Page 7 of Until You (Forgive Me)

The building was a newly renovated conversion. It had been a warehouse in its former life until one of the city’s biggest developers had bought up all the derelict dockside land. Exclusive designer apartments and a thriving community had grown out of the wasteland. She’d been unsure at the beginning, but Edward described it as the ideal location for a newly engaged couple with an active social life. Despite its extortionate price tag, Edward had his heart set on it. With their future in mind, she willingly paid the money. Edward couldn’t help it if he’d tied all his money up in investments.

Isabella slipped off her shoes, walking past the master bedroom and towards Edward’s office. He’d adopted the slightly smaller second bedroom as his office soon after they’d moved in. He often worked at home, so Isabella wasn’t too concerned as she preferred working at the University Library, anyway.

Opening the door, Isabella saw the office was empty. A smile spread over her face. She’d obviously arrived home during his lunch break. That would give them some much-needed time together. Her dissertation having taken up most of her waking hours over the past couple of months. But she’d finally finished it. She only had her final exams, and then she’d graduate.

She shut the door and walked to the open planned room at the end of the corridor. It was a large space, housing their living room, and an open planned kitchen. Its main features were the enormous windows and exposed brickwork, a beautiful reminder of the original building. It was this space that Isabella loved. Its high ceilings and rustic character, helping to centre her after a busy day.

As she reached the door, it surprised Isabella to hear voices coming from the living area. Edward hadn’t mentioned having a business meeting today. She paused, her hand on the door handle, an icy shiver taking over her body as she listened to the grunts and moans echoing through the door. The sound of flesh slapping made Isabella aware of what awaited her. A tightness gripped her chest. Should she leave? Forget what she heard? Maybe she was mistaken. Isabella’s father had taught her to stand up for what she believed in, however painful it was.

She pushed open the door. The two people bent over the sofa, completely unaware of her presence. Isabella took in the sight. Her best friend, Victoria, braced over the back of the sofa, while her fiance, Edward, thrust in and out of her at piston speed. Victoria’s moans and grunts echoed around the room. Isabella watched as Edward’s hand came down hard on her friend’s ass, the cheek flaming under his hand as she let out another enormous moan.

Isabella’s eyes caught on her friend’s naked breasts, crushing the back sofa cushion beneath her weight. Isabella shuddered. They’d only bought it two weeks earlier. Did she have no respect? Isabella stepped forward. She was going to damage it if she didn’t stop. It was then her brain stepped in.

Storming forward, Isabella grabbed Edward’s shoulder, his head turning towards her, his eyes wide in shock. He stopped still, his body still embedded in the woman in front of him. She turned her head towards them, her question stilling on her lips as she locked eyes with Isabella. She let out a shriek, pulling away from Edward, leaving him bobbing up and down as her body no longer held him.

“What the hell are you doing home?” Edward turned to face her, his hands on his hips.

“What the hell am I… I should ask, what the hell are you doing having sex with my best friend?”

Isabella glared at Victoria, who had silently scurried around the sofa. Her moans were now silent. She refused to look at Isabella. Instead, she focused on grabbing her clothes and pulling them on.

“What did it look like?” His voice pulled Isabella’s attention back to him, his lips curled in a snarl. “I was getting off... getting off with someone who knows how to please me.”

Victoria left without looking back. Isabella knew her friend had a voracious appetite for sex, but the last thing she’d expected was to find her banging Edward. What about the girl code?

“How long?” Isabella asked, trying to ignore his body, stiff and glistening with another woman’s arousal. He hadn’t even thought about her safety, having unprotected sex with someone else.

“What? Victoria?” Edward shrugged. “Since we were fourteen. She knows how to please me.”

Isabella could not believe his lack of remorse. Where was the kind, caring Edward who’d held her while she wept after her father died? The man who’d rescued her, supported her as she finished her degree? He told her he loved her and said her father would have been happy they found love. How it would strengthen their families business - the children of the founders, marrying and running it together. What a crock!

Isabella mentally shook herself. She needed to clear her thoughts. “So why bother proposing to me if you love Victoria?”

“Love Victoria?” Edward let out a harsh laugh. He laughed until tears ran from his eyes. “Oh, naïve little Izzy. Victoria isn’t marriage material. She’s a good lay but too promiscuous. Plus, she comes from nothing. You, however...” Edward stepped forward and ran a hand down her cheek, making her flinch. “Marrying you... It will solve all my problems. Daddy’s inheritance, all those millions. It’s worth putting up with your frigid little body for that alone.”

Isabella stepped back. “You’re mad. We’re done. Get out!”

She spun away from him, only to have him catch her arm. “I want you gone by the end of the day,” she hissed.

“No, my darling fiancee. We’re done, when I say we’re done!” A chill ran up Isabella’s spine at the venom in Edward’s tone. Her heart stalling as his grip tightened. “Plus, this place…” He waved his other arm around the room. “It’s ours. You forget, my love... My name is on the deeds.”

It was then Isabella realised her mistake. Edward had never cared... she was his means to an end. But why? He was as wealthy as she was...

With her eyes locked on his, she pulled out her phone, hitting the button that automatically dialled the emergency services.

“Emergency? How can I help you?”

Isabella raised her eyes to Edward’s, her heart racing as she wondered if he was going to call her bluff.

“Yes, hello,” Isabella said. “My boyfriend is threatening me, and I may need help.”

“Okay. Are you currently safe? Can you give me your address?”

Edward stared at her, a vein throbbing in his forehead. Isabella held her ground as she rattled off her address, pulling her arm free from his grip. Edward let go before scrambling for his clothes.

“You. Will. Regret. This,” he hissed, walking out of the room.

Isabella breathed a sigh of relief as she heard the front door slam.

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