ISABEL The revelation that Mavis was not joining the family for dinner left a hollow ache in the pit of my stomach. With this realization came the stark knowledge that I wouldn't be able to look at him during dinner like I usually did.Well, I took my cutlery and stretched out for a glass of water first. As I began to eat, the stillness of the dining room was broken by the unexpected sensation of a hand on my lap. My muscles tensed, and my eyes darted around the table, searching for the source of the contact.Despite the shock of the unexpected touch, I forced myself to remain calm, my gaze flitting between my plate and the tablecloth, feigning disinterest. The sensation was delayed for a while. As the seconds ticked by, I thought. Had I imagined the contact? Or, maybe I felt so because of the tablecloth as it brushed against my thighs whenever I moved my legs. But as the hand on my thigh began to roam, tracing its way along the contours of my nightgown, I became more alarmed. Wi
ISABEL I listened calmly upon hearing Donald's comment. Mavis pulled out of my cunt and remained still. The tablecloth was a barrier, concealing his trembling legs from those seated around the table. Soon, Mom’s voice cut through the silence, addressing Donald."You must be hallucinating, my Dear," She said with a questioning look at me as though to say, did you also hear any sound?"Donald, there's nothing of such okay? It's probably the sounds from the cutleries kissing the plates." Dad nodded with a smile. I sat at the table with everyone else, but I felt alone. Mom’s comment calmed everyone down, but I was still worried. It felt like a fight was happening inside me. I wanted to do something to help Mavis but I was scared too.Donald’s voice cut through my thoughts, "Well, I know what I heard, but I suppose it’s fine if no one else did," He said. The dining room fell into a comfortable silence once more. And yet, I knew that for me, the trouble wasn't over. Mavis’ game was far
MAVISFeeling remorseful that I was hiding something from her, I knew I should apologize to her rather than try to justify my actions. "Well, Isabel, I had a problem to tackle urgently. Last night, I didn't really have peace of mind and I'm sorry about how things turned out."She looked at me, looking unsatisfied with my explanation and apology. "What are you up to, Mavis?"I ignored her question, "So, can we go to the hospital tomorrow, get checked and make sure everything’s okay?"She hesitated, looking between me and the door. "Fine," She muttered. I nodded, not wanting to push her any further. "Okay, that's fine." With a sigh, Isabel got up and made toward the door. "Good night to you." She muttered,. "And no, I don’t want a kiss." There was a long silence, and for a moment I thought she might leave. But then I felt the bed shift as she sat down next to me. "Is there something you want to tell me?" She asked taking my hand. "No, not at all." I said sitting up, my arms rested o
MAVIS"Is there anything else wrong?" I asked showing concern. "I feel..." She stuttered. "I umm..." She gulped down a quantity of saliva. "I’ve been sick this morning," She finally managed to say. "I’ve vomited three times already." My eyes widened, "Are you… could it mean that you are pregnant?" I asked. Isabel’s face was masked with fear, her eyes wide and shiny as though she was hiding her tears. "I’m so scared," She whispered, her voice breaking as she spoke. “What if Dad and Mom find out? What if they’re disappointed in me?""We won’t let that happen," I said, stepping forward to take her hand in mine. "We’ll figure this out together.""Let’s go," I said, as I guided Isabel towards the door. “A laboratory test will give us the answers we need.”She nodded, her face still pale but her expression resolved as she followed me out of her room and down the hallway. We made our way towards the stairs, and the sound of our footsteps echoed to our ears. "Good morning, Dad," I greeted,
MAVIS I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "He’s disappointed, maybe I should have told him." I said, "He thinks I should have consulted him first, that I’m not being responsible."Isabel bit her lip, "Are you okay?" I turned in her direction, "We should be more bothered about you, are you okay?"She took a breath, "I think we’re going to be in trouble soon," She said and rubbed her belly. I couldn’t help but glance down at her stomach, my heart hammering in my chest as I considered her meaning. "Dad has noticed how close we are, I think it's the paparazzi. What'd you think?""I don't know what to think unless you tell me what he told you,""He said I should be careful whenever I'm around you," "Dad said that?" She asked with surprise. I simply nodded at her and she smiled shaking her head at the same time. Cars on the road crawled along, bumper to bumper. The noise of honking horns and idling engines filled the air as everyone tried to reach their expected destination early
ISABEL "This way," He said, leading me to a cozy room with comfortable sofas. "I've got a TV in here. Why don't you sit down and relax for a while? I'm expecting a patient soon, so I'll need to attend to them first, but I'll come find you afterwards." "Remember to call me if you need anything," He added, glancing back at me as he walked away. He patted my shoulder gently before leaving me in the room, closing the door behind him. I sank into the soft cushions of the sofa, attempting to distract myself from the unfolding events with the flickering images on the TV screen. My phone chimed, its ringtone piercing the quiet of the room. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was Mom. "Hey, Mom. What's up?" I answered. "I'm good, I want to know how it's going over there, have you been able to meet a lab scientist?" "Things are going well, Mom. Thanks for asking," I responded. "I was able to find a lab to run some tests. I'm waiting for the results right now." I lied. Mom's co
ISABEL The sleek, black vehicle pulled up to the curb, the driver opening the door for me with a courteous nod. As I settled into the comfortable backseat, I drew in a slow, deep breath, steadying myself as the car pulled away from the curb. I clenched my jaw, determined to remain composed for the sake of the fragile life growing inside me. As the car purred up the driveway and came to a smooth stop, I exited the vehicle. The gatekeeper looked up in surprise, his brows knitting together as he noticed my solitary entrance. "Is everything alright, madam?" He asked. I forced a smile, my trembling hand gripping the strap of my purse. "Yes, everything's fine," I replied, offering a nod before stepping past him and into the house. Amelia was replacing the throw pillows when I walked into the living room, "Hi, Isabel, welcome back!" She chirped. But I could barely muster the energy to respond, I offered a nod and a faint smile in acknowledgement. Upon getting into my room, I approache
NARRATION Estelle's scheming had finally yielded the desired result. She had planted the seeds of suspicion in Mavis' mind, nurturing them with deceits and insinuations. She watched as Mavis stormed out of her house, and descended the stairs with rage. She ran to her window to continue watching his move, he slipped into his car and sped out onto the road. A sinister smirk crossed her lips as she whispered to herself, "He'll be mine again." "That son of a bitch!" Mavis cursed with anger as he proceeded to his best friend's house to tell him off. The distance to Jackson's house wasn't that long, but for Mavis, it was the opposite. He took a brake seeing the car already parked on the curb. He reversed his car until he was able to get through the gate. The crunch of gravel announced Mavis’ arrival, as he slid the car into a parking spot with a practiced flick of his wrist. His tires squealed as he threw the car into the park. He got out and stormed across the driveway, his
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