Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 1

Isadora had spent five long years doting on Magnus.

She loved him unconditionally, spoiled him, forgave every slight, believing that, with enough warmth, she could finally melt his heart.

But the moment Elise returned—ill and fragile—all of Isadora’s efforts unraveled in an instant.

Now, the situation was nothing short of absurd.

Magnus was actually planning a lavish wedding… with her.

The kidnapper, overhearing Magnus’s words over the phone, bared his teeth in a crooked grin. “Well, if Mr. Wainwright insists, I guess we have no choice but to follow orders.”

With that, he hung up.

The kidnapper had long since grown weary of Isadora’s innocent allure.

He let out a low, sinister chuckle. “Sorry, Miss Vaughan. Looks like your fiancé has really pushed us to the edge. Guess we have to get our hands dirty, thanks to him.” He shoved a pill between Isadora’s lips, forcing her to swallow.

*

At the church—

Magnus fought the gnawing unease in his gut.

Isadora had pulled stunts like this before.

She’d never liked Elise; that much was obvious. The animosity ran deep. And this fake wedding he was staging with Elise? It had driven Isadora to give him the cold shoulder for days.

Now she’d upped the ante, resorting to a fake kidnapping just to threaten him.

Such reckless drama—he’d clearly been too indulgent over the years.

When this whole spectacle with Elise was over, if Isadora admitted her faults and apologized, he’d throw her an even grander, more glamorous wedding.

Elise watched him, her voice soft and trembling as she broke the silence. “Magnus, I’m sorry. It’s all because of me.”

Magnus replied, his tone flat, “This has nothing to do with you.”

Elise’s wide, dewy eyes searched his face. “Should we go on with it, then?”

He hesitated for a moment. “Yes. We continue.”

At that, a sly smile curled Elise’s lips.

Isadora, I warned you—you’ll never beat me.

*

Isadora didn’t hesitate for a second.

Better to be hit by a car than fall back into those men’s hands.

She squeezed her eyes shut and flung herself in front of the speeding vehicle.

The shriek of brakes tore through the night. The car screeched to a halt, stopping just inches from her.

The impact flung Isadora forward, crashing her to the pavement in front of the car.

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then the driver’s door opened.

A pair of black, polished dress shoes hit the pavement.

Tailored slacks accentuated long, powerful legs. The man strode over, then crouched beside her.

When she saw his face, Isadora’s heart lurched.

“It’s… you.”