Chapter 4
ISABELLA’S POV
The gala lights nearly blinded me as we stepped through the doors. Dominic’s hand rested low on my back, firm, commanding, as if reminding me with every touch: ‘you’re mine tonight.’ My cheeks burned each time his lips brushed against my temple, each peck so casual yet staking a claim in front of everyone.
People turned, whispers rippled, and then came the compliments.
“She’s stunning.”
“Dominic, where have you been hiding her?”
Their eyes swept over me, and I wanted to fold into the ground. My palms were damp, my heart thundering. I wasn’t used to this world anymore—its silk, its danger, its power games—and yet he paraded me through it like a prize.
Was this repayment for my father’s debt? To be dressed up, kissed, shown off? Shame curled in my st
