thought was sweet, fragile, and perfect. She had her fake smile plastered on, pink maternity dress hanging loose, eyes sparkling with the performance she always gave.

You need to apologize, she said, In front of everyone. For ruining my name, for what you posted about me. Admit it.

I looked at her, I didnt do anything wrong, I said quietly. You, as my husband mistress were the one who destroyed every

Roxannes face twisted, panic slipping through her act. Isabella, why are you doing this? I know you hate me, but youre the reason David ran to me! You cheated on him. You slept with other men! Now go ahead and tell the world what a disgusting sister you are, after seeing how perfect my life is with David and how you eagerly wanted to ruin it!

Then she stumbled forward, arms reaching, and her flat belly slammed against the table. She bent over, white skirt turning red almost instantly.

My babies! she gasped.

David moved faster than I could, shoving me aside and scooping her up. If anything happens to Roxanne and her children, you will pay, he spat, and then he stormed out, bodyguards filling the room behind him.

Two of them grabbed me and pulled me toward the car. I didnt resist. My legs were heavy, my body numb.

Roxannes crying bounced off the walls of the hospital corridor. My babies! Please, David, dont let anything happen! I cant be alone if something goes wrong! The twins its my fault. I just want to stay with them!

The hallway finally went quiet. Then the door opened and David stepped out. His face was cold, sharper than ice, and I froze.

Isabella, he said, voice flat.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry.

I didnt think you had it in you to be this cruel, he continued. Get outside. Kneel. Say youre sorry for what could have happened to Roxannes babies. Only then will you get your punishment.

Before I could even think, two of his men grabbed me, dragging me forward. I hit the stone outside, knees scraping and freezing against the ground.

I lifted my head a little. The first snow of the year was falling, quiet and soft, landing on my hair, my shoulders.

The snow came down harder, blinding. I could barely keep my eyes open. Then everything went black. The last thing I heard was someone shouting.

Mr. Vanderbilt, she passed out!

David didnt even look over. Wake her up. Shes not done kneeling.

I jolted when ice water was thrown on my face. It stole the air from my lungs. I gasped and coughed until my chest burned.

Inside the ward, Roxanne was clinging to David, crying like the world had ended.

The babies theyre gone, she whispered. I lost them.

David held her, his hand gentle in her hair, Its okay. We can have more. I wont let this be for nothing.

She touched her stomach and broke down harder. I have nothing left. No title, no child, no place. Whats the point of me even living? Maybe I should just end it.

Dont talk like that, he said sharply.

She pulled back and looked at him through her tears. David can I take her place? Can you make me your wife instead? Just leave Isabella. Im tired of being called the other woman because of her.

I heard the pause. Thick. Heavy.

Then the door opened again.

Sir, the bodyguard said nervously. She collapsed again. Shes not responding.

David finally walked out. He looked down at me lying in the snow. My skin was white, my lips blue, my dress soaked and sticking to my body. I must have looked dead already.

Call a doctor, he ordered. Now. Just make sure she doesnt die.

That was all.

Even like this, I was still only something to punish, not someone to protect. All those years I spent loving him, believing in him, had turned me weak and foolish.

I woke up because something cold hit my arm. A sharp sting. I gasped and tried to move, but my body felt heavy like I was waking up from a bad dream that would not end.

Mr. Vanderbilt! Shes awake.

That was when I realized I was not in a hospital.

I was on a yacht.

The floor beneath me swayed gently. The sound of water surrounded us. When my vision cleared, I saw them. All of them. David stood near the railing, face stiff. Roxanne was wrapped in layers, leaning against him like she could collapse any second. My parents were there too, standing close, their faces tight with anger.

And then I saw my son.

Ryle was kneeling beside me.

His small hands were shaking as he clung to my sleeve. His eyes were red and swollen from crying. He kept bowing his head again and again.

Im sorry, he kept saying in a tiny voice. Ill be good. I wont be bad anymore. Please dont hurt my mom. Please.

My heart cracked open.

I tried to sit up, but before I could say his name, my mother stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face. My head snapped to the side. I tasted blood.

You evil thing, she screamed. You killed your sisters babies!

My father followed. His fist came down on my shoulder, then my back. I curled up instinctively, arms over my head, hearing nothing but my own breath and Ryle crying.

How could you do this to Roxanne?! my mother shouted again. You were always jealous! Always cruel.

Roxanne sobbed loudly, clinging to David. Please stop, she cried, shaking. I dont want her punished like this. I just wanted peace. I just wanted my babies back. She cried so hard she could barely stand.

David raised his hand. Enough.

They finally stepped back.

Someone shoved a small urn into my trembling hands. It was cold. Too light.

Do it, David said. Scatter the ashes. Apologize properly.

The wind was strong as I was dragged to the edge. My hands shook so badly I almost dropped it right away. I could barely stand. My legs felt like they might give out.

Roxanne stepped closer, crying softly. Isabella, please. Let my babies rest.

The urn slipped from my hands.

Silence.

Then screaming.

You useless monster! my mother shrieked.

Before I could react, my father grabbed Ryle.

Go get it! he yelled.

He threw my son over the railing. I screamed his name. My body moved before my mind could catch up. I ran. I did not think. I did not breathe. I jumped.

The water was freezing. It swallowed me whole.

I saw Ryle for a second. His small body was sinking. His arms flailed.

"Mom!"

"Ryle!"

I kicked. I reached. My lungs burned. My arms felt weak. The waves pulled us apart.

Send a boat! David ordered. His voice cut clean through the wind. Get both of them out.

I was barely holding Ryle. My arms felt like they were tearing. Every wave dragged us down again. I kicked because I had to. Because if I stopped, he would sink.

Another voice yelled back, Sir, Roxanne collapsed!

I heard her scream my name. Weak. Fragile. Perfect.

David swore. Footsteps rushed. Someone shouted that the helicopter was ready, blades already roaring above us.

Take her to the hospital now, he said, fast and sharp. She cant lose consciousness out here.

I wanted to laugh. I wanted to scream.

Before he left, he turned back to the sea.

Keep searching, he told his men. Theyre not dead. Isabella swims well. The kid too. Theyre probably trying to run. Trying to get away from me.

Run? Me?

I could barely breathe.

Water burned my throat. My arms shook so hard I thought they would snap. Ryle coughed, small hands clawing at my neck.

Its okay, I tried to say, but it came out as bubbles. Moms here.

The waves did not care.

Above us, the helicopter lifted, carrying Roxanne away like she was made of glass. Below, the sea pulled us down like we were nothing.

DAVID'S POV

Roxanne was asleep when I got her back to the hospital.

She looked small on that big bed. Pale. Fragile. Like she might shatter if the lights were too bright. I sat beside her and held her hand, careful, gentle. Her skin was warm. Mine felt cold.

Even asleep, she was crying.

David she murmured, barely audible. Dont leave me. Im scared.

My chest tightened. I leaned closer, lowering my voice. Im here. Rest. Youre safe.

But my mind would not shut up.

The sea kept crashing in my head. Over and over. Isabellas face right before she jumped.

I eased my hand out of Roxannes grip and stepped into the hallway. The moment the door closed, I called my assistant.

Any news? I asked.

There was a pause. Too long.

Sir were still searching. The waves are rough. It was dark. We added more boats, but

Dont stop, I snapped. She didnt drown.

I pressed my fingers to my forehead. Isabella can swim. Shes strong. Shes done this kind of thing before.

And Ryle.

My jaw clenched.

She didnt jump to die, I said, more to myself than him. She jumped because Ryle was in the water. She was saving him. She always does that.

The image burned behind my eyes. My father in law was shoving Ryle forward. The splash. Isabella not even hesitating before jumping in after him.

She wouldnt leave the boy, I said. Shes probably keeping him afloat somewhere. Looking for a way out.

I hung up and stood there longer than I meant to. Snow was piling up outside the window. White. Silent. Cold.

...

The next morning, I made sure Roxanne was watched closely and drove home alone.

The house felt wrong the second I stepped inside.

Too quiet.

Belle? I called.

Nothing.

Ryle? My voice echoed back at me.

I walked faster. The living room looked normal at first. Furniture untouched. Her coat still hanging where she always left it. Shoes lined up neatly by the door.

Then I stopped.

The wall.

Empty.

Every photo was gone. Wedding photos. Family pictures. The ones with Ryle sitting between us, grinning with his missing teeth. The frames were still there. Clean. Bare.

My chest tightened hard.

I grabbed the servant. Where are the photos?

They hesitated. A few days ago, sir. After Madam came back she ordered all pictures with you and the young master burned. She watched them herself. She said none were to be kept.

My ears rang.

Burned?

She used to dust those frames every morning even before she got kidnapped. Scold anyone who touched them. She said they were proof we existed.

I walked into the bedroom. The closet was full. Her clothes still there. Dresses. Coats. Even the white ones she loved.

She took nothing.

Only erased us.

My phone rang.

Roxanne.

Her voice was weak, trembling. David where are you? I woke up and you werent here. I dreamed about the babies. Im scared.

I looked around the empty house again. At the photos that used to prove I had a family.

Im on my way, I said automatically.

But my grip on the phone tightened.

Isabella was gone. Ryle was gone. And for the first time, I did not know if they would ever come back.

Still, one thought stayed sharp in my mind.

I would find them.

No matter where they ran.

Roxanne crashed into my chest the moment I stepped back into the hospital room.

She was shaking hard, crying like the world had ended. Her fists clutched my coat, knuckles white. I wrapped my arms around her and held her steady, one hand rubbing her back, slow and firm. That was what I did. I kept things from falling apart.

But my head was somewhere else.

She looked up at me, eyes red, lashes wet. David youre distracted. Are you thinking about them?

I felt her body tense. You still havent found my sister and Ryle, have you? Are they alive?

My jaw locked. I hated questions I could not answer.

No updates yet, I said. My people are still searching.

Her face folded instantly. Tears spilled faster. This is my fault, she whispered. If I wasnt there, Isabella wouldnt have jumped. She wouldnt have done something so extreme.

I tightened my hold on her. Stop blaming yourself, I said low. We already lost the twins. Thats enough pain for one body to carry.

Then I added, slower, firmer, She jumped because Ryle was in the water. She was saving our son. Thats all.

Roxanne nodded against my chest, quiet now. I felt the slightest shift in her breathing, like something passing behind her eyes. I ignored it.

Inside, I was already doing the math.

Isabella was not weak. She was terrifyingly strong. She used to slice through water like it belonged to her. She nearly made the national swim team back then. And Ryle? He trained young. Too young. But he was fast, disciplined.

They didnt drown, I said more to myself than her. They swam away. She doesnt want to face me yet. Thats why theres no call.

Isabella had always been intense about family. About me. About our son. She loved too hard. That kind of woman did not vanish easily.

I lifted Roxannes chin gently. Rest, I told her. Youve been through hell.

....

For the next two days, I stayed by her side. Made sure she ate. Made sure the room stayed warm. Made sure no reporters got close. I handled everything.

But at night, when the lights dimmed and the hallways went quiet, my mind turned on me.

I kept seeing Isabellas face on the yacht. Not angry. Not desperate.

Resolved.

I told myself she would come back soon. She always did. She was dramatic sometimes. Emotional. She wanted me to chase her, panic a little.

Fine. It worked.

By the third morning, I was sitting outside the operating wing, elbows on my knees, fingers tapping without rhythm. I did not even notice I was doing it until someone stopped in front of me.

A man in a suit. Calm. Professional. Dangerous in a quiet way.

Mr. Vanderbilt, he said. Im Mrs Vanderbilts lawyer.

I looked up slowly.

He handed me a folder. These are the divorce papers she prepared. Everything is ready. She just needs your signature.

My eyes dropped to the folder.

Divorce?