Chapter 3 THE MANSION

The iron gates creaked open, and Isabella's breath caught as the black car rolled down a long, winding driveway. Towering pines lined the path, their shadows bending in the moonlight like silent guards.

At the end stood the mansion.

It was massive, its gothic towers piercing the night sky, the windows glowing faintly like watchful eyes. It looked less like a home and more like a fortress.

"This..." Isabella whispered, her chest tightening. "This isn't real."

Damian's gaze slid toward her, sharp and unreadable.

"It's as real as it gets. From tonight, Isabella, this is your home."

Her stomach knotted.

"Home? You've kidnapped me. This is a prison!"

A dark chuckle rumbled from his chest.

"Call it what you like. A gilded cage is still better than the hell you'd have found with your little groom."

Her nails dug into her palms. "Daniel loves me. He would have-"

"Daniel is weak," Damian snapped, his voice like ice. "Weak men don't survive in my world. And neither would you, unless you're under my protection."

Before she could fire back, the car stopped at the entrance. Two men in black suits opened the doors, bowing their heads slightly to Damian. Their respect was absolute, like soldiers to their commander.

Damian stepped out first, then reached back for her. She jerked her hand away, refusing his help.

He only smirked. "Fiery. I like that."

Isabella climbed out, her wedding dress snagging on the car door, leaving a rip in the delicate silk. She felt her heart break all over again. The dress that once symbolized love and dreams was now nothing more than chains.

Inside, the mansion was breathtaking-grand marble staircases, golden chandeliers, walls lined with priceless art. But beneath the beauty lingered a chilling darkness, as though every corner whispered of secrets and blood.

Damian walked her into the main hall.

"You will stay here, in my house. You will eat here, sleep here, breathe here. And you will learn one thing, Isabella-"

His shadow loomed over her, tall and unyielding.

"-you belong to me now."

Her heart pounded, rage and fear colliding.

"You can force me into this place, but you will never have my heart."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then Damian's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.

"Challenge accepted."