The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

The look in my parents' eyes is still vivid from that day.

"My mom was devastated; she couldn't believe what they found in my things. Without a second thought, my dad slapped me. He accused me of being rebellious, saying I was too young to be so disobedient. That moment marked the beginning of the rift between me and my parents. Charlotte was always one step ahead, and though I tried to be good despite everything, I resented them deeply. I didn't try to appease them or prove I was the good child they wanted."

I smiled bitterly, the taste of those memories still sour on my tongue. "When I was 18, Charlotte took things even further to ruin me. I caught her slipping a pregnancy test kit into my belongings. When I confronted my mom, she believed Charlotte over me. Furious, she dragged me to the hospital, where it was confirmed I wasn't pregnant. She never apologized, and the damage had already been done."

My mom is a well-known fashion designer. Her reputation meant everything to her, seemingly more than her own daughter. I never shared this with Sophia; the shame and pain felt too raw to reveal.

I continued, "That was when I decided to leave home because the hurt ran too deep. I enrolled in an art school and eventually chose to study design at an Art University abroad. That's where I met Gabriel."

At the university, Gabriel was the most handsome man I had ever seen, and he was the one who helped me in one incident. Gabriel quickly captured my young heart, still fragile from years of family turmoil. I didn't think twice about switching to an acting course just to be close to him, abandoning my passion for design.

But was that just my role in Gabriel's life-to wait on the sidelines, longing for even a small taste of his affection, like a piece of candy just out of reach?

The more I shared my story, the heavier the sadness in my chest grew.

"Anyway, let's not dwell on them," Sophia said, igniting the engine car to take me to the apartment I had asked her to find the other day.

Gabriel hadn't called me in two days. During this time, I'd already begun moving into the new place I'd found because, deep down, I knew he'd let me down again. The silence of his absence spoke volumes.

When Sophia dropped me off at the apartment, she hesitated, scratching her temple. Her eyes darted around the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Are you sure you're not returning to the place you shared with Gabriel? I'm worried about you being here alone."

"I'm alone there too, Sophia," I replied, my voice edged with sadness. "I might as well be on my own. I've been here for two days, and Gabriel hasn't even bothered to call. He's staying at the hotel."

Gabriel had grown comfortable with the idea of me waiting around, like a cat always there when he decided to come home.

"So far, you're free for a week," Sophia said, her tone professional but tinged with concern. "I'll call you once I've secured a new project for you and update you on the final scenes for this series. Just take a break for now."

She thought I was simply on vacation, unaware of the plans Gabriel and I had made to get married.

I forced a smile and replied, "Take care!"

After ensuring I was okay on my own, Sophia left.

Later, as I soaked in the bathtub, I scrolled through my social media feed. Suddenly, I stumbled upon Gabriel's post, and my heart lurched painfully in my chest.

The caption read, 'I'm happy I'm with you.

22:50 Fri, 11 Apr

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I wouldn't have minded a simple post like that, but the candid photo of him and Sabrina was mocking me. He was smiling radiantly, gazing into her eyes as if they were utterly in love as if I had never existed.

There were many comments wishing they would admit their relationship.

I stopped paying attention to my feelings and submerged myself in the water, letting the muffled silence envelop me.

+68)

By morning, the names Gabriel and Sabrina were trending on social media platforms. Someone saw them enter a hotel suite together.

Uncertainty loomed over whether this was still for their publicity, but I no longer want to tire myself thinking about it. I packed my small luggage and went to the airport to visit Mexico.

I arrived at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City in the afternoon. As soon as I opened my cellphone, it rang, and Gabriel's name appeared on the screen.

I decided to answer. "Hello..."

"Damn it, Isa! You finally answered. L-listen, I..." After panicking, he didn't know what to say next, heaving a heavy sigh.noveldrama

What happened? The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words.

"Baby, I... I was drunk. I got back to the apartment late... Are you in Colorado now? Wait for me there, alright? I rebooked my flight so I can be with you soon... I..." His words tumbled out, desperate and pleading.

Something felt off; the tremble in his voice was unmistakable.

"Gabriel, you don't need to leave anymore. You don't need to explain either." I paused, steeling myself. "I'm absolutely serious; it's over between us."