CHAPTER 31

Chapter 31

Clayton pulled her close and said, “Go take a shower”

“L” Isabella started to protest, but Clayton’s hand reached for the buttons at her neckline.

“Are you washing yourself, or should I do it for you!” he challenged

Clutching her collar, she stepped back. Til shower by myself. Thanks” Flustered, she fled to the bathroom.

The foul mood that had clouded Clayton dissipated the moment her cheeks reddened.

Alone, she steadied her racing heart. As she looked into her blushing reflection, she was reminded of Gwendolyn’s rosiness after one too many drinks out.

Though committed to loving Clayton wholeheartedly, Isabella couldn’t just fulfill his every wish, even as husband and wife. His intimate gaze still unsettled her.

tabella felt a knot of nerves as she contemplated facing Clayton after her shower

Rushing through her shower, Isabella realized she was caught in a rather embarrassing situation–she had not brought her clothes with her. Panic surged through her as she frantically scanned the bathroom. There was no way she could wear the same cloches she had carelessly thrown on the floor

Wrapped only in a towel, she felt exposed

Suddenly, a knock at the door made her jump.

Amused, Clayton called out, “Mrs. Murray, I think you’ve forgotten your pajamas”

Isabella, summoning a hint of confidence she didn’t quite feel, responded from behind, “Just leave my clothes outside. Ill get them myself.

However, Clayton refused to comply. “Open the door and I hand them to you.”

Hesitantly cracking the door, Isabella pecked through

However, as soon as she opened a small crack, she found herself pulled into the room by an unexpected force

Clayton looked at the petite figure now in his arms, his gaze intensifying

A towel wrapped modestly around her chest, its lower eilge just enough to cover her hips,

“I must say, you look better without clothes on, Mrs. Murray he remarked, leaning in for a kiss.

Isabella turned her head, his lips just brushing her ear, lighting her cheek aflame.

Avoiding his gaze, she suggested, “You should hurry and take your shower now?

Clayton released her hand without protest. All right, I’ll be quick. Wait for me. With that, he handed her the forgotten set of pajamas.

As soon as she heard the bathroom door close, Isabella dressed herself. As the sound of running water was heard from the bathroom, isabella breathed a sigh of relief.

Her mind wandered to Gwendolyn, wondering if she had settled in all right.

Pondering for a moment, Tubella decided to check on Gwendolyn

Tiptoeing out of the room, Isabella made her way down the hallway to the guest room where Gwendolyn was staying. When she entered, she found Gwendolyn being helped into her pajamas and tucked into bed by a maid nained Zaylee.

Seeing Isabella in her pajamas, Zaylee smiled warmily “Don’t worry. Mrs. Murray She’s slept very soundly”

Isabella nodded gratefully. Thank you, Zaylee. This is my friend Gwendolyn. She had a bit too much to drink after finishing up filming today. I have her thank you personally when she wakes up tomorrow”

Zaylee shook her head and chuckled. “Ah, an actress! No wonder she’s so pretty,” Noticing Isabella’s bare feet, Zaylee exclaimed, “Oh, Mrs. Murray. Why aren’t you wearing shoes! The floor must be cold”

Quickly, a nearby maid handed babella a pair of slippers to put on

Feeling a bit embarrassed. Isabella admitted, “I couldn’t remember where I had put my slippers:

apter

Walking barefoot on the plush carpet brought a comfort reminiscent of childhood when she would walk around her childhood home without shoes on, shocking her mother and grandfather, and the maids. It was a feeling that inexplicably made her feel at home.

Zaylee chuckled softly. “Ms. Carey is asleep, so we’ll leave you two be.

kabella nodded. She then climbed onto Gwendolyn’s bed, wrapping her arms around her knees, as she watched her friend sleep. It was a relief to have Gwendolyn back, safe and sound.

Lost in thought. Isabella jumped as two strong hands suddenly lifted her up.

“Trying to sneak off when my back is turned” Clayton’s voice boomed from above. “I guess I’ll be teaching you a lesson tonight.”

Nervously, Isabella clutched at Clayton’s collar, worried she might take a tumble to the hard ground below. “T–I was just checking on Gwen

“Forget about that. Check on me instead, Clayton declared as he carried her back to their bedroom, disregarding the presence of maids in the hallway

Embarrassed. Isabella buried her face in Clayton’s chest.

Once in the bedroom, Clayton tucked Isabella in the blankets and pressed himself against her. Lifting her chin, he kissed her lightly. “Look at me. You haven’t looked at me once since your friend was here” His voice was tinged with hurt.

Surprised by his unexpected vulnerability, Isabella chuckled “She’s just drunk, you know.

“So, you’re saying you’ll only have eyes for me if I’m drunk?” Clayton jested.

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Isabella said, “I just want to make sure Gwen is all right”

Clayton gazed at her intensely. “But I need to be taken care of too.”

Unable to stand the heat of his stare, Isabella turned her head aside, blushing. But you seem perfectly fine. What could you possibly need to take

care of?”

A mischievous smile crept across Clayton’s face. “I need the tender care of a wife,”

Isabella’s cheeks flamed crimson, her eyes averting shyly.

Clayton’s hand slipped around her neck, the electric feeling making Dabella tremble.

Gently, Clayton kissed her cheek. “Don’t be afraid. Let me take care of you. Clayton whispereil safly as they fell tangled up in each other’s arms, surrendering to the intimacy of the night

In the morning, Gwendolyn woke up with a pounding headache and a parched throat.

Bleary eyes scanned the unfamiliar surroundings until she noticed a glass of water on the bedside table. How thoughtful Only Bella would do something like this, she thought, gulping it down. However, something felt off. This wasn’t her home, nor did the place look like a hotel.

The room was furnished with furniture that oozed money.

Looking down, Gwendolyn realized she was dressed in a pink silk pajama set. She grimaced in disdain at the childish clothes, wondering who had changed her into those dreadful–looking pajamas.

The filming had gone smoothly, and everyone had been in high spirits. However, she had gotten carried away with drinking, and Steven was nowhere to be found when the crew kept plying her with too much alcohol.

Tiana, where is Tiana Lasked Tiana to bring Isabella to pick her up, didn’t I? Yes, Isabella came with a very handsome driver. What happened next? Why can’t I remember anything after that?’ she wondered. Ruffing her hair, panic set in as she struggled to recall last night’s events. Her bag and phone were nowhere to be found, too. Where is Isabella? Gwendolyn wondered

Unease plagued her spony recollection. She got up from the bed and pushed the door to find a carpeted corridor with rooms on both sides. Unfamiliar wallpapers and thick, silent carpet met her eyes

Wandering the hallway led to a staircase, upper floors peeking above and a grand foyer below

She went down the stairs and just as she marveled at the luxurious furnishings, a voice interrupted the silence. “Good morning, Ms. Carey”

Startled, Gwendolyn turned around to find a middle–aged woman smiling at her. She nodded through her confusion.

“Please, call me Zaylee, Zaylee said warmly.

“Hi, Zaylee.” Gwendolyn flashed her trademark grin.

“Is your head still aching, Ms. Carey! Would you like some breakfast in the dining room!” Zaylee smiled and led Gwendolyn toward the dining

Chapter 31

ΤΡΙΠ.

Trailing behind, Gwendolyn entered an extravagant dining space, mouth–watering at the spread

She held herself back, nonetheless, grabbing Zaylee’s arm instead. “Where am I? How did I get here I was quite drunk last night. I remember I was with my friend. Do you know where she is?”

Zaylee patted her hand and sat her down at the dining table. “You were brought here by Mrs. Murray. Have something to eat first. You

(to cat first. You can ask her your questions when she wakes up. Please, enjoy your meal”

With that, Zaylee left. Gwendolyn took in the lavish house and the elaborate breakfast spread, utterly bewildered. She wondered, “Have I time- traveled? Is this a fantasy! Whatever, I’m eating first.

Gwendolyn was typically easygoing and fearless, believing when there was a will, there was a way. And if no way presented itself, she would make

DIC.

So, rather t worry, she e decided to wait for “Mrs. Murray” to wake up. Even if she had been abducted, she believed she could find her way home.

But first, she had to fill her empty stomach. Not indulging would he sacrilegious, given the enticing spread before her.

Isabella stirred awake but kept her eyes shut, unerly depleted.

The previous night, Clayton had punished her under the guise that she had neglected him for Gwendolyn

However, his punishments had gone too far.

In her fading consciousness, she felt Clayton carrying her limp body to be washed and handled as he pleased while she fell asleep

If this was the nature of their relationship, she might have to give it some serious reconsideration. She must set firm boundaries between themselves at the very least. Otherwise, what was the point of a relationship that jeopardized her very life!

Isabella prayed internally, Please, grant me the strength to get up

She muzzled against the soft blankets, tempted to remain in bed.

Resolved, she would provide Clayton no more excuses for punishment in the future, even if it meant neglecting her friend

Friend Gwen! The thought jolted Isabella upright

She raked her fingers through her hair and russed to check on Gwendolyn, hoping she was awake without the migraines.

At the door of the guest room, Isabella found the door gaped open, but Gwendolyn wasn’t inside.

“Hey, Gwen! Gwen!” Isabella called out as she hurried downstairs.

“Zaylee, have you seen” she started but stopped at the dining room entrance.

Gwendolyn stood frozen, a tiny piece of bread in her hand, Gwent” she cried joyfully.

The

-piece of bread fell from Gwendolyn’s hand, landing with a muffled thiad on the ground

Isabella wore a camisole nightgown that fell below her knees, her long hair a tangled mess. Her chest and neck were littered with reddish–purple

marks

The shock in Gwendolyn’s eyes made Isabella froze. The latter looked down at herself and shrieked, spinning around to race upstairs.

“Stop right there! Tell me who the scum did this, and I’ll kill him!” Gwendolyn roared, chasing after her

The maids nearly burst into laughter but didn’t dare to. Isabella and Gwendolyn had surely brought life to the otherwise cold, empty

mansion.

Gwendolyn stood by the bed, holding Isabella, who was wrapped in a blanket. “Who did this? Where is he? I’ll end him!” Gwendolyn shouted, searching the bathroom and balcony to no avail.

Swish! She drew open the curtain, only to have sunlight pour in, causing them to shield their cycs.

“Gwen” Isabella called softly.

Gwendolyn rushed over to embrace her. “It’s okay; I’m here now. Give me that jerk’s name. I’ll castrate him!”

I’m married now, Gwen Isabella said gently in the arms of her friend.

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