Chapter: Steps Toward Forever I sat at my vanity the following morning, gazing at the reflection that no longer felt like me. As my mother adjusted my dress, a pastel blue piece that Shone elegance, her gentle sweet hums could be heard in the background."The Presley heir's fiancée couldn't afford to look less than flawless. With gentle hands on my shoulders, my mother whispered, "Smile, Isabella.""Today is a big day."A big day? How did my life become so out of control? In just a few hours, the world would see me as Alexander Presley’s fiancée. It wasn’t just the weight of the title—it was the lies, the pretense, the façade I had to wear like a second skin. Even though I knew it was quite impossible, I looked at my phone, hoping and wishing for a message from Marco. Of course it wasn't his fault he had vanished from my life.My mother's voice pierced my mind, "Isabella." "Are you paying attention?" I forced a smile and responded,"Yes, Mama." She seemed content and let me gather my thoughts.My smile vanishe
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: Gilded Chains It was like waking up in a dream I didn't want to be a part of the day after the engagement ceremony.The diamond necklace Alexander's mother had given me made me laugh at my uneasiness as I gazed at it. "The wife of a Prescott must always live up to her name"Even when I made an effort to ignore them, those words continued to whisper in my ears like a ghost.With my mother and Alexander's little maids organizing everything from dress fittings to floral arrangements, the house was a flurry of activity.It was just too much. The lavishness, the never-ending choices, and the constant reminders that this was a spectacle rather than merely a wedding.a union designed to strengthen influence and power.But there was a pain in my heart beneath the mayhem. Marco. I was unable to finish the puzzle because of his absence.I missed the way he made me feel like I was enough, his steady voice, and his effortless smile. However, I had already decided. for my family. For their survival.----------
Last Updated: 2025-04-18
Chapter: The Engagement The morning came too quickly!. My heart felt heavy as I prepared for the day.Every time my mother insisted that I chose something that would show off my "true grace," I wore a lovely lavender dress that was both simple yet elegant.I looked in the mirror in an attempt to gain confidence, but all I saw was a stranger.Alexander's team arrived promptly at 9 a.m. They were frighteningly efficient.They took me to a stylist, set up the engagement venue, and went over a checklist that sounded more like a corporate merger than the beginning of a marriage.By noon, I was worn out. And the engagement hadn't even started.----------------------------------Prescott's mansion gleamed like a palace.In the center of the vast grounds, which were peppered with white roses, was a beautiful gazebo, draped in soft linens.Their elegant appearance only added to my uneasiness as the visitors mixed and drank champagne.Near the door, I noticed Alexander discussing with a few men wearing form-fitting su
Last Updated: 2025-04-17
Chapter: A Hollow Promise Alexander had confirmed the arrangements and signed the engagement papers.Now I was formally engaged to a man I hardly knew, not the man I loved.My entire life came crashing down as the reality set in. Alexander's text said, "Get ready." By, the engagement will take place. You will have to portray yourself as the future Mrs. Prescott, my team will take care of the details.A surge of disgust rose in my chest as I tossed my phone onto the bed. My goodness!What's this? Still sitting in the corner of my room, Marco's artwork served as a silent reminder of the way I backstabbed him.The guilt was too great to let go of, even though I wanted to turn away and avoid the memories it brought back.My home was unusually silent, as if it was also lamenting the past few days.In the kitchen, I could hear my mom singing a soothing song that only made my already jangled nerves ache. I was unable to face her. Not after her relief and pride at my decision.I went back to my room and locked the do
Last Updated: 2025-04-16
Chapter: Love's Final Goodbye The document in front of me was an official confirmation of the decision I had just taken. My signature felt heavy on my chest, even though the ink was dry.I stared at the papers in a fog until my mother's voice broke through."Isabella."She placed a warm hand on my shoulder. "You made the right decision."I looked up at her, watching her face for a hint of doubt. But all I saw was relaxation and a faint sense of pride."Your father and I are proud of you," she said. This will save our lives. You've secured our future, Bella!".Instead of stengthing me, her remarks just served to deepen my sense of hurt and emptiness."Oh my god," I said in a low voice. "What have I done?"I'm not sure she heard me. She was already stacking up the signed papers, precisely and swiftly, as if afraid I might change my mind.I wanted to scream and take it all back but I couldn't as I saw her shoulders relax for the first time in weeks."This was for them, I told myself, for my family".But as she left
Last Updated: 2025-04-14
Chapter: "The Deal Was Done"The phone kept buzzing in my hands. I felt like an anchor dragging me back to a reality I wasn't prepared to face when I saw Marco's name on the screen. My mind racing, I tightened my jaw.After everything, how could I possibly look him in the eye? Even when my fingers were trying to process something on screen, I was unable to open the message.What could I tell him?I sorry, Marco, I’m considering marrying someone else to save my family?I smashed the phone on the table, the sound echoing louder than it should have in the quiet room. I muttered to myself, "No." "Not right now."My chest ached at the mere thought that it was no longer just about me.###I didn't have time to think about how to reply Marco's message.With a soft tap and a look on her face that made me uneasy right away, my mother entered my room.Sitting on the side of my bed, she said softly, "Isabella." We need to talk.I could tell by the seriousness of her tone that this would not be a lighthearted discussion.I
Last Updated: 2025-04-13