Chapter Four

Isabella walked out of the plane cautiously, shoulders held high. Her glinting bag and fashionable outfit made people stop and look. Travellers and passersby couldn't help but wonder quietly who this beautiful woman, strutting around so confidently like a boss, might be.

As she looked around the city, memories of pain and hatred from five years ago filled her mind. She never thought she would ever return to New York City.

But here she was.

She was suddenly brought back to reality by the sudden, tender voice of her son.

“Mummy, can I go with you to your meeting so that we can go grab ice cream later?”

She hesitated before smiling softly. “Sure, Ethan, as long as you promise to be a good boy.” 

They headed towards a limousine parked across and zoomed off to Madison Avenue.

As soon as she arrived, she was greeted by a familiar atmosphere which took her down memory lane.

She remembered how she had had to run away for her life to protect herself from her billionaire husband.

Despite giving her heart to the man she loved, she ended up being betrayed.

“Welcome back, ma’am. It’s good to have you here,” she heard a familiar voice say.

“Oh, Mr Roosevelt. I am glad to be here.” She replied, extending her hands to the man as though they had known each other for a long time.

“This way, please.” Mr Roosevelt quickly ushered her into the meeting room where others were waiting.

As soon as the door to the meeting room flung open, the CEO was taken by surprise to see the beautiful, bold lady walk into the hall. 

What struck him more was her confidence. There was something different about the way she looked at him.

Something isn’t right, he thought. 

Isabella walked right in with eyes staring at her. She’s been the person they've all been waiting to see, and now she’s here.

As she took her seat opposite the CEO, he couldn’t help but stare at her throughout the meeting, wondering what could have happened to the shy, timid, and soft Isabella. The Isabella he knew wouldn’t dare look him in the eyes when he spoke.

As the meeting ended, and everyone left the room one after the other, Alexander approached Isabella, still surprised to see another version of her.

“You left without saying goodbye.” His tone sounded big. Isabella recognised the tone. It was the same one he used when he wanted her to feel intimidated.

Before he could say another word, a tiny voice echoed in the room. “Mummy, Mummy, let’s go get ice cream.”

A little boy rushed in and clung to Isabella’s hand. Alexander’s eyes froze on the child. The boy had his sharp jaw, his dark hair, and even his stormy grey eyes.

It was like looking into a mirror of his own childhood.

The air grew heavy. Alexander’s powerful voice cut through the silence.

 “Who is that child, Isabella?”

Her hand trembled as she pulled the boy closer.

 “He’s my son,” she said, her voice firm but nervous.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed, suspicion and shock battling in his chest. He had been betrayed once before, but this… this was different.

The boy looked exactly like him.

Isabella quickly pulled back with his son as they made their way out of the building.

Before Alexander could get over the shock, Isabella was gone.

Alexander summoned Roosevelt into his office, demanding an explanation for everything that had just played out.

“Why is Isabella our new investor? Why am I just getting to know about this?” Impatient to get an answer. He stood up, slamming his hand on the desk and donning a stern look.

The last time Roosevelt had seen his employer looking this angry was the day Isabella left home five years ago.

“I demand an answer now,” his strong voice echoed in the room. 

“She approached me as an investor willing to sponsor our new project, and I couldn’t say no, considering that Mr Victor decided to pull out of the deal last minute.” 

He sank into the chair. “Talking of Mr Victor, any idea why he is pulling out so suddenly?”

“I have no idea. But I guess he is just being an investor after all.

Unsatisfied with the answer, he decided to let the issue go to resume talking about Issabella. “As for Isabella, I want to know where she stays, what she eats, who she meets, and every single detail about her.

“Okay, boss. I will get to it.” He said, shutting the door behind him.

The next morning, he found himself knocking on Isabella's apartment. 

The door was flung open by the boy he saw at the office. As he stood across, looking at the boy more closely. He could sense the resemblance, and several questions began to flood his mind.

“Ethan, honey, who do we have there?” He heard Isabella’s voice from across the room.

Before the boy could say a word, Alexander barged into the house, standing face to face with Isabella.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice was firm as she got a hold of Ethan, as if trying to shield him from Alexander. “How did you know where I stay?”

“I am still your husband, you know. And that means I have every right….”

“Just hold it there. She quickly cut him, her voice sounding strong. “What makes you think you can just walk up to my house and talk to me the way you like? You have no right over me or my child. I hope that sinks into your skull.”

“If you think I am still that weak and soft woman you used to know, then you are mistaken.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes. And for your information, I would like to keep the relationship between us professional. Let’s only talk business when we are at the office.”

Silence took over for a while before Alexander finally spoke. “The child,” he said, pointing at Ethan. “Is he mine?”

Ignoring the question, Isabella quickly ushered him out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Alexander went home that day and thought about the occurrence. That night, he couldn’t sleep and kept turning on the bed as he tried to make sense of everything.

The Issabella he knew then is different from the one he saw today. There is definitely something different about her. She seemed more courageous, outspoken, and bold.

Different thoughts and questions occupied his mind. What could have happened in five years? Where did she get enough money to invest in his new project? Who could be the boy’s father?