ISABEL I was trying to pick a dress from my wardrobe when I heard someone slam the door opposite my room, and then, running feet followed. Mavis opened my door, said a quick goodbye, and rushed out. Before I could even respond, he was gone. I stood there in surprise wondering what was going on. I decided to get dressed and go check on him. I hurriedly chose an outfit and dressed. The bandage was still around my head, at the point where I got the injury. I made my way to Mavis's room, dreading what I might find. I knocked on his door, but there was no answer. Bennett caught me in the corridor, peering into Mavis' empty room, and was surprised "Hey, what are you doing?" Bennett asked. I jumped, startled by her presence. "I didn't know you were here, how long have you been here?" She remained calm, looking around to see if we were alone in the corridor. I quickly straightened up and tried to look casual, but I knew I must have looked guilty initially. "I was just, um, checking to
MAVIS "You shouldn't have bothered, Isabel. I was about to place an order from Freshmeals. I was just a little confused about our parent's immediate return from Scotland and I decided to stay away from home for a while." "Stay away from home for a while? Why?" "I just need some time to clear my head," I told her but it was only a lie. I just wanted to get her reaction to what I'd just said. "I don't want to be around people right now, I need some space." "But why?" She asked again as though my response didn't answer her question the first time. I sighed, struggling to find the right words. "It's not that something is wrong," I said, "it's just that I need some time to process some things, our parents are back and a whole lot of things will change." I paused and swept her hair off her face. "Aren't you worried?" I could see that she was trying to keep her composure, but I could tell that she was struggling. "Of course I'm worried," she said, her voice wavering. "Our parents comin
Isabel DARLING,MISSING YOUR BIRTHDAY IS A TOUGH PILL TO SWALLOW, BUT LET ME BE CLEAR THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND MY HEART. NOTHING CAN CHANGE THAT FACT. I'M SURE THAT MAVIS WILL MAKE YOUR BIRTHDAY EXTRA SPECIAL, JUST LIKE YOU. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU'RE LOVED, EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT PHYSICALLY THERE.WITH LOVE FROM MOM. I heaved after reading Mom's short message."Hey, what did you find there?" Mavis inquired, seeing that I had taken on a different countenance after dropping my phone. I picked it up again, turned to the message, and pointed it to his face."Matilda so much trust in me to make you happy, doesn't she? The other time, she believed I could fix your broken shop, and now, your birthday. What does that suggest?" He asked giving me a smirk. "Nothing," I quickly said knowing where he was heading. He arrived at work and I waited for him in the car to address a group of people briefly before he returned to the car."You said 15 minutes," I reminded him when he
MAVIS"A man who's working under me, just got three different women pregnant, that means he's going to be a father soon.""You forgot to add that the women will become baby mamas because we know that he will not marry any of them," I said, trying to shut him down. "I'm aware that you are the director of the gynecology department in the hospital, which implies that you have seen a lot of pussies. Damn!""Pussies? Yeah, that's right. I get tired of looking at pussies, will you take over my office and perform the duties as well?"She shrugged at the thought of it. "How many pussies have you pinned to the bed with the excuse of doing your job?"I smiled and soon, I burst into a fit of laughter too, unable to contain the hilarity of the situation. "Okay, okay, I get it," I said, trying to catch my breath. "I won't be replacing you anytime soon, and I'll keep my paws to myself!" I added, wiggling my fingers in a mock paw-like fashion.We looked at each other, our faces red from laughing so
ISABEL I woke up to the boys singing a birthday song and flying balloons in my room. Mavis stood by the door playing a violin. And soon after, Bennett, Jane, and Amelia entered my room and joined in the singing. I wiped away a tear underneath my eyes. I was so touched by their gesture. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me. You guys really know how to make a girl feel special." I looked around the room, taking in the happy faces of my family and friends. I felt so lucky to have such a wonderful group of people in my life. I couldn't imagine what it would be like without them. "Now let's get this party started!" Jessie exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "I have a better plan for today, let's not be in a hurry." Mavis' brief response enlivened me and brought smiles to my face. "Before we disperse and get ready for the main party, let's share a bottle of red wine." He finished and gestured to Jessie. As the boys looked at each other, I could see the excitement
MAVIS Isabel loved to celebrate her birthday at the Beach. We finally agreed to pull a party at a hotel with family and friends and afterward, we headed to the Beach. We would spend some time together at the Beachside and proceed to a comfortable inn that I had already booked. "If you are planning something very special today, please, allow it until some other time," Isabel said. Did she notice anything? I thought, not knowing that I was audible enough for Isabel to hear me. "Not actually but I'm sure of one thing, you got an engagement ring somewhere, don't you?" My heart skipped a beat as I heard Isabel's words. I wasn't sure how she had figured it out. I did my best to play it cool, but I could feel my face flushing with embarrassment. "What makes you say that?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "It's the way you've been acting lately," Isabel said, a knowing smile on her face. "You've been so secretive and distracted lately. Plus, there's the fact that you talked about pro
NARRATION Isabel and Jane stepped through the door, their arms full of shopping bags. They had spent hours exploring the shops and browsing the racks, looking for the perfect outfits. They had been so absorbed in their shopping that they had completely lost track of time. It wasn't until they got home that they realized that everyone else had already left for the party.Isabel's heart sank as she realized that they had missed the start of the party. She looked at Jane, who was equally confused. They both stood there in silence, thinking of what to do first. Isabel turned to Jane. She tried to make her voice steady despite the turmoil she was feeling inside. "Why don't you go and change into your new dress?" She suggested. "I'll meet you outside."Isabel immediately put on her beautiful dress and stood before the mirror, admiring her reflection. The dress she wore was exquisite, elegant, and beautiful. It was the perfect choice for the party Mavis had picked it out, especially for her
NARRATIONIsabel took a deep breath as she stepped out into the night. She tried to ignore the knot of worry in her stomach as she walked towards Mavis's car. She felt terrible about Jason's presence at the party and she wasn't ready to face him, he was her greatest nightmare. He broke her heart and she wasn't ready to cry all over again. The last thing Isabel wanted was to see Jason. He had been the cause of so much pain in her life, and she had finally started to move on. The thought of having to face him again was too much to bear. She knew that if she saw him, she would fall apart. She couldn't let that happen, not here, not now.She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize she was shaking until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun around, her heart in her throat."Are you okay?" Estelle asked, looking a bit concerned. "Oh, Estelle. I didn't know you followed me here." She said, blinking off her tears. Estelle took Isabel's hand, her eyes wide with surprise. "
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