Monday morning arrived, and Isabelle walked into Anderson Corp’s office building with her head held high, though the dull ache from her injury still lingered. She had taken care to let her hair fall over the bandage on her forehead, hoping it wouldn’t be too noticeable. However, there was no hiding it completely. As she made her way through the office, she could feel the stares of her colleagues—some curious, others whispering amongst themselves.She finally reached her desk, and her gaze immediately fell on Laura. The woman sat in her usual place, her eyes fixed on the laptop screen, typing away as if nothing had ever happened. No guilt. No hesitation. No indication that she had been the one responsible for Isabelle’s near-fatal accident.Isabelle clenched her jaw. How could she be so shameless?As if sensing the stare, Laura slowly lifted her gaze, meeting Isabelle’s eyes with an expression so indifferent, it was infuriating. Then, ever so slightly, she smirked.A silent warning.Do
Laura paced the length of her living room, unable to sit still. Her fingers curled around her phone as she impatiently checked for messages. Every second that passed without a response sent irritation crawling up her spine. Finally, she gave up waiting and dialed her informant.The call barely rang twice before a lazy voice answered."Haven't you found anything? It's been two fucking days!" Laura snapped, gripping her phone tighter.The informant sighed. "Chill, that girl—Isabelle Rivers—is so hidden. It’s hard to find anything on her."Laura’s patience snapped. "So what? Did you find something or not? I paid you all you asked, and you can’t find a little piece of information? What is she? The president’s hidden daughter?""Calm down, Laura. I did find something. And you’ll like it."Laura stopped pacing. "Go on.""She has a family. I made a lot of findings, and guess what? She was married before. Her case blew up a lot then—soon after, she disappeared, and the man she was married to
Laura sat in her living room, a glass of red wine in her hand, twirling it absentmindedly as she stared at the flickering flames in the fireplace. The weight of her thoughts pressed on her as she strategized her next move against Isabelle Rivers. She had waited too long, let that woman take too much. It was time to act.As she exhaled deeply, the doorbell rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. A knowing smirk curled on her lips. That must be Estella.She rose from her seat, smoothing out the fabric of her silk robe before heading to the door. Upon opening it, she was met with the sight of Estella, standing there with her arms crossed, her lips twisted in a sly smirk."You certainly took your time," Estella remarked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.Laura shut the door behind her, a chuckle escaping her lips. "I like to keep people waiting—it builds anticipation."Estella rolled her eyes and plopped down onto the luxurious couch, her gaze sweeping across Laura's lavi
Isabelle stepped into the office with a bright smile, greeting her colleagues as she passed their desks. But instead of the usual friendly responses, the atmosphere was strangely cold. Some nodded absentmindedly, while others outright ignored her. A few exchanged glances, whispering under their breath."Look, that's her.""Isn't she part of the PR Horizon team?"The hushed voices pricked at her ears, and she frowned slightly. What’s going on? Dismissing the unease, she continued toward the elevator.As she stepped inside, more employees entered, chatting among themselves. They hadn’t noticed her standing in the corner."I’ve worked here for years, and I’ve never caused trouble," a woman sighed.A man beside her scoffed. "What do you mean?""Haven’t you seen the news? Those new PR employees," she muttered."Ah, yes! I saw it. I couldn't believe it at first, but those pictures... They seem really close. When do you think they got together?""Who knows? But did you read the caption? I’m
Meredith led Isabelle into an empty meeting room, closing the door behind them. She turned to face Isa, concern etched on her face."Are you okay?" Meredith asked, her voice gentle but firm.Isabelle nodded quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine."Meredith crossed her arms. "Isa, don’t give me that. You were just publicly attacked by your own sister. Everyone saw it. And on top of that, there’s this scandal going around. What happened this morning? Is your relationship with Ethan actually true?"Isabelle’s eyes widened. "Of course not! Ethan is just a close friend. There’s nothing romantic between us."Meredith sighed. "Then why did those pictures circulate? And why is it targeting you in such a bad way?"Isabelle clenched her fists. She had her suspicions, but she couldn’t voice them just yet. "I don’t know. It must be someone who hates me. I'll fix this some way. I know I've caused unrest to the company and might have gotten in the way of work and I'm sorry."Meredith studied her carefully before
Isabelle stepped into the house, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. The air was thick with tension as Liam stood near the dining table, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on her.“Where have you been?” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.Isa hesitated for a moment before answering, “At the company, working late.”Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Isa, you know I asked you to tell me everything that's going on with you. I know you met with Laura.”Her breath hitched. “W-What? How did you know that?”“I followed you, after what happened this morning with the company website and Estella's sudden visit, I knew something was up and I knew whoever was behind it would surely call you.” he admitted, his gaze unwavering. “I saw you at the café, sitting across from Laura. So, I’ll ask another question... What does Laura want with you, why did she call you and what did you discuss?”Isa’s throat felt dry. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came
Laura lounged on her plush leather couch, a glass of wine in hand, staring at the fireplace intensely. The temporary suspension from Anderson Corp had left her feeling restless, but she wouldn’t let it show. This was only a setback, not the end.A knock on the door disrupted her thoughts.Frowning, she set the glass down and strode toward the door, opening it to find Frank standing there, impeccably dressed as usual."Frank?" she said, masking her surprise. "What brings you here?"Frank offered a polite smile. "I have something for you."Laura studied him for a second before stepping aside. "Come in."He entered, his eyes scanning the opulent living room before settling on her. "Nice place. Must be relaxing, having all this free time."Laura gave a tight smile, walking past him to pour another glass of wine. "Yes, well, I wouldn’t call it ‘relaxing.’ Being away from the office is hardly a vacation." She took a slow sip. "But I manage."Frank chuckled. "That’s one way to put it. Though
The Anderson Corporation’s 5th Anniversary Gala was the most anticipated event of the year, a night where business elites, employees, and notable personalities gathered under one roof to celebrate the company’s successes. The venue—an opulent ballroom with crystal chandeliers, golden drapery, and a grand stage—was filled with murmurs of excitement. Every detail, from the live orchestra to the gourmet cuisine, reflected the prestige of the Anderson Corporation's name.Laura stepped out of her car, her deep-red satin dress hugging her frame perfectly. Her eyes scanned the lavish setting as she adjusted her clutch, confidence radiating from her. But she hadn’t expected to see Estella of all people.Estella, wearing an emerald-green dress with a plunging neckline, turned just in time to see Laura approaching the entrance. Their eyes met, both equally surprised."You?" Estella scoffed, stepping forward. "What are you doing here?""I could ask you the same thing," Laura replied, raising a b
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