CHAPTER 3

James greeted Isabella coldly, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

"Welcome, Isabella. You're finally here," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Isabella smiled nervously, "Thank you, James. This is...wow."

James snorted, pouring himself a drink. "Save the small talk, Isabella. You're not here for the view."

Isabella's smile faltered. "James, I—"

He cut her off, his voice icy. "Let's get down to business. You're here for the money, and I'm here for...well, let's just say you're a means to an end."

Isabella's eyes widened, hurt by his blunt words.

James sneered. "Don't play coy, Isabella. You were desperate for that money."

Isabella's face burned. "James, that's not—"

He interrupted, his tone condescending. "Don't deny it, Isabella. I'm sure you've used part of the money I gave you to pay for your sister's surgery, and you were drowning in debt."

Isabella's eyes stung with tears.

James's gaze turned glacial. "And don't think for a second you can back out now. You're in this too deep."

Isabella's voice barely rose above a whisper. "I won't back out."

James's smile twisted. "Good. Let's put on a show."

Facing a whiteboard, where he highlighted their plans, “Now you've moved in, we need to get our story straight and very convincing, My Dad is a hard nut to crack but when we've gotten our story straight, I'll fix a meeting for us to meet, we fix a wedding date for the marriage, then the baby can…..”

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them. His eyes widened in surprise as he opened the door to reveal his father, Mr. Reed.

"Father! I didn't expect you to drop by today," James said, trying to hide his unease.

Mr. Reed's stern expression softened slightly. "I was in the neighborhood, James. Thought I'd check in on you."

James's mind racing, he stepped aside to let his father in.

"Who is she?" he asked surprisingly.

"Uhm...Dad, this is...Isabella Hartley," James said, attempting to sound casual.

Mr. Reed's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Isabella. "Ah, Ms. Hartley. Lovely to meet you."

Isabella smiled warmly, extending her hand. "The pleasure's mine, Mr. Reed."

Mr. Reed’s gaze lingered on Isabella before turning back to James. "I didn't know you were...entertaining today."

James's heart sank. He and Isabella hadn't discussed their fake story yet.

"Isabella and I...uh...met at a charity event," James stammered.

Isabella's eyes darted to James, but she quickly recovered. "Yes, that's right. We bonded over our shared interest in supporting local art programs."

Mr. Reed's expression remained skeptical. "I see. And how long have you two been...acquainted?"

 "We've known each other for a few months now, Mr. Reed. We've been taking things slowly." Isabella quickly answered.

His eyes narrowed. "I wasn't aware James was seeing anyone seriously, not until today."

James forced a smile. "We've kept it private, Father. Didn't want to jinx it."

James's father seemed skeptical about the whole thing, "So, Ms. Hartley, tell me, how did you meet James?."

James intervened, attempting to sound casual. "We met at a charity gala, Father. Isabella was speaking about her latest project."

Isabella picked up the story. "Yes, James was kind enough to donate to the cause. We struck up a conversation and...here we are."

Mr. Reed's gaze lingered on Isabella. "I must say, Ms. Hartley, you're quite...charming."

Isabella's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Mr. Reed."

Mr. Reed turned to James. "James, you've done well for yourself. I approve."

James forced a smile. "Thanks, Father."

Mr. Reed's expression turned serious. "James, I expect great things from you. Your marriage to Ms. Hartley will solidify our family's reputation."

Isabella's eyes darted to James, sensing unease.

James's voice tightened. "Father, we've just started dating. Let's not rush into anything."

 "James, you're 30 years old. It's time to settle down. Ms. Hartley seems suitable."

Isabella's face burned, feeling like a pawn.

Mr. Reed stood, his presence commanding. "I'll leave you two to get reacquainted. James, don't forget to come along with Isabella for my upcoming birthday party. I want to know more about her."

James nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Father."

As Mr. Reed departed, James exhaled deeply.

James returned to the living room, where Isabella sat nervously.

"Sorry about my father," James said, sitting beside her. "He can be...overwhelming."

Isabella smiled weakly. "It's okay. I understand."

James leaned back, studying Isabella. "So, tell me more about yourself."

Isabella's eyes sparkled. "What do you want to know?"

James shrugged. "Everything. Hobbies, interests, dreams..."

Isabella laughed. "That's a lot to cover."

James grinned. "I'm a good listener."

Isabella took a deep breath. "Okay. I love reading, hiking, and trying new foods."

James nodded enthusiastically. "I'm a fan of hiking too. Favorite spot?"

Isabella's eyes lit up. "Red Rock Canyon. The views are breathtaking."

James smiled. "I'll have to take you there."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering topics from childhood memories to favorite books.

Isabella shared stories about her sister, Miranda, and James spoke about his late mother.

James stood up, staring at Isabella. "I think we've covered enough ground for today, Dad's birthday party is coming up. I would like you to attend."

Isabella laughed. "I second that and what time is the party?"

James handed her a card. "It's 7 pm, I'm sure you don't have a dress that will suit you, so get a dress from this boutique. They'll know what to do."

Isabella took the card, her eyes widening. "Alright, Thanks."

Immediately, She called her best friend.

"Hey, girl! I need your help," Isabella said.

"What's up?" Mia replied.

"I need a dress for James's father's birthday party, which is coming up soon, he gave me his black card to get a dress and I was hoping you could come with me to help pick a dress?"

Mia squealed. "Yes! Which boutique?"

Isabella read out the card. "La Belle Époque."

At the boutique, Mia gasped at the stunning gowns. "Isabella, you'll look amazing in any of these."

 "I know, right? Thanks, Mia." She chuckled.

As they browsed, a charming man approached.

"Hi, beautiful," he said, eyeing Isabella. "I'm Steve, James's best friend."

Isabella's smile faltered. "Hi, Steve."

Steve's gaze lingered on Isabella. "You look familiar. Have we met before now?"

Isabella shook her head. "No, I don't think so."

Steve leaned in. "I could swear I've seen you before. I'll figure it out."

 "Steve, back off. She said no." Mia intervened.

Steve chuckled. "Easy, Mia. Just making conversation."

Isabella's unease grew.

Steve's voice dropped to a whisper. "I've heard about you, Isabella. James's new...friend."

Isabella's eyes locked onto his. "What do you mean?"

Steve smirked. "Just that James usually doesn't introduce his...companions to his father."

Isabella's face burned.

Mia stepped forward. "That's enough, Steve, and well, News flash, he already did, and we will be attending his upcoming birthday party."

Steve raised his hands. "No offense, ladies. Just curious."

"Breathe, Bella. He's just trying to get under your skin."

Isabella exhaled deeply. "You're right. Let's find that dress, so we can leave.”

As Steve walked away, his mind whirled with curiosity. "Where have I seen her before? And she has a familiar birthmark on her neck." he wondered.

Steve couldn't shake off the feeling that Isabella was familiar as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through old photos.

One picture caught his eye – a childhood snapshot of a young girl; she had the same bright smile and sparkling eyes.

Steve's heart skipped a beat.

"Could it be that she could indeed be my long-lost sister? I need to carry out an investigation but how?" he thought.