The sound of glass shattering against the wall echoed through the dimly lit apartment. Laura stood in the center of the living room, breathing heavily, her fingers clenched into fists. Her laptop screen displayed multiple news articles—each one filled with headlines about Liam Anderson publicly announcing Isabelle as his wife.“Lucky PR Employee Is Married To Billionaire CEO!”“Liam Anderson’s Secret Marriage: The Woman Who Stole His Heart!”Her blood boiled as she scrolled through the comments, reading the ridiculous praises people were throwing at Isabelle. Some called her “smart” and “hardworking.” Others even said Liam was “lucky” to have her.“Lucky?” Laura scoffed, voice dripping with venom. “That little witch is anything but lucky.”Her own life was falling apart, and yet Isabelle was thriving. Laura had lost everything—her position at Anderson Corporation, her reputation, and worst of all, her power. All because of that woman.A sharp knock on the door pulled her from her thou
The morning air was crisp as Ethan and Isabelle made their way out of Anderson Corp’s towering building. The partnership with Anderson Corporation had been a defining experience for both of them, but now, it was time to return—at least temporarily—for their next big challenge.Meredith, standing at the entrance, folded her arms and exhaled dramatically. “So, you two are just leaving me like this?” she teased, shaking her head in mock disappointment.Ethan chuckled. “It’s not like we’re disappearing forever, Meredith.”“You’d better not,” she huffed. “PR Horizon may be your home company, but remember who gave you an office with the best view in Anderson Corp.”Isabelle smirked. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back before you know it. Just make sure to keep our desks dust-free.”Meredith sighed, then grew serious. “I’m really going to miss having you two around, though. You’d better nail this project so well that people are throwing awards and accolades at you.”Ethan placed a hand over his hear
The car glided smoothly down the highway, Marcos keeping one hand on the steering wheel while occasionally glancing at Isabelle. She sat beside him, arms crossed, staring out the window. The upcoming meeting with Everton University’s press team was important, but something else was on Marcos’ mind.After a few minutes of silence, he spoke.“ You're Isabelle Rivers, right?” Isabelle turned to face him, surprised that he's talking to her. “Yes, sir.” Marcus laughed lightly. “Sir? Oh please. You're probably older than me. Just call me Marcus.” Isabelle smiled weirdly in response and looked away.“So… I saw the news.”Isabelle didn’t react immediately. “What news?” she asked, not looking at him.Marcos chuckled lightly. “Come on. You and Liam Anderson, the CEO of Anderson Corp—the perfect power couple. The media can’t stop talking about you two. Your face was all over the news last week”At that, Isabelle’s jaw tightened slightly. “Is that so?”“I mean, yeah,” Marcos continued. “Everyw
The café was quiet, save for the soft chatter of customers and the low hum of an espresso machine behind the counter. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries lingered in the air, but Rachel barely noticed. She sat at a secluded corner table, fingers wrapped around her cup of cappuccino, her eyes darting to the entrance every few seconds.She checked the time. Isabelle was running late, which wasn’t unusual, but Rachel was more on edge than she would normally be.Only Isabelle knew about their meeting place.So how did this mysterious woman know?Rachel’s grip on her cup tightened as she thought about the letter and the USB drive sitting untouched beside her laptop. The woman who had handed it to her had spoken in a calm yet urgent manner, her face hidden behind a black nose mask."This is important for the decision you're about to make for your publication. I know how much you value the truth. I've signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement—that’s why I can't let you see my face.
The tension in PR Horizon’s headquarters was almost suffocating. Every eye in the conference room was fixed on the screen displaying the live data from the Polaris AI launch. The numbers were climbing fast—downloads pouring in by the second. It should have been a moment of celebration, a victory months in the making, but an unsettling silence hung over the room.Allison crossed her arms, tapping her nails against the table impatiently. “Why hasn’t the pressmen from the University you visited uploaded anything yet?”Marcus leaned back in his chair, glancing at Isabelle. “The press team head looks like someone that would do some fact checks and all. Maybe she’s doing some final checks. Besides it's just afternoon, she'll post something.”“She should’ve posted something already, wasn't our agreement with her 11 o clock in the morning?” Allison snapped. “Isabelle, call her. See what’s taking so long. I can't take any slip ups or mistakes from college students.”Isabelle didn’t need to be
Isabelle barely made it back inside after facing the press before her phone started vibrating relentlessly in her hand. Calls, messages, social media—her name was everywhere. Accusations flooded in from every corner of the internet, some calling her an irresponsible PR representative, others outright branding her a corporate traitor.Her hands trembled as she scrolled through the trending articles. Isabelle Rivers: PR Disaster? PR Horizon's Expert Caught in Scandal! Did She Leak the Polaris Tech's Past AI Breach?Ethan, who had followed her inside, noticed the way her jaw tightened and gently took her phone from her hands. "Stop reading those. They’ll only make things worse," he said, his voice firm but calm.She inhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus. "I need to find out how Rachel got that information."Ethan nodded. "We need to start digging, fast. We'll find something through the university press team head."Meanwhile, in PR Horizon’s main office, Allison and PR Horizon's manag
Isabelle stepped into the house, her entire body weighed down with exhaustion. It felt like she had been running on fumes the entire day, constantly on edge, constantly pushing forward, but never getting any closer to the truth. The scandal, the media, Vivian’s betrayal, Rachel’s disappearance—it was all too much.She shut the door behind her and let out a slow breath, rubbing her temples.Then, she noticed him.Liam was sitting on the couch in the dimly lit living room, one leg crossed over the other, his elbows resting on his knees. The sharp angles of his face were cast in shadow, but she could still see the tension in his clenched jaw, the storm brewing in his piercing blue eyes.He was waiting for her.The air between them was thick, heavy with unspoken words and bottled-up emotions."Liam," she murmured, surprised to see him.He stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, his gaze never leaving hers. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?" His voice was calm, but there was an u
Isabelle woke up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through her curtains, but her mind was already heavy with the events of the previous day. The anonymous message, the press storm, and the looming scandal surrounding Polaris AI all swirled together, refusing to let her rest.Determined to get answers, she got ready quickly, dressing in a sharp yet comfortable outfit, and headed straight for PR Horizon. Liam had gone out earlier on a business trip with Frank. By the time she arrived, Ethan was already waiting for her in the office, leaning against her desk with a cup of coffee in hand."You're early," Isabelle noted, dropping her bag on the chair.Ethan smirked. "So are you. I figured you wouldn’t be able to sleep with everything going on."Isabelle rasied a eyebrow at him. “I'm married Ethan. I slept well.” Ethan rolled his eyes. “Ouch, my fault for being single. I don't know what married life feels like.”She laughed, rubbing her temples. "You're not completely wrong, the
The mansion buzzed with a quiet kind of excitement. The long dining table was set with care—silver cutlery gleaming under the golden glow of the chandeliers, delicate flower arrangements gracing the center. The aroma of seasoned lamb and buttery pastries wafted through the air, hinting at the feast to come.Isabelle stood near the front door, hands clasped nervously in front of her. She had dreamed of this day—having everyone she loved under one roof again. After all she had endured—the loss, the memory gaps, the painful separation from Liam—this moment felt like a long-awaited exhale.And right now? She was glowing.Liam walked past her with a wine glass in hand, stealing a kiss on her cheek.“Stop looking so nervous,” he whispered, grinning. “They’re not coming to judge you. They're coming to love you.”She swatted his arm playfully. “I know, I know. But still... it feels surreal.”First to arrive was Mary Jane, the warm, kind-hearted housekeeper who’d become more like family. She w
Isabelle stirred slowly, the warmth of Liam’s arms wrapped protectively around her. The early sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft lines across the sheets. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.With a soft groan, she reached out for it, trying not to wake him.Frank.She swiped to answer. “Hello?”“It’s almost 7:30, Isa. Remember the reporters. You meet them at 9:30.”“Yeah… thanks for the reminder,” she said softly.As she ended the call and set the phone down, Liam shifted behind her, pulling her closer with a sleepy murmur.“Where are you going…?” he whispered, his voice husky.She turned to face him, brushing her fingers through his hair. “To tell my truth.”“I don’t want you to leave yet…” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.“I have to.” She smiled gently and kissed him. “But I’ll come back to you.”He held her gaze. “Should I go with you?”“No,” she whispered. “This… I want to do myself.”He sighed, then reluctantly let her slip from his embrace.—A few hou
The front door creaked open as Liam stepped inside, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion. The house was quiet, too quiet. He called out softly, "Isabelle?"No response.He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Maybe he was imagining things again, letting hope trick him into thinking she'd magically stay since she said she was coming to check the house. But then—there it was. The faint clinking of a spoon against porcelain, coming from the kitchen.Liam's heart jumped. He moved swiftly, quietly, not daring to believe.There she was.Standing by the kitchen counter, back turned to him, wearing his hoodie. Her hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves, and she was stirring tea. Calmly. Casually. As if nothing had happened."Isa?" he breathed.She turned.Their eyes met.It felt like the world slowed down. Her lips parted, her eyes welled with tears, but her expression was warm. Familiar." Wanted to see if your hoodie fits me now." She smiled, tugging at the hoodie she was w
The night was quiet, too quiet for Isa’s restless mind.She tossed in bed, limbs tangled in the sheets, her breath uneven. In the silence, her dreams stirred.In that dream, she was back in that cold, dark house.Richard’s voice thundered in her ears, cruel and venomous.“You think you can disobey me?” he snarled, hand raised. His palm connected harshly with her cheek. The sting was real. Her knees buckled, and she crumbled to the ground, sobbing.Richard towered over her with a face twisted by rage. He was yelling. No—screaming. Words she couldn’t decipher, fists clenched. She was crying, shielding herself from the blows he rained down on her like a stormThe pain. The shame. The betrayal.Isa gasped and bolted upright in bed, drenched in sweat. Her hand flew to her chest, her heart hammering like a drum. “It was just a dream,” she whispered. “Just a dream…”But it hadn’t felt like a dream. It was vivid. It was sharp. The emotions still clung to her like smoke after fire.She reache
The living room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound echoing through the space. Richard sat alone, nursing frustration in his chest like an old wound that refused to heal. A half-finished glass of water sat untouched on the table beside him. It wasn’t enough—not tonight.He stared blankly ahead, mind spinning with thoughts of Isabelle.She had gone to bed hours ago. Peaceful. Silent. Untouched.The problem was… he wanted to touch her. He wanted to kiss her until she remembered everything. Until she remembered him.But she didn’t. Or maybe she did—and was pretending.He wasn’t sure what was worse.Richard grabbed his phone and dialed a number he knew would answer. It rang only once.“Laura,” he said, his voice low, tired. “Can you come over?”A pause.“Now?” she asked, surprised.“Yeah. And bring something strong. Alcoholic wine. The kind that numbs things.”“I’ll be there in twenty.”---It was closer to fifteen.The doorbell rang, and Richard rose, brush
The air was warm, the scent of lavender faint and lingering. Isabelle stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering as she blinked her eyes open. A ceiling she didn’t recognize greeted her—a smooth white expanse with subtle carvings, the kind of detail that hinted at elegance and time. Her body was nestled into soft sheets, and as she shifted slightly, a faint sense of déjà vu pricked at her.She sat up slowly, confusion painting her face. This place—where was she?It wasn’t familiar… but it didn’t feel strange either.Her eyes scanned the room. Cream-colored walls, soft curtains swaying by the windows, a dresser lined with photos turned away, a full-length mirror positioned directly in front of the bed. Something about the mirror pulled her in. Her heartbeat quickened as a flicker of a memory danced through her mind—sitting in front of that mirror, smiling at her reflection. Then, a man’s reflection appeared behind her in the memory, lying on the bed, gazing at her with love in his eyes.Her
Sunlight filtered through the curtains of the unfamiliar room, warming the side of Isabelle's face as she slowly opened her eyes. Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes fully opened, and she stared at the pale blue ceiling above her. The sheets wrapped around her were crisp and smelled faintly of lavender. Her gaze swept across the room—white walls, minimal décor, a large mirror on one end, and a single framed photo on the nightstand. A wedding photo of her and Richard.That was the only photo in the room. In fact, now that she thought of it, the whole house seemed bare, emotionless, like a showpiece rather than a lived-in home.Isabelle sat up slowly, confusion clouding her expression. If I’ve really lived here for four years… why doesn’t it feel like home? She hadn’t even figured out where the toilet was without exploring yesterday. The bed, the furniture, even the scent of the room—it all felt foreign.Her eyes dropped to the handbag on the armchair beside the bed. She reached for it,
Isabelle looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her wore soft blue jeans and a cream-colored blouse—finally something other than a hospital gown after weeks. It should’ve made her feel better. It didn’t.She forced a small smile and stepped out of the bathroom. Richard was seated on the couch in the hospital room, scrolling through his phone. He immediately stood up when he saw her."Hey, shall we go?" he asked, eyes lighting up.Isabelle hesitated. "Uhm, are you done with my whole discharge process?"Richard nodded confidently. "Yeah, I am. Why?"She frowned, feigning a pained expression. "Babe, I think I'm still having headaches. Can you tell the doctor and see if I can get some medicine from the pharmacy?"Richard's smile didn't falter. "Pain? I can't allow that. Let's go together, so you can explain to him well."She shook her head, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I'm a bit tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Can you go alone? I’ll wait here. J
Richard and Isabelle returned to the room, Richard still holding her protectively, like she would disappeare into Liam's arms if he doesn't hold her that way. Estella was in the room, pacing around, waiting for them. As soon as they entered, she sighed." When did you go out?! Do you have any idea how hard it was to look for you? I almost made a fool out of myself with the nurses." Estella shouted.Isabelle smiled slightly. " I told you I was stepped out for some air, you probably didn't hear me because you were so focused on your phone."Estella rolled her eyes. " If I didn't give you permission, you weren't supposed to step out! Isn't that how it works?"" Hey!" Richard shouted at Estella. " Don't talk to her that way. Because she's sick and you're watching over her for a while doesn't mean you're older or better. Know your place." He said with a stern expression on his face.Estella went quiet for a while before apologizing to Isabelle for speaking to her harshly, not that she me