Isabella~"Isabella, where’s Xavier? Call him to the party hall. All the guests are waiting for the cake-cutting ceremony." Mr. Donald Thompson, my father-in-law, requested that I find my spouse. With trepidation, I nodded and spun around to search for Xavier in the massive party hall. At this grand party, seeing him felt like an impossible task.All the important guests, clutching their wine glasses, enjoyed the evening in the beautifully designed hall, its floral arrangements, and colorful lights creating a breathtaking display. The wealth of the Thompson family was evident in every detail of the decor, which reflected the Thompson family's wealth, leaving everyone in awe. They were America's richest family, not just the town's richest.Holding the shimmering folds of my heavy gown, I navigated through the crowd like a lost puppy, trying to spot my husband, Xavier Thompson. This was only the second time I’d attended such an extravagant event. The first had been my wedding reception,
Isabella~"Bella, what happened? Why are you looking so sad?" Victor gave me a worried look."I'm all right. Let's go to the party; Dad must be waiting for us." I put more effort into forcing a fake smile on my face, trying to hide my tears."But my brooch, you said my appearance looks incomplete," he grumbled as he glanced at the locked door to my room."You look perfectly fine; you don't need a brooch." I grabbed his hand, stopping him from entering my room. I couldn’t bear for him to step into the nightmare I had just witnessed. My hand trembled slightly as I held onto his, the weight of Xavier and Alicia’s betrayal pressing on my chest like a boulder.Victor let out a soft sigh. "All right, if you say so." His eyes searched mine, and I quickly averted my gaze, tugging him toward the party hall. It became impossible to face anyone alone.As we walked, my world crumbled in my mind, replaying Xavier and Alicia’s intimacy over and over. How had I been so blind to their relationship? E
Isabella~"What are you saying, Dad?" Xavier's frustrated voice echoed through the silent party hall following Mr. Thompson's shocking announcement. I still couldn’t believe it. There had to be a mistake. How could he choose me as his firm’s new heir? I’m not qualified—I’m not even worthy to be a lawyer’s assistant."Dad, how can Bella—" Victor’s voice broke through the confusion, his shock mirroring the one I felt."You all heard me," Mr. Thompson said, his voice firm, cutting through the whispers that started spreading through the crowd. "Isabella Thompson, my daughter-in-law, is the new successor to my legal practice."My blood froze as his words sunk in. It wasn’t a dream. The whispers grew louder. People’s gazes landed on me—questioning, doubting, almost judging. I could feel their stares like I was a cheap cloth draped across a rich carpet. Grayson and Dixie exchanged glances of disapproval, and Victor looked utterly stunned, still trying to process what his father had said.I
Xavier~"Oh, so you want a divorce from me, huh?" I raise my brow at her. I always wanted to get rid of her, but the idea of asking her for a divorce in exchange for returning my firm to me hurt my ego. How can a low-standard woman insult me in this way? My dad's announcement has already angered me, and now she's fueling my already simmering rage. "Yes, Xavier Thompson, you heard me right—I want divorce." As she stared right into my eyes, her voice challenged me. I never thought she would suddenly be that fearless. Her eyes were typically kind toward me, but now they were blazing with something that looked like anger. I looked at the legal papers for the company that were on the ground. Did I accept her demand? I own this company, so she can't ask for anything in exchange for giving it back to me. But all she's asking for is a divorce, so it's a win-win for me. I turned to face the party guests and my family members. They were all looking at me with dissatisfaction. Will taking a
Xavier~"I asked you not to get involved in Mr. Johnson's case; why did you accept to take it on, Xavier?" I was reviewing Mr. Johnson's case file while seated in my office. That's when Alicia entered my office. I looked up from the paperwork to see her red, irate face. "Sorry, Alicia; I can't say no to him because he is our old client and my dad's best friend." I took her hand and ran a thumb over it to soothe her rage. "Xavier, how could you ignore my decision? Did my opinion not matter to you?" Her eyes beamed with dissatisfaction. "It's not like that, my love; I value your opinions greatly, but I must handle this case on my own to strengthen our finances due to the firm's financial situation." I begged her to give me her permission to handle this case. "Xavier, I don't know anything; if you don't say no to him in this case, then I will never talk to you again." With rage, she jerked my hand. "But darling, it's an important case for this firm since we are running out of financ
Xavier~"Isa..Isabella..." When I saw Isabella in front of me, my initial thought was that I had come to the wrong place for help. But my heart knows very well about her polite nature, so despite my doubts about getting help from her, I forced myself to seek it."Isa... Isabella, how are you doing?" I gulped down my saliva to moisten my throat. Upon seeing her sitting in the front chair, my eyes already widened in shock, and I did not understand how to react at that moment. All the scenes where I did wrong with her in the past flashed back in front of my eyes."Mr. Thompson, it's Veronica Luis, not Isabella anymore." Her sharp voice pierced my ears.I always saw her as a shy, fear-filled woman who walked around me in hopes that I would accept her love proposal. However, when I saw her sitting in such a powerful position, I regretted rejecting her love. I wouldn’t have seen this if I hadn’t insulted her on our wedding anniversary and divorced her."How may I help you?" Her eyes narrowe
Isabella~"Miss Luis, did the renowned criminal lawyer Xavier Thompsan come to meet you?" As soon as Xavier left my office, my next client came in. "Yes, he is." I nodded and peered through the large glass window of my office reception. I noticed him walking sadly in the direction of the main gate. I am well aware that no one wants to fight his case because of all the evidence against him. When I first saw his appointment request in my mail, I wanted to turn it down right away, but something inside of me restrained me from doing so. It took me three months to mentally be ready to see him again. But my heart forced me to meet him once so that he could realize what he had lost in his life. That wasn't the only reason I invited him to meet me; I was also genuinely interested in taking on his case, as I found it to be quite challenging. "Did you take his case, Miss Luis?" My client's voice broke my thought bubble. "No." I firmly shook my head. But why did I turn down his case when I
Xavier~"Thank you, Veronica." I extended my hand for a handshake, expressing my happiness. I didn’t know the specific reason for her to agree to handle my case, but I was relieved she accepted. At least I had a chance to let her lead my defense. Hope surged within me—perhaps, with her skill, the court could grant me bail."Best of luck, Mr. Thompson." Her handshake was firm, her eyes meeting mine with confidence. As her hand touched mine, my heart raced unexpectedly. That touch sparked memories of a past I had long tried to bury, but it also brought feelings of shame."How dare you touch me? I never thought you'd take advantage of my drunken state and seduce me into sleeping with you." The memory of my cruel words came rushing back. I could still hear the echo of that cold, bitter tone. When I had woken up next to her, naked in the same bed, rage consumed me."No, Xavier, I didn’t seduce you. It was you who..." Her words, panicked and terrified, had done little to soothe my fury."Yo
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