Chapter 76 My Woman Is Not Someone You Can Just Touch

"Alright, I'm heading home," Isabella said, giving a small wave.

"Cool," George replied, watching her go. He knew she was still sorting out her feelings. She hadn't fully let him in yet, but he was willing to wait as long as she gave him a shot.

Isabella hopped out of the taxi and trudged home, her head hanging low.

She punched in the code and pushed the door open, only to see Ivan sitting by the entrance. He jumped up and said, "Isabella."

Isabella froze for a second, then looked up, "Ivan? What are you doing here?"

"Where have you been?" Ivan asked, his eyes scanning her face and body like he was searching for clues.

Ivan's intense stare made Isabella squirm. She tried to play it cool, fiddling with her hair, "There was an accident."

"Accident?" Ivan's face darkened, her words confirming his worst fears, "You were with George, weren't you?"

"Ivan, it's not what you think..." Isabella started, but Ivan grabbed her wrist and yelled, "I went all out to set up a birthday surprise for you, and you spent the whole night with George? Isabella, how could you do this to me?"

"Ivan, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had all this planned," Isabella said, genuinely apologetic.

"Sorry? You think 'sorry' is gonna fix this? Tell me, why were you with George? Didn't you two split up? Why are you still tangled up with him? You still love him, don't you?" Ivan shouted, his voice shaking with anger. Isabella had never seen him like this and it scared her.

"Isabella, do you know why I went through all this trouble?" Ivan's face twisted with rage.

Isabella wanted to break free, to run, to get away. She was terrified of what he might do next.

"Ivan, calm down. I'm sorry. It's my fault. Please, don't be mad, okay?"

But Ivan wasn't listening. He dragged her into the house and locked the door behind them.

Isabella struggled, but she was no match for his strength.

Ivan hauled her into the bedroom and threw her onto the bed.

He started stripping off his clothes, piece by piece. Isabella was terrified and reached for her phone to call the cops.

But Ivan snatched it away and smashed it on the ground, "Isabella, why don't you like me? We grew up together. I care about you so much. I love you so much. I'd give you everything. Why do you love George instead?"

Isabella curled up, her face pale, "Ivan, don't do anything stupid. I'm begging you."

"I'm not doing anything stupid. Once this is done, we'll get married. I'll take care of you, love you, Isabella. Don't be scared."

Ivan said before he pinned her down, kissing her frantically, making her feel sick.

"Ivan, you can't do this to me," Isabella pleaded, but he was beyond reason. No words would get through to him.

Just when Isabella felt all hope was lost, Ivan's head was struck hard by a vase. He crumpled to the floor.

Isabella, tears streaming down her face, looked at the person who had hit Ivan and cried out, "George."

Whether it was from relief or fear, Isabella broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. George held her gently, whispering, "It's okay now."

Isabella didn't call the cops, but she knew things with Ivan were done for good.

"Why? We were like family. Why did he do this to me? Why?" Isabella couldn't wrap her head around it.

George, being a guy, got where Ivan was coming from.

As kids, Ivan could see Isabella as just a sister. But as she grew into a beautiful woman, it was impossible not to be affected.

Plus, the fact that they weren't blood-related let Ivan give in to his twisted desires without holding back.

"Alright, stop thinking about it," George said.

He hated seeing Isabella so torn up; it hurt him too.

Because of what happened, Isabella stayed home for a couple of days. Her body was resting, but her mind was racing.

Marlowe came by with a birthday gift.

"Why are you sick? What happened?" Marlowe's concern almost made Isabella tear up.

But Isabella didn't think it was worth sharing. She forced a smile and said, "Maybe I was too happy."

"Too happy, or too mad, to make yourself sick?"

Marlowe's eyes were sharp, not letting her off the hook.

Isabella shook her head, "Maybe I caught a cold from the wind that night on my birthday."

"Where did you go that night?" Marlowe asked.

Isabella smiled and looked down.

Seeing she didn't want to talk about it, Marlowe didn't push. She handed over the birthday gift and said, "Here, see if you like it."

Isabella took the full set of tools Marlowe handed her, her eyes lighting up. This set was super rare, a limited edition with sentimental value.

"You actually got the limited edition. You really went all out," Isabella said.

"As long as you like it."

"I love it, absolutely love it." Isabella hugged Marlowe and kissed her on the cheek, "You always get me."

"Don't get all mushy. I was planning to take you out for a big meal, but seeing you like this, we'll have to do it another day."

Isabella felt a bit guilty, "Another day, my treat."

"Alright."

Meanwhile, George showed up at Ivan's hospital room.

George first took off his coat and set it aside. He then stretched his neck and loosened his joints before slowly walking towards the bed.

Ivan, with his head bandaged, couldn't help but shiver and asked, "What do you want?"

"My fists will do the talking."

George didn't waste words. He grabbed Ivan by the collar and punched him hard in the face, dislocating Ivan's jaw.

"This punch is for Isabella. She respected you, and you tried to hurt her."

George raised his fist and delivered another heavy blow to the same spot, "This punch is a warning. No one messes with my girl."

With two punches, blood was already flowing from Ivan's nose and lips.

His body went limp, unable to hold itself up.

George lifted Ivan and delivered another brutal punch, knocking him down, "This punch is to end it. From now on, disappear from Isabella's life completely."