We Meet Again

Isabella’s POV

This was definitely the best moment of my life yet. Everything was going so well. TraceGuard had sold out. Mira was getting more beautiful and smarter. Life was so good, and now it was even better with my best friend, Nora, in it. Plus, I needed a bit of distraction and readiness before I started executing everything I had planned.

She saved my life seven years ago. It wasn’t a bad idea to call her that. Or was it?

“Here, drink this.” She passed me a shot of vodka, and I gulped it down, dancing while she sang. We had been hanging out lately, and this was yet another one… a karaoke date with alcohol on a spree, especially now that Mira had gone sightseeing with her nanny, Marie.

I was enjoying the moment a little too much but still couldn’t help thinking something might ruin these happy days of my life.

She slumped into the sofa, drunk. “Isabella, do you have a family?” she asked with the mic on. It was going to be a long day. Thankfully, I had bought out the whole place.

“Yes, I do. They’re in Germany.” For some reason I didn’t even know why I held back on most things. And I knew this was bad for someone I claimed was my best friend.

“W-why are you in Rochester then?” She burped.

“You’re drunk, Nora.” I reached for the shot she held in her hand. “We should go.”

“I don’t want to go,” she said softly. “I want to stay with you, not with my grumpy, evil father and a puppet of a brother, Aiden.”

My heart thumped, and instantly my eyes cleared of the moderate alcohol I had taken.

“Did you say Aiden?” I asked, drawing closer to her.

She nodded. “Aiden Hale.” Then she smiled. “By the way, how come you told me your name was Cee and now Isabella?”

I darted my eyes around. Why did she suddenly change the topic? Aiden was her brother, and I never knew that. No wonder he was at the event… he had tagged along with her. And her father, a CEO of a tech company. Why did she have to be from the Hale family?

“My mother gave me the name, but my father gave me Isabella. Both are my names,” I replied.

She nodded, lying down on the sofa. “I understand now.”

“Why don’t you want to stay with your family?” I asked.

She chuckled dryly. “My father, Donovan, is evil, and I hate to be around evil. And Aiden? He’s just his puppet who never wants to break free because he’s a scared coward,” she spat.

“A puppet…” I muttered.

“He’s engaged to Serena, anyway. And their wedding is coming up soon, even though he doesn’t love her. But regardless, would you do me the favor of gracing their stupid wedding?” She burst out laughing, and that scared me a little.

He wasn’t in love with her?

“No, Claire. No. This isn’t a sign. He doesn’t love her because he’s a confused bastard who never knows what he wants. This isn’t a sign to think it is because he misses and wants you back,” I thought, then turned to ask more questions, but she was downing more shots of vodka. Before I could take it away from her, she had already gulped it down.

“You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep drinking this way,” I almost yelled.

“Bella…” she called softly. “Do you think God forgives sins?”

I was taken aback. Where could that be coming from? I just hoped it wasn’t her trying to know if God could forgive her father for killing mine.

Yes, seven years ago before I tried to kill myself. I learnt my father didn't die a natural death. Donovan had a hand in it.

“Yes, He does.” I wished I could say no, but then, I didn’t need to bother. Because God forgives but I don’t.

“No matter how grave it is?” she asked again.

I paused, gazing at her. I sighed. “Yes, no matter how much weight that sin carries, He does.”

“I hope so.” She cried. Cry? She was acting weird. But that had to be what she would have to worry about because we would not be seeing each other again. My best friend couldn’t be my enemy’s daughter. How would people see me if they heard the story? Would I even be happy with myself, talk more of my two angels in heaven? Nora was such a great friend and person, but going against my ethics would mess everything up. I shouldn’t. I couldn’t.

“You know what?” I said urgently. “We should just leave. You’re drunk, and you need rest. I’ll drive you home.” I hated that I offered. How would I face Donovan if I ran into him?

“Don’t worry about it,” she said, tapping her phone screen, and I had never felt more relieved. “I just texted my emergency contact. He’ll be here shortly. Just wait till he comes. I’m scared to be alone.”

“Emergency contact? Your driver?”

“No, my younger brother, Aiden.” She dozed off.

What? Aiden was on his way here? Oh my God. Fuck. What should I do? I can’t face him. Monroe had saved me the other day at the event. And now this? The same trouble?

“Nora, wake up.” I tapped her continuously, but she would either chuckle and sleep off or say some weird things and drift back to sleep.

Puppet. The word echoed in my head. Could there be more to the story of Aiden being his father’s puppet? Besides, Nora had said these things to me without caring. She could be under the influence of alcohol, but a tiny part of her had to know what she was doing.

Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to ghost or discard her. Aside from the fact that it would break her if I did, because she already saw me as her best friend and even family but then I also needed to get more information on Donovan.

I saw a shadow reflection and heard voices outside the karaoke room. He had probably arrived. My heart thumped instantly, and my palms became sweaty. I wasn’t scared of him. I knew I wasn’t. I just…

The door swung open, and he walked in instantly, closing the distance between us.

“Isabella,” his husky voice sounded, staring at me like he was trying to find his way into my soul. It had been ages since I heard that voice.

“Isabella?” He snapped his fingers in the air, in my face.

“Y-yeah… Aiden, right?” I slurred.

He nodded.

“Nice to meet you. And thank you for arriving on time. I’m sorry for not stopping your sister from knocking herself out.” I chuckled dryly, grabbing my bag immediately as I turned to leave. “I have to go now.”

“Wait,” he said.

My heart thumped as I turned to face him.

He slowly walked closer to me, his eyes squinting. “You look like someone I know.”

My eyes widened. “I do?” I forced a smile. “I doubt you know me.”

“I think I do,” he insisted.

“I should leave now.” I turned to walk away, but the next word I heard froze me in place.

“Claire?”