ISABEL"Jane, you have nothing to worry about, you are surrounded with people who love you. I really love your simpleness and I fell in love with it the first day I met you." I said hoping to make her feel better.At once, the bitterness that was starting to form on Jane's face began to fade. A blush formed on her cheeks, and there was relief in her eyes. She looked at me and said, "I never thought anyone would appreciate my simplicity, but you do. And it means the world to me. Thank you Isabel."I enjoyed watching her as she stirred the content in the frying pan. But soon, I got busy with what I was doing. I turned the fruits I to the electric grater and waited, tapping my foot on the ground in a swift rhythm.Soon, Jane was done. She poured the content in the frying pan into a bowl plate and left the kitchen with it. As she left the kitchen, I could hear her humming a happy tune. It was obvious that she was in a good mood, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at havi
MAVISAs soon as we got into my room, Estelle called me on the phone. I tried to hide the callers name from Isabel. I felt a twinge of guilt as I saw Isabel's curious look, but I quickly covered the screen of my phone. I didn't want her to feel hurt or left out, and I knew that a call from Estelle might do just that."Excuse me for a moment," I said, trying to sound casual. "I need to take this."I turned my back to her and answered the call, my heart beating faster."Hello?" I said, my voice betraying my nervousness."Hi, it's Estelle," Came the voice on the other end of the line. Hi," I said avoiding her name. " What's up? ""I'm good but," She paused. "Can I talk with you briefly?""Umm, no." Isabel turned to look at me and looked away again. "I can't really talk right now," I said, trying to sound apologetic. "Can I call you back later?"Estelle hesitated for a moment, and I held my breath."Sure," she finally said. "Just let me know when you're free."I breathed a sigh of relie
ISABEL I heaved and took two more steps from Mavis' door. I knew he was going to give an odd reaction which was why I decided to keep the information to myself, but then, he needed to know about it if I truly loved him.My hand hovered over the doorknob but I couldn't just push it down. I stopped there and began to think about what had just happened. Did Mavis really send me out of his room? That would probably be the end of us. I shook my head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. I knew that Mavis cared about me, and I couldn't believe that he would end our relationship over this. I took a deep breath and walked into the room, closing the door behind me.I approached a chair and sat on it. Soon, I started to regret telling Mavis about dating Jason.I could feel my heart beating faster as I sat down, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. I knew I had to be brave, but it was hard to find the courage I needed. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts.I sat on the
MAVISIt was heartbreaking to see Isabel so broken and vulnerable. Despite everything, I couldn't help but feel compassion for Isabel. Her pain was evident, and I could see that she was truly remorseful for her actions. While I didn't condone what she had done, I could understand why she had reacted the way she did. I knew that I couldn't just turn my back on her, regardless of how I felt about what had happened. She was still the same Isabel I had come to know and love.I reached out and took her hand, but she still couldn't look up at me "I'm here for you," I said, guiding her to the bed. I sat there watching as she tried to stifle her weeping sounds. I gave her a peck on the right cheek and pulled her into a warm hug. "Nothing is going to change my love for you, I plead with you to stop crying. It prickles my heart."My words seemed to have the desired effect, as Isabel's sobs gradually subsided. She gave me a watery smile and wrapped her arms around me, returning my hug. "Thank
ISABEL"Hi, Mavis." I rushed out of my room, to deliver an important message to Mavis. Amelia's eyes caught up with mine and I paused. It looked as though she needed something from him. "Alright, I'll just wait here until you are done," I said, clearly avoiding the disappointed look on Amelia's face. "No, we are done," Amelia said, feigning a smile. "I and the kids have a party to attend, see you later in the evening." She feigned a smile and swayed her waist while walking away.Mavis was looking at her when he caught my eyes, he shook his head and sighed. "I should just fire her, what do you think?" I rolled my eyes, "Why would you think of doing such? What wrong has she done?""I think she's just trying to lure me into something I wouldn't love to be a part of,""I see that she finds you attractive too, and that's a problem to me. I'll try to ask her playfully, she might want to open up to me. I'll start by joining them for the party.""That's not necessary, I need you to be at h
MAVIS"Estelle, what sort of question is that?""A harmless question of course. I know we are no longer in a relationship but I'm unable to move on, you know I'm still in love with you. Why can't we just be friends with benefits?" She left the car and walked toward me. "It's not like you have a girlfriend yet, or, do you?" She stopped a few inches away from me."Huh?" I asked in surprise"I'm just curious," she said, smiling. "You are a great guy, and I just wondered if there is someone special in your life. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."I hesitated, knowing that my response would hurt her and I didn't want to lie to her either."I'm in love with someone else, I have always been," I said and she smiled a painful smile."That's not true, Mavis. Tell me it's not true."I looked into her eyes, and I could see both expectation and fear mingled together in her expression. I wanted to say something to reassure her, but I couldn't find the words. All I could do was shake my
ISABEL"But, are you still in love with him?" Bennett inquired for the hundredth time."Shh, he's back," I said, gathering the glass cups on the table when Mavis drove into the car park."I don't want to talk about it right now," I said, hoping she would understand my reason for saying so. "I'm sorry if that's rude, but it's just not the right time,"She nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I understand," she said. "I was just eager and can't wait for us to get to your room and talk freely."She smiled and I did the same though stylishly, so that Mavis' who was already out of his car wouldn't suspect that we were talking about him.Bennett had been away, working for a Scottish billionaire. According to her, she ran away from duty after he began to make advances at her.She wasn't looking different, just a little bit healthier and taller than she used to be. And she was overexcited about how things turned around and I got to be Mavis'step-sister. She was so much interested in k
ISABELI knew she was stunned by the information she had just received and I was ashamed of myself. "I want to understand something, he equally fell for you?"I sighed, "It turned out that he did feel the same way. He'd been harboring feelings for me from my first day at school. I was shocked to hear that from him.""If that's true, why did he not approach you?""His friends discouraged him because of my background,""Oh! Could this be true?" Bennett thought rolling her eyes left and right. " Well, for the sake of both of you, I'll vacate the room. Can you show me to some other room?"I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for still being in love with Mavis. It was the reason why my friend could not spend a night in my room and above all, it was a dirty practice! "I'm truly sorry for stressing you, okay? But, I'm not sorry for loving him. He completes me, Bennett. I know you want me to be happy.""See, this is a difficult decision. Do you want to be married to your step-brother? The
ISABEL It happened in an instant. A deafening and sudden explosion, "POP!" It felt like my soul was drawn out of my body. It was like the sharp sound of a gunshot. It shook even the foundations of the courthouse vehemently. "Isabel! Get down at once!" my stepfather's voice boomed from the back. But before I could do anything else, someone swooped in, grasping my waist and pulling me down. His steps faltered, and we both tumbled to the floor while I landed on his bleeding body. I gazed down in horror as blood gushed from his upper limb, his face contorted in agony as he clutched the wound. Everything went blurry, and I collapsed, unsure if I'd passed out or left this world behind. **** Third Person POV As Isabel and Mavis shared a desperate embrace, Jason's men burst in, flooding the courthouse with loaded guns. Jason had promised to pay them off if they succeeded together. They descended upon the courthouse by a hired helicopter, his heavily armed team catching t
Third Person POV Isabel shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "No, Mavis, that's not what happened. She slipped and fell on her own, and then she tried to ruin my dress with wine. She's just trying to cause trouble." Mavis's expression turned cold as he gazed at Estelle, "You don't need to cry, my love," he said, turning to Isabel and taking her hand. "The cameras will clear your name. Look, there's the broken glass of red wine, proof of her actions." Estelle's face contorted in anguish as she screamed, "You believe her? Why don't you ever listen to me? I was only sipping my wine when she pushed me!" Mavis's eyes fell on Estelle once more, "Congratulations, Estelle. Your jealousy has cost you dearly. You've lost your place and respect as a part of the Mulan family. You never deserved to bear our name. I'll call a doctor to tend to you, and then the police will take you away to serve your sentence. You're no longer welcome here." "Please, Mavis, don't call the polic
Third Person POVMavis's estate in Beverly Hills, now referred to as the Big Master's residence, was buzzing with guests trooping in and out. The maids were busy attending to familiar and unfamiliar faces who had come to grace the ceremony.A commotion ensued at the entrance as some guests, who had not received invitations, attempted to gain entry.However, in accordance with Mavis's instructions, the security officers firmly turned them away, adhering to the strict "invitation-only" policy.Meanwhile, Estelle was hiding in the toilet to put a call through to her accomplice. "Jason, did I ask you to wait until after the wedding?" She asked over the phone."Yes," Jason replied, "You did, are you under pressure? I can hardly hear you." Moments earlier, she'd received a shocking instruction. She was to remain confined to the house, restricted from stepping out until the wedding was over. The reason was clear, Matilda mustn't see her. According to Isabel, her mother would worry that sh
Third Person POV Soon after Bennett left, Estelle settled into the living room sofa, engaged in a conversation with Jason. "Did you not tell me that he lost his job?" Jason continued, "yet he resides in a Beverly Hills mansion? How did he achieve that?" "Maybe Isabel helped him, you know she has a big business now." "Her business is barely a month old, and I doubt her funds could afford even a single room in Beverly Hills," Jason replied. "I suspect Mr. Mulan must have provided financial assistance to Mavis. But if it's Isabel, what about her employees, will she even pay them?" "Hmph! That's none of our business, we should make our move when Isabel is alone, but be warned, the estate is heavily guarded by vigilant security personnel." "Don't worry, I have a team of thugs who'll take care of her until she miscarries," Jason said grinning over the phone as he thought of the pain he would be inflicting on his ex-turned-enemy. "Yes!" Estelle concurred, "She should lose her b
Third Person POV Bennett's gaze was riveted on the sentences displayed on the card: "...for the Midtown Group." The logo accompanying the text seemed familiar. Mavis, oblivious to Bennett's sudden fascination, stood upright and said, "Alright, let me get a maid to show Estelle to her quarters." "I'll be with you shortly," he added, but Bennett's attention remained fixed on the identity card as he retreated. Bennett sat there, astonished, her mind reeling with possible interpretations of what she had just seen around Mavis' neck. Isabel called her name for the third time, snapping her back to reality. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I was just... umm..." Bennett stuttered. "What's wrong?" Isabel asked, noticing Bennett's distraction. "Your husband-to-be..." Bennett started, trying to form a coherent sentence. "Yes, what about him?" Isabel asked, becoming interested in her weird reaction. "Where does he work?" Bennett inquired. "Nowhere, currently. I told you, he's living off h
Third Person POV "You're not just evil, you're the devil herself!" Bennett exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage while Estelle laughed hysterically. "Of course, I am. Are you just realizing that?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over Isabel and Bennett. Bennett turned to Isabel, "Listen, I know how you feel, but since you signed up for this, don't let her win." She urged. Isabel whispered back, "You mean I should kill her?" Her eyes darted to Estelle, who seemed to be enjoying the exchange." "No, but don't let her swing you around like a pendulum. Stand your ground, Isabel." As Mavis descended the stairs, his eyes scanned the room, taking in the tense atmosphere. His gaze landed on Bennett, and he understood that she could be tamed if ever she was upset about Isabel reuniting with him. But when his eyes met Estelle's, he was enraged. "Why are you here, Estelle?" Mavis demanded. Estelle smiled sweetly, her hand caressing her belly. "Where did you think Ju
Third Person POV In a luxurious Beverly Hills setting, a lawyer exchanged warm pleasantries with the soon-to-be-wed couple, Mavis and Isabel, before grasping his briefcase. "Thank you for having me Mr and Mrs Mavis," he said with a bow, and Mavis shook hands with him in appreciation. "Thank you, Sir, for coming around." With a smile, the lawyer nodded at them. "I'll arrange for the statutory wedding in a day. Have a beautiful day together." "Thank you," Mavis and Isabel chimed in unison. Isabel's pregnancy had been causing her discomfort and mobility issues since it became more pronounced, making everyday tasks a challenge. Some things, like using the restroom, required personal attention that a maid couldn't provide. This was why Mavis had been staying home to assist with her daily needs and to help her get around. Isabel's mother had accompanied her to Mavis' house when they moved in two days ago. She returned the next day to make arrangements for Isabel's postnatal c
MAVIS For a while, there was dead silence until Mom cleared the air, "Your Dad had immediately arranged for a violinist, in the person of Jane, and a pianist to make today unforgettable for you two." After her smile, she looked at her husband who smiled with a nod in return. Dad turned to us while we were still entangled with each other, his words catching us off guard. "From this moment on, my rightful daughter-in-law will be none other than my stepdaughter, Isabel. No one will take her place. Got that?" I nodded, still in shock. "Yes, I understand. It's something I had already agreed to." The room erupted in applause. Jane was there too, exchanging a knowing glance with Isabel, who smiled briefly in response. "A confession please, I have one more confession to make," Isabel said stepping forward while the room became silent again. My heart palpitated and although no one else spoke up about being anxious, I knew I wasn't the only one experiencing anxiety in the room. She
ISABEL "The truth is, he captivates me even until now. I've always imagined him as a husband never as a stepbrother," I choked on my words as emotions attempted to overwhelm me. Mom opened her arms wide, inviting me into her bosom. "Come here, dear," she said. "I want you to be happy and fulfilled. I know you ran away because of Estelle's lies, which Mavis believed. If not for that, you would have stayed and claimed him as yours." I nodded because her words were true, "I'd always wished he wasn't my stepbrother, Mom" I admitted, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "But I can't wish that he had chosen a different path to be with me because if he had, you wouldn't be with Mr. Mulan." Mom held me tighter. When she had released me, her face lit up with a broad smile. "Anyway, for peace to reign and for everyone to be content, we've decided to let go of the past. We're free to choose what makes us happy, as long as it doesn't come between us. And that's why...," she paused for a mom