I Am Sorry

ISABELLA'S POV

I was busy feeding JJ when I heard the door swing open. I suddenly stood up, my eyes widening in shock as I took in the unwelcome visitor.

"What are you doing here?" I spat, my anger simmering just below the surface.

The man smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just thought I'd drop by," he drawled.

My hand itched to slap the smug look off his face. "Just leave before I call someone to kick your ass," I warned, my voice low and menacing.

Just then, Kayla walked into the pool house, a look of concern etched on her face. "Isa, why are you shouting?"

I gestured wildly at the man. "Please call your fiancé to come and deal with this...this..." I spluttered, my anger boiling over.

The man's eyes flickered, a hint of unease flashing across his face before he masked it with a smirk.

Kayla's eyes darted between us, confusion written across her face. "Isa, stop. This is my fiancé, Leonard Smith."

My jaw dropped, my eyes wide with shock. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The man I had been ready to slap, the man I had been railing against, was Kayla's fiancé?

Leonard's gaze lingered on me, his expression twisted in disgust. "Kayla, who is this...person?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

Kayla hesitated before responding, "She's my cousin, Isabella."

Leonard's face contorted in revulsion. "I'm sorry, Kayla, but I don't think I can marry you now."

He turned on his heel and stormed out, Kayla and I following close behind. His parents, Auntie Mary and Uncle David, looked on in confusion.

"Let's leave," Leonard announced, his deep voice arrogant and commanding.

"Why, what's wrong?" his mother asked, concern etched on her face.

"I won't marry into a family with someone as disrespectful as...as her," Leonard spat, his eyes flashing with anger as he glared at me.

Auntie Mary turned to Kayla, her hand raised as if to strike. "Apologize, Kayla."

But Leonard intervened, "No, Kayla didn't do anything. It's your niece who's the problem."

Uncle David's brow furrowed in confusion. "What did she do?"

Leonard's voice rose, "She slapped me, not once, but twice! She assaulted me, swore at me..."

He glared at me, his eyes blazing with indignation, as the scene unfolded before our family.

Uncle David's face turned red with rage as he strode over to me. His hand connected with my cheek in a stinging slap. "You stupid girl, are you jealous? Trying to ruin Kayla's marriage?" he thundered.

Tears streamed down my face as I cringed in pain. Uncle David turned to the Smiths, his eyes pleading. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I apologize for my niece's behavior. Please, don't cancel the wedding."

He dropped to his knees, his hands clasped together in supplication. Leonard's voice cut through the tension. "Mr. David, you have no need to apologize. The one who should be apologizing is your niece."

Auntie Mary pushed me forward. "Go apologize," she hissed.

I knelt down, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."

Leonard's eyes locked onto mine, a sly smirk spreading across his face. My anger flared, and for a moment, I wanted to slap him again.

But Leonard's next words left me stunned. "In the old days, our country had rules for people who assaulted the innocent. You must clean my feet and drink the water to prove your apology is sincere.

I stood my ground, screaming at the top of my lungs. "Are you crazy? I already apologized! Do you expect me to drink water from your stinky feet?"

Leonard's mother turned on me, her face red with indignation. "How dare you call my son crazy? Who are you to speak to him like that?"

She turned to my family. "You see, Mr. and Mrs. King, we can't marry our son into this family. I'm sorry."

My uncle intervened, his anger evident. "No, don't say that. You see, my niece is...special. Sometimes she loses control. Isabella, just do what they're asking."

But I refused. "Uncle, I'm not crazy! And I won't drink the water from his feet. I won't do it!"

Leonard stood up, a smirk on his face. "Okay, let's leave. Smith family, let's go."

But Lisa pleaded with me. "Isabella, just do it. Do it for Kayla. Don't you want her to be happy?"

I looked over at Kayla, who stood helpless beside her mother. Her mother was urging her to tell me to comply with Leonard's demands.

I took a deep breath and resigned myself to the humiliating task. "Okay, I'll do it. For Kayla."

I fetched the foot washer, poured warm water, and knelt before Leonard in the dining hall. I washed his feet, trying not to gag at the thought of what I was doing.

When I finished, I drank the murky water, feeling my stomach churn with revulsion. I kept drinking until I'd finished, then looked up at Leonard with tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Leonard Smith," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

I fled to the pool house, tears streaming down my face. I collapsed onto the couch, gazing blankly at JJ as he slept peacefully, unaware of the turmoil I'd just endured. I'd forgotten I'd left him alone.

Mike appeared, wrapping me in a comforting hug. "I'm so sorry, Isabella."

Just then, Kayla stood in the doorway, her eyes filled with regret. I struggled to contain my emotions, but Kayla's presence brought a fresh wave of tears.

"It's okay," I whispered, trying to reassure her.

Kayla rushed over, enveloping me in a tight hug.

Kayla's hug was warm and comforting, but it couldn't erase the humiliation and pain I'd just endured. I felt a deep sadness, knowing that I'd been forced to degrade myself to appease Leonard's ego.

As I hugged Kayla back, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the kind of marriage she was destined for – one where she'd be tied to a man who reveled in controlling and belittling others.

I pulled back, looking Kayla straight in the eye. "You deserve better than him, Kayla," I whispered urgently.

Kayla's eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of doubt. But then, her face hardened, and she turned away, leaving me wondering if I'd ever reach her again.

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