The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

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Seeing Sabrina outside our apartment's door was bitterly ironic. On one hand, I would no longer live here, Gabriel could welcome anyone he wanted-just like he already had.

"Th-this..." Gabriel stammered, his voice catching in his throat, clearly blindsided,

"I didn't know you'd be here, Isabella. I came to talk to Gabriel about last week," Sabrina murmured, playing the part of the

victim.

I pressed my lips together, my gaze shifting to Gabriel. Panic flickered in his eyes, a silent plea. But at that moment, my heart turned cold.

"Sabrina, the security here is tight. You can't just walk up to the apartment floor without clearance, I remarked casually. though my pulse quickened.

Sabrina reached into her designer handbag and held up a familiar keycard. "I used this. It's my third time."

The third time? I stayed silent, but the question seared through my thoughts. Where was I during these clandestine visits? Out working late, trusting, and oblivious?

Gabriel's voice wavered with desperation. "Isabella, don't jump to conclusions. The first time, she just needed to change clothes. Last week... I was drunk. I hadn't gotten the keycard back yet, that's all."

"You don't need to explain." I cut him off, turning away.

I stepped into the elevator and swiped the keycard over the sensor before handing it back to Gabriel as he rushed over.

"Gabriel, I'm giving this back." I placed the card in his trembling hand. "Sophia already took care of the apartment bills. I don't think there's anything else left to settle." My voice stayed calm.

His hand shook as he grasped the card, stunned by my icy detachment. "Isabella, please..."

"You need to talk to Sabrina and figure out your relationship," I said calmly.

"We don't have a relationship!" His voice escalated, filled with rage. "You've always been so understanding about my career. How can you do this over a mere rumor?"

I had so much to say, but it felt pointless now-disappointment had turned me into a shell, indifferent to everything.

Sabrina pulled his arms. "Gabriel, just let her go. I came here to talk, and I have no ill intentions toward your relationship. If Isabella can't see my purpose, then she doesn't truly love you."

Her words seemed to lift Gabriel, bringing out a dark side in him. "Mark my words, Isabella. If you leave now, don't you dare think of coming back!"

The elevator doors slid shut with a soft chime, sealing him behind as my heart hardened once more.

For five years, I followed Gabriel like a shadow, my own identity slowly fading into the background. I relentlessly chased his dreams, supporting him in every conceivable way. Along the way, I lost sight of my own dreams, foolishly believing that Gabriel was the only one that mattered.

But now, I see clearly. He's not worth my tears, let alone the years I've wasted.

In the elevator, descending from the apartment that was once called my sanctuary, my phone rang. I expected it to be Gabriel, so my heart skipped a beat. Instead, I was surprised to see my father's name on the screen-a rare sight that made me curious and uneasy.noveldrama

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22:50 Fri, 11 Apr

"Hello?" I answered after a hesitant swipe.

"Come home. We need to talk," my father said, his voice stern.

"Can't we just talk on the phone?" I asked, hoping to avoid the confrontation. The idea of facing my parents after years of hardly speaking was overwhelming. "Isabella!" he snapped, "I raised you, took care of you, and gave you everything- even though you've been away for geared to this how you thank your parents?"

The last time a real conversation happened between us was a blur in my memory. "Come home to the mansion," he added sharply, leaving no room for debate. "Your mother and I have something insta to tell you."

To end the tense exchange, I agreed. I hung up the call, feeling unsettled.

When the elevator doors opened, I was surprised to see Sophia there, her usual calm expression replaced by worry

"Are you alright?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "I saw Sabrina get out of her car... I know she went to Gabriel's apartment. I've been worried sick about you."

I forced a smile. "You think I'm going to lash out at Sabrina just because she slept with my boyfriend?"

"Not really... I just wanted to make sure you're okay. This whole situation is so messed up."

"Forget about them," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "I'm free now-that's all that matters."

But I never thought this newfound freedom would take me right into the trouble waiting for me at home.

***

"What?" I exclaimed, disbelief flooding my voice as my father's words hung like a toxic cloud. I clenched my jaw disappointment coursing through me.

"I'm sorry, Isabella... I have to do this to repay your parents for taking me in. But I'm already involved with Lucas As usual my cousin Charlotte acted like a fragile flower, hiding her true nature behind a mask of vulnerability.

Of course, my father felt better about her. "Don't speak like that, Charlotte. You did better than this wench!"

Mom reached out to hold my hand. "Isabella," she pleaded, "your dad needs this project to support the company. It's worth millions. Mr. Shaw has one request to continue this crucial contract: they want you to marry their son."

"I already met that jerk, Mom!" I spat, unable to hide my disgust. "He's a

substance misuser and treats women horribly? You want me to marry someone

you know won't respect me?" The resentment in my voice was apparent, years, of frustration boiling over.

My mother couldn't meet my gaze, guilt etching deep lines on her face. "What are you so proud of?" Dad sneered, “That boyfriend you're clinging to doesn't respect you either! He's involved with someone else! Break up with Gabriel Sterling and do as we say if you want a place in this family!" My father's anger lashed out like a whip.

Charlotte's lips curled into a smirk, her eyes glittering with malice. "Oh, Uncle, don't you know?" she chimed in, her voice sickeningly sweet. "I heard from Gabriel's assistant that they already broke up!"

I burned with rage, wanting nothing more than to lash out at the witch who had poisoned my relationship with my parents. But holding back was necessary, knowing it would only give them more reason to criticize me.

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"Good! If you don't marry the Shaws, we'll forget you're our daughter my father threatened. My mother's eyes widened in shock, but all I felt was a tightening knot of disappointment in my chest, a familiar ache growing for years,

Filled with determination and heartbreak, I declared, "Then go ahead, sever your ties with met

The silence followed was overwhelming, shattered only try the sharp sound of a stap. A heavy hand struck my cheek.