Haven

Chapter One

Two more weeks.

Two more weeks and Isabella was going to be married.

Was it what she wanted?

Was it all that she ever dreamed of?

No.

And, no.

Settled by Isabella's parents along with Hugh, she was to be wed.

There was no choice.

But the unnerving part of marrying Hugh was that she could never love him.

He was honest, and she respected that when he told her the truth.

"I am not a faithful man, dear. I will keep you well-fed and dressed in the finest gowns, but I will not be faithful. I can't, it's in my blood, and I have no interest in changing."

The truth didn't hurt.

She didn't like him.

She didn't want him.

But it just broke her heart to know that her marriage was doomed from the start.

Love wasn't being doted on. Love wasn't about getting the finest gowns and caviar.

Love wasn't about having sex seven times a week. Love wasn't about getting.

Not in Isabella's heart.

She understood that love included being doted on and adored, but there was more to it.

Love was giving. Love was serving. Love was doing. Love was doing the little things that made your husband feel special.

Love was laying down your needs and putting your husband first.

Hugh wouldn't have allowed it.

Hugh had maids and butlers to take care of every whim.

Hugh had a personal assistant to tend to his needs, and Isabella would have one in two weeks.

Personal was much more personal than Isabella would've liked to know.

"Your assistant will help you. He will take care of you. I allow this, so please don't try to feel ashamed or guilty. This is how we will live, dear. And if he doesn't fit, you are allowed to find someone on your own."

The more he spoke, the more her dreams were shattered.

He wasn't a vile man. He wasn't cruel. He was only honest.

Isabella's stomach turned as she thought of being unfaithful.

"This is all wrong, isn't it, Father?" She said in a whisper while looking around her bedroom.

She knew the way God designed marriage. His path was correct. It was the way she desired more than anything.

But why was this her fate?

Why did she have to stay and marry Hugh?

"Father, please hear me. I need You to help me, and I will listen. I know that You don't want me to be in this hopeless marriage, please," She begged as tears stung the corner of her dreary eyes.

"Leave."

Isabella felt a chill run down her spine at the still, small voice.

It was peaceful.

It was calm.

"How could I leave?" She asked herself.

If she left, she could have a life of her own. If she left, Hugh could live how he wanted.

But where could she go?