Isabel’s POVAlexander yanks me to the side, and I stumble forward, almost crashing into his chest. His breath comes in short gasps, as if he’s just run a mile to catch me.I scoff, folding my arms over my chest. “Are you alright?” I ask, sarcasm dripping from my tone. “How can you just pull me out of the party like this?”His eyes blaze with fury, and before I can say more, he cuts me off. “Why do you keep pretending to be someone else? And… and I know it’s all your doing. The rumors spreading among our investors, my mother coming to you—and now this? You’re trying to paint us as beggars, claiming we begged for the contract? How low can you stoop?”I laugh, the sound cold, as I push a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “But your mother did beg. She begged me to save the King’s Empire from shame.” I fold my arms tighter, the mockery in my voice deliberate. “With folded hands, like this.” I fold my hands in plea to mimic her. “Almost with tears, asking that I keep the company’s reputati
Alexander’s POVMy hand still tingles from holding Cynthia back, but my mind is elsewhere—on her. Claire, or whoever the hell she’s claiming to be. It doesn’t make sense. Right? The face, the voice, everything is the same as Isabel’s, but she keeps claiming to be another person. How is it possible that someone can look so much alike? What if she really is Claire and not Isabel? What if I’ve been wrong this entire time? My chest tightens with the thought, the weight of doubt clawing at my sanity.Just then, Cynthia jerks her arm away, bending forward to say something to Isabel—something sharp enough to light a fuse.I stand frozen, and watch as Claire leaves, giving no attention to me. Why the fuck is she being rude?! I clench my jaw, anger bubbling beneath the surface. Cynthia’s presence beside me is almost suffocating, her anger radiating off her in waves. She rubs her cheek, where Claire’s slap left a fiery mark, her eyes burning with resentment.“Are you seriously going to let h
Isabel’s POVI lean back in my seat, the call meeting with one of our investors over. My eyes close for a moment, but my mind doesn’t follow. It drifts back to that night after the party, when I asked my mom what was going on. She brushed it off, like always, saying it was nothing. But her actions tell a different story—talks of more security, more bodyguards. Why? What could they be hiding from me?I take a deep breath, trying to make sense of it. I feel lost, like I’ve been walking through fog ever since that night five years ago. Since she’d died in my place. And yet, this feeling… it’s different. Recently. Unsettling. I remember Aurora also telling me that Cynthia had seen the kids at the welcoming party, and I can’t help but feel angry at her for keeping that from me. But at the same time, I know… I know she was only trying to keep my worries at bay. I bite my lip, pouting slightly. I shouldn’t stay mad at her for too long right? I scratch the back of my head. Feeling the w
Isabel’s POVI turn to face Scarlett, forcing a smile as I bend to her level. “Honey,” I begin gently, “but Uncle Roy isn’t your real dad. So how can he be your daddy?”Scarlett blinks, scratching her little fingers through her curls, the same way she does when she’s thinking hard. She takes a breath, letting herself sink deeper into the chair. “Then where’s our real dad?” she asks softly.The question hits like a weight in my chest. I let out a sigh—a deep, lingering sigh that leaves me with my mouth half open, words caught somewhere I can’t reach.I rub a hand over my forehead, feeling the tension coil there, and close my eyes for a brief moment. When I open them, Scarlett’s small hand slips into mine, her voice soft but insistent.“Then… Uncle Roy can just be our daddy, right?” Her fingers squeeze mine, as if holding on to the hope that might make it true. “Everyone in school has a daddy, and their daddy picks them up.” She looks up at me, eyes wide, pleading. “Mommy… let Uncle Roy
Isabel’s POVThe conference room buzzes with lively discussion as we delve into the progress of the condo project. Design boards are spread across the table, showcasing various aspects of the interiors and the architectural vision.I flip through the design boards, nodding at the team’s progress, but my mind drifts for a fleeting moment to Scarlett’s question yesterday. “Mommy, can’t uncle Roy be our dad?” Her small voice had been filled with curiosity, her wide eyes searching mine for an answer I wasn’t ready to give.The memory tugs at my chest, a mix of guilt and confusion swirling within me. Scarlett’s innocence made her question feel so simple, yet the truth was anything but. I force myself to push the thought aside. There’s too much at stake with this project to let my emotions derail me right now.“Have you seen the social buzz surrounding the condo project?” Emily, our chief architect, asks, flipping through a tablet displaying a series of trending articles and social media po
Alexander’s POVAs I pull up to the Flaming Academy, Collins’s words echo in my mind: “Those kids, they go to the same school as your daughter, Sophia. And their names are Scarlett and Sterling.”Today, though, I’m not here for Sophia. No, today is about finding answers—about facing something that’s gnawed at me for far too long.I scan the groups of children, and then, I see them.Scarlett’s the first to catch my eye—dark, curly hair styled to perfection, her stance strikingly similar to Isabel’s. I can’t ignore the way she carries herself, a quiet confidence in her small frame. And then there’s Sterling. When our eyes meet, I see my own blue eyes mirrored back at me. A chill runs through me. How? But I push the thought aside, telling myself I’m overthinking it.Clearing my throat, I approach them, forcing a smile, my voice smooth but not as confident as I’d like. “Hey there. Remember me?” I crouch down to meet their curious eyes.Scarlett’s eyes narrow slightly as she studies me. Th
Isabel’s POVRoy’s foot slams down on the pedal, and the car surges forward, slicing through the evening traffic with single-minded purpose. My heart pounds in time with the engine’s roar, relentless, as I keep redialing the number. It’s the one that shattered my world earlier with a single word: “Mom.” Every ring gets me close to them.As we pull into the park, I’m out of the car before it fully stops, the cool breeze biting against my skin. But it does nothing to cool the storm raging inside me. I barely notice it. All I see is the expanse of the park stretching before me, and all I feel is the terror clawing at my throat. I run, calling out for them, each shout tinged with desperation. My voice shakes as I cry their names, “Scarlett! Sterling!” Until, finally, I see them—two small figures, my babies. Relief floods through me, my knees almost giving out as I call out again, my voice breaking. I run, wrapping my arms around them, and I feel my arms shaking as I hold them tight.
Alexander’s POVSeveral times my phone rings, Claire’s name flashing across the screen. I press it into Sterling’s small hand, switching it to speaker mode. He relays directions, guiding Claire to the exact spot at the parkHer voice comes through, growing more frantic with each instruction.Then, in an instant, a loud scream pierces the air. “Scarlett! Sterling!”I turn, and there she is—Claire. She rushes toward us, eyes filled with a mixture of terror and relief.“Mommy!” they chorus, rushing to her as she pulls them close. Her tears spill freely, and something heavy settles in my chest. So, it’s true. She’s their mother.Watching her cradle them, my heart twists. A strange, raw ache courses through me.But as she straightens up, her eyes lock on mine, and a flicker of something runs through them—maybe fear? But it’s gone in an instant. Her expression shifts from disbelief to something fiercer—fury.“How dare you take my kids without my permission?” she spits, her voice trembling,
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