Isabella spent the rest of the afternoon with an unsettling feeling that continued to haunt her, growing stronger as time passed. Felix still hadn’t come home, and she couldn’t shake the image of Felix with Sarah from her mind. When night fell, she knew she couldn’t just sit around any longer. Felix’s parents, especially his mother, Sophia Baker, might have the answers—if Felix was avoiding her, perhaps he had gone to them.After a silent and anxious drive through the city streets, Isabella arrived at the grand Baker family estate. There was always a coldness she felt every time she came there, like the grand mansion was designed to intimidate rather than welcome. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and walked toward the front door, hoping for answers.Sophia Baker herself answered the door, her sharp gaze immediately fixed on Isabella with a mixture of surprise and disdain. “Irene,” she said in a stiff voice, “what are you doing here?”Isabella’s heart sank immediately.
Isabella had been sitting in her car for about thirty minutes, trying to calm herself down. She suddenly felt numb, unable to empathize with anything in front of her anymore. About Irene. About Felix. Was the world always this disappointing?Isabella's phone rang for what felt like the hundredth time. This time, she managed to gather her thoughts. Her hand moved to pick up the phone."Where are you, Isabella?""Hi, Nick. I think… I can’t meet you," Isabella said, her voice still hoarse. She wasn’t even sure if talking would make her feel better at this point. She watched as other cars passed by. "Maybe… I just need more time.""Let me come to you.""No, no. Really. I just… can’t handle this right now."A heavy sigh came from the other end. Nicholas, too, seemed to realize how fragile Isabella’s state was. Finally, he said, "Alright, call me if you need anything.""Sure."Click.Isabella lifted her head and stared at herself in the mirror, putting on her sunglasses to cover her puffy e
All her life, Isabella had lived in a pleasant fictional world. She was a writer. She could ensure that the characters she created would have a happy ending, or the opposite. Living in such a comfortable world left Isabella shocked by the reality she now had to face. Losing her twin sister, disguising herself as a personal secretary, entering a contract marriage, and now being cheated on—this situation had completely drained Isabella of ideas.She stopped the car after arriving at her parents' house. Taking several deep breaths to compose herself, Isabella finally summoned the courage to get out of the car and walk toward the front door."Okay, I know this is a bad decision, but... it's the only choice I have."Isabella stood, walked toward the front door, and knocked on her parents’ house late at night. It wasn’t even the right time for a “parental visit,” but Isabella felt she couldn’t handle this on her own.Ben stood in the doorway, his eyes softening the moment he saw Isabella's
Isabella sat on the neatly made bed, trying to calm herself in her childhood room. The room still felt the same as it always had—warm and cozy, as if time had never moved here. But her mind was spinning, unable to find peace.Feelings of loss, confusion, and betrayal swirled together, forming a heavy weight on her chest.She took a deep breath, trying to soothe her heart. I can face this, she thought. She had always managed to get through difficult times, and this would be no different.But the comforting silence was suddenly broken by the sound of the doorbell echoing throughout the house. Isabella lifted her head, sensing something wrong. Who could be here at this hour?In the living room, Ben and Rose exchanged worried glances. They knew who was standing outside before they even opened the door. Felix.Ben approached the door, his face tense. Behind the door, Felix stood with an expression full of regret and exhaustion. “I want to speak with Isabella,” he said, his voice hoarse, as
Sophia closed the kitchen door with a slight slam, leaning her back against the wooden table and crossing her arms. Michael sat at the dining table, holding a cup of coffee that had already cooled. He looked at Sophia with a disapproving gaze."It seems like Felix and Irene are getting divorced," said Sophia with a thin smile, as if the statement brought her some satisfaction. "I always knew their marriage wouldn’t last long. I never liked that secretary, Michael."Michael frowned, feeling uncomfortable with Sophia’s cheerful tone. "Sophia, that’s not something to celebrate," he said quietly but firmly. "Felix is in serious trouble, and Irene... she’s our friend too. You can’t be so pleased about their downfall."Sophia scoffed softly, shrugging as if it didn’t matter. "Maybe so. But honestly, Michael, wasn’t it obvious from the start that their relationship wouldn’t work? They were just caught up in some workplace romance or a one-night stand or whatever it was. There’s no real love
CHAPTER 58Felix opened his front door, overwhelmed by deep exhaustion. The long day and his meeting with Isabella still swirled in his mind. But as he stepped inside, something immediately struck him as odd—the house felt eerily empty. Every corner of the living room seemed lifeless, as though everything that usually filled the space had been removed.He walked toward the dining table, deciding to eat dinner alone. The loneliness that haunted him felt even stronger, making the meal feel even more quiet. The sound of the spoon and plate clinking was the only noise in the room.Suddenly, a loud knock on the door broke the silence. Felix set down his spoon and hurried to the door, his hopes rising instantly. Could it be Isabella? After their meeting earlier, he had a small hope that she might come to talk further.However, when Felix opened the door, it wasn’t Isabella he saw. Standing in the doorway was Louis, a man with a furious expression. Before Felix could say anything, Louis punc
Isabella sat on Ben's porch, enjoying the quiet night. Beside her, Felix sat with folded arms, his expression filled with regret. They had been through a lot together, and although their relationship was based on a contract marriage, deeper feelings had started to grow between them. Yet, all of that felt like a fading shadow amidst the conflicts that had arisen.Felix took a deep breath before finally starting a difficult conversation. "Isabella, I... I want to apologize," he said, his voice heavy. "About Sarah... I know it's complicated and confusing, but I never wanted to hurt you."Isabella looked at him coldly, waiting for further explanation. She had heard Sarah's name many times, and although she tried to close her heart, jealousy and disappointment always seeped in whenever that name came up.Felix continued, "My relationship with Sarah is very complicated. We have a long history before all of this, and I know how messy this situation is. But what you need to know is that I nev
Isabella sat at the bar in a fancy restaurant, several empty wine bottles lined up on the table in front of her. Her face was flushed, and her smile grew thinner as time passed, but Nicholas, sitting beside her, was becoming more worried. Isabella wasn’t the type to get drunk often, and this time, she had gone way beyond her limit."Isabella, that’s enough," Nicholas said gently but firmly, trying to take the wine bottle from her hand. "You've had too much to drink."Isabella chuckled softly, though her laugh sounded bitter. "Not enough, Nicholas. I... still want to forget, even if it’s just for tonight."Nicholas quickly grabbed the bottle before Isabella could pour more wine into her glass. "You're not going to solve anything by getting drunk," Nicholas said patiently. "Come on, I’ll take you home."Isabella shook her head slowly, her face looking tired and disheveled. "I don’t want to go home. I don’t know what I’ll do if I go home."Nicholas looked at her with concern. He understo
Isabella and Nicholas’s wedding unfolded just as they had envisioned—intimate and serene. The bright blue sky and soft breeze created the perfect atmosphere for their celebration of love.Under the shade of tall trees and surrounded by wildflowers, guests enjoyed food, music, and moments filled with warmth.Isabella stood beside Nicholas, wearing her simple yet elegant wedding gown. From where she stood, she could see their closest friends and family, their smiles lighting up the small garden. Her heart swelled with warmth when her gaze fell on someone she never expected to see.Felix Kingston entered the garden, holding Sarah’s hand tightly. They walked side by side, and a warm smile spread across Felix’s face—a smile unlike any Isabella had seen before.Though Sarah still appeared somewhat fragile, her face showed newfound hope and happiness, as if they had left the darkness of their past behind.Isabella smiled softly as Felix and Sarah waved at her from afar. Seeing Felix truly ha
"She’s growing up so fast. It feels like just yesterday she learned how to roll over." Ben chuckled from his rocking chair, watching Selena with pride. "She’s brought us a joy we never expected. Irene would be so happy to see us all together like this."Isabella fell silent for a moment, reflecting on Irene with mixed emotions. Though the pain of her loss lingered, she felt that life was slowly returning to normal. They had been through so much, and now it was time to move forward.As the room filled with warmth and light-hearted conversation, the sound of a car pulling up in the front yard caught Isabella’s attention. Curious, she stood and peeked out the window. A smile spread across her face—it was Nicholas.Nicholas stepped out of the car, carrying a large box."Hey," he greeted cheerfully as he made his way to the door. "I brought something for Selena."Isabella opened the door and welcomed him with a warm smile. "You really can’t visit without bringing gifts, can you?" she tease
Felix drove with a heavy heart after leaving his office. His brief encounter with Isabella had given him relief and a renewed sense of hope. But there was still something he needed to resolve before he could truly move forward.He knew that Sarah, the woman from his past, needed him more than ever. Instead of heading to a café, Felix stopped in front of a run-down apartment on the outskirts of the city. According to Kevin, his informant, this was where Louis—the man who had ruined Sarah’s life—was hiding.Felix clenched his jaw as he stood at the door. Without hesitation, he knocked hard, gathering all the anger and regret he had held inside for so long.The door opened, and Louis appeared with a smug expression. "Felix," he said mockingly. "What do you—"Before Louis could finish his sentence, Felix’s fist collided with his face. Felix struck him repeatedly, his punches fueled by rage. Louis tried to fight back, but Felix’s vengeful strength left him powerless. With one final blow, L
Nicholas met Isabella at the park. She was wearing a white, knee-length dress with open shoulders, making her look elegant yet simple. She smiled as she saw Nicholas approaching, holding two cups of iced coffee. The soft afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the falling maple leaves, making them shimmer."For you," Isabella said, handing Nicholas one of the iced coffees. "I figured you’d need this after such a long day."Nicholas smiled as he took the coffee and sat down next to her on the bench. "Thanks. You’re right, it’s been a tiring day," he replied with a relieved tone.They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the tranquility of the park. Isabella sipped her coffee, then broke the silence with heartfelt sincerity. "I really want to thank you, Nicholas. Without you, I don’t think Rudolf would have received the punishment he deserved."Nicholas nodded slowly, then, with a serious tone, said, "Actually, I can’t take all the credit."Isabella looked at him, puzzled. "Wha
Nicholas successfully ordered his men to capture Rudolf based on information from Felix and his informant, Kevin. The arrest went smoothly, with little resistance, and Rudolf was soon taken to the police station under tight security.The next morning, the long-awaited trial began. In the courtroom, the atmosphere was heavy. Bright lights cast shadows on the walls, and the gallery was filled with faces showing hope, anger, and anxiety. At the prosecution table, Nicholas sat with a calm yet focused expression. As the lawyer handling the case, he knew that even the smallest mistake could jeopardize his argument.Rudolf sat in the defendant’s chair, handcuffed, his face blank and without remorse. He seemed indifferent, as if the charges against him were nothing more than a game. However, Nicholas knew the truth—behind that calm demeanor was a dangerous and manipulative man, someone who had destroyed many lives.As the judge opened the session, Nicholas stood and began firmly."Your Honor,
Isabella was visiting her parents' house and saw Selena, her little niece, cradled in the arms of Ben, her father and Irene’s. She embraced Ben warmly, feeling the unique comfort that only family could provide. Then, she handed over a box of formula she had brought especially for Selena.Ben smiled as he took the box. "Always so thoughtful, aren’t you?" he said warmly.Isabella smiled softly. "Always, for Selena." She looked at the tiny baby, sleeping soundly in Ben’s arms. "I just want to make sure she never lacks anything."They sat together in the living room, where a peaceful atmosphere surrounded them, even though the world outside was in turmoil with scandals and gossip. Isabella could feel Ben’s attentive gaze on her."So, it’s really over?" Ben asked cautiously, as if ensuring that his daughter had made the right decision. "I read about you and Nicholas on social media..."Isabella took a deep breath, feeling ready to answer. "Yes, the scandal got out of hand," she said calmly
The atmosphere in Felix’s office was more tense than usual after he and Nicholas successfully located and captured Rudolf the previous day. Their professional relationship kept bringing them together, forcing them into awkward encounters. Nicholas entered and stood before Felix."I know you want to resign from the office," Felix finally said, breaking the silence with a calm tone. "But you don’t have to do that."Nicholas leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"Felix looked directly at Nicholas, without hesitation. "I’m going to London. There’s business I need to take care of there. And more than that, I’ve decided to end my pursuit of Isabella’s love."Nicholas paused, surprised. "You’re just giving up?"Felix let out a long sigh, as if releasing a burden he had carried for a long time. "It’s not about giving up. It’s about accepting reality." He lowered his gaze briefly before continuing, "Isabella chose you, Nicholas. I have to learn to accept that."Nicho
As he reached the intersection, Felix noticed a black car parked by the roadside. Inside, a man in a leather jacket sat waiting, his expression unreadable. It was Kevin, the informant who had been helping Felix gather information about Rudolf. Felix turned off his engine and stepped out. The cold air immediately stung his skin, but he ignored it. Under the light drizzle, Kevin also exited his car, and they faced each other at the side of the road."Felix," Kevin greeted briefly, pulling up the collar of his jacket against the chilly wind. "I have news."Felix gave a sharp nod. "Tell me."Kevin slid a hand into his jacket pocket, retrieving his phone, and showed Felix a message. "We’ve found Rudolf. We tracked him to the outskirts of town, hiding in an old motel. He’s planning to flee the city tonight."Felix narrowed his eyes, his body tense. "What is he carrying?""Evidence," Kevin replied with a serious expression. "Documents and photos linking him to Irene’s murder. It seems he’s t
"Have you taken him back?" Nicholas asked, his voice low but firm.Isabella shook her head, a faint yet certain smile on her face. "No. It’s all over."Nicholas exhaled deeply, as if a heavy burden on his heart had lifted in an instant. Without saying a word, he clasped Isabella’s hand, finding peace in their shared silence. The engine purred softly, and the car rolled away from Felix’s house, leaving that chapter behind.The next day, Felix walked down the hallway of his family home, preparing himself for a confrontation with his parents. Tension hung in the air, and he knew what awaited him behind the door. As he entered the elegant living room, his mother, Sophia, stood with a furious expression on her face. In the corner of the room, his father, Michael, sat silently, observing with sharp but unreadable eyes."Felix!" Sophia shouted angrily. "You’ve been lying about your marriage to Irene all this time. You’ve brought disgrace to our family!"Felix held his breath for a moment, no