ISABELLA The atmosphere was charged with an expression of emotions especially by the children. I reassured them that I would return to visit them shortly. I just needed to leave in a hurry so that Mavis wouldn't see me leave. Amidst the emotional farewells, one person's reaction stood out to me. Amelia seemed to be devoid of the sadness that engulfed everyone else. Instead, her demeanor suggested an underlying indifference to my leaving, or perhaps a hint of satisfaction. It occurred to me that she may have viewed my departure as an opportunity to interact with Mavis in a manner that she had always desired, unhindered by my presence. In a display of affection, I embraced Jane tightly, knowing that my heart would ache with her absence. This sentiment extended to my younger step-brothers, particularly Jessie, and most significantly, to my beloved mother. The driver pulled away from the confines of our home, and as we drove along the road, I nodded to the gentle melody of a song play
ISABEL "Are you crying?""No," I said quickly. "Words, I lack words to express my feelings right now. I will really love to see you, please. I have something to discuss with you.""Just breathe and try to calm down. Everything will be okay," Bennett's soothing voice offered comfort over the phone. "Can we meet tomorrow then?""Thank you so much," I replied, nodding despite knowing she couldn't see me. "Yes, please come as early as you can. I'm staying at a hotel because I couldn't bear to remain at home. I'm planning to leave first thing tomorrow morning.""That's unfortunate," Bennett sympathized, "I'll see you soon. Get some rest, good night.""Good night," I replied. With the phone set aside on the bed, I proceeded to the bathroom to take a shower.Throughout the night, my mind was disturbed with diverse thoughts. Mavis getting involved with his ex-lover again weighed heavily on me, stirring up a series of emotions and causing a great deal of distress. It was incredibly difficul
ISABELLA I hastily brushed my teeth and stepped into the shower and afterward, I got back into the room. As I stood before my wardrobe, I pondered the choices before me. There were a variety of dresses to choose from. Ultimately, I opted for a lovely sundress, with its light, airy fabric and charming floral pattern. As I slipped into the sundress and stood before the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised by the flattering silhouette it created. The dress accentuated my figure in all the right places. I couldn't help but smile at my reflection, basking in the newfound confidence that the dress offered. The sound of a knock at my door drew my attention away from the mirror. When I opened it, I was greeted by the driver accompanied by the hotel attendant. The attendant politely inquired, "Good morning, Miss Mulan. Were you expecting this man?"Just as I was about to respond, the room service attendant led Bennett towwards us. I slightly took my attention away from the man and waited u
ISABEL "Please, try not to let this stress you out. I plan to have a meeting with Jackson tomorrow or the next day to try to understand what's really going on. It all sounds rather peculiar to me." I nodded, "I'm moving out of Los Angeles, I'll be starting all over somewhere distant from home.""I understand," Bennett replied, "I believe a fresh start could be beneficial. You should consider relocating to San Francisco or San Diego both of which are renowned counties that could offer a new beginning.""I'm interested in San Diego, that's where my mind is, ""What about your baby?" "I'm confident in my ability to raise my child independently," I replied, rising from my chair and spreading my arms to embrace my Bennett in gratitude, adding, "I'll manage. Thank you for your support and kindness."Accepting my gratitude with a gesture of kindness, Bennett said, "Allow me to lend a helping hand with your luggage." He then picked up the small box that was situated on the floor, lending h
MAVIS After we had made love, we drifted into a peaceful sleep. However, when I awoke, I was amazed, when I found out that Estelle was nowhere to be found on the bed. Her sudden absence raised a multitude of questions in my mind.In my drowsy state, I stretched out my arms, lazily running my hands over the bed in search of Estelle. The realization that she was no longer there left me disorientation. I mean, she should have informed me. Why would she vanish without a word or explanation, leaving me to grapple with her absence? Groggily, I propped myself up to check the clock, only to discover that I had slept overslept and she could have probably refused to disturb my sleep. I yawned and sat up on the bed, the sun's rays emitting so much light into the room.While I slept, I was completely drawn out of my troubles. Now, I had to face them again. It seemed that the effects of the alcohol had rendered me unconscious, allowing Estelle ample time to play with my body as she desired w
MAVISAs I entered the compound, the gatekeeper waved and I only nodded in response to his greetings. Coincidentally, my father and stepmother were just exiting the house as I pulled up, and I braced myself for the inevitable questioning about my whereabouts the previous evening.I knew I'd have to answer their questions without telling them everything I'd done.Checking my rearview mirror, I noticed my Dad and stepmom sharing puzzled looks as they waited for me to park the car. The glances they exchanged suggested that they were both curious about my whereabouts from the night before.I intentionally lingered inside the car in the hopes that my father and stepmother would get tired of waiting and proceed to the car. However, they kept waiting, indicating that they were determined to have a conversation, and with a sigh, I steeled myself and exited the vehicle.Estelle's presence at the hotel had not eased the ache in my heart but only intensified it. The thought of Isabel's betrayal
MAVIS "No, I haven't. I wanted to finish tidying up Miss Isabel's room before moving on to yours," She replied, biting her lip slightly before continuing to my room ahead of me. In the absence of our parents, I deduced that Isabel would be occupying herself with activities in the children's parlor and she would likely remain there a bit longer until her room is completely dry. Also, the children were in school and Jane left for shopping so I thought that I could spend some intimate time with Amelia to distract myself from my relationship problems. I believed that making out with other women would help me forget about Isabel, and ease the pain I was feeling from our breakup.After I had felt the tabletop, I noticed that Amelia had already cleaned my room, and she was just pretending to clean so that she could spend time with me. As she prepared to wash the floor, she sensually moved her waist as she poured the washing powder into the bucket. I could sense that she equally wanted t
ISABEL After the flight had landed, the passengers made their way toward the baggage claim area to retrieve their belongings. Amidst the commotion of the crowd, I was looking out for Jackson or his resemblance. Despite my efforts to locate him, he was nowhere to be found and I began to feel I had misidentified him in the first place. Perhaps, in the flurry of activity and excitement of the journey, my mind had played tricks on me, conjuring up the impression of Jackson in the crowd. I found myself wrestling with doubt, and wondering whether I had simply mistaken another traveler for Jackson. Retrieving my luggage, I exited the terminal, determined to find temporary accommodation while I sought a permanent residence. The reality of navigating this unfamiliar city alone sank in as I surveyed the surroundings of the airport, fully aware that securing lodgings and eventually an apartment would require careful planning. With the heavy baggage with me, I set off to get a taxi. As I
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