Isabella spent the next two weeks in the mansion, alone and undisturbed. She used this time to focus on herself, to heal and to grow. She started each day with a quiet moment of meditation, seeking inner peace and calm.
She spent her mornings reading, devouring books on psychology and business. She wanted to understand Alexander's mind, to know what drove him. She also wanted to learn how to manage her own finances, to be independent and self-sufficient.
In the afternoons, Isabella explored the mansion, discovering hidden rooms and secret passages. She found an old piano in one of the rooms and spent hours playing, losing herself in the music.
She also started writing, journaling her thoughts and feelings. She wrote poetry and short stories, expressing herself in ways she never had before.
As the days passed, Isabella began to feel a sense of purpose. She realized that she couldn't escape, not yet. So, she decided to play Alexander's game, to beat him at his own rules.
She started by analyzing his business dealings, looking for weaknesses and vulnerabilities. She spent hours poring over financial reports, searching for a way to gain the upper hand.
One day, as she was working in the library, Alexander appeared. "Isabella, I see you're keeping busy," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Isabella looked up, a smile on her face. "Just trying to stay occupied, Alexander. I went out of town for business. I didn't want to bother you."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Business? You? I didn't know you were interested in that."
Isabella shrugged. "I'm full of surprises, Alexander. And I've realized that I don't need to trust anyone anymore. I can handle things on my own."
Alexander's expression changed, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Go on," he said.
Isabella leaned back in her chair, a plan forming in her mind. "I think we can help each other, Alexander. I think we can work together, to our mutual benefit."
Alexander's eyes narrowed, but Isabella could see the interest in his eyes. She knew she had him, that she had planted a seed of doubt in his mind.
And so, the game began. Isabella and Alexander, locked in a battle of wits, each trying to outmaneuver the other. But Isabella was determined to win, to emerge victorious in the end.
Isabella walked into the room, a confident smile on her face. "Alexander, I've been thinking a lot about your business, and I have a proposal that I think you'll find interesting."
Alexander raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Isabella launched into a detailed presentation, outlining a business plan that aligned perfectly with Alexander's current project. She spoke with conviction, her words dripping with enthusiasm.
Alexander listened, his expression changing from skepticism to delight. "Isabella, I'm impressed. Isabella smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Alexander. I've been doing my research."
But Alexander's mind was racing. Why was Isabella being so nice to him? He remembered the broken girl he had left in the mansion just weeks before. What had changed?
He pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the business plan. It was too good to pass up.
"Tell you what, Isabella," he said, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I'll make you a deal. If this business plan succeeds, I'll let you come home."
Isabella's heart skipped a beat. Freedom was within her grasp.
"But," Alexander continued, "if it fails, you'll stay here forever."
Isabella hesitated, weighing her options. But the promise of freedom was too enticing to resist.
"Deal," she said, her voice firm.
Alexander grinned, extending his hand. "Then let's shake on it and make it happen."
Isabella took his hand, a sense of determination washing over her. She would make this business plan succeed, no matter what it took. She would be able to.go home at least to see Maria
As they shook hands, Isabella felt a surge of adrenaline. She knew she had just made a deal with the devil himself, but she was willing to take the risk.
Alexander smiled, his eyes gleaming with sarcasm. "I'll give you full access to my resources, Isabella. Make it happen."
Isabella nodded, her mind racing with ideas. She spent the next few days working tirelessly, pouring all her energy into the business plan.
She met with Alexander's team, convincing them to get on board with her vision. She worked with the marketing department, creating a campaign that would make the project go viral.
And slowly but surely, the project began to take shape. Isabella's hard work was paying off, and Alexander was taking notice.
Isabella smiled, her confidence growing. "I told you, Alexander. I'm full of surprises."
But despite her success, Isabella knew she couldn't let her guard down. She was still trapped in the mansion, still at Alexander's mercy.
She began to secretly work on a backup plan, a way to escape if the business plan failed. She knew it was a risk, but she was willing to take it.
As the days turned into weeks, Isabella's project began to gain momentum. It was a huge success, and Alexander was thrilled.
"Isabella, I must say you know what you are doing "Alexander said
Isabella smiled, her heart racing with excitement. She had done it. She had won her freedom.
But as she turned to leave, Alexander's expression changed. "Not so fast, Isabella," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You may have won this time, but I'll always have the upper hand."
Isabella's heart sank, her mind racing with fear. What did Alexander mean? Had she just traded one prison for another?
"You see, Isabella," Alexander continued, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I've been watching you. I know all about your little backup plan."
Isabella's eyes widened, her heart racing with panic. How did he know?
"Don't worry, my dear," Alexander said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll let you go home. But only if you agree to work for me, exclusively."
Isabella felt a chill run down her spine. She was trapped, caught in Alexander's web of deceit.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I mean, you'll work for me, and only me," Alexander replied, his eyes glinting with triumph. "You'll do my bidding, and you'll do it with a smile."
Isabella felt a surge of anger, but she knew she had to keep her cool. She had to think of a way to escape, to outsmart Alexander once and for all.
"Okay, deal," she said, her voice firm.
Alexander smiled, his eyes gleaming with victory. "I knew you'd see it my way, Isabella. Welcome to the team."
Isabella smiled back, her mind racing with plans. She would play along, for now. But she would never give up. She would never surrender.
And so, Isabella began her new life, working for Alexander, but secretly plotting her freedom from Alex, their cursed marriage . She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to win. She would outsmart Alexander, and she would escape. No matter what it took.