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
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