Isabel’s POVI stand in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for tonight’s dinner.I’ll be making dinner tonight, I say, feeling the excitement rush through me. The rhythmic sound of the knife hitting the cutting board calming me, yet my mind is far from at ease. Thoughts of my parents’ strange behavior kept swirling around in my head. Urgh! I take a deep sigh.Letting the thoughts out.It’s been two months since my divorce, and I can’t help but wonder how Alexander is doing? I miss those days when we made plans on having dinner together. I don’t eat dinner till he gets home, so we can have it together. I chuckle slightly.‘Why am I smiling so sheepishly?’ I thought to myself, slightly slapping my face with my hand. ‘You have to stop thinking about Alexander, he’s in the past now.’ A thought flickers through my mind as I let my shoulders down. Especially now there has been news about the marriage tie between the King’s family and the Castillo’s family. It’s going to be a tie between
Alexander’s POVFive Years Later.I make my way to bed, exhausted from the enormous meetings today at work. I feel weighed down, my body aching for sleep. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts a soft glow across the room as I lay down.Soon I feel a hand creep across my body, fingers sliding with the kind of softness that once, years ago, might have stirred some warmth. But it’s different now. It’s Cynthia.Her touch immediately sent a wave of irritation through my entire body. The repulsion tightens my chest, the muscles in my neck stiffened, and my body tensed like a coiled spring.I turned to the side, hoping it’s just a bad dream, but the pressure of her hand remained—a sickening reminder of what my life had become.I grabbed her wrist hard, probably harder than I meant to, and yanked it off me. I clench my jaw, my breathing shallow as fury spreads through me like wildfire. “Don’t you dare!” I say, the words ripping from my throat, each syllable punctuated by rage.She st
Isabel’s POVI lean in my plus leather chair, letting the hum of the city outside of my office windows become nothing more than a distant murmur. Christine my PA stands before me, her usual poised self, a report clasped in her hands. “Ms. Claire,” she says, her voice steady as she handed me the documents from our LA branch, “The numbers are looking promising, but we’ve had some delays in the shipments.”Taking the papers from her, I let a smile tug at the corner of my lips. “Thank you, Christine,” I replied, my voice calm, almost deceptively serene. As I glanced at the papers, a different file caught my eyes—the one on King’s Empire. Seeing this, my smile grew a little wider. If only they knew. I had asked for a private investigation done on the King’s Empire businesses— their hotels, furniture designing and decor business, everything concerning Alexander King a week ago.So it was only normal that I smiled harder seeing that report come in so fast. I know you must be wondering wh
Isabel’s POVLeaving the office, I glance at my watch—3:45PM. It’s time to pick up my babies, Scarlett and Sterling from preschool. I feel excited.My driver, Travis, is already waiting beside the sleek, black Bentley, its glossy finish glinting in the afternoon sun. I slid into the luxurious leather seats, the car’s interior exuding opulence and comfortTravis greets me with his usual courteous nod. He has been with me for years and now understands the delicate balance between professionalism and warmth.As he starts the engine, I feel a familiar pang of anticipation. Despite my busy schedule, nothing was more important to me than being there for my twins.The ride was smooth, and the quiet luxury of the Bentley provides a sense of peace and comfort that is much needed after a busy day. Being a mother to Scarlett and Sterling is my greatest joy, one that I can’t tell. Their laughter, their tiny hands reaching for mine, and their innocent excitement are the highlights of my day.I’m
Isabel’s POV“Of course, honey,” I whispered softly, reaching out to gently stroke Scarlett’s hair. My fingers tangled in her soft black curls as I tried to steady my voice. “You do have a father..” I pause for a moment, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. I drifted my gaze as I said, “But he’s far away from us now, so very far.” I can feel the weight of these words, a heaviness settling in my chest that I didn’t dare let slip into my expression. I held her gaze, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me with the tenderness only a mother could give. “Are you two done with your ice cream?” I ask, interrupting Scarlett who looks like she’s about to say something else. I didn’t want to hear more questions—didn’t want to face the innocence of her curiosity any longer. “So can we head home?” I let my smile brighter this time, willing them to see only the warmth I so desperately wanted to shield them with.“Okay! Let’s go home now, Mummy!” They both shouted in unison, their
Isabel’s POVThe news hit like a thunderclap in the quiet dawn, the headline flashing across every screen I passed: “The Montgomery’s Set to Announce the Return of Their Long-Lost Daughter. She Takes Up the Family Business in LA.” It was as if the entire world suddenly turned its gaze toward me, my name whispered in every corner, from New York to San Francisco. I could feel the tremor of shockwaves spreading like wildfire, the curiosity, the gossip— all of it echoing back to the power and influence of the Montgomery name. The Montgomery family—my family—is no stranger to the spotlight. We are the untouchables, the elites. With LM Group dominating both fashion and real estate, we have an empire that stretches across every state, every skyline dots with our investments.My parents are billionaires ranked number one, with wealth so vast it’s almost unimaginable. Our name opened doors, and our presence commanded rooms. And now, after years of being hidden in the shadows, I’m set to rec
Alexander’s POVI walk to my mother’s study room, a place where she summons me whenever she has some serious discussion to do. “I’m sure you must have heard about the news,” she began, her voice tinged with urgency. “The Montgomerys are making waves, and this is our chance. Her eyes flicker with something—maybe determination, maybe fear. Something I can’t quite grasp. “We need them on our side, before other people do. The Montgomerys are extremely wealthy and having them on board is going to be great. Their investment could be a game-changer, especially with the current crises we’re facing.” I nod, already running the scenarios through my head, but before I could respond, Cynthia stride into the room, her gaze shifting between Sabrina and me. “Is it just business, or is there something more to this?” She asked, her tone laced with a hint of jealousy.Her question dropped like a stone, and the atmosphere in the room became thick with tension. My mom’s eyes widened in disbelief and
Alexander’s POVI stare out of the office window, watching as the sun dips lower on the horizon. It’s hard to believe how fast the day has slipped through my fingers, leaving me with nothing but this gnawing sense of exhaustion. Everything feels heavy—my shoulders ache with the weight of the business, the mess at home, and everything else that’s been spiraling out of control. It’s as if I’m standing in the center of a storm, unable to catch my breath.Just then, my phone rings, breaking through the haze. Collins’ name flashes on the screen. I pick up, feeling a strange mix of relief and dread.“Hey, Alex, busy?” His voice is casual, but I can hear something underneath—something tired, maybe even desperate. “Let’s meet at the lounge.”I can’t say no. Collins has always been there for me, through every storm and every mistake, always ready with a word of advice or a quiet moment over a drink. Maybe now, it’s time for me to be there for him too.“Sure,” I say, pushing the exhaustion as
Alexander’s POVCollins leans back, stretching his arms with a relaxed grin. “Glad I don’t have any commitments today,” he says, his tone light and easy. “So I can watch your little girl perform.” There’s a note of warmth in his voice, a genuine happiness that I can’t ignore.I glance at him, catching the glow of contentment on his face. Collins has always been good with Sophia, treating her like his own. I guess that’s how it goes when you’re friends for as long as we’ve been. I shift my focus back to the road and give him a quick smile. “I know, right? You seem even happier than I am.” We both chuckle, and the sound is a welcome distraction from the nerves brewing in my stomach.“Thanks for sticking around, buddy,” I say, relief mingling with the gratitude in my voice. “The meetings had me hooked, but I’m glad I was able to round up.” I check my watch and feel a wave of anxiety. “I hope it hasn’t started yet. This event is so important to Sophia, and I don’t want to miss it like I d
Isabel’s POVScarlett twirls in her pale pink tulle dress, her laughter ringing through the room. “Do I look like a princess, Mommy?” she asks, her eyes sparkling. The rhinestones on her dress catch the light, making her look every bit the star she dreams of being.“You look more than a princess, sweetheart. You’re a queen,” I reply, adjusting her bow. Sterling stands quietly, his soft cream shirt and Beige pants perfectly tailored. His little hands are clasped in front of him, his expression calm. My gentle boy, so different from his sister, yet a perfect counterbalance to her boundless energy.I smooth my crimson satin gown, the fabric cool against my skin. The sleek design hugs my figure, the slit at the side allowing just enough movement to stride gracefully. My diamond earrings sparkle subtly, a reflection of the Montgomery elegance. Aurora is beside me, dressed in a tailored emerald green sheath dress that complements her gold hair. She leans down, helping Scarlett adjust her s
Isabel’s POVI wake with a start, my breath catching as yesterday’s memories rush back. The masked figure, the flash of a knife, and the panic clawing up my throat. Who could have attacked me again? Could all this be connected to the attack from five years ago—the night my whole world changed? I push the thought away, flipping my hair over one shoulder, my fingers shaking slightly as I cup my face in my palm. My mind is a whirlpool of questions and half-formed fears. Aside from my family, Roy and Aria, no one else knows that I’m Isabel. No one.Except… Well, now Alexander knows. But would he go that far? Does he hate me that much that he’d be so happy to have me gone? I shake my head, remembering how he’s also saved me. But a thought lingers, nagging at the edges of my mind. What if this is more than a coincidence? What if he’s been watching me, waiting for the right moment to step in—not as a hero, but as someone pulling the strings all along?I tilt my head to the side. Could this
Alexander’s POVI arrive at the office earlier than usual, pushing through the revolving doors and heading straight for my floor. There’s no time to waste today. I need to get through the pile of meetings lined up. The weight of Sophia’s expectant face still lingers, and I can’t afford to disappoint her—or anyone else—today.After wrapping up my first meeting, I check the time and nod to myself. I need to hurry up with the rest. I’ve made a promise, and I can’t let anything get in the way of that.Back at my desk, a report waits for me. I sink into my chair, flipping through the pages, my lips curving into a rare smile. The numbers are good—better than good. Business has seen a significant uptick over the past quarter, and the company is thriving. The upward trend on the charts is like a breath of fresh air. My shoulders relax for the first time in weeks, a slow smile spreading across my face as I travel the steady rise on the graph. I lean back in my chair, fingers tapping lightly o
Alexander’s POVI watch her leave, my heart hammering as frustration builds inside me. This wasn’t what I wanted to say. Damn it Alexander, why did you have to ruin it all? She’s alive—she’s here—and all I could do was drive her further away.I feel my jaw clench tightly, my foot tapping against the floor as I fight the urge to follow her, to call her back and make her see what I can’t even put into words. But another part of me holds me back, cautioning me to let it go, to just leave things as they are.Then, her words play in my mind again, her voice taunting me. “I can say whatever I want?” The audacity of it. I scoff, my anger flaring up like a firestorm inside me. So, she really doesn’t regret it? Even after everything? After what I saw—the photos of her in bed with another man. I can’t believe this. How could she throw that in my face like it was nothing?And what the hell did she mean by “it doesn’t matter?” Is that her way of telling me she’ll never be affected by my words? Th
Isabel’s povThe hospital’s bright lights feel harsh, unforgiving as we leave the ER, a fresh bandage wrapped around Alexander’s arm.We find ourselves in a small coffee shop within the building. I stare blankly at the coffee in front of me, tracing the rim of the cup. Words seem to escape me, questions I have don’t make it past my lips.The silence stretches until, finally, I say, “Thank you.” It’s barely a whisper, but as the words leave my mouth, I feel a weight lift. “Thank you for saving me. Again.” My heart still pounds in my chest, the adrenaline slowly fading, leaving behind a strange mixture of gratitude and confusion. I should feel relieved, but instead, there’s an unsettled ache that creeps into my bones. Why is this so hard to process? Why does everything feel so complicated now?I sink into my chair, trying to ignore the growing tension inside me, the unanswered questions swirling around us.Alexander leans forward, his gaze intense, but I cut him off. “Last time, you sa
Isabel’s POVMy legs shake as I crawl back, my breath hitching as the masked figure inches closer. The sight of him sends a violent shudder through me. It’s him. The man from the foundation’s party. The one who attacked me that night, who nearly ended my life.How? How is he here? How did he find me?My pulse pounds against my ribs, and fear coils tightly around my chest. How is he able to get close to me? The thought makes my stomach drop.I fix my eyes on him, desperate to make sense of this, to find any crack in the terror consuming me. My breath is shallow, each inhale feeling like a battle against the panic rising in my throat. I need to hear his voice. I need to know why he’s here.“Why?” My voice is hoarse, barely above a whisper. “What do you want from me?”No response. His silence is suffocating.I swallow hard, steadying my gaze on him, though my fingers dig into the dirt as I inch backward. If I keep him talking, if I can get him to say something, maybe—just maybe—I can get
Alexander’s POVI sit in my car a few miles from the LM Group building, staring blankly at the road ahead. I can’t believe I’m here again, caught up in this madness.I’d accepted long ago to let it go—that Claire Montgomery isn’t Isabel. But today, Collins’ question keeps gnawing at me, refusing to let me move on.“What will you do if Claire happens to be the real Isabel we thought died five years ago?”It wasn’t just a casual question. No, there was something in his tone, something that said he knew more than he was letting on.Collins is my friend, and I’ve known him long enough to sense when he’s hinting at something.Now, here I am, clutching the steering wheel and tapping my fingers against it, the other hand pressed hard against my temple as I think about the consequences of what I’m about to do.I take a deep breath, muttering to myself, “Screw it. I don’t care. Today, I’m getting to the bottom of this. No more lies.”Just as I’m about to start the engine and move closer to the
Isabel’s POVI swing slowly in my chair, letting the motion soothe me as I gaze out of my office window, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky. Today is supposed to be a special day—her birthday. But she’s not here anymore. She’s gone. Six feet below the ground. She’d sacrificed herself to make sure I was safe, to give me a chance to live. Memories flash before me—of her laughter filling the house, her warm smile, her comforting arms. For a moment, I’m pulled back into those happy days, feeling that old familiar love.A soft knock on the door pulls me back to the present. I glance up to see Christine entering the room, her expression composed, yet there’s a sense of urgency in her steps. She places an iPad on my desk, clearing her throat. “Miss Aria won’t be able to make it to the meeting today. She sent over some photos of the designs you both were discussing last time,” she explains, her voice respectful.I raise an eyebrow, silently prompting her for more clarification