Hi readers this story is a writers imagination and all characters, places and are non existing ones, even the money currency is a imagination and I am sorry if the is errors of the sentence but I hope you enjoy the novel and this is my first novel so we read and we don't judge.i love you all.

As I stood in the grand foyer of my family's mansion, the sound of my aunt's voice echoed through the halls, a stark reminder of the life I'd been forced to endure since my parents' tragic passing six years ago.

"Isabella, are you done with breakfast? Your uncle has to go," Aunt Mary called out, her tone laced with an air of superiority.

I made my way to the dining table, where my uncle James sat, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. He occupied my father's chair, a constant reminder of the power he'd usurped. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I served him his breakfast, his gaze lingering on my body, making my skin crawl.

"Here's your food, Uncle," I said, attempting to distract him from his lecherous stare.

He took the plate from me, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a wave of revulsion through me. "You know, if you weren't my brother's daughter, I would've..." He paused, his eyes locked on mine, his voice dripping with malice. "I would've made you mine."

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to well up. How could my own uncle speak to me like this? The man who was supposed to protect and care for me had transformed into a monster, driven by his own twisted desires.

"Uncle, we need to talk," I said, my voice trembling as I struggled to maintain my composure.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "What's there to discuss, Isabella?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "I'm turning 18 next week, and I think it's time I took over my father's business."

My uncle's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing into slits. "We'll discuss this later, after your cousin's wedding. And as for the business, you're not qualified to run it. You didn't even finish school."

The sting of his words was a harsh reminder of the life I'd been forced to lead. My uncle and his wife had taken control of my family's estate, relegating me to a life of servitude. They'd denied me the opportunity to finish my education, instead forcing me to focus on domestic duties.

The sound of Lisa's voice interrupted my thoughts, her shrill tone grating on my nerves. "Morning, family!"

I watched as she descended the stairs, her boyfriend James, and their one-year-old son, James Junior, in tow. My uncle's eyes lit up with excitement as he greeted his daughter and her family.

As the morning unfolded, I found myself lost in thought, my mind consumed by the weight of my circumstances. I was trapped in a life I didn't want, forced to endure the cruelty of my uncle and his family.

But as I looked into the eyes of little James Junior, I felt a spark of hope ignited within me. This innocent child, with his bright smile and curious nature, deserved a better life than the one he'd been born into.

And as I gazed at him, I knew that I had to find a way to break free from the shackles of my uncle's tyranny. I had to fight for my own freedom, and for the sake of those who deserved better.

The sound of Mike's voice, our family's driver, interrupted my thoughts as he arrived to take me to the grocery store. As we drove through the streets, I felt a sense of liberation washing over me, the wind in my hair, and the sun on my face.

But our peaceful excursion was short-lived, as we stumbled upon a disturbing scene. A wealthy young man, with an air of arrogance about him, was berating an elderly woman, forcing her to kneel and beg for his forgiveness.

Something within me snapped, and I found myself standing up to the young man, my anger and outrage pouring out of me like a torrent. "How dare you treat this woman with such disrespect?" I demanded, my voice ringing out across the street.

The young man's eyes narrowed, his face reddening with anger. "Do you know who I am?" he sneered.

I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. "I don't care who you are. What I care about is the way you're treating this innocent woman. Apologize to her, now."

The young man's face twisted in a snarl, but I refused to back down. I knew that I had to stand up for what was right, no matter the cost.

As the scene unfolded, I felt a sense of pride and purpose wash over me. I was no longer just a timid, oppressed young woman. I was a force to be reckoned with, a warrior fighting for justice and equality.

And as I stood there, my heart ablaze with determination, I knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

ISABELLA'S POV

As I finally walked into the house around 4 pm, the aroma of impending dinner wafted through my mind. My aunt Mary sat regally, sipping her wine and issuing instructions as I busied myself in the kitchen. With Kayla's in-laws scheduled to arrive at 8 pm, I kept a close eye on the clock.

By 6:30 pm, I had finished cooking and carefully placed the dishes in the food warmer to keep them from getting cold. Next, I began baking a cake for dessert. Just as I was lost in the sweet scent of batter and frosting, I heard the sound of Lisa, James, and Kayla returning.

Aunt Mary rushed to give Kayla in a tight hug. "My beautiful princess, how are you?" she cooed. Kayla awkwardly resisted her mother's affection. "I'm good, Mom," she replied flatly.

Aunt Mary wouldn't let go. "Why are you trying to get away from me? I miss you!" Kayla rolled her eyes. "Mom, it's not like I was gone for a year; I was only gone for two days."

Kayla turned to me, a hint of a smile on her face. "Hey, Isabella, what are you up to?" I smiled back, my hands covered in flour. "I'm baking a cake for you."

Kayla nodded and headed upstairs to freshen up. I finished baking the cake around 7:30 pm and decided to check in on Kayla. I knocked gently on her door. "Kayla, can I come in?, as I entered Kayla's bedroom, I was met with a heartbreaking sight: she was crying uncontrollably. I rushed to her side, wrapping my arms around her in a warm hug. "Why are you crying?" I asked, trying to comfort her.

Kayla's sobs intensified as she struggled to find the words. "Isa, how can I marry someone I don't even know?" she wailed, her body shaking with each sob. I held her close, trying to absorb some of her pain.

"I think you should talk to your parents," I suggested gently. "Maybe they'll understand that you don't want to get married." But Kayla's expression told me she'd already considered this option.

"No, they won't listen," she said, her voice laced with desperation. "This marriage is a business deal. It's all about expanding the family's wealth and influence." Her words sparked a wave of anger within me, and I couldn't help but blame myself.

If only I hadn't sent my parents out to get me ice cream that fateful day, they'd still be alive. They'd be running the business, making decisions that wouldn't sacrifice others' happiness for the sake of wealth. But life had other plans.

I heard a lot about Kayla's fiancé, as he was the richest person in Azuraea. My uncle's motives became clear: he needed cash to save my father's struggling hotel, and this marriage was the key.

Just then, the makeup artist and stylist arrived to transform Kayla into a stunning bride. As they worked their magic, I slipped away to collect JJ, who was waiting for me in the nursery. Tonight, we'd be having our own quiet evening, away from the fancy dinner and the prying eyes of the guests.

As I stepped out into the warm evening air, JJ by my side, I made my way to the pool house. My curiosity got the better of me, and I wanted to catch a glimpse of Kayla's in-laws. They arrived promptly at 8:30 pm, and the sound of car doors closing and muted chatter filled the air.

A convoy of luxurious cars came to a stop in front of the house, and guards smartly dressed in black suits rushed to open the doors. The dignified guests alighted, their elegant attire and confident demeanor exuding an air of opulence and refinement.

I strained my eyes, trying to get a better look, but they were too far away, and without my eyeglasses, their features remained a blur. I sensed the weight of their expectations, the pressure on Kayla to fit into their world. My heart went out to her, about to become a part of this intimidating family.

AUTHOR'S POV

The Smiths arrived at King Mansion, greeted by David King's warm smile. "Welcome! Come, let's head to the dining hall." As they entered, David introduced his family: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this is my wife Mary, and our daughter Lisa and her husband James."

The room is filled with polite hellos and greetings. Mary asked, "What would you like to drink?" Julie Smith, the groom's mother, replied, "No, thank you. Where's my future daughter-in-law?"

Mary excused herself to fetch Kayla. David attempted to break the ice with a joke, "I see you brought the whole family!" But Leonard Smith's intimidating gaze made him nervous. "Is that a problem, Mr. King?" Leonard asked, his voice low and menacing.

David quickly backpedaled, "No, son-in-law, I was just kidding!" John Smith, Leonard's father, intervened, "Leo, stop it."

Mary returned with Kayla, who looked stunning in a long black dress designed by Cassie Smith. Kayla's diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet sparkled in the light. "Greetings," she said softly, looking down.

Mrs. Smith beamed, "She looks beautiful, and shy too!" Mary instructed Kayla to sit next to Leonard, and the waiters arrived with starters and wine.

Maggie, Jonathan Smith's wife, requested juice instead of wine, revealing her pregnancy. Mary called the waiter to bring her a drink.

Lisa suggested, "Why don't we let Leonard and Kayla have dinner alone in the pool house? I decorated it especially for them." Mrs. Smith agreed, "Yes, that's a wonderful idea. They should get to know each other better."

The evening air was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and polite conversation as the Smiths and the Kings gathered around the dinner table. Leonard and Kayla had excused themselves, heading to the pool house for a private dinner.

Mary, trying to keep the conversation light, turned to Maggie and asked, "So, darling, where is your husband?" Maggie smiled, "He's working today, so he couldn't make it. He and our youngest daughter, Cassandra, send their apologies."

Julie, sipping her wine, chimed in, "And our son, Jonathan, is working too. He's a heart surgeon, you know."

Maggie's eyes widened with interest, "Really? That's impressive." She then turned to David and asked, "So, is Kayla your youngest child?"

David smiled, "Yes, we have two daughters. Kayla and Lisa."

Maggie nodded, "I see. Well, after Kayla's wedding, your mansion will be filled with boredom." She said it with a smile, but the Kings exchanged nervous glances.

Lisa, trying to reassure Maggie, said, "Not really, I live here with my husband and kid, so even when Kayla leaves, I'll still be here."

Maggie's eyes sparkled with surprise, "And your in-laws agree to that arrangement?"

Lisa nodded, "Yes, they do." Maggie's expression turned thoughtful, and the table fell silent once again.

Message from the author: hi guys I tried I hope you loved this chapter as I introduced you to some of the characters. Thank you for reading. May your day be blessed.