Allison’s sharp eyes glinted under the soft streetlights as she looked from Isabelle to Ethan. She tilted her head, a sly smile creeping onto her face.“Well, well,” she said smoothly, her tone sounding amused. “What brings the two of you here, together?”Ethan opened his mouth, but Isabelle quickly stepped in, her voice steady despite the knot forming in her stomach, staying silent would make her more nervous. “We agreed to meet MIA here, we already had a meeting with her and she left. She signed the contract.”Allison’s smile widened. “Ah, wonderful news. I knew you’d handle it perfectly, that's why I assigned you to it. But I don't remember asking Ethan to follow you, so why are you here, Ethan?”“MIA was my university junior, I figured it'd be faster for two people to come, plus, MIA isn't an easy egg to crack and I'm sure you know that too. I'm surprised that you assigned Isabelle who would be busy with lots of things for this campaign to take care of the ambassador for Elle Luxe
The soft glow of the bedside lamp filled Isabelle’s room as she sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the suitcase in front of her. Her thoughts went back and forth relentlessly, circling back to the image of Liam and Allison together at the restaurant.“What could they be doing now?” she muttered under her breath. The thought made her chest tighten, but she shook her head firmly. “No. Stop this, Isabelle. It doesn’t matter. Focus on work. Allison is your boss and she probably doesn't know that I'm married to Liam.”Her mind shifted to Ethan’s earlier suggestion. He had proposed they travel to the campaign site together the next morning since the location was a little bit far and they’d be staying there for several days for the shoots.She pushed herself up from the bed, Isabelle grabbed her suitcase and began packing. She carefully folded clothes and packed essentials, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of the storm of emotions and questions swirling inside her.The
Isabelle stood by the window of Mary Jane’s cozy kitchen, sipping her tea as the morning sunlight streamed in. Mary Jane had welcomed her with open arms when she needed a place to stay and she didn't even ask any questions. Her place was just the perfect place to clear her head, it was better than sitting alone in her room replaying her hot argument with Liam.A honk outside interrupted her thoughts. She looked out to see Ethan waving from his car. Isabelle stepped outside with Mary Jane following closely behind her. Ethan greeted Mary Jane and Isabelle got into the car with her things.“Morning,” Ethan greeted as she slid into the passenger seat.“Good Morning,” Isabelle said, her voice soft.Ethan glanced at her, concern written across his face. “Are you sure you're okay? Your face has been somehow since yesterday when we met Allison.”“I’m fine,” Isabelle replied, managing a small smile.“You don’t look fine,” Ethan said gently.Isabelle sighed. “It’s nothing. Let’s just focus on w
“Are you lost?” he asked, his voice calm but unsettling.Isabelle’s hand tightened on her phone, her instincts screaming at her to stay alert. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, her voice firm. “I’m waiting for someone.”The man tilted his head, rain dripping from his hat. “Are you sure? It’s dangerous to sit here alone in the dark.”Panic bubbled in Isabelle’s chest as she tried to think of what to do. Her phone buzzed in her hand—Ethan was calling back.She glanced at the man, his unsettling smile sending a shiver down her spine.“Ethan, please get here soon,” she whispered."Miss, i'm talking to you. Do you have car issues? I'm sure I can fix that right up for you" He continued."I'm okay, really. Thank you for your concern." Isabelle said and turned around to enter back into her car but the man was faster. He held the door down with his hand, stooping her from opening it.The rain poured relentlessly, and Isabelle shivered, trying to stay calm as the man outside her car leaned closer t
Allison Simeone sat outside her lodge, sipping a glass of red wine and enjoying the quiet night. The air was cool, the breeze gentle against her skin, and for the first time in a while, she allowed herself to relax. She had been receiving feedback from MIA on how she was torturing Isabelle and making work difficult for her.“Allison.”She turned at the sound of her name, her eyebrows arched in surprise. Standing just a few feet away from her, dressed sharply but looking unusually restless, was Liam Anderson.“Well, well,” she said with a slow smile, setting her glass down. “What a surprise. To what do I owe this honor?” Liam approached her, his face was tensed and his eyes looked around, as though searching for something or someone. Allison’s sharp gaze caught the desperation in his demeanor, and her smirk widened.“Ah.....you didn’t come here to see me, did you? What was I thinking.” she said smoothly, leaning back in her chair. “What’s wrong, Liam? Don't tell me.... she fought with
The pop-up store was bustling with activities. Celebrities, designers, people interested in the pop-up store and Elle Luxe representatives filled the space, while cameras clicked and crew members scurried around, making final adjustments. Isabelle stood near the entrance, directing staff and checking schedules, even though her neck was aching under the weight of the collar the doctor had given her, she still did her work well.“Hey, Isabelle, you shouldn’t be moving around so much,” Ethan said as he approached, carrying a clipboard. His brows furrowed as he watched her give instructions to the staff.“I’m fine,” Isabelle said with a smile, though the strain in her voice gave her away. “You tried so hard to stop me from coming even though Allison didn't approve it and I still came here, so I should do my work. You worry too much, I'm fine. It's just a strain.” “You’re clearly not fine,” Ethan pressed, lowering his voice. “Allison was out of line for making you come here. Let me take ov
A week after the pop up store event, the final and main event for Elle Luxe's Rebirth Campaign was held. It was supposed to be a day after the pop up store event but fans demanded for other pop up stores in other locations and Elle Luxe heeded to their demand, so the main event was shifted. The grand ballroom of Anderson Corp.’s most prestigious building glowed with elegance, its magnificent chandeliers casting a golden hue over the crowd of celebrities, influencers, and executives gathered for the Elle Luxe Rebirth Campaign final event. The air buzzed with conversation as models strutted down the runway, showcasing the Elle Luxe’s most iconic and new luxury pieces.Isabelle stood near the back, the cast on her neck had been removed since she didn't feel any more pain in her neck, but her encounter with that strange man still remained in her memory reminded her of the accident, she also didn't tell Liam about the strange man since she wouldn't have a reason to see him again. She sip
The PR Horizon office buzzed with quiet chatter as employees discussed the success of the Elle Luxe Rebirth Campaign. Isabelle sat next to Ethan, flipping through her notes absentmindedly as Ethan recounted a funny moment during the campaign.“You should’ve seen MIA’s face when the makeup artist handed her that sponsored lipstick, she went on and on about the brand she was influencing but Isabelle here schooled her. As a celebrity, she should know that she would use sponsored products but she just wanted to delay the shoot. Isabelle did well teaching her her place” Ethan said with a laugh.Isabelle smiled faintly, but her mind was elsewhere. Thinking back on the events that happened made her remember the accident and the strange man. She was almost assaulted and she didn't even tell Liam about it. Well, he wouldn't come again, so he doesn't need to know all the details.Before she could reply, the glass doors swung open, and Allison entered, her heels clicking sharply against the tile
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
Liam left Anderson Corporation the moment he got the information from Sarah. His heart pounded as he drove, thoughts racing. He had to see it with his own eyes—was Isabelle really there? Was she alive? Was she okay?He parked his car hastily and rushed into the hospital, bypassing the reception area entirely. There was no point in stopping there. Richard must have already instructed the staff to give no information about Isabelle and to deny her any visitors. So, instead of asking the nurses, Liam decided to observe. If he had to search every floor, every hallway, he would. But deep down, he had a feeling—something told him he would find her soon.He stood in front of the elevator, eyes fixed on the numbers descending. The doors slid open with a soft ding. Inside, a woman stood. She wore a hospital gown, her hair flowing freely over her shoulders, her face pale but serene. She walked past him without even a glance.Liam froze. His eyes widened in disbelief. That was her. Isabelle. The
One Week Later. Sarah moved around nervously in the living room. She had heard Estella on the call with someone, telling that person that she'd be there soon and will make it there quietly. Sarah had been talking to Liam the past week. He informed her that he couldn't find Isabelle and that she has left Meadow Central Hospital for Richard's home and Sarah promised to try and get the address from Estella, whether by following her or putting a tracker on her. Isabelle must be found by all means. She also heard that tracking Marcus didn't give them any leads on Isabelle's whereabouts. Marcus just went from Polaris Tech to his house. They also found out that it was only Marcus staying in the house. They had no choice but to trust Sarah to get information from Estella, no matter the method she would use. An idea crossed Sarah's head and she quickly acted on it. She brought out her phone and called an Uber. Estella was wary of her so she couldn't follow behind her. The taxi driver arr
Marcus walked cooly to the receptionist, he placed a hand on the counter and asked." Hi, there. Is Isabelle and her husband still around here?" The nurse looked at him and smiled. " Yes, they are. In fact, Miss Isabelle's friends just left here after asking about her."Marcus's eyes widened in shock. " Friends? What friends?" He shouted.The nurse started getting nervous as he raised his voice. "Uhm... Two men. They said they could not reach her and I..." " You gave them her room number?" Marcus interrupted. " Are you just stupid or do you not like your job? Is this how you all behave here? Sharing a patient information to strangers." " I'm so sorry sir. They said they were her friends and they seemed desperate so I helped them. I didn't know... I'm so sorry." The nurse trembled in fear." Shut your mouth and call the room real quick. Ask him to pull Isabelle out of that room quickly. Tell him that someone is here for her."The nurse scrambled to the telephone and quickly dialed t
Liam parked the car and got out quickly without hesitation. Ethan followed, trying hard to keep up with him. They entered the big hospital and went to the reception area." Good morning. I'm here to see a patient that was brought here on the day of the mass accident." Liam said immediately to the lady on duty.She looked at Liam and hesitated before answering. "Is this person related to you?" Liam nodded quickly. "Yes, she is. I've been looking for her for a while now." "Alright. Name please?" The lady said, her fingers on the keyboard, ready to type in her name."Isabelle Rivers" Liam replied impatiently.The nurse looked up at the mention of her name. It was a familiar name. " Ah... The lady that was in the major accident? I see why you haven't been able to reach her. She just woke up after surgery. But she's getting special treatment in the VIP ward. All thanks to her husband." Liam and Ethan looked at each other. " Husband?" They chorused." But I'm her hus...." Ethan hit Liam