Chapter 3

CHANGE

They arrived at the summer house at exactly 6pm and she’s 30 minutes late. She got off his Ducat* when they stopped just outside the gate. The ride was just smooth so she can’t even complain at him even though he drove very fast.

“Uhm… Thank you for helping me.” She said reluctantly then fixed her dress.

“That’s my apology for you. We’re even now.” He said, removing his helmet. He got off his motorcycle, making Isobelle confused.

“Why are you getting off? I can walk from here.” She said, confused of his actions.

“I know. Did you think I’m going to accompany you? I’m invited here.” He said then went inside the gate, leaving her.

‘What? Did daddy invite him? Why would dad invite this guy? Didn’t he refused to sign the contract?’ she has so many questions but she could not answer them all. Shrugging, she just went inside the summer house.

It’s not a typical summer house, but as big as a mansion. There’s a lake near it. When she entered the gate, she can see the lake at the back part of the house. It’s already night, but the view is breathtaking because her father put lights beside the lake so that it’ll become visible.

“Sobi!!!” someone called from afar. With this high-pitched voice, she already knew who it was.

The woman immediately hugged her tightly.

“Calm down, Liss. I could not breath properly.” She jokingly told her.

Melissa Johnson, the youngest miss of the Johnsons. 25 years old and her best friend, maybe since they were just fetus. Everyone can notice the resemblance between her and Maverick. She’s indeed a beauty, wearing a black body-hugging dress and high heels.

“I missed you, Sob.” The woman said with her slightly teary eyes.

Melissa went to Spain for work experience in a span of three months. They have not seen each other for a long time and she just came back.

“Nah, you can’t fool me, Melissa Johnson. Knowing your personality, I bet you had fun going on clubs there.” Isobelle said with her eyes turned into slit.

“Alright. You got me.” She said then laughed. “This beautiful and sexy lady here, made men kneel down with just one wink.” She even flipped her hair.

“Look at you. You just can fool everyone with your innocent face.” Isobelle just smiled and shook her head.

Everyone thought that they were demure, classy and innocent girls, but they were actually not. Back when they were teenagers, they always go out and have fun on clubs. With their money, they bought fake identification cards. They were hanging out with guys, wearing heavy make ups and mature clothes. Drinking till they drop and having a massive hang over the next day. They were so good at pretending that’s why their parents have not caught their craziness.

“Well, I took after you.” Melissa winked at her. “But wait. Who’s the guy who came in before you? Did you come here together?” she curiously asked.

“What? No!” Isobelle immediately denied.

“Why do you sound so defensive, huh? I know you too well. You must have come here with him.” Melissa stated, very sure of her hunch.

“Fine. You’re right, but there’s nothing going on between us. My car just broke on the middle of the road and he’s the only one I can ask for help. It was even my first time riding a motorcycle. He drove so fast that I feel like my soul would leave my body.” She explained without stopping.

“Woah. Are you a rapper? You said all of that in one breath.” Melissa said in amusement. “Alright. I won’t ask you about this matter again. Let’s go inside. Everyone’s been waiting for you.” She clung on to Isobelle and dragged her inside the mansion.

Everyone inside were already sitting with delicious foods on their table. A band was on the mini stage, playing a mellow music. She saw her dad sitting at the front, appreciating the performance upstage. Her mom is nowhere to be found. It’s just Sophie and Steven sitting on the table with her dad. Maybe her mom just went to check some things. After all, Belinda Levisay is a perfectionist.

She could not locate Lyon Hastings as well. There are lots of guests in the venue so he must have blend in with them. Who invited him anyway? She just shrugged the thought off and went closer to her dad.

“Hey, dad. Happy birthday.” She greeted him then kissed his cheek.

The man looked at her and smiled at the greeting. She then handed her gift to him.

“Thank you, darling. I appreciate this a lot. I’ll open it later, okay? Just sit here and I’ll announce something after this performance.” Her dad said, earning a confused look from her.

‘Announcement? What kind of announcement is it?’

Although she’s very curious, she didn’t ask more questions and just sat on the chair beside Melissa. On her other side is Maverick.

“Sob, why were you late?” Maverick asked her as soon as she

“Sob, can you accompany me to the washroom?” Melissa asked her after a while. She nodded at her and they both went to the washroom. The washroom is at the far side from the venue and the hallway outside it is dim.

Isobelle wanted to breath fresh air so she was left outside. She can see the lake from her position. The summer house, mansion rather, was bought by her dad two years ago as a gift for their 30^th anniversary. Her dad was 20 years old and her mom was 18 years old when they became a couple. It’s her third time coming here and she just won’t get tired of the view. The moon’s reflection could be seen on the darkish blue water.

‘Such a serene place. No wonder dad bought this.’

It’s been 5 minutes, but Melissa has not gone out of the washroom. Probably indulged herself on re-touching her make up. Knowing that woman, she’s not satisfied if the make-up is not hiding her freckles. She was about to knock at the door when she saw her mom at the end of the hallway.

“Mom—” she was about to call her, but her mom walked outside, which is the direction of the lake.

‘Where is mom going at this time? Does she have a surprise for dad?’ her face immediately lit up upon the sudden realization. ‘I’ll go help her.’ She said, smiling then she walked to where her mom went.

BELINDA saw him at the dark part of the lake. He seems to be waiting for her for a long time already. This is the only way she can talk to him in private.

“Hey.” The man looked back and smiled as soon as she saw her. “I’m sorry if I made you wait. I had a hard time looking for a time to leave the party.” She explained to him.

“No, it’s fine Belinda.” He answered politely. “I just came to ask if you’re really sure about this.”

“Of course, I am. Gideon has failed me as a husband. Everyone thinks I’m a perfect wife, and that we’re a perfect family. I don’t want to lie at them, but for the sake of my children… I’ll do anything I can.” She said with finality.

The two of them have a deep relationship that no one knows about. Not her husband, nor her children. Belinda Levisay has a lot of secrets, but she doesn’t trust anyone other than him. After this event, there will definitely be chaos among the family. No one could blame her for doing this. It is all her husband’s fault for being a fail to their marriage life.

“Alright. You know me, Belinda. I’m ready to help you, even keeping this relationship a secret from them.” He said then hugged her tightly.

“Thank you so much. You’re the only one who understands me.” She said with teary eyes and hugged him back. “You go back first to the party so that they won’t suspect anything.” She said and pulled away from the hug. Belinda has noticed Isobelle earlier at the washroom. For sure, her daughter will come look for her at the area.

The guy then walked away and she was left there in the dark.

ISOBELLE can feel the breeze touching her skin. It was cold outside. The bustling of people could be heard, but she couldn’t clearly hear what they are talking about. Soon, she reached the lake. It was more beautiful up-close. She wanted to appreciate the view, but she needs to find her mom first.

There, at the darkest part of the lake, she saw her mom standing.

“Mom.” She called her to catch her attention. The woman looked back and walked to her position. “What are you doing here, mom?” she asked.

“Hi, darling. Why were you late?” she asked her as well, diverting the topic.

“Uhm… I just had a little problem going here. I should have followed your advice to bring the car at the maintenance.” She said, explaining what happened. “My car broke down on my way here.”

“Really? Are you fine? How did you get here then?” she worriedly asked.

“I’m fine mom. Good thing, someone has passed by and brought me here.”

“Oh, thank God.” Her mom sighed because of relief. “Let’s go back inside. Your father’s announcement will start soon.” She said then pulled her to go inside the mansion.

Isobelle just set aside the questions about why her mom came outside. she just shrugged and let her mom pull her back to the party. Her mom immediately went to her dad while she saw Melissa at their table, sitting there like she’s a modest and sophisticated woman.

“Why did you leave me there?” Melissa asked her slightly pouting.

“I did not leave you there. You took so long at the washroom that I went outside to look at the lake. You’re the one who left me.” She answered her and pouted back.

“Ah… really? Sorry, I didn’t know. I thought you had left me.” Melissa stated and offered her a seat. “Sit down now. I’m hungry already.” She obliged and both of them started eating the food on the table.

“Mic test.” Her father’s voice echoed inside the whole venue. He is now holding a microphone upstage. “Can I have the attention of everybody?” The guests stopped what they were doing and looked at him, waiting for his announcement.

“Thank you everyone for coming to my birthday celebration. I appreciate all the gift you have given me. I’ll make sure to open them all.” He continued. “For now, my long-awaited announcement…”

Isobelle didn’t have any idea what the announcement was all about. She has been thinking it ever since she came at the venue. Considering that there are wealthy businessmen and well-known politicians in the celebration, it must be something big.

Accidentally, her eyes landed at the side of the stage. There, she saw Lyon Hastings standing there.

‘What is he doing there?’

“Please welcome Mr. Lyon Hastings.” The guests look at the man that is now slowly making his way up to stage. He walks like a king with his dark and dominant aura. He is definitely different than any other people here. He has reached the center of the stage where her father was standing.

Her father’s secretary came up the stage as well, holding a black folder on his hands. Everyone was just silent when he handed the folder to her dad. Her dad opened it and said,

“Please give a big round of applause as I present to you… the partnership contract between Levisay Construction Firm and Hastings Construction!”

The guests stand up and clapped their hands at the great news.

‘What?!’ Honestly speaking, Isobelle is very shock. She doesn’t understand why. ‘Didn’t Lyon Hastings canceled the partnership signing? What is happening now? Did he just change his decision?’ She has a lot of questions in mind.

Suspicions and hunches flooded her mind. This matter is definitely fishy. There must be something going on, the reason why Lyon Hastings changed his mind. One thing is for sure, that guy definitely has an evil plan. All she needs to do is to go with the flow and reveal the truth.