Chapter 004

Dr. Kim was led to Isabelle’s room by the receptionist as she arrive the hotel where the former was lodged last night. Disbelief and shock swept across her features as she met Isabelle’s gaze.

“Oh god!” she exclaimed. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

Isabelle’s looks clearly showed she needed help. Even though it was morning, her face was pale, dark lines swept beneath the corners of her eyes. 

“I’m okay, Dr. Kim,” Isabelle said, trying to fake a smile. “Don’t worry about my looks. It’s probably all about last night. I’ll be fine. Meanwhile, I’m divorced. The papers were served last night. So, you can call me Mrs. Bricks from now on.”

“Was it because of this?” Dr. Kim asked worryingly.

“No, not at all. It’s a long story and I…don’t worry, doctor. I’m fine now.” Isabelle tried to narrate the story of ordeal to Dr. Kim, but in second thought, decided not to. Even after divorce, she was still protective of her ex-husband's image. 

Dr. Kim wasn’t satisfied with that, but time to attend to her wasn’t on her side anymore. Everything was moving so fast. She sighed and shrugged.

“Okay, if you say so. Now, let’s give you a new look; one befitting the new Mrs. Fernandez.”

Isabelle’s eyes grew wide as her jaw dropped, wondering what the doctor was up to this time.

She was about to say something when a knock at the door interrupted. Dr. Kim ushered the two ladies in. Isabelle watched in surprise as they emptied their boxes on the table, giving out a warm smile as they turned to face her.

“These are one of the best makeup artists in town. They are here to give you the new look as deserving of a celebrity.” Dr. Kim announced.

“Have I suddenly become a celebrity?” Isabelle muttered to herself.

Isabelle gave out a breath of relief, smiling widely. The two ladies started their magic as Isabelle sat facing the mirror. They began with her hair, and then her face. Isabelle had already taken her bath before Doctor Kim’s arrival.

Dr. Kim’s phone rang and she turned, backing them to answer the call. The two ladies had just finished their magic when the doctor turned to break the next news.

“Alright, it’s time,” Dr. Kim announced, heading towards the door to call the driver who was waiting outside the door. 

Isabelle knew it was time to finally meet her new husband. Her life was about to change for either good or bad. Fate was left hanging in the air like a suffocating shroud.

The driver helped with her boxes to the car trunk. Dr. Kim handed her the contract, telling her to read and sign it as Mr. Fernandez will be requesting for it soonest.

**

The house was so big that Isabelle had to wonder how only one person could live in such a big mansion. The maids were all beaming smiles as she stepped out of the car. They were all on the same uniform – white gown with a black top and a red scarf round their necks. 

“Hi, ma’am, I’m Bridget Nelson, assigned to make sure your stay here is smooth. Welcome, ma’am.” The lady at the front said. Isabelle nodded and smiled back at her. 

“Let me show you to your room.” Isabelle followed her inside.

Her room was amazing. Next to hers had the sculpture of the head of a lion above the entrance door. She wondered whose room that could be. Her room was painted white with white tiles, all glittering like diamonds. The size was twice her previous room. Up floor was the bedroom while downstairs was the seating room and kitchen.

“Is there any other thing you may want me to do for you?” Bridget said after packing her stuff to the bed. 

Isabelle dismissed her to go. She didn’t want to stress her any further. She was clearly   not used to such lifestyle of having maids do everything for her. Before leaving, the maid asked her to press the red button beside her bed or the one at the seating room whenever she needed anything.

“Thank you, Bridget,” Isabelle offered, her eyes travelling round the room. “How about Mr. Fernandez, when do I get to meet him?”

“Oh that, he’s not available at the moment. But he’ll be meeting you shortly. I’ll also let him know you’re here.” 

Isabelle had been lying on bed, eyes on the ceiling thinking about her new life and what the future holds for her. She stood up, pick up the remote on the table beside her and selected a news channel to watch.

The presenter was introducing the contestants for the new face of Fernandez Holdings. The ladies cat-walked to the stage from their positions, shaking their buttocks sideways with enchanting smiles on their faces, their legs were long and seductive. Isabelle admired them.

But then, her eyes widened fractionally with each passing second upon casting her gaze on the third contestants whose seductive figure popped on the screen.

 “Alison?” She almost screamed, she gasped for air, her hand flying to cover her mouth. She remembered that Alison was into modeling – the same friend who stabbed her deeply at the back and snatched her husband from her is now seeking a place in her new territory.

Would she let this happen?

Isabelle was still drowning in the shock of the news when she was brought back to life by the sudden knock at her door. It was a female voice. She hesitantly asked her in.

“Good evening, ma,” Bridget greeted, bending her knee slightly. Isabelle responded her greetings with a smile and tried to make her feel at ease with her. Isabelle was not used to the overwhelming formalities and excessive protocols. So, she tried to make the difference with Bridget.

Bridget requested if she was ready to have her dinner which Isabelle obliged and in few minutes, it was served. Before exiting the room, Bridget informed her that Mr. Fernandez would be having a meeting with her first thing by morning, 7 am and must go with the signed contract.

Isabelle had earlier read the contract page-by-page and but comfortable with most of the terms, mostly the one stating that her connection with the child will be terminated after 6 months of its birth. 

It had been Isabelle’s dream to one day cuddle her own child, and now that the dream was about to come true, she’d lose custody of it. Isabelle concluded she’d talk it over with Fernandez once they meet. Though the doctor mentioned it to her earlier, but now, the reality was becoming too difficult to accept.

The bedroom was covered with a very dim light. Isabelle’s eyes were closed, deep in sleep. In flip seconds, she finds her door ajar, and a strange figure that appeared like a man on black attire with face masked standing beside her few inches away. 

She tried to scream, but couldn’t. It was as if a heavy stone was hung in her throat. And then the figure mounted on her before she could know it, his both hands wrapped her slender neck tightly, pressing her down as she gasp for air.

Isabelle struggled till she was able to free herself from the grip. And then she jumped from the bed, switched on the light only to discover it was just a dream.

“Oh god, it was just a dream.”