CHAPTER 5

As they arrived at the party, James whispered to Isabella, "Smile."

Isabella forced a bright smile onto her face. They made their way through the crowd, greeting guests and well-wishers. They were immediately greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the hum of conversation.

"Happy birthday, Father," James said, approaching Mr. Reed.

Mr. Reed's eyes lit up. "James! Isabella! Wonderful to see you both.”

Isabella handed him a beautifully decorated cake. "We got this for you, sir."

Mr. Reed's eyes lit up. "It's been a long time since I got a cake as a birthday present after James's mother passed away. Thank you, dear. You're such a darling."

"Make a wish, Father," James said.

Mr. Reed chuckled. "I think I've already gotten my wish, having you both here."

Isabella's eyes misted. "We're happy to be here, sir."

Mr. Reed's expression turned serious. "I'm glad to see James has found someone as lovely as you, Isabella. You're good for him."

 "I think so too, Father." he smiled coldly.

James and Isabella exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Reed for a few minutes before he excused them.

Just then, a sultry voice called out, "James!"

Isabella turned to James. "Who's that?"

James's expression turned guarded. "Just a family friend. Don't worry about it."

But before James could steer Isabella away, Elena sauntered up to them.

"James, darling! I've missed you," Elena cooed.

Isabella's eyes narrowed. There was something about Elena's tone that didn't sit right with her.

Elena's gaze turned to Isabella, her eyes raking over her. "And you must be the wanna-be girlfriend."

Isabella smiled politely. "Nice to meet you."

Elena's smile was icy. "I'm sure it's...enlightening being with James."

James interrupted his voice firm. "Elena, let's not make small talk. We need to mingle."

Elena pouted but moved on.

As James and Isabella walked away, Isabella whispered, "Who is she?"

James's expression turned grim. "No one important."

Isabella excused herself to use the restroom, while in the restroom, her phone rang; it was Mia.

“Hey bestie, What's up” as she answered the call.

"Isabella, I need to talk to you about something." 

"What's wrong? Are you okay? What happened?" asked almost shivering.

"Alex is back in town. He showed up at my apartment yesterday, demanding to see you."

"That creep! Did he threaten you?" she asked.

"Not really, but he came, scattered the whole place, and promised to get you at all cost. Bella, you can't let him bully you; remember you're with James now, and he will protect you."

"But Mia, James doesn't know what Alex is capable of. I don't want him to get hurt," she said fearfully.

"James can handle himself, Bella. And we'll be there for you, too; you're not alone in this." She added, reassuring her.

"Thanks, Mia. I need to go now, before James begins to suspect my long stay in the restroom" She said as she hung up the call.

On her way out, she bumped into Elena.

Isabella walked out of the stall to find Elena leaning against the sink, her eyes fixed on her.

"You think you've got him wrapped around your finger, don't you?" Elena sneered.

Isabella's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"

Elena's smile was venomous. "James. You think you're the only one he cares about?"

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Elena stepped closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Stay away from James. He won't marry you."

Isabella's eyes flashed. "What makes you think that?"

Elena's laughter sent chills down Isabella's spine. "You're just a pawn in James's game. He'll use you and discard you."

Isabella's anger rose. "You don't know anything about us."

Elena's eyes glinted. "Oh, but I do. I know James's secrets, you're just a temporary distraction, and don't worry about your own secret with Alex."

Isabella's hands clenched into fists. "Leave me alone and stay the hell out of me Elena or whatever your name is."

Elena's smile grew wider. "This isn't over, Isabella. You'll find out soon enough.”

Isabella took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, as she hurried back to James, her mind reeling.

As Isabella and James rejoined the party, Isabella couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling Elena's words had left her with.

"James, who is Elena?" Isabella asked again.

James's expression turned grim. "Look she's just a family friend that desperately wants me to get married to her, nothing more, Isabella. Don't worry about it."

Isabella nodded, but her mind was already racing with questions.

Just then, a tall, dark-haired man caught her eye.

"Who's that?" Isabella asked James.

James followed her gaze. "Oh! That's Steve, my best-friend."

Steve saw them, and approached them.

"Excuse me, mind if I join you?" Steve asked.

James nodded. "Not at all, Steve."

“Let me make a proper introduction. Steve, this is Isabella, my girlfriend. Isabella, this is Steve, my best-friend" James said, his voice warm.

Steve's eyes raked over Isabella before he smiled. "The infamous Isabella. I've heard so much about you."

Isabella smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Steve."

Steve's smile turned sly. "So, the cleaner's done well for herself, huh? Now floating in wealth and luxury."

Isabella's eyes flashed, but before she could respond, James interrupted.

"Steve, that's enough," James said, his voice firm.

Steve raised his hands. "Just making conversation, James. No offense meant."

James's eyes narrowed. "Get us drinks, Steve. Make yourself useful."

Steve shrugged and walked away.

As soon as Steve was out of earshot, James turned to Isabella.

"I'm sorry about that," James said, his voice sincere. "Steve can be a jerk sometimes."

Isabella forced a smile. "It's okay. I can handle myself."

Soon, Steve returned with their drinks, his eyes fixed on Isabella with a mixture of curiosity.

"Here you go, lovebirds," Steve said, handing them their drinks.

James took the drinks and handed one to Isabella.

"Thanks, Steve," James said. "Why don't you go enjoy the party? We're good here."

Steve's smile turned bitter before he nodded and walked away.

As Steve walked away, James leaned in.

"Steve's harmless," James whispered.

But Isabella's instincts told her otherwise.

As the party went on, Steve kept trailing every movement of Isabella.

He watched as she laughed with James, as she chatted with other guests.

And then, his chance came.

Isabella set her glass down for a moment, and Steve swooped in.

He quickly grabbed the glass and slipped it into his pocket.

"Got it," Steve muttered to himself.

Now he had something to work with.

His investigation was about to get a whole lot easier. As the night drew in, James leaned in close to Isabella.

"I have a surprise for you," he whispered.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

James smiled mischievously. "You'll see."

And with that, he took her hand, leading her to the center of the party.

"What are you doing?" Isabella asked.

James just chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough."

"From the moment I met you, Isabella, I knew you were special," James said, his eyes locked onto hers, as he placed his right knee on the floors.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat.

"Isabella, will you marry me?" he asked, pulling out a stunning diamond ring.

Tears pricked at Isabella's eyes, everyone froze, and all eyes were on her, awaiting her response.