001 — Laur Gala

Isabella's POV.

"Are you sure you won't need a new identity, Ms Vale?" Felix, my personal assistant, asked again from behind me. His voice sounded so heavy with worry.

I stood at the long mirror in my room, turning around slowly. The black dress wrapped tight around my body, smooth and cool against my warm skin. It gripped my waist and pressed against my boobs, then flared into a long slit that ran high up my left thigh.

Every small shift sent the fabric sliding open, letting the room's cool air brush my open leg. A thin black fashion net covered only my eyes, soft and light like a secret. My lips shone deep red, full and wet under the warm lights.

I leaned in closer to the mirror, still admiring myself. The red color made my mouth look hungry and dangerous, just as I needed it to be. My perfume floated up from my neck and wrists—that sweet vanilla mixed with sharp spice that made my own nose tingle. I ran my hands down my hips. The dress felt slippery and alive under my fingers.

I stared at him through the mirror, finally giving him some attention. He stood there all this while, shoulders raised, his eyes fixed on me with that same protective look he always wore. I stepped down from the dressing stool. My black heels clicked sharp and loud on the floor.

"No," I said, my voice came out cold and flat.

Felix followed me out to the car. As soon as we sat in the back, the leather seat pressed cold against the backs of my thighs. He handed me my tablet without a word. I took it and smirked a little. He was always so sharp.

I glanced at him again. His forehead stayed creased, his eyes still worried.

"I really don't need a new name or a new identity," I told him, tapping the bright screen. "Getting my second contract will be quick. Trust me on this."

"You sure, Bella?" he asked, arching one brow at me.

I sighed and leaned back. The car engine hummed low under us. "Even if I happen to need a new name, I can just guess any." I reached over and tapped his shoulder gently, reassuring him.

His muscles felt tight under my fingers. "I just need some time, maybe some nights with him and I'm getting those contracts." I added, closing the subject then turned back to my tablet, the cool glass smooth under my red nails.

"They're the Thorne brothers?" Felix said. His fingers moved fast on his own screen.

"Wow!! He has a brother." I smiled softly, intrigued but no warmth touched my face. Just a spark of interest on my next target stirred inside me.

"An identical twin brother," he said. He did not smile back, his voice sounding as if it's a problem.

I looked at him harder, searching his face. Something in his eyes made my skin prickle.

"Damien Thorne and Xander Thorne," he went on. "It says here that they're known for their notorious and ruthless nature. They are very discreet in their business deals and..." He paused, his eyes widened a little as he zoomed in on his screen.

I stretched my neck slightly, keeping my breathing steady. The car rolled smoothly over the city streets. Outside, horns blared and tires hissed on the damp road.

"... They casually switch places during functions for personal reasons," Felix continued, nodding slowly. "This makes them invisible and sly in the business world. And very tricky."

"Oh shit!!" I blurted out. Heat rushed up my neck. My stomach twisted real hard. I had pictured this night going so smooth and fast. I dropped back to the seat, pressing my head into my hand. The leather creaked under me. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Which of the brothers will be hosting the gala?" I asked, my voice low.

"Damien Thorne is the guy for the night," he answered. "But you can't be so sure. He might be his brother, Xander—"

His warning got swallowed by loud sounds outside. The car stopped. Paparazzi shouts and camera clicks exploded all around us.

"We're here," Felix said, looking straight at me. His face carried many silent words. The strongest one felt like a sharp push, telling me to be careful.

I unbuckled my seatbelt, so ready. The metal clicked loud in the sudden quiet inside the car. "Check on Lila before you go to bed."

I stepped out. My heel sank into the soft red carpet. Cool night air rushed over my skin and up the high slit of my dress, raising tiny bumps along my thigh. My heart slammed hard against my ribs. One mistake with the wrong brother and everything would burn. All my efforts would go down the drain.

I straightened my back, lifted my chin, and moved like everything in my life was perfect. But inside, my chest squeezed tight. Sweat prickled under the net over my eyes. My personal life lay in broken pieces. My company sat on the edge of ruin. Still, I smiled with my red lips, turned my body slowly for the cameras, and held each pose. The flashes burned hot  against my skin. Shouts crashed in my ears. 

My pulse roared loud in my head. Every step forward on the red carpet made the high slit open wider, letting cold air bite my thigh and sending fresh shivers racing up my spine.

The glowing entrance to the gala waited just ahead. Somewhere inside the gala room waited for my target; Damien Thorne—or maybe his ruthless twin. My plans felt sharper than ever, but so did the danger.

So, let's get the party started.