Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 173

Brett's ultimate goal was to crush Izabella emotionally, breaking her heart and leaving her in a state of despair. He derived pleasure from watching her endure betrayal, abandonment, and rejection from those around her. He relished seeing her struggle and suffer, trapped in an endless cycle of misery until she was ultimately dragged into a personal hell.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Izabella felt like a sorrowful clown trapped in a heartless comedy, the only tragic character in a cruel play. In a devastating turn of events, the judge unexpectedly dismissed Izabella's appeal and ruled that she must remain with Brett for the purpose of healing.

How could she possibly heal under such circumstances? Izabella couldn't discern which pain was more excruciating—her broken heart or the ache in her stomach. The judge's decision to retract the divorce came as a shock to Izabella, although it was something Brett had anticipated all along.

No one thought Brett could be this ruthless, always countering her moves. He used traps, one deadlier than the last, chaining Izabella down like a heavy lock. She couldn't escape; she had been a caged bird from the start.

Mr. Arnold let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Ms. Salotti, let's go."

"Where do you think you're going?" Brett came over with his bodyguards, intent on driving Mr. Arnold away. Outnumbered, Mr. Arnold was shoved out.

Izabella observed the courtroom staff swiftly organizing the documents on stage, their actions carrying on as if nothing of significance had occurred. However, within the courtroom, a profound stillness enveloped the air, accentuated by the audibility of Izabella's tearful sobs. The tremors and gasps emanating from her throat were enough to stir sympathy in anyone's heart.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Izabella lifted her gaze towards the man standing before her. Her voice quivered as she uttered words laden with emotional turmoil, "Brett, I no longer love you. Why can't you grant me the freedom to move on?"

"You were the one who forced me to marry you, and now you're the one who says you don't love me. Who do you think I am, Izabella?" Brett gently wiped away her tears.

She was in so much pain, and even though Brett knew he shouldn't be laughing, he couldn't help it. She wanted to leave? She couldn't, and now she was stuck by him, forever, until death.

Brett's eyes glimmered with a disturbing madness, contrasting sharply with the pained expression in Izabella's eyes. With a flourish, he produced a meticulously crafted diamond ring, its brilliance capturing the light.

Disregarding Izabella's icy glare, Brett reached for her hand and forcefully slid the ring onto her finger. A malevolent smirk adorned his face as he leaned in close, his voice a dark whisper in her ear. "I warned you, as long as I refuse to grant a divorce, you can never escape. Now, let's return home."