Isabel’s POVSoon, Roy pulled the car into the driveway. I look at the familiar sight of our mansion, it's a sense of relief. The grand facade and the lush landscaping are a comfort reminder of home. “Isabel, are you sure you’re okay?.” He says, turning to me with a concerning expression. “Should we go to the hospital?”I shook my head, offering a reassuring smile. “No, Roy, it’s okay. I just need to be home. I’ll be fine.”He nods, still clearly worried. I made my way to the familiar warmth of the foyer, the rich textures surrounding me were like a soft whisper of reassurance. This is home—a haven where the world feels distant and safe.As I sank into the plush couch inside, I’m met by a loud, piercing scream that echoed through the house. For a moment, my heart freezes, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I exchanged a worried glance with Roy, and without hesitation, we rushed towards the source of the noise.Getting closer, more screams were heard, and my heart pounded loudly agai
Alexander POVSusan knocked softly before entering, the sound barely registering over the storm of thoughts swirling in my head. I didn’t even look up when she stepped into my office, too focused on the spreadsheet and projections that weren’t making any sense. But I knew. I knew the moment she came in that something was wrong. “Sir,” she began, her voice hesitant, as if she could sense the weight of what’s coming next. She places a thick report in front of me, her hand trembling slightly. “The investors… they’ve decided to completely back out.” My jaw clenched instinctively, the muscles in my face tightening as I finally looked up. “Why?” The question came out harsher than I intended, but I didn't care. She swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortable. “They don’t want to take the risk, especially with the recent performance and stock…” her voice trailed off, but the damage has already been done. Susan stood there, quiet, waiting for the inevitable outburst thatThe tension in the ro
Isabel’s POVI hear a voice, persistent but little, “mommy, wake up! Let’s go to the mall today!” Argh! I exclaimed silently. I keep hearing these two, talk in my dream. I guess that’s what motherhood is about right?I keep my eyes shut, desperately trying to block out the light filtering through the curtains. A small thug on my arm bringing me to reality. Wait! I wasn’t dreaming? I can hear their voices, almost loud and clear. It’s Scarlett and Sterling. “Mommy, let’s go to the mall today, please,” Scarlett said, followed by another, “Can we please go, Mommy? You promised!” Sterling piped up, his voice full of that unmistakable excitement.Today was supposed to be my day off, Just one day to relax… but it seems these little ones have decided otherwise. I tried to maneuver, rolling to my side and burying my face into the pillow, mumbling, “Maybe later, let mummy rest a bit more.” But they weren’t having it. Persistent as ever, they clambered into the bed, bouncing around me like t
Alexander’s POVThe man in a fitted charcoal grey blazer over a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. His demeanor calm and composed, turns to the boy beside her and asked, “And what flavor would you like, champ? Today’s your treat, and after this, we’ll get your toy and have some more fun.”They had to be twins—though not identical, but with a striking resemblance. Such a big family, I thought. The man could pass for their Dad, even though there isn’t any resemblance with him.I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had seen him before. There’s something familiar about his face, but I can’t quite place it. I keep staring, trying to connect the dots, but my mind is a drawing blanks. I’ve met a lot of people in my life, especially in business, so maybe I’m just confusing him with someone else. If we’ve met before, it must have been at one of those corporate events. Now we find a seat, directly across from them. Sophia is sitting next to me with her Vanilla ice cream, but my eyes keep drifting
Isabel’s POV“Hello, Mom,” I greet softly, slipping away from the noise, searching for a quiet corner. “Claire! My dear, I’m so excited.” My mom’s voice comes through, her excitement readable like you could feel it really close. “Your father and I will be back soon for the official ceremony—our flight is booked for tomorrow! I can’t wait to see you free to handle your dad’s business openly, as you deserve.”“I can’t wait either!” A soft smile plays on my lips. “But right now, I’m at the mall with the kids. Can we chat more when I get home?”“Oh, of course! Give Scarlett and Sterling a kiss for me. And tell, Aurora, that crazy daughter of mine to get ready for my coming,” my mother replied, her tone still bright. “Take care of yourself, darling. We’ll talk soon.”I sigh deeply, letting out a slow breath I didn't know I was holding. I walked slowly, closer to the bustling mall— the mall is buzzing with life, every corner filled with people busy shopping, chatting and taking pictures.
Alexander’s POVI watch as Sophia takes steps forward, her expression shifting to one of mock innocence. But before Sophia could take another step closer, the little boy—supposedly her twin—moves forward, placing himself firmly between his sister and Sophia, his small frame stiff with a protective resolve far beyond his years. His blue eyes narrow as he looks up, his face mirroring a determination that catches me off guard.Those eyes—something about them struck me as familiar, a nagging déjà vu that I couldn’t quite place. It’s almost like staring into a mirror— an echo of something I can’t quite place, but that lingers, unsettling.I rush over, stepping between the kids. “Sophia, what’s going on here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady even though frustration simmers just below the surface.Sophia’s face shifts to a look of wide-eyed innocence, her lips quivering as she shrugs her shoulders. “Daddy, I didn't do anything! She’s lying! I didn’t touch her doll!”Her words hang in t
Isabel’s POVI step out of the ice cream parlor, idly staring at the hall that seems to fade away, my thoughts drifting far beyond the noise I hear. I flip my phone in my hand, hoping to see Roy’s name flash across the screen. It’s been quite a while since I called, but still no response. I take a deep breath, glancing at the entrance of the mall, as if waiting— waiting for a miracle.“No I can’t keep waiting,” I say to myself. It’s a big mall I know, but since I can’t get through to Roy, then I’ll have to look around, definitely they should be somewhere, probably just having fun. I shrugged, letting my thoughts sink in. Just as I make my way through the mall, checking the possibilities of where they might be, I’m stunned aback by the figure in my eyes. The figure, a replica of someone I know. I can definitely tell it’s her. Cynthia. Wow! Speaking of the devil. She’s here. For a moment, I froze. Not knowing what to feel or how to react. Just as the daze was gone, I felt a wave o
Alexander’s POVI watch as Cynthia strides toward us, her heels clicking against the polished floor, her face lit with anticipation—until she sees us alone. Relief settles in my chest; I’m glad the man with his twins left before she could get near them. No scene today, at least.As she approaches, I see her expression change, her smile dimming. Her eyes land on Sophia, whose small frame shakes as she sobs quietly.Without hesitation, Cynthia kneels beside her, wrapping her in a tight embrace, her voice pitching with concern. “What happened, baby? Why are you crying? Who made you cry?”A few feet away, I lean against the wall, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. Her questions hang unanswered in the air, underscored by Sophia’s quiet hiccups. When Cynthia turns to me, her eyes flash with accusation.“Alexander, are you just going to stand there and watch our daughter cry? Why is she crying?”I hold her gaze, my expression calm, masking the frustration building inside. “Teach her so
Isabel’s POVThe room is calm, draped in warm lighting that bathes the sleek, modern studio in soft gold. A camera blinks its red recording light as I sit poised, hands resting lightly on my lap. Across from me, the announcer smiles, her polished tone directed toward the camera.“Welcome, viewers. Today, we have an extraordinary guest—Claire Montgomery, the CEO of LM Group.”Her voice carries admiration, and the words echo in the stillness of the studio. “Claire is known not only for her groundbreaking leadership but for her remarkable journey. Thank you for joining us today, Claire.”I return her smile, tilting my head gracefully. “Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and share this time with you.”The announcer’s gaze softens as she leans forward slightly, speaking with sincerity. “Your story is nothing short of incredible. To reconnect with your family after so many years, knowing they searched tirelessly for you… How does that feel?”I take a steadying breath, my fi
Isabel’s POVThe warmth of my morning coffee seeps through the ceramic mug, comforting my hands as I wander through the house in my flip-flops. The faint echo of my steps against the polished marble floors is my only companion until I catch sight of my mother in the living room, her posture straight, her lips pressed tight, phone in hand.“Claire,” she calls out, her tone clipped yet soft, the way she always does when she’s unsure how I’ll react. “It’s your dad. He wants to speak with you.”My heart skips, the mug trembling slightly in my grip. I force myself to swallow, but the unease creeps in. I glance at her, searching her face for an explanation, but she offers none, her shoulders lifting in a quick shrug as if to say, Don’t look at me. I don’t know.The last thing I remember is her promising not to tell him. And now this? My pulse quickens, but I manage a shaky breath, hurrying toward her. “Here,” she says, holding out the phone with a look that’s half-apology, half-encouragemen
Alexander’s POVI step into the house, the heavy silence greeting me like an unwelcome guest. The hallway stretches before me, dimly lit, shadows clinging to the edges of the walls. My steps slow as I steady myself, bracing for what comes next. I know she’s here. I can feel her presence, like static in the air before a storm.And then I see her—Cynthia. Pacing the living room like a restless predator, her heels clicking against the floor in a rhythm that grates on my nerves. Her movements are sharp, deliberate, and when she spots me standing in the doorway, she freezes, her gaze locking onto mine.I sigh, the weight of her impending tirade already pressing down on me. I don’t have the energy for this. Not tonight. Not ever. Without a word, I start moving, intent on passing her without acknowledging her presence.But her voice stops me.“Alexander.”It’s sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. I halt, irritation bubbling beneath my skin. Of course, she wouldn’t let me go that easi
Alexander’s POVI stand outside the door, staring at the smooth wooden surface as if it holds the answers to my hesitation. Christine’s words echo in my head: She’s awake now.I should go in.I shouldn’t.The decision feels heavier than it should, like the air pressing against my chest. My hand brushes against the doorknob, then drops back to my side. Why the hell am I hesitating? It’s just a conversation—acknowledge she’s fine, exchange a few words, and leave. That’s it.Finally, I knock, the sound sharper than I intended, and push the door open.The stares hit me first. Mrs. Montgomery’s, cool and guarded, and Claire’s, fleeting yet piercing in its own way. The air shifts, weighted by their gazes. I push it down—the unease, the way my chest tightens. I’m here for a reason. Say what needs to be said and leave.“Mrs. Montgomery,” I greet, giving her a polite nod.Her lips press together in a faint line before she speaks. “Thank you for bringing Claire to the hospital.” Her words are m
Isabel’s POVThe air in the room feels heavier as my mother shifts slightly in her seat, her gaze following Alexander as he walks deeper into the room. Her face doesn’t reveal much—neutral as always—but there’s a flicker of unease, just enough for me to notice. She’s good at masking her feelings, but I know her well enough to sense her discomfort at seeing him here.Christine, ever efficient, nods almost immediately, slipping out of the room without a second thought. I watch her go, the click of her heels echoing softly before the door shuts behind her.Alexander stops a few feet away from where my mother sits. “Mrs. Montgomery,” he greets her, his tone formal but measured.My mother presses her lips into a thin line, her expression momentarily tightening as if debating what to say or do next. She clears her throat, her voice flat but laced with an attempt at politeness. “Thanks for bringing my daughter right on time to the hospital.” The words feel forced, her tone unable to mask the
Isabel’s POVThe sterile scent of antiseptic fills my nostrils as my eyes flutter open, blinking against the light of the room. My gaze sweeps over the white walls, the bright fluorescent lights, and the dull silver fixtures—it’s unmistakable. A hospital room.I turn my head slightly, the effort pulling a groan from my lips, and that’s when I see her. My mother. She’s seated beside me, her fingers trembling against the edge of the chair, her face a mask of worry and exhaustion.“Mom…” I croak, trying to push myself upright, but the sharp pull of pain in my limbs forces me to pause.“No, Isabel, don’t!” she exclaims, leaning forward, her hands reaching to stop me. “You don’t have to get up. Christine!” Her voice rises, sharp with urgency as she calls for Christine. “You need to rest. I’ll call the doctor now.”“I’m fine,” I manage, though the weight in my chest says otherwise. I push against the mattress again, and this time, I manage to sit up, my head throbbing in protest. Just as I
Cynthia’s POVThe laughter in our small circle drifts around me like meaningless noise as I sip my champagne. I nod politely, feigning interest, but my mind is elsewhere, unraveling threads I can’t quite pull together.Across the room, a flash of movement catches my attention. My gaze locks on Claire and my father, deep in conversation near the far corner of the hall.It’s strange. My father rarely accepts invitations, especially for events like this. He’s always preferred to keep his distance from society’s endless charades. Yet the moment he heard the name Claire Montgomery, he insisted on attending.I push the thought aside, trying to rationalize it. He’s probably just as curious as everyone else, wondering how someone could look so much like Isabel. But deep down, there’s a nagging unease I can’t quite shake.“I know it’s just business,” a voice from our group cuts into my thoughts, dragging me back. “But there’s something in the way Alexander looks at her.”The words land like a
Alexander’s POVThe moment Claire walks into the event, flanked by an entourage of bodyguards, the air shifts. She commands attention effortlessly, her mere presence drawing every eye in the room, including mine. I can’t help but stare. It’s not just her striking resemblance to Isabel—it’s everything else about her. The power she exudes, the confidence in her every step, the way she holds herself as though the world bows to her. Isabel was never like this. Isabel lived in my shadow, content to be the soft-spoken wife, the woman who leaned on me for support.Claire, though—she’s a force of nature. A far cry from the life Isabel led. And yet, despite all the reasons I’ve found to dismiss any connection between them, my gut won’t let go of the hunch. It doesn’t make sense. Why does she interest me so much?Her eyes lock with mine, just for a brief moment. There’s something unreadable in her gaze, but before I can analyze it, she tilts her head ever so slightly and places a soft smile on
Isabel’s POVMy heart races, pounding against my ribs like a desperate drumbeat as I strain to make sense of the suffocating dark. My fingers claw at the air, searching for something, anything, but it’s too dark to see. Too dark to breathe. And then I hear it—or think I do—a steady, deliberate breath. It’s close. Too close. A man’s breath, growing louder with every second, each sound a knife against my sanity.Panic grips me like a vice, my throat tightening as I suppress the urge to scream. Who could feel sane in a moment like this? The imagined sound grows heavier, impossibly near, and my mind spirals into chaos. Is he standing in front of me? Watch me? Waiting? My heart slams against my chest as if it’s trying to break free. The darkness feels alive, pressing in, trapping me.Then, like a cruel twist of fate, the lights flicker back on. My vision adjusts, and the room reclaims its reality. He isn’t too close: there’s no breath on my neck. It was all in my head. But there he is—