Chapter 20Isabella's footsteps felt heavy as she entered her parents' house. Usually, Isabella would run in with excitement, hugging Rose, Ben, and even Irene because she had just returned from a delightful trip after receiving her pay from writing. But this time, the burden felt heavy on her shoulders. Irene was still missing, while the contract marriage had to happen soon."Bella?" Ben opened the door, welcoming his daughter with a warm embrace, as they always did.But this time, Isabella stood frozen, not returning her father's hug at all. Ben then stepped back, looking at his daughter's face, which was made up but still looked weary."Is everything okay, Bella?"Isabella swallowed hard, feeling deeply anxious. But finally, she spoke up as she looked at her father with a guilty expression. "There's something I need to talk to both of you about."Ben blinked; he had never seen Isabella this serious. The aging man then nodded his head, allowing Isabella to enter the house. They met
Isabella returned to her apartment with mixed feelings. She threw herself onto the sofa and carelessly tossed Irene's handbag onto the floor.“Damn it! That was Felix’s ex-girlfriend? Up close, she really looks like an angel! Why did they break up?”Isabella leaned forward, now sitting upright. Rubbing her forehead, which ached from dealing with various issues all day, she began to think, “It seems like my life is going to get really complicated from here on out!”The phone in her bag suddenly rang. Isabella sighed deeply when she saw Peter's name on the screen. With a tap, the call connected. "Yes, Peter?""Hey, Isabella! When are you going to deliver the next chapter of your novel?"“I don’t know, I’m busy.”There was a pause; Peter was silent for a moment before finally continuing, "I need the new novel for next month. Can you prepare it?""Alright. I'm busy now. Bye."Isabella screamed, "Aaaaargh! So annoying!" She yelled at the phone still in her hand, "Why do I have to be two pe
"You're getting married next week?!"Sophia almost spit out the wine she was drinking when she heard Felix announce his sudden wedding. She stared at him wide-eyed, then pointed a serious finger at his face. "You better not be joking with me, Felix.""I'm not joking, Mom. I'm serious about this. I'm getting married next week, and... you'll meet my fiancée tomorrow night."Michael and Sophia exchanged glances. They were completely caught in a whirlwind of confusion, anxiety, doubt, and fear. What exactly was happening with Felix?Michael cleared his throat, having recovered from the shock that had made him lose focus for a moment. "Have you thought this through carefully, Felix?""I have, Dad."Michael continued, "You know your wife will inherit the family shares?""We're just getting married. As for business matters... I'll still have full control over that."Sophia furrowed her brows, crossing her arms over her chest. "Who are you marrying? Is she the daughter of a wealthy businessma
CHAPTER 23Isabella sat in front of her laptop, staring at the blank screen for what felt like an eternity. She had lost all interest in writing. Real-life problems had drained too much of her energy. She bit her lip, massaged her head now and then, or sipped on the iced coffee in her tumbler that she had intentionally placed beside her laptop, but none of it sparked any ideas for the next chapter. With a sigh, Isabella picked up her phone and scrolled through social media to break the monotony. Then, out of nowhere, a profile popped up on her Instagram explore page.It was an anonymous account showcasing nighttime views of New York. There was a bridge in the photo, and it looked like some people were celebrating a birthday party.At first, Isabella didn't think much of the picture; it was just another ordinary photo. But then, her blue eyes caught sight of a familiar figure in the background behind the people taking selfies."That's Irene!"Like a breath of fresh air, Isabella finall
Whatever had driven her twin sister to this point, whatever danger she was facing, Isabella had to uncover the truth. She couldn't just sit back and let her sister's life fall apart.Isabella grabbed her coat and headed for the door, her resolve growing with every step. If necessary, she would go to Solstice Assurance in person. She would dig up every piece of evidence, every document, until she found what she was looking for. And if Nicholas was hiding something, she’d make sure he paid for it.As she stepped out into the cold New York air, Isabella couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. She looked around, but the street was empty, the only sounds the distant hum of traffic and the rustling of leaves in the wind. She shook off the unease and kept walking, her mind focused on Irene.The office building housing Solstice Assurance looked grand and modern, towering over the surrounding shops and cafes. Isabella hesitated at the entrance, taking a moment to gather her thou
Isabella was getting ready for work and once again disguised herself as Irene. She wore a white blazer and a scarf with black stripes around her neck. Isabella straightened her hair to look neat and elegant, just as Irene usually did. She then grabbed Irene's bag and left her downtown apartment. However, as her hand reached the car door, another hand stopped her. Isabella turned around and found Felix standing nearby with an expressionless face.Isabella's eyebrows furrowed. "Felix?" Felix gently pulled Isabella's hand, preventing her from getting into the car, then stepped back. His brown eyes looked at Isabella seriously. "You need to come with me now."Isabella chuckled, "You look serious.""..."Isabella's previously relaxed expression changed as she faced Felix. Clearing her throat, she crossed her arms over her chest. "What's this about?""Irene. Irene Swan. Your sister." Isabella's face tensed. "And, about our marriage."Isabella then followed Felix to his car, and they sat ins
As the applause began to fade, Isabella could feel her heart racing, her mind in turmoil. She had just been kissed by Felix in front of all these people, yet Felix acted as if it was just another business transaction. Meanwhile, the taste of that kiss still lingered on her lips, a disconcerting reminder that this was no longer just about a contract. Her whispered curse had been a reflex, a way to vent her frustration and confusion, but it had done nothing to calm the chaos in her mind.Felix, on the other hand, seemed perfectly composed, greeting the guests with his usual charm and authority. It was as if nothing extraordinary had happened, and that realization only made Isabella’s emotions more volatile. She felt as though she was being pulled in two directions—part of her wanted to maintain the pretense, to keep everything strictly professional, but another part, a growing part, was finding it harder to ignore the confusing feelings that Felix had stirred within her.The tension in
CHAPTER 27The party buzzed around them, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation. Emily and Isabella stepped out of the bathroom, their smiles tense but still present. Emily squeezed Isabella's hand one last time, her eyes silently promising to always be there, no matter what happened."Thank you," Isabella whispered, her voice almost lost in the noise."Anytime," Emily replied before letting go and disappearing into the crowd.Isabella barely had time to catch her breath before Felix appeared in front of her. His presence was like a shadow, dark and brooding. He handed Isabella a glass of champagne, his eyes searching her face.“Let’s talk,” Felix said, nodding toward the balcony.Isabella followed him, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on them. The cool night air touched her skin as they stepped outside, closing the door behind them. The city skyline stretched out before them, a labyrinth of lights and skyscrapers.Felix turned to her, his face calm l
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