CHAPTER 5: Betrayed And Poisoned

I woke up that morning feeling the familiar sting of pain running through my body. The burns on my back throbbed painfully and it really hurt me, and the bruises on my face cruelly reminded me of my suffering. Even the slightest movement sent sharp pains through my limbs, but I had learned to live with it. Pain had become my ever-present companion,my world best friend.

Days went by, yet the torment never stopped. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw Xavier's anger, Victoria's cruelty, and his mother's cold indifference. I tried to keep my spirits up, convincing myself that things would eventually improve,that things would soon get better with time. But hope was a risky sentiment in a house filled with hatred,nobody seemed to like me,I was literally the black sheep in the house....

On the sixth day, the atmosphere in the house felt suffocating with something unknown, charged with an unshakeable tension.

That morning, Xavier's friend, Josh, showed up. He was tall, self-assured, and wore a charm that masked his true nature. Xavier seemed happy to have him there, and everyone treated him with deference and pure respect. Little did I know, Josh would contribute to another painful chapter in my life…

_______

That first night, as I walked through the hallway trying to grasp fresh air, I heard soft moans from the guest room. Curiosity and fear fought within me as I cautiously pushed the door open. The sight before me made my stomach drop: Victoria was entwined with Josh, lost in pleasure,they were having hot and steamy sex with each other, I was unable to grasp what was happening because my brain began going south and north. My heart raced, and nausea churned in my stomach. She wasn't just Xavier's favorite; she was now sleeping with his friend,like Victoria was sleeping with two friends.

I staggered back, covering my mouth to stifle the gasp that was about to escape from it. My mind raced with uncertainty. If Xavier found out... No. I had to stay quiet. I turned and fled, my heart pounding in my chest. But fate had other plans for me…..

The next day, as I passed the living room, I heard whispers. Recognizing Josh's voice yet again,like the furk is he really planning this time, I was startled to hear another voice Xavier's mother.

My heartbeat quickened as I peeked through the slightly ajar door. There they were, intertwined in a compromising position, Xavier's mother was on top of Josh while Josh was thrusting in and out in a fast and frenzy mood,his dick conjuring with her wet cherry, moment of ecstasy, like how will he do that to his friend and again Xavier's nother ?

My knees weakened beneath me. First Victoria, and now his mother? The betrayals in this house ran deeper than I had ever suspected.

I didn't know how long I stood there, consumed by weakness. The burden of the secrets was overwhelming. My mind raced as I contemplated my next move. Should I tell Xavier? Should I feign ignorance? Should I act like nothing happened?

Suddenly, as if sensing me, Xavier's mother turned. Her eyes locked onto mine, and in that moment, I understood she knew. A flicker of alarm passed over her face before she quickly composed herself. I tried to run, but within moments, she blocked my path, gripping my wrist tightly. Her nails pressed into my skin.

"You didn't see anything," she hissed.

I swallowed hard, struggling to find my voice.

A smirk crept onto her face, her confidence sending chills down my spine. "If you say a word, I'll make you regret it in ways you can't imagine."

Before I could fully understand her threat, she released me and strolled away as if nothing had occurred. My hands shook, my entire body quaked with fear and terror. Though I had faced many threats before, this time I sensed her sincerity…..

Later that evening, both Victoria and Xavier's mother approached me separately, their tones filled with false remorse. Victoria was the first, her expression softened with pretense.

"I know what you witnessed," she said softly, her eyes pleading. "Please, Isabella, don't tell Xavier. It was a mistake."

I wanted to laugh, a mistake? She had no shame. Instead, exhaustion washed over me and I simply nodded. She grasped my hands, squeezing them tightly. "Let's put this behind us. We don't need to be enemies."

I didn't trust her, but my heart, yearning for some semblance of kindness, compelled me to nod again.

Xavier's mother followed closely after. She approached with a different demeanor and pattern calculated and measured. "Isabella, you're a good girl," she said gently. "I know we haven't gotten along, but I don't want conflict anymore,just act like nothing happened."

My throat tightened as I listened. I didn't trust her, but a part of me wanted to believe this could be genuine. Perhaps they were actually remorseful. Maybe I wasn't as isolated as I thought.

To mark our newfound 'truce,' they poured me a glass of wine, their smiles warm and their gestures inviting. I hesitated at first but, against my better judgment, accepted the drink. The sweetness filled my mouth, and for the first time in weeks, I experienced a moment of reprieve and little happiness,but a devil is always a devil….

Until my vision blurred.

A disorienting dizziness overwhelmed me, and my body became numb with something I can't really phantom. My fingers trembled as I grasped for something to hold myself. But my legs gave way, and the world spun chaotically around me.

Pain ran through my head as I collapsed onto the cold marble floor. Panic coursed through me, but I couldn't move. My throat felt soured, my breaths slow and unsteady.

The last image I held onto before darkness covered me was Victoria's wicked smile and Xavier's mother observing me with unsettling satisfaction.

Then everything faded to black…..