Faces Behind the Masks

Leonard stood beside Isabella, exuding an aura of dominance and protection, while the party was at its peak.

The lights of the grand chandeliers reflected off crystal glasses, and classical music flowed smoothly through the hall.

Isabella tried to remain composed, but she couldn’t ignore the scrutinizing gazes of the women present, as if they were evaluating her, or perhaps trying to decipher her relationship with the man standing beside her.

The atmosphere was thick with alcohol, hidden desires masked by forced smiles, and secrets whispered behind closed doors.

As she tried to make sense of everything around her, a woman confidently made her way through the crowd.

She wore an elegant red dress, tight enough to accentuate her alluring curves, and her long brown hair was styled meticulously, revealing a slender neck adorned with a diamond necklace.

But the one thing Isabella couldn’t ignore was her eyes, icy blue, filled with authority, as if she was accustomed to getting everything she wanted.

She stopped in front of them, her gaze shifting between Isabella and Leonard before offering a charming smile, devoid of any warmth.

“Leonard, darling, I didn’t know you had a guest tonight.”

Isabella felt her heart tighten. That soft yet sharp voice made her instantly realize who this woman was.

Leonard showed no signs of tension; instead, he offered a small smile and responded calmly,

“Alexandra, I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon.”

She raised an eyebrow slightly, as if trying to read his thoughts.

“And what could possibly keep me away? This party happens annually, and you know I never miss such occasions.”

Then, she turned her gaze to Isabella, scanning her from head to toe, as if she were a new piece of furniture that had suddenly appeared in her home without permission.

“And you haven’t introduced me to your new… friend.”

Isabella felt her breath quicken. She wasn’t used to this kind of confrontation, but she wasn’t about to appear weak in front of this woman.

Before she could respond, Leonard spoke,

“Isabella, this is Alexandra Montgomery, my fiancée.”

The word hit her like a blow, as if she hadn’t heard it correctly.

His fiancée? Yes, she knew he was engaged to someone else, but he had never stated it so plainly in front of her before.

A faint smile touched her lips as she replied with forced politeness, “Pleasure to meet you.”

Alexandra tilted her head slightly, as if weighing her words before responding,

“The pleasure is mine, though I wasn’t aware that Leonard had… new acquaintances.”

Isabella caught the hidden message in her words, as if she was telling her outright

“You’re not welcome here.”

But before the situation could escalate further, Leonard spoke in a neutral tone,

“Isabella is my guest tonight, and I expect everyone to treat her with respect.”

The tension between the women was palpable, even with the artificial smiles that never reached their eyes.

Alexandra took a sip from her wine glass before whispering with a sly tone,

“Leonard, we need to discuss some matters later. Alone.”

Then, she turned to Isabella with a light smile, as if reminding her of her place.

“Enjoy your time here, dear. But don’t get too attached.”

She then walked away, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unspoken words.

Isabella felt anger rising within her. The tension between Leonard and Alexandra wasn’t something she could easily ignore, and she was certain there were many details he hadn’t shared with her.

She turned to him, her eyes burning with questions.

“So, will you tell me the truth now? Or should I figure it all out on my own?”

Leonard didn’t seem eager to delve into details, but he knew Isabella wouldn’t let it go easily.

“Alexandra isn’t what she seems. She’s more of a family arrangement than an actual fiancée.”

Isabella let out a sarcastic laugh, raising an eyebrow as she said,

“Ah, of course. Just a nominal fiancée? And I’m supposed to believe that?”

Leonard stepped closer, his grip loosening slightly, but he still carried that commanding aura.

“I never promised her anything. And I never promised you anything either.”

Her eyes flashed with anger.

“Then what am I to you, Leonard? Just a distraction? Something new to play with until you get bored?”

Leonard felt his blood boil. He didn’t like being challenged this way, but a part of him was intrigued by the fire in her eyes.

“Isabella, you are…”

He paused for a moment, as if words weren’t enough.

But he didn’t need to say more, because someone else decided to intervene.

“I think the lady could use a strong drink after this conversation.”

Both turned to find a new man joining them, tall, with a sly smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes. He wore a luxurious blue suit, looking every bit like someone who belonged in this world of wealth.

He handed Isabella a glass before speaking in a playful tone,

“Don’t worry, men like him never know how to talk when it really matters.”

Leonard didn’t appreciate the interruption, his muscles tensing instantly.

“Who the hell are you?”

The man smirked coolly.

“Richard Carlton. And I think we’re going to be good friends soon.”

But Leonard didn’t seem convinced.

Isabella looked between the two men, realizing that the night was far from over… In fact, this might just be the beginning.

…

End of Chapter Five

What happens next?

• Will Alexandra try to take revenge on Isabella?

• What is Richard hiding behind his sudden interference?

• Will Leonard allow things to slip from his control?

The tension is rising, and the real confrontation has yet to begin…