Isabel’s POVA light knock on the glass catches my attention. It’s Christine, signaling to Travis that it’s time.I look up, meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror. “It’s time, ma’am,” he says quietly, his voice calm but firm.I press my lips into a thin line, releasing out a deep sigh. The weight of what lies ahead settles over me. I can’t avoid facing them forever. If I’m going to do this, there’s no better time than now.As I step out of the car, blinding lights from countless cameras flash around me. The sharp, rapid clicks of shutters surround me—a reminder of who I am, of who they all believe I am.Claire Montgomery.The name feels heavy on my shoulders, like a cloak I’ve yet to fully embrace. Like I earlier stated, it’s the name given to me by my real mother before we were torn apart. Being Claire Montgomery is the only way to stay hidden, to stay safe. I take a deep breath, the cool night air filling my lungs. Tonight, I don’t just show up as Isabel—I show up as the daughter
Alexander’s POVI’m not dreaming. It’s real. Like, it’s fucking real. She’s here—standing before the crowd as Leonard Montgomery introduces her as their daughter. Their daughter. His speech ends, and the crowd erupts into cheers, but I can’t move. My hands stay limp at my sides as shock roots me to the spot. I turn my head slowly to look at Cynthia, her jaw still slack as though her mind is trying to piece together what we’re witnessing. Finally, she glances at me, her face tight with confusion, before excusing herself. Good. Perfect. I don’t need her buzzing around me right now. My gaze snaps back to Isabel—or is it Claire Montgomery?—as she stands poised and radiant in front of the crowd. How? How is she alive? And if she’s alive, why couldn’t I find her? But then again, I didn’t search, did I? Not really. I convinced myself it was pointless. I’d buried my guilt under a mountain of excuses—telling myself it was better to move on, that it was what she would’ve wanted. Bu
Isabel’s POVThe familiar figure catches my eye, and memories of her flood my mind. Aria.The first time we met was at the beach—Roy’s introduction, a brief, polite encounter that held more weight than I’d realized then. But how does she know my mother so well, and why is she speaking to her like family? There’s a familiarity there that unsettles me. Does she know more about my past than I realize?“Aria?” I say, my voice carrying surprise.Her eyes widen when she sees me, and for a second, we both just stare, caught in the shock of recognition. I guess I’m not the only one taken aback.Before either of us speaks, my mom steps forward, her face lighting up with that warm smile she always gives to someone she adores. “Aria, dear!” she beams, wrapping her in a hug.“I didn’t know you two already knew each other!” she exclaims, turning to me with excitement. “Well, that makes it easier then, doesn’t it?” She laughs softly, her smile widening as she introduces Aria to her business friends
Cynthia’s POVI storm out of the hall, anger, confusion, and fury clashing in my chest.Who did I just see back there? Isabel? It can’t be. Isabel’s dead.I dart my eyes around, my breath coming in gasps. My mind must be playing tricks on me, right?I clutch my chest, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. It feels like I’m going to suffocate under the weight of it all.The noise from the party grows faint as I make my way toward the other side—just any side but the hall, where I can have a moment to myself.If the person inside is Claire Montgomery, and she’s also Isabel, then… What have I done? I grit my teeth, holding my hand up to my mouth, as memories of my meeting with Claire’s representative flash across my mind.No, this can’t be! I must be hallucinating or something. I shake my head, squeezing my eyes shut.Maybe I’ve been working too hard, or maybe it’s just the stress of handling everything with Sophia. I wonder why she’s so persistent in coming along with us.My eyes widen like
Isabel’s POVAs I walk back into the hall, my mind is still swirling with thoughts of what just happened. The conversation, the memories—all of it spins together until I hear a familiar, joyful chorus that pulls me back.“Mommy!” Scarlett and Sterling’s voices ring out in perfect harmony, their excitement lifting a weight I didn’t realize was pressing so heavily on my chest.I turn, and the moment freezes. The soft lights of the hall seem to dim, the edges of the room falling away until all I can see are my children running toward me, their faces lit with pure joy. A faint melody drifts from the speakers above—a soft piano tune that barely cuts through the sound of their laughter. Everything else blurs as I drop to my knees, not caring that my dress pools around me on the polished marble floor.“Oh, my babies,” I whisper, opening my arms wide. They crash into me, and the warmth of their small bodies melts the lingering chill in my heart. The familiar scent of baby shampoo fills the ai
Alexander’s POVI’m not at the hotel today. Instead, I’m sitting in my office at the main headquarters of our furniture and design company. The plush leather chair feels solid beneath me, but my thoughts are anything but steady.My fingers tap restlessly against the edge of the desk as I try to make sense of last night—Isabel’s return, her introduction as the Montgomerys’ daughter. How is this even possible? She’s been alive all these years, waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. Why? What exactly is going on in that mind of hers?I shake my head and lean back, fingers lacing behind it. Each time I think about it, confusion digs deeper. Dammit, I can’t wrap my head around it. She stood there, bolder than I ever remember, with those two kids… and that man. Who was he? I suck in a deep breath, my chest tightening with every chaotic thought. Those kids… Could they be hers? No, that’s impossible. I didn’t get a clear look, but something feels off.I stand and cross the room, facing
Isabel’s POVIt’s been days since my official welcome party, but the city’s rhythm hasn’t quite settled into my veins. The sprawling mansion, the unfamiliar streets, even the morning light filtering through the windows—it all feels new. Too new.I sit across from my mother at the breakfast table, her poise as steady as ever as she goes over Scarlett and Sterling’s school enrollment. She speaks with the confidence of someone who believes everything will fall perfectly into place, as it always has for her.“Scarlett will love the extracurriculars,” she says, her tone soothing, like a balm for my anxious thoughts. “And Sterling? He’s going to charm every teacher in sight, just like he always does.”I nod, but my mind struggles to keep up. “I just don’t know how they’ll cope with the change,” I admit, my voice softer than I intended. “They were starting to adjust in New York, and now… now it’s all happening again. What if it’s too much for them?”My eyes dart to her, hoping for reassuranc
Alexander’s POVMy phone rings, startling me from the whirlwind of thoughts that have clouded my mind ever since I told my mom about taking up the task.I check the ID and instantly bring the phone to my ear as Collins’ voice flows through the speaker.“Alex, just as you asked me to, I’ve run some investigations on this present Isabel…” He pauses, as if hesitating on what to say next.My breath catches in my throat as a million thoughts race through my mind. Why is he pausing? I know something is up. This woman isn’t Claire; she’s Isabel. She has to be. This is just some elaborate ruse. But how? “C’mon, Collins, this isn’t the time to pause. Just spill it, will you?” I say darkly, my hand tightening around the phone in anticipation.“Hey, relax. I know you won’t believe it, but what I’m about to tell you is nothing but the truth,” he replies, his voice laced with some kind of satisfaction.“From the records,” he continues, “she is Claire, not Isabel. But, something feels strange. She
Isabel’s POVMy heels click sharply against the polished tiles as I stride into the shooting scene, commanding attention without a word. Aurora trails behind, her steps lighter but equally poised. Heads turn as we pass, and the air shifts, a ripple of greetings and smiles flowing through the crew.“Good morning, ma’am.”“Welcome, Ms. Montgomery.”They nod and smile, but something feels… off. There’s a tension, a subtle hum of unease in the air. Murmurs ripple like a secret thread weaving through the room. I catch fleeting glances, the way their eyes dart back to their phones, then quickly flick up to meet mine before they school their features into polite expressions.I stop, crossing my arms, my gaze narrowing as I glance at Aurora. She shrugs nonchalantly, feigning ignorance. “Don’t look at me,” her expression says.Flipping my hair to the side, I turn back to the crew. “Is there something I need to know?” My voice cuts through the air, calm but commanding.They fidget, exchanging u
Isabel’s POVThe moment I open my eyes, the weight of yesterday crashes down on me. The school event was supposed to be a celebration, but instead, it became a battlefield, thanks to Sophia and Scarlett. My head pounds as the scene replays in my mind: Sophia shoving Scarlett, Scarlett retaliating, and Alexander stepping in to demand Scarlett apologize. A scoff escapes my lips, bitterness tightening my chest. Seriously? Even when Sophia started it, he still sided with her? Is that the kind of father he is? Is that how he raises his child—to believe she can do no wrong?My eyes widen at the thought, and my pulse quickens. Glad he’s nowhere near my children. If he were, they’d grow up demanding, controlling, and belittling others just like him, thinking the world revolves around them because they’re dripping in wealth. I push my hair back, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The tension in my shoulders barely eases as Roy’s voice from last night surfaces in my thoughts.
Alexander’s POVThe air inside the house is thick, pressing against me like a weighted blanket. I drag my legs forward, the school event replaying in my mind—the fleeting expressions, the whispers, the moment I’d reached for her before catching myself. Frustration coils in my chest, winding tighter with each step.Then—“Alexander.”Cynthia’s voice stops me in my tracks. My jaw clenches as I glance at Sophia, then back at Cynthia. I already know whatever she’s about to say won’t be good. Sophia clutches at Cynthia’s dress, her small fingers digging into the fabric. Before I can tell Emma to take her to her room, Cynthia lashes out.“Isn’t there something you aren’t telling me?Her voice is sharp, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade. I hesitate for a fraction of a second before calling for Emma. The nanny appears instantly, her gaze flickering between us as I motion toward Sophia.“Take her upstairs.”Emma gently coaxes Sophia away. I wait until she disappears down the hallw
Alexander’s POVSophia beams as she holds up her award, but I can see it—the hollow look behind her smile, the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly despite the bright lights and applause. She’s always dreamed of winning, of being the star, yet now that she’s here, the excitement doesn’t seem to reach her eyes. The crowd’s cheers die down as Isabel and Roy step onto the stage, radiant and confident, their faces practically glowing with pride.The camera flashes catch them from every angle—Isabel’s eyes alight with joy, her hand on Roy’s arm, his expression full of warmth as they stand close to the kids. They look like a scene from a picture-perfect movie, the kind where the family radiates love and unity.Even the murmur in the crowd agrees, snippets of conversation floating around me—“Is that their father?” “They look like they walked out of a fairytale.” “What a beautiful family.”I can’t stand it. Not a second more. I feel fury boiling up inside of me—how dare they look so… perf
Isabel’s POVThe auditorium hums with quiet anticipation, the tension in the air thicker than it should be for a children’s event. But this is not just any school gathering—it’s a performance showcase at one of LA’s most prestigious early childhood academies. Every parent here knows that their child’s recognition isn’t just about talent; it’s about status.The stage is framed by velvet curtains, the soft glow of warm lights making it feel grand. The children, dressed in their best, sit neatly in rows, their small faces bright with excitement and nerves. Scarlett and Sterling performed a heartfelt poem earlier, their voices clear and confident, and I couldn’t have been prouder.At the judges’ table, a tall, elegant woman leans toward her colleagues in whispered discussion. The murmurs of the audience fade as she finally rises and steps onto the stage, the click of her heels sharp against the polished floor.“Thank you all for being here today,” she begins, her voice carrying easily. “E
Isabel’s POVI watch as Alexander walks away, Cynthia’s arm entwined with his, comfortable, at ease. My chest tightens with a dull ache. What did I expect? Some foolish part of me years ago believed I was the one he wanted—someone he’d choose, again and again.But now I know better.Just as they move inside, I catch Collins falling back a few paces, his gaze lingering on Aria. There’s a flicker of something I can’t quite name—warmth, curiosity, maybe even longing—in the way he watches her. When Aria looks up and meets his eyes, she smiles, a soft, hesitant curve on her lips that hints at something deeper, something unspoken between them.My mind flickers back to when I first noticed them together. At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it—just a passing glance, a brief moment. But now, seeing this, I realize there’s more to it.How long has this been going on? How did I not see it before?Collins was always entangled in my marriage with Alexander, observing from the sidelines, his quie
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