ISABEL "I saw that," Mom spoke up, her gaze fixed on her plate as she addressed me, "I noticed you didn't tell him your address. Is there something you're not telling me, did you both have a misunderstanding?" She set her spoon down and turned her full attention to me, awaiting my response. Her scrutiny was intense, leaving me with the distinct impression that she had her own suspicions about my reluctance to share my location. I rose from my seat and approached Eric, firmly requesting, "If you don't mind, could you excuse us for a private conversation?" He paused mid-sip, setting his cup down as he looked at me with a quizzical expression. "Wait, you're asking me to leave?" he clarified, his tone hinting at disbelief. "Yes, please," I reiterated, offering a polite yet firm confirmation of my request. "Got it," Eric responded, understanding the situation and gently placing his cup on the table. Noticing Eric's baffled expression, Mom looked at him, "Eric, please do not think th
ISABEL "You've gotta be joking, right?" My mother exclaimed with a hint of disbelief. I solemnly shook my head in response. "I'm not kidding, Mom. I'm truly sorry. I didn't know..." My words trailed off as my mother unexpectedly collapsed to the floor. "Oh God, no!" I gasped, rushing to my mother's side. "Eric! Eric!" I frantically cried out, hoping to summon his assistance in calling 911. Racing outside, I darted to Eric's house and rapped on his gate. He appeared, already attired for a day out, and inquired, "You seem out of breath. Is everything okay?" "No, it's not," I managed to stammer, exhaustion taking hold. "My mother...she fainted. Please...help." My words faltered as I struggled to articulate the gravity of the situation. "She's my only blood-related parent. Please, help her." Eric responded with empathy, "I'll do what I can. I'm here for you. Let's go." With that, he dashed toward my flat. "Wait, I have an idea," I said as I followed him. "I work in the medic
ISABEL My gaze met his, and in that moment, something shifted. He leaned in, bringing his lips to mine in a tender, fleeting kiss that left me breathless. Overwhelmed by the emotions swirling within, I kissed him back with intensity, surrendering to the magnetic pull that had been building between us. With mounting passion, Eric deepened the kiss, his fingers tangling in my hair as he pulled me closer. The fervent nature of his embrace told me what his words could not—he had been fighting this desire for some time, but now, at this moment, he was giving into his longing. Our lips moved together, our breaths mingling in a dance of desire and submission. Sensing my shyness and perhaps picking up on my ambivalent reaction, Eric pulled back, leaving me with a trace of his warmth lingering on my lips. "I hope that didn't offend you," he queried, casting a concerned glance in my direction. I flushed, my cheeks burning with the heat of my embarrassment. Shaking my head, I looked aw
ISABELMavis would be coming for me, and I know I must act quickly to ensure Eric's safety. I knew I could face him but I didn't want to bring Eric any trouble. I left my cell phone behind and walked out to Eric's room immediately. I gently rapped my knuckles twice against his door, my nerves on edge. When no answer came, I felt I was at the wrong door but as soon as I turned to leave, I was halted by the sound of the door being unlocked from within. Eric's weary face appeared before me."Hey, Isabel," He said, his voice hoarse with fatigue. "I hope there's nothing wrong?""Something is wrong," I said trying to conceal my worry. Eric’s eyes widened with concern. “Isabel, you shouldn’t be dealing with your troubles alone. I’m here for you. Tell me what’s going on.”"I want to tell you something about him,""Him? Who's him?" He asked stepping out of his room to hold my hand."It’s Mavis. I need to tell you about something he’s done," I responded with a solemn expression. Eric’s hand
Third Person POV As Mavis pondered over the latest news in the media, an idea struck him. He thought to himself, what if he went to the new Mall in San Francisco with Estelle, took some pictures, and flaunted them on I*******m? Perhaps that would serve as a reminder to Isabel of what she had lost. Perhaps seeing him with Estelle would ignite feelings of nostalgia and desire for him within her. After all, Estelle was just a stand-in, a pawn in his grand scheme to win back Isabel's affection. With his mind set on his strategy, he picked up his car keys and began the drive to Estelle’s house. As luck would have it, she was already dressed in a beautiful gown and making her way downstairs as he arrived. "Looks like someone missed me," she purred with a seductive smile. Attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance, Mavis replied with a lighthearted quip, "And, looks like someone's busy with something else. Some other time perhaps?" He made to turn on his heel, only to feel her delicate
MAVIS I had checked Estelle into a hotel, taking her along with me wouldn't be a good idea. The driver I hired placed the piece of paper that had the address written on it by his side so he wouldn't miss his way. He paused in front of a breathtaking building, "Here's the house sir," the driver pointed toward a house with a slightly parted gate. I looked out through the car glass, This can't be right. Isabel wouldn't splurge on such an extravagant residence. I thought silently. Even though she had access to my finances, I had received no notifications of any monetary transactions. My wealth remained untouched, making it highly improbable that Isabel could have afforded such a magnificent estate. Pondering over this incongruity, I attempted to justify my doubts. "Surely, this cannot be her house. Where could she have possibly procured the funds to make such a purchase?" I deliberated as I compared the lavish dwelling before me to the image captured in the photograph. The driv
ISABEL"Are you hurt?" Eric inquired, his eyes scanning my body for any sign of injury."He didn't touch me," I assured him, my voice trembling slightly. "But what if he's dead? He bleeding, we have to get him to the hospital."Eric's gaze shifted from me to the man lying motionless on the ground, clearly taken aback by my concern. "I thought that was your ex-lover," he said, his voice laced with confusion. "You said he came to bother you?""No, that's my step-brother," I clarified.Eric shook his head, eyes wide with contrition. "Geez, I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I hope Mr. Mulan won't hold this against me. Let's hurry up and get him to the hospital.""Agreed." I grabbed my belongings, my purse, and documents as Eric hoisted Mavis up, supporting his limp body with a remarkable show of strength. Our feet thudded against the ground as we raced to the car, the urgency of the situation pressing us forward.Eric's foot pressed against the accelerator, hurtling us through the s
ISABEL Bracing myself, I spoke softly, "Eric, it's not that simple. I have a really dark past." I swept off a strand of hair from my hair to the back of my ear. Trying to ease the tension, Eric reached out for her hand, "What happened, Isabel? You can talk to me." My gaze lowered, "I'm sorry, Eric. What I'm about to tell you... I'm truly sorry." "It's okay, Isabel. Whatever it is, I'm here for you." With my voice quivering, I confessed, "I'm pregnant..." Eric's expression shifted from concern to confusion, "Wait, I don't understand. Are you saying you got pregnant from last night, or that you were already pregnant?" A shuddering breath escaped my lips as I delivered my revelation. "The man I told you about... The one who left me for another, is Mavis, my step-brother. And I'm pregnant with his child." The color drained from Eric's face, and he stared at me with disbelief, his mouth agape. "No... This can't be real. This must be some kind of twisted joke, right? The weight of