Her Ruined Innocence

Isabella sat nervously in her room, peering out of the window every so often, eagerly awaiting her fiancé Zack's arrival. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across the sky, but Isabella felt a chill of anxiety creeping in. Her mind was consumed with a whirlwind of thoughts regarding finalizing wedding plans and determining the exact date for their much-anticipated special day. The excitement was palpable, but so was the anxiety, as she wondered how everything would come together in time. Would the flowers be ready? Had she forgotten any crucial details?

With Zack preoccupied with work commitments that demanded much of his attention, Isabella had taken on the responsibility of handling all the wedding preparations herself. She had always envisioned this day as a celebration of their love, and now that it was so close, she felt a mix of joy and trepidation. She eagerly longed for the moment when she could officially become his wife, especially now that she had recently graduated from high school and turned eighteen. This transition into adulthood filled her with hope and dreams for their future together, and she couldn't help but imagine the life they would build.

Zack had gone to great lengths to convince her parents to allow them to marry at such a young age, arguing passionately that he was no longer a young man himself. He had worked hard to establish himself in his career, gaining respect and admiration from those around him. At twenty-five, he had been entrusted with full authority over one of his father's thriving companies, demonstrating a level of maturity and responsibility that seemed to reassure Isabella's parents. Their approval meant everything to her, and she was grateful for Zack's determination.

Undeniably, Zack was every family's dream partner—wealthy, handsome, and genuinely in love with Isabella. It was no surprise that her parents had no objections to her moving in with Zack's family before the wedding. After all, she would be living there once they were married, and they wanted her to settle in comfortably before the big day. Isabella felt a sense of relief knowing that her parents trusted Zack, and she could sense their excitement about the upcoming union.

The grand family house, akin to a palace with its sprawling gardens and elegant architecture, was already inhabited by Zack's father and a multitude of devoted servants. The place had a sense of history and grandeur that made Isabella feel like she was stepping into a storybook. She felt there was little cause for concern regarding her new living arrangements, and everything seemed perfect. Isabella envisioned long dinners with Zack’s family, laughter echoing through the halls, and a home filled with love.

However, little did anyone anticipate the presence of Xander, Zack's older brother, who had gained a notorious reputation in the business field as a heartbreaker and troublemaker. Xander's presence loomed large in their lives, often overshadowing the joy surrounding the upcoming wedding. Xander, nearing thirty years old, was known for his womanizing ways, earning him the unflattering title of the "nasty wrecker." With a different woman in tow every day, he indulged in his sexual desires, leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. Women flocked to him, eagerly offering themselves to him, only for him to discard them and move on to his next conquest without a second thought.

And then there was Xander, a wrecking ball in the business world. He had a reputation that preceded him, one that struck fear and admiration in equal measure. He was ruthless, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals, often leaving a trail of destruction behind him. Money and authority consumed him, driving his every move with a relentless ambition that knew no bounds. His reputation for manipulation extended beyond business, spilling into his personal life, where he exerted control and wielded power over those around him.

Isabella, on the other hand, had only ever had eyes for Zack, her fiancé and true love. From the very first time he confessed his love to her, to the beautiful flowers he would gift her and the gentle kisses on her hands, he had captured her heart from a young age. She cherished those memories, replaying them in her mind as she awaited his arrival. His unwavering love and protection had blossomed into a deep and abiding affection that she couldn't ignore, making her feel cherished and safe.

Yet, despite her devotion to Zack, Xander consistently ignored her presence, dismissing her as if she were invisible. His dismissive attitude perplexed her, but she brushed it off, not allowing his behavior to affect her overly. That is, until one fateful night when circumstances beyond her control forced them together in a way she could never have anticipated. This night would change everything, and Isabella had no idea how much.

As Isabella anxiously waited in her room, she heard strange noises coming from downstairs and the screeching of tires from a car that had just arrived. Her heart quickened with anticipation, and she hurriedly went to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside, but the darkness hindered her view. Suddenly, the entire house went black as the electricity went out, plunging her into an unsettling darkness. Startled and filled with dread, Isabella fought back the urge to scream, her fear of the dark threatening to overwhelm her senses.

Silence engulfed the room as Isabella sat and waited, desperately hoping that the one who would arrive would be Zack. With each approaching footstep, her anticipation grew, causing her to stand up as the door suddenly swung open. She felt a mix of hope and fear as she braced herself for the unexpected.

But to her shock and dismay, it wasn't Zack who barged into her room. It was Xander, his presence casting a dark shadow over the uncertainty of her future. The air grew thick with tension, and Isabella's heart sank at the sight of him.

He moved closer to her, his eyes scanning her body with a sensual and lustful gaze that made Isabella's skin crawl. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she tried to process his invasion of her space.

Feeling her heart race, she nervously met his gaze, attempting to read his intentions. Her voice quivered as she asked, "Is something wrong? Your room is on the other side of the corridor, remember?" Her innocent reminder was a subtle attempt to distance herself from his intoxicated late-night appearances, but she could sense the danger lurking beneath the surface.

But her innocence meant nothing to him. With a swift motion, he forcefully pushed her inside and slammed the door shut behind him. The sound echoed ominously in the quiet room, amplifying her fear. The smell of alcohol on his breath made her flinch and shiver, the scent thick and suffocating.

She took a step back, pleading, "Xander, please go. You're clearly drunk, and it's concerning." Her voice trembled, reflecting her rising panic as she tried to maintain her composure.

He didn’t need a reminder; he was well aware of his condition. This wasn’t anything new. Every day, he came home like this, and since she had moved in, it seemed to be worsening. He was always angry, particularly after Isabella's wedding plans had been set in motion and Zack's distant behavior had left him feeling neglected.

The reason behind his anger remained a mystery to him, swirling in a haze of alcohol and unresolved emotions. He was trapped in a cycle of his own making, and Isabella was caught in the crossfire.

Was it the alcohol, the overpowering lust, or even a twisted form of love? The questions raced through her mind, but she knew instinctively that none of it justified his actions.

In that moment, he didn’t consider anything else, solely focused on taking what he desired, even if it meant using force. There was a predatory glint in his eyes that sent chills down her spine.

Pulling her into his chest, his hands roamed down her thighs and up to her chest, igniting a firestorm of fear and confusion within her. The sensation of his touch was foreign and wrong, and she recoiled instinctively. When she attempted to break free from his firm grip, he tightened his arms around her waist, unwilling to let go. In a matter of seconds, he forcibly claimed her lips, his kiss rough and aggressive, seeking entrance. She tried to resist, desperately grazing his lips with her teeth, struggling to make him go away.

But to her dismay, she received nothing but a low groan of pleasure as he forcefully pushed her down onto the bed, pinning her beneath his heavy and muscular body, rendering her nearly immobile. The weight of him was suffocating, and her mind raced as she searched for a way out.

In a desperate attempt to escape, she wriggled and writhed, attempting to roll away, but it was futile against his overpowering strength. She opened her mouth to scream, but he quickly covered it with his hand, silencing her pleas for help. The panic surged within her, a primal instinct to survive kicking in.

Compared to his towering, powerful frame, she felt weak and insignificant. Every inch of his arms seemed to bulge with muscles, accentuating his dominating presence and leaving her feeling utterly helpless. She fought with all her might, twisting and turning, but her efforts were in vain.

He seized her hands and forcefully brought them up to her head, immobilizing her as he used his other hand to unzip his pants. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when she heard the faint sound of her cellphone ringing from her jeans. Summoning every ounce of courage she had left, she bit down on Xander's hand and fumbled to answer the call. It was Zack on the other end—a lifeline in this nightmarish situation.

"Isabella, sweetheart..." Zack's voice came through the phone, filled with concern and confusion as he shifted from speaker to silent listener, utterly shocked by what he was hearing. The tension in her chest tightened, and she felt a flicker of hope.

And what could be more devastating and mentally crushing than a lover hearing that his fiancée has been sexually assaulted? Hearing her voice in distress sent a jolt of fear through Zack, and he struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.

They were meant to be married in just a few short days, and the thought of that future was now hanging by a thread. The gravity of the moment pressed heavily on Isabella’s heart, and she feared what would come next.

Isabella pleaded with Xander, tears streaming down her face, "Please, just leave me alone. I need help!" Her voice cracked with desperation, and she felt the walls closing in around her.

But he ignored her cries, consumed by his own desires. Instead, he forcefully ripped the cellphone from her trembling hand and callously tossed it onto the bed beside him. With a mixture of anger and determination, he stripped away her clothes, callously stating, "No! I will take what I want, and right now, I want your body!" His words echoed in her mind, a haunting declaration that sent chills down her spine.

Despite her screams and pleas, Xander showed no remorse as he violated her, the darkness of the room swallowing her cries whole. There was no escape, and every moment felt like an eternity.

When he finally reached his climax, he withdrew from her bleeding body, his eyes lingering on her torn clothes, her swollen eyes, and the bloodstained sheets that told a story of horror and betrayal. The reality of what had just transpired settled heavily in the air, suffocating and oppressive.

But he wasn't the only witness to this horrific scene. The door swung open, and Zack entered the room just as Xander completed a troubling act against Isabella. The sight before him shattered his heart.

As his eyes fell upon Isabella, who stood naked on the bed, a wave of pain washed over Zack, crashing over him like a tidal wave. His mind raced as he tried to process the horror unfolding before him, disbelief gripping his heart.

In shock, Zack watched as Isabella, tears streaming down her face and her gaze blurred with hurt, stumbled off the bed, desperately seeking solace. She reached out for him, her eyes pleading for understanding and comfort.

All Isabella desired in that moment was for Zack to hold her, to provide solace and a sense of safety. However, he pushed her away, causing her to fall to the floor, and delivered his words with a cold and detached tone. "Isabella, I'm sorry, but I can no longer marry you after what happened between you and my brother." The finality of his words cut deeper than any physical pain.

Isabella gasped, feeling a mix of disbelief and fear as she desperately attempted to convey her innocence. "But I'm the victim! He r*a*ped me! I didn't do anything wrong. I swear it. Please believe me!" Her heart raced as she spoke, trying to make him understand the truth of her situation.

Suppressing his anger, Zack turned his back to Isabella, his voice devoid of warmth or compassion. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I cannot touch you or be with you after what transpired. You have to understand that this changes everything." The weight of his words settled heavily on her, and she felt the ground beneath her feet shift.

Suddenly, Xander's confident voice filled the room, cutting through the tension like a knife. "I will marry you, Isabella!" The audacity of his claim sent shockwaves through the air, leaving Isabella speechless.

Isabella.

As if the entire universe had suddenly been turned upside down in an instant, I was left reeling in shock, confusion, and disbelief. I couldn't comprehend why that horrible, atrocious, and devastating thing had happened to me in the first place. Why was Zack's reaction so cold and distant, as if what had existed between us was never true love at all? It felt as though the whole world had come to a grinding halt, everything moving in a painfully slow motion, like a never-ending nightmare playing out before my very eyes. I felt trapped in an endless cycle of pain and suffering, unable to wake from this living hell. The horrifying thought of what had just transpired was replaying in my mind like a broken record, haunting me, tormenting me, and torturing me with every second that ticked by.

There I was, standing in my place, completely confused and dumbfounded, my mind racing with a million questions, thoughts, and overwhelming emotions. I had just been raped mercilessly, for God's sake! I was suffering both mentally and physically, and yet no one was standing by my side, no one at all! It felt as if I had become the criminal in this twisted scenario, rather than the victim! I felt as though I had been punched square in the gut, with all the air knocked out of me. I gasped for breath, desperately trying to process what had just happened, but my mind was a jumbled mess of conflicting emotions and chaotic thoughts. I couldn't think straight, and my thoughts were cloudy and unclear, like a thick fog that refused to lift, suffocating me in its grip.

And the most bizarre thing was that Xander repeated his words again with unsettling confidence, declaring, "I will marry you, Isabella!" Oh, the audacity! Oh, the nerve! How could he even suggest such a thing after committing such an atrocious act against me? It felt like he was rubbing salt in my open wounds, pouring gasoline on a raging fire, and poking me repeatedly with a sharp stick. I wanted to scream at him, I wanted to shout in defiance, I wanted to cry out in anguish, but my voice was lodged in my throat, like a lump that refused to dissolve. I felt as if I were suffocating, drowning in an overwhelming sea of emotions that threatened to engulf me entirely.

With broken eyes and sorrow weighing heavily in my chest, I shot Xander a look filled with disgust and anger, trying to cover my body with my torn clothes while casting blaming eyes at Zack. I felt like I was staring into the eyes of a complete stranger, a person I didn't know, a person who didn't seem to care about me at all, a person who didn’t love me. I wanted to hate him, to loathe him, to despise him completely, but deep down, I still loved him, and that love was slowly killing me, eating away at my soul like a relentless cancer that refused to be eradicated.

But Zack just ignored me entirely, walking away with huge, purposeful strides, leaving me utterly alone, broken, and shattered. He didn't even bother to look back, didn’t even glance over his shoulder, he just kept walking away, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart. I felt as though I was watching him walk out of my life forever, out of my heart, out of my entire world. I wanted to call out to him, wanted to beg him to come back to me, but my voice was still trapped in my throat, like a silent scream that refused to be heard or acknowledged.

I tried to follow him, but my feet felt weak and shaky, and I couldn't reach him quickly enough. Zack walked downstairs, and finally, the lights flickered back on in the palace, illuminating the scene around me. I desperately tried to stand up on my own two feet, searching for a miracle, but my legs felt like jelly, as if they were made of lead. I was almost dragging my legs behind me, like a prisoner being led to her execution, utterly defeated. I reached out to touch Zack's jacket, but as soon as I did, I stumbled and fell on my face, feeling like a defeated warrior. I started to cry heavily, my sobs echoing in the empty space, trying to explain that I hadn't done anything wrong. "Please, Zack, listen to me! I didn’t do anything," I begged him, I pleaded with him, I implored him, but he just kept walking away, leaving me in the dust of my despair.

That's when I found myself surrounded by all the servants, guards, and even Zack's father and Xander, the very person who had violated me just moments ago. I felt trapped, cornered, caged within a nightmare I couldn't escape. I wanted to flee, to run far away from this hellish situation, but my legs felt heavy, my body weak, and my heart shattered into a million pieces. I felt as if I were living in a nightmare, caught in a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering that I couldn't break free from.

All the eyes of the palace servants and workers lowered to the floor in silence, of course, they were afraid to take even a single step toward me or say anything at all for fear of being fired. But even so, the servants looked at me with eyes full of pity and sorrow. They wanted to help me, but they felt powerless to do so. They wanted to save me, but they didn’t know how they could possibly intervene. They wanted to rescue me, but they were mere bystanders, watching a tragic scene unfold before them, helpless to change the course of events.

But the most shocking thing was that Zack and his father were now looking at me with those up-and-down glances that made me feel completely paralyzed! I couldn't understand why they were acting this way! Zack's father had loved me so much, and he had been so happy about my impending marriage to Zack. He treated me like his own daughter, pampering me as if I were precious to him. And Zack had followed me everywhere like my devoted shadow before all of this happened! Now he didn’t even want to look at me?! It was as if he had erased me from his memory entirely, like I was nothing more than a forgotten chapter in a book he no longer cared to read.

Seriously! I should have called the police instead and asked them for help rather than calling Zack! I should have trusted my instincts, I should have listened to my heart, I should have taken steps to protect myself. But no, I had to call Zack, I had to trust him, I had to believe in him. And now, I was paying the heavy price for my mistake. I felt as if I was paying the price for my misplaced trust, my love, and my lost innocence.

I crawled on the cold floor, my vision blurred from the massive tears streaming down my face, and in a breathless tone that could barely be heard, I cried out, "Zack! Please. Did you really not love me? Please, marry me! I didn’t do anything wrong. I promise I will be like your maid. But please don’t leave me in a situation like this." I begged him, I pleaded with him, I implored him, but he just kept ignoring my cries, leaving me to suffer and to cry in despair.

Zack cleared his throat then turned his gaze away from me, speaking in a cold tone that sent chills down my spine, "Why are you apologizing, Isabella? You didn’t do anything wrong. You are a victim. But—." Zack lingered his words in the air, leaving me hanging in uncertainty, leaving me waiting, leaving me hoping for something, anything. But what was he going to say? Was he going to save me? Was he going to rescue me from this nightmare? Was he going to love me again, as he once had?

I raised my head, filled with hope, and cut him off immediately with my desperate plea. "Then you will marry me, Zack?" How foolish and innocent I had been to think he would save me! I thought he would protect me, I thought he would love me unconditionally. But no, I was wrong, I was foolish beyond belief, I was naive in my expectations.

Zack scoffed and laughed in a hysterical tone, pushing me away with his shoe as if I were nothing more than trash in front of him. Zack didn’t even try to help me stand up or cover my exposed body. He crossed his arms over his chest and said bluntly, "Isabella, that doesn’t mean I will marry you. I can’t marry you now. I suggest you get married to my brother instead. If I married you, I would always remember that someone else touched your body. I loved you because you were a virgin, a pure girl. Can’t you understand, Isabella?! I loved that no one had touched you before me!" Oh, the irony! Oh, the hypocrisy! Oh, the audacity of his words!

The weight of Zack's words felt like they were turning me deaf. I felt lost in a maze with no way out, no escape in sight. It felt as if my heart had nearly stopped beating! I was gasping for air, struggling to grasp onto any hint of hope, searching for a way out of this nightmare. But there was none, there was no escape, there was no rescue to be found anywhere.

I was sucking in air desperately, trying to fill my lungs with the precious breaths I needed. I felt like a lost soul, trying to process everything that was happening around her! But I couldn't! Seriously?! Did this mean that Zack had abandoned me so quickly and heartlessly like that!? I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t accept it, I couldn’t understand it at all.

With a heavy heart, I nodded my head and crawled to Zack's feet, trying to kiss his shoes in a desperate gesture. "No, Zack! Please. I will live as your own slave for the rest of my life. Please don’t do this to me. You are destroying me and my reputation!" I was begging him, pleading with him, imploring him to reconsider. But he just kept ignoring me, leaving me to suffer, leaving me to cry in my pain and despair.

That's when I felt a firm grip pulling me roughly to my feet. I looked up to see who was standing beside me, and the strange thing was, it was my murderer! The very person who had ruined my innocence and shattered the love within me!

The one who stole my virginity, Xander, yelled at me sternly, "Stop now, Isabella! Can’t you see that Zack doesn’t want you? Can’t you see that he didn’t love you?! Can’t you see that he doesn’t deserve you! If I were in his place, I would have killed the one who violated my sweetheart! But Zack didn’t even fight back or blame me!" Xander's words hit me like a slap in the face, a punch in the gut, a stab right in my heart.

I pushed Xander's hands away from me and hollered at him, "Get your dirty hands off me! I hate you! If you don’t let me go, I will—" I was threatening Xander, warning him, cautioning him of the consequences. But he just kept talking, kept yelling, kept shouting, refusing to let me have my say.

Before I could continue my tirade, I found myself staring into Xander's eyes, filled with a love I had never seen before in my life! It was something strange, something mysterious, as if Xander was hiding a secret deep within him! But I didn’t care; I would never get married to my brother's fiancée, especially not to the one who had raped me! A rapist!

I felt sharp pains aching in my stomach, as if I were about to throw up from the overwhelming emotions. I was exhausted, on the brink of losing my consciousness at any moment. I rushed toward Zack's father, pleading for him to be a wise man and seek justice. "Please, sir, say something! Do something!" But he just kept smiling, kept laughing, kept mocking me in my hour of need.

Zack's father smiled boldly and scoffed, throwing me up and down looks that made me feel even smaller. "First! If Xander hadn’t let you go, you wouldn’t be able to do anything to him. Second— I absolutely refuse to let any of my sons marry you, so stop pretending you’re innocent. I’m sure that you seduced Xander." Zack's father accused me of being a slut! Oh, the shame! Oh, the humiliation! Oh, the degradation!

WHAT IS THAT HEARTLESS FAMILY THINKING!? I’M NOT A SEX TOY! I'm not a toy, I'm not a plaything, I'm not a slave. I'm a human being, I'm a person, I'm a woman deserving of respect and dignity.

I almost lost the ability to form words! My eyes widened in thunderstruck disbelief as I looked at Zack and his father, unable to comprehend their bold and cruel reactions.

Suddenly, Zack's father came closer to me, invading my personal space, and snapped his fingers sharply at one of the servants, commanding him with an authoritative tone, "Get me ten thousand dollars from my office right now." Oh, the insult! Oh, the injury! Oh, the offense! It was as if he had thrown a heavy weight of disdain right at me, making me feel small and powerless. The sheer audacity of his demand was staggering and left me reeling in shock.

I was still standing firmly in my place, trying desperately to maintain my composure and appear strong. I didn't know what his true intentions were or what he hoped to achieve with such a display. And I had no idea if my parents had overheard that scandalous exchange. Especially considering that Zack and Xander's father was not just wealthy, but filthy rich—he was a billionaire actually! I was merely a freshly minted high school graduate, and my parents came from the middle class, struggling to make ends meet. The social divide felt wider than ever in that moment.

The servant rushed back with alarming speed and handed Zack's father the money, which seemed to materialize out of thin air. Then Zack's father, with a threatening and menacing tone, directed his words at me, saying, "Isabella, if you dare to call the police or if anyone hears about what just happened here, I will personally ensure you end up behind bars. Not only will you suffer the consequences, but your father and your mother will as well! And trust me, no one will come to your aid." Oh, the blackmail! Oh, the coercion! Oh, the intimidation! It felt like I was standing at the edge of a precipice, teetering on the brink of despair.

With raised eyebrows and an expression of contempt, Zack's father threw the money at my face as if it were nothing more than scraps to a dog. Before I could even form a word to preserve my dignity or stand up for myself, Zack continued his harsh tirade. He spoke to me with an unkindness that stabbed me in my heart, declaring, "Pick up the money, Isabella, and just get out of here. That money is paid to shut your mouth." Oh, the shame! Oh, the humiliation! Oh, the degradation! It was as if he was stripping away my very identity, reducing me to a mere object for his entertainment.

Zack selfishly furrowed his brows, a look of disdain plastered across his face, while he gestured for me to kneel down and take the money and leave the scene. I felt utterly dehumanized, as if I were being treated like a dog, a slave, or worse—a prostitute. I felt like I was being bought and sold, used and abused, with no regard for my feelings or my worth as a person. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, suffocating my spirit.

I didn't know what I should do except resign myself to the painful situation and zip my mouth shut! I didn't know what I should say except to nod my head in agreement, as if that would somehow alleviate the tension. I didn't know what I should do except cry, scream, and shout in frustration, but the words felt stuck in my throat, unable to escape. It was a moment of sheer helplessness that enveloped me.

But because of the overwhelming feelings of subdual, debasement, and deep injustice, I suddenly fell to the ground, losing my consciousness in an instant, and everything around me turned into a dark abyss. My body felt frozen, turning into ice immediately, and I began to shiver intensely, as if the cold had seeped into my very bones. The darkness felt all-consuming, wrapping around me like a heavy blanket.

Before I could lose my full consciousness completely, I felt strong arms lifting me up gently, and a voice yelled worriedly, "Please, Isabella! Please wake up. Stay with me! I will marry you. Please, I will protect you, and I will face anyone for you—." The voice echoed again, desperately repeating, "Pleaseeeeeeeeeee." It was a haunting plea that resonated in my mind, even as my vision blurred and faded away.

And that's when all the voices around me gradually grew fainter until I lost the sensation of anything around me, slipping away into a void of silence. It felt surreal, like I was drifting into another world, detached from the chaos I had just experienced.

I was mumbling internally to myself, desperately trying to convince my mind that this was all just a nightmare, and soon I would wake up and everything would be fine again. I held onto that hope with all my might, wishing for a way out of this dreadful situation.

That's what I wished for! Until I finally opened my eyes to the chaotic sounds of squealing and screaming, accompanied by the noises of people in white clothes rushing around me, repeating the same words as if they were trying to inform someone nearby, "She's awake! She’s awake—" The reality of my situation began to set in, and I realized that I was far from the safety I had longed for.