Isabella kept her posture steady. Then tell me, Olivia, who do you think I am? Olivia observed her for a long moment before smiling. That’s what I’m still trying to figure out.
She picked up a glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray. But don’t worry, Isabella, I always find out. She took a sip and disappeared into the crowd.
Isabella stood still, taking a deep breath. Olivia was starting to suspect something, and that was a problem. In the car, William drove in silence.
Isabella watched the bright city streets, but she could tell he was unsettled. You want to ask me something, she said. I do.
He didn’t take his eyes off the road. But I don’t know if you’ll answer, she smiled. Depends on the question.
William turned the wheel, making a sharp turn. Who are you, Isabella? She crossed her legs, relaxed. The woman you chose to make an impression on your ex-fiance? No, his jaw tightened.
You know too much. You act like someone who has lived in this world before. She stayed quiet.
William pulled up in front of his hotel and turned to face her. I had you investigated. She didn’t look surprised.
And what did you find? He studied her. Nothing. You don’t exist, Isabella.
No records, no recent information. It’s as if you erased your own life. She gave a small smile.
Maybe some things need to be erased. William felt a mix of frustration and fascination. I don’t like mysteries.
Then maybe I’m not the right person for you. She opened the car door and stepped out, walking into the hotel without looking back. William sat still for a moment, his fingers gripping the steering wheel.
She was hiding something. And he was going to find out. Isabella locked the door and leaned against it.
Her heart was racing. Olivia was suspicious. William was suspicious.
She looked at herself in the mirror. The luxurious dress, the flawless makeup. For a moment, she looked like someone else.
Or maybe she was becoming who she had always been. She pulled out the disposable phone hidden in her bag and typed a short message. He started investigating.
The reply came seconds later. Then it’s time for you to decide your next move. Isabella deleted the message and let out a quiet sigh.
She knew she couldn’t keep this secret for long. And soon, William would find out the truth. William was not a patient man.
He liked direct answers, absolute control over everything around him. But Isabella? She was a mystery that defied his logic and that bothered him more than he wanted to admit. That morning, as he sipped his coffee in his office, his mind was still stuck on the night before.
Isabella knew things she shouldn’t know. She acted like she belonged in high society, yet she had no records, didn’t exist in any system. It was as if she had erased her own history.
He picked up the phone and dialed a number he hadn’t used in a while. I need you to look into someone for me, he said bluntly as soon as the call was answered. On the other end, a man chuckled.
It’s been a while, Lancaster. Who’s the target? Isabella. William paused for a moment.
No last name. That makes things more interesting. I want to know everything, where she came from, who she really is, and why she seems to be hiding something.
Give me 48 hours. William hung up and leaned back in his chair. If Isabella was playing a game with him, he would soon see her cards.
Hours later, after leaving the office, he decided to find her. He knew she was still staying at the hotel he had booked for her. When he arrived, he went straight to her floor and knocked on the door without warning.
Let’s play a little game with those who only read the comments. Type chocolate in the comments. Only those who made it this far will understand.
Now let’s continue with the story. It took a few seconds, but Isabella finally opened the door. She was dressed simply, without the flawless makeup from the night before, yet her posture remained unwavering.
Were you expecting someone? William asked, crossing his arms. She didn’t seem surprised by his visit. Not really, but you don’t seem like the type who announces his arrival, do you? He studied her for a moment.
Can we talk? She stepped aside, letting him in. William walked into the room, scanning the neatly arranged space. There was no sign that Isabella had been living on the streets.
Have you always been this straightforward, he asked. She smirked. You don’t like small talk, so why should I use it? William sat on the couch across from her.
I want to know the truth, Isabella. She raised an eyebrow. The truth about what? About you.
Who are you, really? She leaned forward slightly. Why does that bother you so much? His fists tightened. Because you came out of nowhere, accepted my offer without hesitation, and act like you already belong in this world.
But there are no records of you anywhere. She was silent for a moment. And what if I don’t want to tell you? William let out a humorless laugh.
So I’ll find out on my own. She looked at him for a long moment before sighing. Fine, William.
I’ll tell you a little. He adjusted himself on the sofa, waiting. I grew up in a world very similar to yours.
Luxury, parties, powerful connections. But that world can be cruel, especially when you become an obstacle to the wrong people. William narrowed his eyes.
Obstacle? My family was influential. My father ran businesses that involved a lot of money. But one betrayal made everything fall apart.
Overnight, I lost everything. He frowned. Who betrayed you? Isabella looked away.
Someone I trusted. William sensed there was more to the story than she was revealing. Why did you erase your life? She gave a sad smile.
Because sometimes it’s safer to disappear. The silence between them grew heavy. William knew she wasn’t telling him everything.
But this was the first piece of the puzzle. And now, what do you plan to do? Isabella crossed her legs. I’m still deciding.
William stood up. You can keep deceiving me, Isabella, but I will find out the truth. She watched him leave the room without saying another word.
The next day, William received a call from his investigator. I found something. Tell me.
You were right. Isabella isn’t who she pretends to be. William gripped the phone tightly.