Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 16: Contracts . *BANCROFT VILLA* As Isabella prepared to make her escape from the traumatizing dinner party, Archie's father's booming voice cut through the chatter, calling for a private family meeting. Isabella hesitated, her hand already refusing to let go of Archie’s, but she couldn't ignore the summons.As the rest of the guests filed out of the room.Isabella sighed as she leaned against the dining chair. This was a traumatizing dinner event because she had to be in the same space with her father who didn’t love her, who never loved her, her step mother who has always despised her from day one and wanted her downfall, her half sister who detested her.She was on edge throughout but she just had to swallow her anxiety down because of Archibald. She didn’t want him worrying over her because he had been stroking her hand throughout attempting to calm down.Isabella felt loved and every time she found something to love about Arch
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 17: Affections . *NORMAN VILLA* "Isabella, you look beautiful!" exclaimed Dara, her eyes lighting up with admiration as she put the final touches on my outfit. I smiled gratefully at her, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thank you, Dara. You're the best!" Dara grinned back, her hands fluttering around me like a butterfly. "Oh, stop it, you're making me blush. But seriously, you're going to dazzle everyone tonight." As Dara adjusted the folds of my dress and smoothed down my hair, I felt a sense of excitement bubbling within me. Tonight was the company party, and I was determined to make a good impression.I don’t know if Archie’s father was actually going to go ahead and introduce us to everyone but I just had to dress the part just in case. I didn’t want the case of a surprise sprung on me. And tonight, I was going to be Archibald’s date and I seriously couldn’t wait. We’ve been closer after the family dinner night that we ha
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 18: Mine . *Isabella* “Dara, I think that’s enough makeup you’ve put on.” I say cautioning her. She shook her head not listening to me. “No I have to dress the part, there will be a lot of hot billionaires and millionaires at this party.” “You have a boyfriend!.” I remind her outraged she would say that. She chuckled glancing away from the mirror to look at me. “Well who said I can’t be in a relationship and be a sugar baby at the same time?.” I don’t even have the time to address what she said as she immediately grabbed her bag after reapplying her lipgloss for the tenth time. “Okay I’m done!.” “Finally.” I said exasperatedly. “Why are you in such a hurry?.” She asked as we left my room. “You don’t even like parties like that, I think I saw you in the last one looking like you were forced to be there.” “That’s because I was forced to be there.” I remembered the Bancroft company party last year. My father had forced me
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 19: A New Addition .You can do this, Isabella. You can do this. I try to motivate myself from not getting too nervous as Archie squeezed my palm to help me. As Archie and I made our way through the crowded room, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sea of faces surrounding us. Even when I usually attended events when I was still living and abiding by my father’s rules, I still couldn’t just adjust to this lifestyle.It’s just so overwhelming. Being in a room full of people that are better than you. People that know that they are better than you. Makes one self esteem low. And I already have a low self esteem to begin with. But it seemed like my experience at this particular anniversary party was going to be different because people were smiling and greeting us warmly, their voices blending into a cacophony of sound. I clung to Archie's arm, seeking comfort in his reassuring presence.He sensed my unease and leaned in c
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 20: Attention, everyone . As I sat at the table with Archie's family, I found myself surprisingly at ease, thanks to the lively chatter of Archie's niece. We giggled and shared secrets, talking about boys and girly stuff as if we had known each other for years. It was a welcome distraction from the tension that hung in the air, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the moment.“Okay okay but wait I have to tell you about the time Uncle Archie was being an absolute rebel to grandfather, that was the most hilarious moment of my teens.” Aileen said as she giggled while taking a sip of her drink. Archie groaned, obviously having had enough with our gossiping. “I’m sure no one wants to hear about that, Aileen.”“Hmm I don’t know.” I shrugged giving her a wink. “It seems like a very interesting story.” I say and we both throw a fit of laughter again. I honestly didn’t expect to feel at ease while sitting with Archibald’s family. Wha
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 21: The CEO’s future wife . As Chantelle introduced me to the guests, she twisted the truth, calling herself the legitimate daughter and labeling me as the illegitimate one. Anger bubbled inside me, and I stormed out of the party, unable to bear the humiliation any longer. Outside, tears streamed down my face as I struggled to control my emotions. But Archie followed me, which I didn’t expect him to do at all. "Isabella, wait," he called after me, his voice filled with concern.I turned to him, my eyes brimming with tears. "I can't take this anymore, Archie," I choked out. “Isabella.” He whispered softly pulling me in for a hug as I sobbed loudly. “I can’t live like this anymore. Living in the shadow of my sister, letting her treat me anyhow. I have had enough of this.” I cried out. “I can’t take it anymore, I’m tired.”“It’s okay, let it out. Let it all out.” He said stroking my hair gently. “Why does she derive joy in see
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire .Chapter 22: Backup . Isabella stood in the center of the room, surrounded by a throng of well-wishers, each offering their congratulations on her recent achievement. If the achievement meant congratulations on getting e engaged to Bancroft heir then she would gladly shake their offered hands and accept it. Her face radiated with joy and pride as she graciously accepted the compliments, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. She didn’t expect this moment at all, she didn’t expect Archibald to suddenly bring this much attention to her, she certainly didn’t expect him to acknowledge her like that in front of all these important people and now, as the accolades poured in, she felt a profound sense of validation wash over her.But amidst the sea of smiling faces, there stood a small cluster of figures who looked decidedly less jubilant. They were Isabella's family, a collection of individuals whose relationships with her were fraught with tension an
Ditch the Ex, Date the Billionaire . Chapter 23: a confession . Archibald strolled around the hall trying to avoid greeting people as he looked for Isabella when someone poked him harshly on his back. He turned around to see his nephew with a glare on his face. “You liar!.” Alan yelled as he pushed his uncle backwards. Archie felt a knot form in his stomach as his nephew, Alan, cornered him in the dimly lit corner of the room. “Why didn’t your pants catch on fire with all those lies you were spewing in your ridiculous speech.” Archibald sighed. “Alan, I don’t have the strength to deal with you. I have a girlfriend to look for.” Alan's eyes glinted with a cold determination as he stepped forward, his words dripping with venom. "Listen here, Uncle Archie," Alan spat, his voice low but laced with malice. "You think you can parade around with my woman, pretending like your little romance is real? Well, let me tell you something – it's not fooling anyone." Archie's jaw