Chapter 2

Chapter two

David's heart leaped in his chest. "I would love to," he said, feeling a little

giddy. "When were you thinking?"

"Tomorrow night?" Isabella suggested, her eyes shining. "I know this great little bar not too far from here."

David nodded eagerly, feeling like he was on top of the world. "Sounds perfect," he said.

As Isabella walked out of the gallery, David couldn't help but feel like he was in a dream. He had never met anyone like her before, and he couldn't wait to see her again.

Isabella sat on her couch, staring out the window as she thought about her last relationship. She had been with Jackson for almost a year, but it had ended in heartbreak when she discovered he had been cheating on her.

As she thought about it, she realized there had been warning signs all along. Jackson had been distant, always on his phone, and had started canceling plans at the last minute. Isabella had tried to ignore it, convincing herself that he was just busy or stressed at work. But deep down, she knew something was wrong.

Now, months after the breakup, Isabella was finally starting to move on. She had met David, a kind and thoughtful man who had caught her attention with his intelligence and sense of humor. They had been on a few dates and Isabella found herself fantasizing about the kind of healthy relationship they could have.

She imagined them spending lazy Sundays in bed, cuddled up with a book or watching a movie. She pictured them cooking together in the kitchen, sharing a bottle of wine and laughing as they made a mess. She dreamed of going on adventures together, exploring new places, and trying new things.

But most importantly, Isabella fantasized about a relationship built on honesty, trust, and respect. She thought about how David always listened to her and made her feel heard, how he never judged her or made her feel insecure. She imagined a future where they communicated openly and honestly and supported each other's dreams and aspirations.

As she daydreamed, there was a knock at the door. Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she jumped up to answer it. Standing on her doorstep was Kim, her assistant who is also one of her besties with a bouquet in her hand and a smile on her face.

"Hey," she said, her voice warm and judging. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by."

Isabella sighed “I know that tone Kim, please don’t judge me”

Isabella felt a wave of happiness wash over her as she invited her in. They sat on the couch together, chatting and laughing as they caught up on each other's lives. Isabella felt a sense of relief and she told Kim all about David and her plans to take things coolly.

"What’s with the flower” Isabella inquired. "Guess who has it delivered to the office?” They both looked at each other in disbelief.

“He wouldn’t dare” Isabella exclaimed. "Well he did,” said Kim. “He’s been delivering flowers to the office twice a week, I know these are your favorites and I don’t feel like throwing it out” she smiles.

“That man got some nerves, well I don’t need his flowers or an apology from him. I

am done with him”.

Isabella sat across from her friend, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. She took a deep breath and blurted out, "I like David."

Kim’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, Isabella! That's wonderful news. Tell me more."

Isabella smiled shyly. "Well, we've been talking for a while now and we're planning our first date. I suggested we go to the bar around the corner."

Kim nodded approvingly. "That's a great spot. It's cozy and romantic."

Isabella's smile faded slightly as she began to fidget with her fingers again. "There's something else I need to tell you," she said hesitantly. "I lied to David about my financial situation. I told him I was poor when I'm not."

Kim's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't know," Isabella admitted. "I guess I was afraid he would also pretend to love me for my money and not for who I am”

Kim reached across the table and took Isabella's hand. "Isabella, you deserve to be loved for who you are. You don't need to pretend to be someone else to be accepted."

Isabella nodded slowly, tears forming in her eyes. "I know you're right, but look at what Jackson did. He lied to me, he used me. I genuinely loved him and he broke my heart, he was just with me for my money. Every one of them wants me for my money, no one loves or cares about me "

"Don’t you think he will be hurt when he finds out about your status, this is Chicago Isabella. Nothing stays hidden forever. You don't have to do it right away," her friend reassured her. "But when the time is right, I think you should be honest with him. He seems like a great guy and if he cares about you, he'll understand."

Isabella smiled through her tears, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you, I needed to hear that." Wipe her tears “But I need to be sure that he loves me for me and not because I am rich, Let’s wait and see if he is genuine”

Her friend squeezed her hand. "Of course. And speaking of David, you seem so happy when you talk about him. You should open up to him about your feelings."

Isabella blushed. "I don't know if I'm ready for that yet." she sighs “I need to heal from the whole Jackson situation but I am sure that I like David, he is special. I can feel it”

Kim grinned mischievously. "Well, don't take too long. You don't want him to slip away."