ISABELLA'S POVIt was about 6:20 pm. Michael and I were at the Zuni Cafe.The faint hum of jazz played in the background, and it blended seamlessly with the gentle clinking of our glasses as well as the flirtatious laughter from nearby tables. Michael and I were flirting with ourselves, too.His smile was easy, and his posture relaxed. He had this way of making every moment feel like it was carved from something rare and precious. As he spoke, he cupped a hand lazily over his mouth, his voice low and carrying a soft, amused lilt that made me forget everything beyond this place.“You know,” he was saying. “I still can’t believe you thought I was just some guy who didn’t know how to drive.” He chuckled, teasing me about the stupid back and forth he and I had in the car on our way here minutes ago.I laughed, rolling my eyes. “You were driving like a maniac, Michael. I had every right to question your sanity.” He smirked, leaning forward, his fingers brushing lightly against mine
ISABELLA'S POVThree days had passed since my last visit to the hospital. I stood in my room, the morning light filtered through the curtains.I toweled my hair dry, feeling the damp curls fall against my shoulders before I pulled them back.I selected a crisp white blouse and a tailored black skirt that held snugly at my waist. I wanted to look and feel professional and confident for work today. I was particularly strong today compared to a few days ago, but that was, by the way.I slipped on my favorite low black heels, feeling the slight lift as I stood taller. As I reached for my leather handbag, I started gathering my essentials: my phone, stethoscope, patient files, and a small notebook.Everything went into my bag, my movements precise and almost automatic. When I felt ready, I headed for the door, but then I slowed, my steps hanging as an important thought suddenly weighed heavily on my mind. My foundation... Even with the generous donations from the last two surgeries, i
GENERAL POVOwen drove into the parking lot of the Velvet Club.He turned off the ignition of the sports car, and while still sitting inside, he took a moment to admire the view of the exclusive venue, nodding his head a few times in approval.It was called the Velvet Lounge.One of the many he had meticulously built under his family's radar.This was just a small fraction of the empire of clubs and hotels Owen owned across the city. He smiled.He was fast becoming a multimillionaire business owner in his own right.He slid out of the car and adjusted the lapels of his midnight blue suit, his movements unhurried and confident. As he got closer to the entrance, he pulled out a pair of dark aviator sunglasses and wore them.A boyish smile touched his lips.The moment he entered, chants of “Welcome Boss" filled the air.One of them held the door open with a slight bow."Great job, guys," Owen waved smoothly before going in.Inside, the club was a world of its own, mostly drunk men wit
ISABELLA'S POVI looked through the car window, seeing glass panels of the large building. I glanced over at Michael. He leaned back in his seat, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. His eyes were alive with expectation. He turned to me, his hand reaching for mine. “Ready?” He asked, his voice carrying a note of pride.“Always,” I replied, squeezing his hand reassuringly.As the driver opened our door, we stepped out. Michael wore a dark, tailored suit that perfectly matched the confident set of his shoulders. His straight, dark hair was even darker now.I straightened my dress, a deep emerald green that flowed elegantly down to my ankles.The factory loomed before us, its entrance filled with tall banners announcing the grand opening. Michael held my hand as we walked towards the entrance.The building gleamed under the bright lights.I could see technicians moving around inside, adjusting equipment, setting up stations, and making final checks.The factory was really impress
Isabella’s POVMy fingers drummed lightly on my thigh; the silence in the room was uncomfortable.Evelyn sat perched on the edge of her chair, holding the test result in her hand. Her eyes were switching between the paper and me. She hesitated; the crease on her forehead deepened as if searching for the right words. The silence was becoming unbearable."Evelyn, just tell me... What is the result saying?"I finally whispered, my voice trembling despite my best effort to keep it steady.Her lips parted, then closed again. She glanced at me, her gaze filled with a mix of uncertainty and concern. Slowly, she began to speak."Isabella, I don’t quite understand this." She trailed off, her eyes scanning the page again."According to the result, there’s... something unusual. Something foreign that seems to be affecting your antibodies."My heart skipped a beat. "Foreign?" I echoed, my voice almost inaudible. Evelyn nodded, her expression puzzled. "Yes. But we can’t determine what it i
Isabella’s POVA MONTH LATERMy black Mercedes-Benz halted a few spaces away from the construction site of our new center.I stepped out, sensing the grit of gravel under my heels. The air was heavy with the scent of fresh cement and wet earth. The new hospital project was right in front of... a skeleton of steel and glass stretching towards the sky.The first two floors were already enclosed, and workers hurried around, their shouts mingling with the hum of machinery. I let a small smile form on my lips, a rare moment of satisfaction settling in as I walked further in, observing the progress with two hands on my waist.It was all coming together. My long-awaited vision is taking shape brick by brick.I walked even closer, my eyes scanning every detail.Everything seemed in order, but I knew better than to relax yet.There was still so much to be done, so many things that could go wrong. I had to stay vigilant.“Madam Isabella! What a pleasant surprise!” A voice called out from my
Isabella's POV"Isabella," Emily's voice was taut and controlled as she continued."I need you to come to the hospital immediately." My heart started pounding, each beat louder than the last. "Why? What’s going on?" “Please, just come quickly,” she replied, her tone worryingly urgent. After that, the line went dead. I set the phone down slowly, feeling the anxiety rise within me. The quiet room suddenly felt oppressive. I felt drained.I did not like the way she sounded; I almost felt like calling her back and asking to tell me what she had discovered first before I could think of coming. But there was no need; I didn't have much of a choice.I stood up too quickly, the chair scraping against the floor. My hands darted over my desk, searching for..
ISABELLA POVAs we continued to hold each other, I sensed a shift in the room. My father and the others were watching us.All of them are going completely silent. Their eyes, though touched by the moment, were also asking questions. Their faces were a bit puzzled by the strong emotion I was displaying for what was supposed to be a normal family meetup. When I finally pulled away from my mother's embrace. Her eyes—those deep hazel gloves of hers, locked onto mine. They saw the little streaks of tears hiding inside them; they almost saw the pain I was nursing.I looked away. “What’s wrong, Bella?” She asked, her voice soft and searching.I opened my mouth to say what I had planned to say an hour ago, but it was too heavy. My mouth bowed to the