three

Isabel’s POV:

Four years later.

The faint clink of champagne glasses and low murmurs of hushed conversations filled the air, it seamlessly blended with the soft melodies of classical music playing in the background. I was standing in the center of the grand ballroom, my heels was slightly sinking into the soft red carpet as I absorbed the whole scene.

The event was an absolute success. Every detail, from the intricate flower arrangements to the beautiful golden drapes decorating the walls, had been meticulously planned and executed by me and my team.

I puffed out a huge breath, a wave of satisfaction washing over me. I was so happy and it wasn’t just about the event. It was everything this moment represented.

Four years ago, I was just a woman broken by love and betrayal, walking aimlessly down a street with nothing but a suitcase and a shattered heart. Now, I was the CEO of *Isabel Interiors*, a name that boldly represented luxury and elegance. I have been opportuned to design some of the most lavish events across the globe, and my client list was filled with so many elites.

And best of all, I had her.

I turned around and saw my daughter, Daisy , in the far corner of the room being twirled around by the man who had helped me heal and get my life back together. Knox Greenlake..

I smiled as Daisy’s laughter reached my ears, so bright and full of life.She was the perfect definition of joy, with her curly brown hair bouncing wildly as Knox spun her around. She squealed, her little hands holding tightly at his as she begged for one more spin.

“I think that’s enough for now, princess,” Knox said with a chuckle, setting her down gently. “Your mom’s going to scold me if you get dizzy.”

Daisy pouted but her face broke into a huge smile when she saw me watching. She ran over, her tiny feet pattering against the marble floor, and wrapped her arms around my leg.

“Did you see, Mama? Uncle Knox made me fly!”

“I saw, sweetheart,” I said, scooping her up into my arms. She nestled her head against my shoulder, her giggles melting away the last remnants of my fatigue.

“She’s got your spark,” Knox said as he approached, his hands casually going into the pockets of his navy suit pants. “Can’t believe it’s been four years since I found you wandering the streets.”

I laughed softly, the memory bittersweet. “Playfully kidnapped me, you mean.”

Knox grinned, his dimples deepening. “Semantics.”

Four years ago, that moment had felt like a turning point. Knox had spotted me while driving through town in one of his oversized celebrity vans, the kind that screamed wealth and power. I had thought the worst when the van pulled up, but when the door slid open to reveal Knox ’s familiar face, I’d been too stunned to do anything but let him coax me inside.

“I’d just flown in for a meeting,” he had told me later, after I spilled everything about Jason and Lilly. “And there you were, walking down the street like some kind of lost ghost.”

Knox had patiently listened to me as I cried, his presence soothed my broken spirit. He’d always been like that. Stable, kind, and fiercely protective.

“We’re leaving this mess behind,” he’d declared that night. “You and me. I’m going to help you heal, Isabel. You’ll rebuild, and when you do, you’ll shine brighter than ever.”

And he’d kept his word. Knox had whisked me and Daisy , who was just a fragile hope growing inside me at the time, away to Europe. He had connected me with his large network, encouraged me to rekindle my love for design, and supported me at every turn while I built a new life.

At this moment, standing in the hall of yet another successfully completed event, I felt a profound sense of appreciation for him and for the progress I had made.

The hosts approached me, their faces glowing with delight. “Isabel, you’ve outdone yourself,” Mrs. Maggie said, clasping my hands warmly.

“Absolutely,” Mr. Hanover agreed. “You’ve turned our daughter’s birthday into a fairy tale. We can’t thank you enough.”

I smiled graciously. “It was an honor to bring your vision to life. I’m so glad you’re happy with it.”

“Oh, more than happy!” Mrs. Hanover gushed. “We’ll be telling everyone about you. Prepare to be booked solid for the next year!”

As they walked away, a few other guests stopped by to commend my work, each compliment bolstering my confidence. When the last guest had exited, I let out a long exhale, finally allowing myself to relax.

“You’re unstoppable, you know that?” Knox teased as he walked up to me, Daisy perched comfortably on his shoulders.

“Don’t inflate my ego,” I said with a laugh. “It’s big enough already.”

He smirked. “Come on, admit it. You deserve every bit of praise you’re getting.”

“Maybe,” I admitted, a soft smile playing on my lips. “But I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

“True,” he said with a wink, earning a laugh from both me and Daisy .

Just then, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps. I turned back to see my assistant, Peggy, running toward me with her face flushed with excitement.

“Isabel!” she called, her voice breathless as she skidded to a stop in front of me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my brows furrowing in concern.

Lila paused for a bit to catch her breath before exclaiming, “You’ve been invited to design this year’s Grey Gala!” She screamed.

The words hung in the air, heavy with significance.

The Grey Gala. One of the most prestigious events in the world. A chance to cement my status as one of the top designers in the industry.

But the joy that should have come with such an opportunity was watered down the next words that Lila uttered.

“It’s being held in the city you left,” she said hesitantly, her voice soft.

My stomach twisted, the triumph I was just feeling was replaced by a wild mix of dread and uncertainty.

Four years. Four years of building a new life, of putting as much distance as possible between me and the ghosts of my past. And now, those ghosts were calling me back.

I glanced at Knox , whose expression had grown serious. His eyes searched mine, as if trying to gauge how I was feeling.

“Mama, what’s wrong?” Daisy asked, tugging at my sleeve, her innocent eyes filled with curiosity.

I forced a smile, smoothing her curls. “Nothing, sweetheart,” I said softly. But my mind was racing.

The Grey Gala was more than just an event. It was a return to the very place I had vowed never to set foot in again.

And it was where I might have to face him.

I didn’t know if I was ready.

I didn’t know what to think or say. And after a very long time,I felt the pull of the past, threatening to undo everything I had worked so hard to build.

But one thing was clear—I couldn’t avoid it forever.

Lila’s hopeful look, Liam’s unwavering support, and Daisy ’s small hand in mine all made me reflect on how much I had achieved.

Nonetheless, the unease in my chest grew bigger as the weight of making a decision.

The past was waiting. And I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to face it.