ISABEL. "Please accept my apologies for the disturbance," Eric said, his phone nestled back on the table after he'd turned to face forward. He then elegantly extracted the seat. "No worries at all. Let's pick up where we left off," I responded with an assuring smile. Settling back into his seat. "Ah yes, about your culinary skills. Do you enjoy cooking as much as you're good at it?" He inquired, his curiosity piqued by my earlier assertion. I nodded, "Sure, I do cook but I didn't have the opportunity to cook at my stepfather's house. We had a cook and a cleaner, they did nearly everything at home." "That's understandable," Eric replied with a nod of acknowledgment. "Having dedicated staff to handle household tasks must have allowed you to focus on other activities. However, I take it you still enjoyed cooking even if you didn't do it regularly?" He continued with interest. The conversation stirred up memories of my family and the unexpected pregnancy, evoking a mix of emotions
MAVIS "This is undoubtedly the best inn available within the vicinity," The driver opined with confidence after driving through the hotel's entrance. "The premise has exceptional amenities and facilities, designed to cater to your every need, ensuring the utmost comfort during your stay." "I don't intend to stay here longer than 12 hours. When should I expect your pick-up tomorrow for my departure to the airport?" I inquired. "At your convenience, sir. I am available to take you whenever you desire," the driver replied. "Good night, sir." He finished "Good night," I got my stuff and stepped out of the car. I made my way toward the hotel, but just as I was about to enter, I unexpectedly spotted Jackson's girlfriend, who was descending the stairs wearing a delicate nightgown. In a moment of panic, I sought to evade the unwanted encounter, desperate to avoid her gaze and remain unseen. As I felt a soft hand rest upon my shoulder, it became clear that the lady had already
MAVIS I sprung to my feet at once, "Trust me, I've just forgiven you for nothing obviously. We're now good friends again but you see, I can't reveal that to you." I shook my head, "Let's focus on helping me get to Isabel, okay?" Jackson's gaze hardened as he gave off a scathing remark: "You are delving deeper into a treacherous game, Mavis, one that will undoubtedly end in your ruin. You may think you are immune to the danger, but make no mistake, vengeance will consume you if you continue on this path." "Jack?" He ignored my call and continued, "Let's be clear, your newfound 'friendship' is a sham. That lady is no ally, but a snake in the grass, waiting to strike. Don't deceive yourself into believing her intentions are anything but self-serving." Rooted to the spot, his words echoed in my mind with the weight of a sledgehammer. Every fiber of my being was frozen in place, paralyzed by the revelation that struck me. I stood there powerless and unable to move or face him. He
ISABEL In the morning, Eric's knock on my door woke me up. I rose, securing the door partially open with my body, greeting him with a warm, "Good morning!" My right hand hovered over my face to put out the sun's rays. His response was equally friendly, "Good morning. I'm off to work, but I wanted to leave you with these. I woke up early to make these sandwiches, and I hope you enjoy them." His thoughtful gesture caught me by surprise, and I found myself extending my arm to accept the generous offering, thanking him profusely. "Oh, I absolutely adore sandwiches," I gushed enthusiastically. "This is such a thoughtful gesture, Eric. Thank you so much!" Grinning ear to ear, Eric nodded, replying, "I'm glad you like them! I had no idea you loved sandwiches this much, but I'm happy to make them for you any time." His smile remained as he replied, "When do you have to leave for work?" He asked with his gaze remaining on me. "Well, I'm actually in the process of starting a
ISABEL "Can that possibly lead anyone of his friends to steal his identity card?" "Anything is possible, since there's no footage to reveal the identity of the thief, then, it must be a friend or anyone he keeps close contact with maybe to hurt him." "I agree, the fact that the securities are strict about visitors implies that this must be someone familiar. Hopefully, he can locate the missing item." "Indeed, let's keep our fingers crossed." "Okay, my wife is now out of the bathroom. You may go ahead and speak with her." "Hello there, Darling. It seems like it's been ages since we last heard from you." Mom's question stirred a feeling of irresponsibility in my path. I only wanted to put my past behind me. Calling Mom occasionally would always bring back the thought of Mavis because she wouldn't end her talking without telling me about everyone at home and how they were doing. "I'm sorry, Mom. I promise you're always in my thoughts." "We miss you, sweetie. Now, why ha
Third Person POV Bennett knew where to find Estelle. She was spending time with different men at the hotel. She sat with them at the table and made Merry until Bennett walked up to their table. The faces of the men weren't familiar and she didn't pay attention to them, her major focus was on Estelle. "Hi, everyone." She greeted those who sat around the table with Estelle and they responded. "Hi, Bennett. I wasn't expecting you here, you should have called, what a surprise!" Estelle said, feeling ashamed of herself as she got up and acted as though she didn't mean to be seen there. Estelle got up and led Bennett away from the men to attend to Bennett. "I came to your flat, your closest neighbor suggested I check you out in any of the nearby hotels," Bennett said calmly. "Oops, I'm lodging here for now." She pointed towards the hotel. "You mind coming with me? "No, we should go to your house instead. I have something for you, you'll like it." "I didn't want to go hom
Third Person POV Her curiosity piqued, and she peered into the phone one more time to confirm what she had seen."Estelle?"Estelle looked up, with pleading eyes, "Yes?""Did you and Isabel have a fight before?"She shook her head lazily, knowing why she asked the question. "And Jackson, did you both fight before the party?"She shook her head rather. "You are wicked, you deserve to die a terrible death for putting both Jackson and Mavis at war with each other. You equally framed Isabel, you'll pay for it. You must pay heavily for it. I'm not letting you be until you have paid for this mess.""They are step-siblings, why should they be in love with each other? You are supporting them to betray their pare..."Estelle didn't land when she received another agonizing slap that nearly blinded her. "How dare you slap me again?" She made to ride but Bennett pushed her down effortlessly with her feet. "That's because that's the only thing you need at the moment, it'll correct some of your
Third Person POV Abandoning her task, Isabel hastily swiped her hands against the nearest towel, and made her way through the back door without a second thought. Upon reaching the back door, Isabel pulled the door and found Eric standing there on the stairs. Her suspicions were confirmed as she warmly exclaimed, "Hi, Eric. I knew it would be you."Eric responded with a smile, "Hey, Isabel. Just got back from work. How are you doing?""I'm doing great, actually," She replied. "Just whipping up something to eat."Her smile was warm and inviting as she motioned to the room, "Oh, the delectable aroma has filled every corner of this space, hasn't it? Please, come in and make yourself comfortable while I finish preparing this meal. I do ask for your patience as I complete the cooking process." She led him into the house through her kitchen door. They appeared in the living room, where she offered him a seat, "Please, Eric, relax and make yourself at home."Reaching out for a remote contr
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