In a world where love and betrayal intertwine, my life took a devastating turn on a rainy night. I found myself alone, cast out by my cruel stepmother after the death of my father. Homeless and heartbroken, I wandered the streets, tears streaming do...
The rain fell in sheets, cold and unforgiving, soaking me to the bone as I stood frozen in front of the mansion that had once been my home. Inside, warm lights flickered, casting an eerie glow that mocked my situation. It was hard to believe that everything I had ever known, everything I had ever loved, was now behind those closed doors forever out of reach.
"You're not wanted here anymore, Isabella," my stepmother's voice echoed in my head, her words cold and final. Her face had twisted with disdain as she spoke, and my stepsister stood beside her, smirking, satisfied with how things had turned out.
"I can't believe you're doing this," I had whispered, my voice breaking. "This was Dad's house."
"It was his house," my stepmother spat. "But he's dead now. And you're no longer welcome here."
The door slammed shut, locking me out in the pouring rain. I stood there, the world around me dissolving into a blur of tears and cold. I had nowhere to go. My father's passing had left me completely alone, and now, even the home I had grown up in was no longer mine. My stepmother and stepsister would continue living in my father's mansion, enjoying the life he had built, while I was cast out like a piece of trash.
I stumbled down the street, shivering as the cold rain soaked through my clothes. Each step felt heavy, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on me. The city streets were empty, and the only sounds were the constant drumming of the rain and the occasional passing car. My heart ached with every step I took, the loss of my father and the betrayal of my stepmother weighing heavily on me.
Eventually, I collapsed onto the sidewalk, my legs unable to carry me any further. Hugging my knees to my chest, I cried softly into the night, my tears mixing with the rain.
"Mom, Dad... I hope you guys are still alive," I whispered through the sobs, my voice barely audible above the downpour.
I sat there for what felt like hours, lost in the pain and grief of everything I had lost. The rain continued to fall, cold and relentless, but I barely noticed anymore. My mind was consumed by memories of my father, of the love and security I had once felt. Now, all of that was gone, ripped away by death and cruelty.
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Then, through the haze of rain and tears, I heard the soft rumble of an engine coming to a stop nearby. I looked up, barely aware of my surroundings, as a sleek black car pulled up beside me. The window rolled down, and a voice, deep and gentle, called out to me.
"Are you okay?"
I blinked, my vision blurred from the rain and tears. Standing in front of me was a man, holding an umbrella over my head. His face was partially hidden in the shadows, but I could see the concern in his eyes.
"I... I don't know," I whispered, my voice trembling.
He knelt down beside me, offering his hand. "Come on, you shouldn't be out here like this. Let me help you."
I stared at his hand, unsure. He was a stranger, and after everything that had happened, I didn't know if I could trust anyone. But something in his voice, the kindness in his eyes, made me feel safe—safer than I had felt in a long time. Slowly, I reached out and took his hand.
The car ride was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine and the pattering of the rain on the roof. I sat in the passenger seat, my body still trembling from the cold, while the man beside me drove with quiet focus. His face was calm, but I could sense his concern.
"Where can I take you?" he asked softly.
"I don't... I don't have anywhere to go," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He nodded, as if he understood. "You can stay at my place for now, until you figure things out."
I didn't know what else to say, so I just nodded, grateful for his kindness.
We arrived at his home a large, modern house that stood in stark contrast to the dark, rainy night. As he guided me inside, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity, though I couldn't place it. He led me to a guest room, warm and inviting, where I could finally dry off and rest.
"You'll be safe here," he said softly. "Take your time, and get some rest."
Before he could leave, the door opened again, and a man stepped in. He was dressed sharply, with an air of professionalism about him. I assumed he was the man's assistant.
I suddenly fall asleep and I couldn't hear what the man and his assistant we're talking about.
Flashback - Four Years Ago
It was a rainy night, and I had been wandering the city, drenched and exhausted, trying to make sense of my life. My father had just passed away, and I was lost in a sea of grief. I didn't know where I was going, but walking helped me feel like I was moving away from the pain, even if just for a moment.
That's when I saw guy.
He was lying on the ground in an alley, soaked by the relentless rain. His face was pale, and he looked like he was on the verge of collapse. I don't know what made me approach him maybe it was instinct, maybe it was something deeper but I couldn't just walk away.
Without thinking, I hurried over to him, my heart racing. I crouched down next to him, barely able to make out his face in the dim light of the streetlamp. He was hurt, and badly.
"Hey!" I called out, shaking him gently. "Are you okay?"
His eyes fluttered open, and for a second, I wasn't sure he even knew where he was. He tried to speak, but his voice was weak, barely audible over the pouring rain.
I pulled him up, draping his arm over my shoulder. "Come on, I'll get you out of here," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination.
It took all my strength to get him to safety. We stumbled through the rain, finding shelter under a nearby awning. I looked around, but there was no one else to help, no one who could offer any aid.
"You saved me," he rasped, his voice hoarse, his eyes filled with something between gratitude and disbelief.
"I just did what anyone would do," I said, brushing off his words, though I knew what I had done was far from ordinary. "You're safe now."
I didn't stay long after that. Once I made sure he was out of immediate danger, I left. I didn't ask for his name, and he didn't ask for mine.
Back to Present
The revelation hit the assistant like a shock, but I remained oblivious. I turned to the CEO, grateful for his kindness.
"Thank you for helping me," I said softly, trying to mask the confusion swirling inside me. "I... I didn't know where else to go."
He nodded slowly, a hint of a smile on his face. "You're welcome. You can stay here for as long as you need."
The assistant glanced between us, his expression unreadable, while the CEO remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the floor. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and secrets, yet the warmth of his offer filled me with hope.
I glanced out the window at the rain-soaked streets, feeling an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about the future, but also a flicker of something that felt like safety.
