Isabella~"Why did you flee from that building, Xavier? You know we have a chance to apprehend him." I looked at him angrily as he was running from Jonathan."Use your common sense, Bella; you have no idea how dangerous Jonathan is. He's not like Jordan. If we don't flee from him, he will kill us." He looked behind to check whether Jonathan was still following us or not, his sharp eyes scanning the streets for any sign of pursuit."But now, how will we bring justice to Laila?" As we paused near the police station, I questioned him again, my voice trembling with frustration."For now, let's put Laila out of our minds; we need to get back to the United States," he said, his tone curt. He asked me not to overthink this, but the words felt like a dismissal, and my chest tightened.James made me sit on the bench. His heavy breathing and sweat dripping down his forehead gave me an idea of how exhausting carrying me must have been. Despite his weariness, he cast me a reassuring smile, as if
Xavier~"Are you ready, Jacqueline?" I teased James, unable to resist the opportunity since he was dressed like a woman."Don't play with me, Xavier; otherwise, I will punch your handsome face, turning it blue." He angrily gritted his teeth, his voice unusually high-pitched to match his disguise."Don't be too harsh on your delicate hands, Jacqueline." I smirked, taking his hand and running my thumb over it."Bella, ask this bastard to stop teasing me; otherwise, I will kick him in his main part, and he will not be able to fulfill Alan's desire!" James shot Bella an irritated look."Stop it, Xavier. How can you make fun of him in such a risky situation? You know that what James is going to do is not a simple task," Bella scolded, her expression deadly serious."I know, my sweetheart, but he looks so gorgeous in this attire that I can't hold myself back from flirting with him. Trust me, Bella, if he were a woman, I'd propose to him right now." I burst into laughter as I glanced at Jame
Isabella~"Thank God, we finally returned to the USA." When I heard Xavier's voice, I opened my eyes. The journey had been perilous and exhausting. Undoubtedly, Uncle Jorawar will be pleased to learn that we have taken Jonathan into custody.I took Xavier's hand and ran my thumb over it. "Do you truly believe it's that simple, Bella?" He raised his brow and questioned me, his expression dark."What's the issue now? Xavier, everything is in order now. We've filed a case against Jonathan and asked the Italian police to transfer him to the US police." I didn't understand why he still looked so worried about Jonathan when everything seemed sorted."Given that we assisted Italian authorities in apprehending Jonathan, do you believe Jordan will remain silent?" Xavier's forehead creased with tension.His words made my chest tighten. "What will Jordan Lucas do in this case? He has no authority over the Italian police." I tried to sound confident, though a flicker of doubt crept in."He mig
Xavier~"Xavier, are you excited for today?" When I heard Victor's voice, I rubbed my eyes to get out of bed."On your fucking engagement day, how could you have slept like a beast?" James joined Victor in making fun of me.I sat upright on my bed, and my thoughts drifted back to the early years when my dad had announced my engagement to Isabella."Xavier, I arranged your marriage to Isabella Morgan, and today marks the beginning of your engagement." I remember how Dad informed me about my marriage to Isabella over breakfast."Wow, that's great; I am so happy for you." My elder brother and his wife seemed satisfied with Dad's decision."Isabella is not bad; in fact, she is a nice woman," Victor added, expressing his approval of Dad's decision while eating breakfast."I can't marry her, Dad." I dared to speak against Dad's decision.I wanted to let him know that I loved Alicia and not her stepsister, but doing so would mean defying my father. His approval, my career, and the future of
Isabella~"Xavier, you look tense. Is everything all right?" I noticed him silently having his breakfast. He didn't even respond to James and Victor's teasing. Is he unhappy with our engagement? I cast a suspicious glance at his face.However, his expression betrayed no joy or sadness, leaving me confused about his feelings. My mind wandered to the past—how he had once forcibly held my hand, sliding the engagement ring on with a forced smile. His anger-filled gaze had pierced through me back then. I was naive, oblivious to his love for Alicia, and blind to their betrayal.Even though I had encouraged him to put the past behind us and focus on our future, those upsetting memories still lingered, casting a shadow on my joy."Bella, where have you lost? Tell me, where are you planning to go on your honeymoon?" James's voice snapped me out of my reverie.Before responding to James, I glanced at Xavier. He remained engrossed in his thoughts, barely noticing anything around him."I haven't
Xavier~"B... Be... Bella. What are you doing here?" As soon as I noticed her standing behind me, I felt a surge of anxiety. "Tell me, Xavier, what you're keeping from me." She looked at me with a doubt-filled gaze. "No, nothing. Everything is fine." I put my phone in my pocket to hide the reason for my anxiety. I don't want to upset her by informing her about the latest bomb Jordan Lucas dropped on us. I was preoccupied with wondering what surprise Jordan had in store for us after his early-morning phone call. My phone rang a familiar number as soon as we got engaged, and after hearing the news on the other end, I realized that this was Jordan Lucas's plan this time. "Xavier, are you going to tell me or not? I know you're hiding something from me." She blocked my path by standing in front of me and questioning me in an authoritative tone. "We'll discuss that later, Bella. Our guests are waiting for us." I instructed her to attend to our guests. When she saw James and Victor comi
Isabella~"Bella, please listen to me: don't let your emotions overpower you." Xavier trailed behind me, trying to convince me to reconsider my decision."Do you think I am overemotional?" I spun around to face him, my voice shaking. I didn't expect him to accuse me of being overly emotional just because I wanted to reopen Laila's case and bring justice for her."Bella, you are upset now. Please calm down first, and then we will discuss it," he pleaded, his tone soft yet firm. But I could sense the underlying frustration in his words."I didn't want to hear anything from him right now." My frustration boiled over as I shut the door to my room, keeping him out. Tears stung my eyes as I leaned against the door, but I refused to cry. How could he do this to me? I never expected him to hide such a big truth from me. His silence felt like a betrayal.He hadn't told me anything about Dixie and Lincon's divorce, even though I had asked him repeatedly about his strange behavior. And now, Jord
Xavier~"Bella, please listen to me." I trailed her out of the house to prevent her from proceeding to the Supreme Court."Xavier, there's nothing left to say. Just when I need you the most, you're choosing your family over me." She sat in the driver's seat and ignited the car engine."You're misinterpreting me, Bella; I also wish to bring justice to Laila, but not at the expense of Lincon and Dixie's divorce." I pleaded with her to understand me."Thank you once again for clarifying your intentions." She slid the door mirror to close and subsequently departed from the house. In her anger, she refused to allow the driver to operate the car. I don't understand how she is going to drive the car with her fractured leg.I let out a defeated sigh as her car left the house, and I made my way inside."Didn't she even listen to you?" Dad's frustrated voice echoed in the hall as he entered the house."No, Dad." I sat on the couch and shook my head."Xavier, you must stop her at all costs. You
Isabella~"Mrs. Thompson, you seem to enjoy messing with me, huh?" Jordan grinned as he glanced at the envelope. "Of course, I like to teach a good lesson to those who always take the wrong path to achieve their goals." I glared at him while crossing my arms over my chest. "Alright, then I am ready to accept your challenge. Since your husband has previously lost a case against me, you might also try your luck." His voice carries a mixture of shock and anger. "Jordan, history doesn't repeat itself; occasionally, new events occur to establish a fresh milestone." My heart was blazing with anger as I gazed at him. Upon discovering the details of Victor's accident, I felt a surge of anger. I never expected him to kill Victor so brutally. "Are you okay, Bella?" Xavier approached me as soon as Jordan Lucas left the cemetery. "Yes, I'm all right." I nodded my head. Xavier was examining my body as if I had returned from a war. "Bella, let's go home.: My dad came to me and caressed my ha
Xavier~"Stop it, Bella." I tried to stop her by running behind her car, but she ignored my pleadings. I sat on my knees and cried aloud, cradling my face between my palms. "Xavier, please control your emotions. If you break down like this, then who will take care of your family?" James comforted me by placing his hand on my shoulder. "James, I am broken now; it feels difficult for me to recollect my heart's shattered pieces. Victor was not only my younger brother; he was like my child. When our mother passed away, he was just five years old. I failed to keep my promise to my dying mother that I would always look after my younger brother. My mom's soul will curse me for breaking my promise." I wept uncontrollably, resting my head on his shoulder. "Xavier, I can understand your pain, but whatever happened was not your fault." James attempted to comfort me, but I was unable to slow down despite his comforting words. "How can I be relaxed when Jordan Lucas already warned me? How can
Isabella~"Victor, come on, open your eyes; you can't play a prank on me on this special day." I held his hand and asked him to get up, but he didn't move."Look at him, Xavier; he ignored me." I turned to Xavier, my voice trembling with desperation, searching for any sign that this was just a cruel joke."Bella, please control your emotions," Xavier whispered as he pulled me into a hug, but I could feel his own body shaking."Victor, get up! You can't leave me like this!" My cries grew louder, raw with agony as I saw him lying there—so still, so lifeless.A nurse approached Xavier, her voice soft yet firm. "We need your signature here."Xavier's hands shook as he took the papers. "How... how did this happen?" His eyes filled with tears as he gripped the document, unable to believe what he was reading."He was involved in a car accident and was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he passed away before we could admit him," the nurse informed him."No, Victor, you can't leave me!
Xavier~"Xavier, you are fortunate to have a wife like Isabella." James fixed the brooch on my tuxedo and congratulated me again on my marriage."Yes, James, I am quite fortunate that she gave me another chance." I sighed deeply, remembering how long the journey had been. We had experienced many highs and lows in our lives, and now, we would finally be together.Our marriage made everyone very pleased. Uncle Jorawar and my dad worked together to plan the wedding. Dixie and Aunt Lily assisted Isabella in getting ready. Alan eagerly helped his grandfather prepare for the big day, his small hands adjusting decorations with excitement. Victor was overjoyed to be Isabella's best man.James, as my best man, took me to the church. As I stood at the altar, waiting for Isabella to arrive, I could barely contain my anticipation. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't wait to see her in a wedding gown.The church was packed with guests and journalists. The sound of murmurs filled the space as
Isabella~"Where were you, Xavier? Everyone was anticipating your arrival." I questioned him after seeing him enter the hall."Bella, I am worn out and want to rest for some time." His voice sounded exhausted and dull, his body slightly hunched as if carrying an invisible burden."Are you okay, Xavier?" I gazed at his face while holding his hand, concern growing in my chest."Oh my God, Xavier, you have a high fever." I placed my hand on his forehead to check his temperature. The heat radiating from his skin alarmed me."Don't worry about me, Bella; I'll be fine after napping. You can go and enjoy it with them. I don't want to ruin your victory celebration." His pain was evident in his eyes, yet he forced a weak smile."Without you, Xavier, how can I find joy?" I led him to his room, holding his hand tightly, unwilling to leave him alone in such a fragile state."Bella, I am sorry; I made a major mistake by defending Jonathan." His words spilled out as his eyes fluttered shut, and he
Xavier~"Bella, thank you. Since the beginning, I have had complete faith in you to bring justice to Laila." Aunt Lily hugged Bella tightly, tears streaming down her face after hearing the judge's verdict in Bella's favor. Her voice cracked with emotion.I sat frozen in my seat, paralyzed by the enormity of what had just unfolded. My mind replayed Laila's voice from the recording, her sobs, her pain, and her sacrifice to protect me. What was I doing all this time? Protecting her killers rather than fighting for justice for her death. The shame was unbearable, and I regretted every choice that had brought me to this moment. Fear had consumed me—fear of Jordan Lucas's threats, fear of losing my family—and driven me to betray my conscience."Aunty, please don't cry now. I'm sure Laila's soul can rest in peace," Bella said softly as she hugged Aunt Lily, her voice a blend of pride, contentment, and relief.My soul, too, craved the fulfillment Bella spoke of—bringing justice to Laila. But
Isabella~"All the best, Bella. I know you will win this case. I am completely confident in your skills."Before I entered the courtroom, James encouraged me."James, I hope so, too," I replied, managing a faint smile. Though I had put in immense effort to win this case, defeating Xavier Thompson felt like an insurmountable challenge. He was a skilled opponent, and the assurance etched on his face as he prepared to argue made my nerves falter.I attempted to calm myself, but my apprehension grew stronger the moment I spotted Xavier in the courtroom. His fierce defense of Jonathan Lucas had already weakened my position in this case. Despite having damning evidence, a lingering doubt gnawed at me. Would the judge see the truth?This case wasn't just about winning. It was about justice for Laila. My family's honor, Laila's memory, and my professional integrity were at stake. If I lost today, it wouldn't just destroy me—it would tarnish everything Laila had sacrificed her life for."Good
Xavier~"What are you doing?" Seeing her cunning smile, I looked at her in confusion."Now Albert Fernandes knows the consequences of kneeling you down in front of him," she said, starting the car and slipping her phone into her pocket."Bella, please tell me what you did with him. I'm terrified of what you might have done this time." The sight of her calm face sent new tension coursing through my body. Her composed expression barely concealed the brewing storm behind her eyes. No matter how much I tried to shield her, she continued to draw threats into her life."Albert Fernandes was suspended from his position as a judge due to his cheap character. He had been requesting favors from female attorneys in return for rulings in their favor." I had to admit, hearing this filled me with relief and dread in equal measure.As soon as we reached the house, my steps halted in the hallway as the latest news flashed on television."Breaking News: Judge Albert Fernandes suspended amidst allegat
Isabella~"What did Albert say to you, Bella?"As soon as I left the courtroom, James started questioning me. His face was tense, his voice edged with urgency. I knew exactly why—Albert's demand for Xavier to kneel had unsettled him just as much as it had enraged me."He wanted to appease his ego by making Xavier kneel as a reward for supporting Dixie," I thought bitterly, clenching my fist to control my anger."What did you say to him?" James pressed, his inquisitive gaze remaining fixed on my face."James, what did you expect from me?" My voice came out sharper than I intended. "Did you think I'd grovel? Did you think I'd ask Xavier to kneel before such a bastard as Albert?" My eyes flicked toward the closed courtroom door, the memory of Albert's smug face still fresh in my mind. "Bloody rascal.Don't worry, Bella. We'll figure out a solution to this problem." James patted my shoulder gently, his attempt at reassurance barely making a dent in my frustration.I raked my fingers thr