LOGINNADIA POVDrew handed me another piece of the sandwich, and I chewed slowly, letting the spicy flavour spread across my tongue. It was rich, delicious, and possibly the best thing I’d eaten in years.I didn’t complain as he continued feeding me, his fingers occasionally brushing against my lips with every bite. He had long, masculine fingers, lean with a few calluses, and every little contact sent an odd sensation through me.He seemed to have all the patience in the world. He didn’t rush me or complain about how long I took. Instead, he watched me eat, giving me a disapproving look whenever I failed to chew properly or swallowed too quickly. That was usually enough to make me slow down. I wasn’t about to have him take my food away again.By the time I finished the sandwich, I was full.I swallowed the last bite with a satisfied sigh and closed my eyes, trying to commit the taste to memory. It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed a meal this much. It would’ve been even better w
NADIA POVI remained quiet during the drive home, my thoughts all over the place. Drew sat beside me, still holding my hand. His grip was gentle but firm, and when I tried to pull away earlier, he tightened his hold as if he had no intention of letting go.I wondered if he was pissed off because I’d panicked back at the fundraiser. He hadn’t said much since we left, and I couldn’t tell what was going through his head.He was busy with his phone, his attention fixed on the screen. I glanced at him and noticed he was only wearing his shirt and trousers.“You forgot your suit. Should we go back for it? We haven’t gone far.”“No need,” he replied without looking up.“But it’s freezing,” I said quietly. He finally looked at me. “Are you cold? Do you need Nicholas to turn down the AC?”“No, I’m fine. I’m already wearing my coat.”“Then it’s fine.” He returned to his phone, his palm resting against the small of my back. I shifted slightly in my seat, unsure what to make of him.What
NADIA POV“Welcome to the sixth annual fundraiser hosted by the Callahan Foundation,” the host announced. “And tonight, we are pleased to have the man behind this remarkable foundation and his lovely wife, Mr Drew Callahan and Mrs Isabella Callahan.”The host gestured towards our table, drawing everyone’s attention. Drew smiled and gave a small wave, and I followed suit, smiling at the crowd as the applause filled the hall.The programme continued, with the host introducing a few more guests before inviting the first speaker onto the stage. I settled back in my chair, looking around the room while trying not to appear too interested in everything happening around me.Everyone seemed to know Drew. People kept coming over to greet him, congratulate him on the foundation’s work or talk about business. And every single time, he introduced me as his wife, his hand resting on the back of my chair as though it belonged there.I was slowly getting used to hearing the name Isabella, but I coul
NADIA POVThe moment we stepped into the hall, heads turned in our direction. Conversations paused, smiles appeared, and a few people raised their hands to greet us. Drew held my hand as we walked further inside, acknowledging the guests with the occasional nod. I did my best to keep up, smiling and waving whenever someone greeted us, although my nerves were getting the better of me.I was still trying to settle into the whole Isabella act when a woman approached us.“Wow, looking gorgeous as ever, Isa!” She pulled me into a hug before I could say anything. Thank God for those lessons. I had spent enough time memorizing names and faces to know exactly who stood before me.“Monica,” I greeted with a smile. “It’s lovely to see you.”“It’s been months since we last saw you!” She held my arms and looked me over. “I was beginning to think the rumours were true, you know? That you’d run away with a lover and died.” She laughed, clearly pleased with herself.Of course. Monica. That one bitch
NADIA POVI was still trying to convince myself that the dress wasn’t a terrible idea when Mrs. Collins came back to help me with the zipper.Getting into it was one thing. Getting the damn thing to stay in place was another. The neckline left very little to the imagination, and the slit seemed determined to climb higher every time I moved. By the time I was done with my makeup and had put on the jewellery Drew had sent, I stood in front of the mirror wondering if I should have asked him to send something with a little more fabric.The woman staring back at me looked nothing like the Nadia Ellis who had been buried alive a few months ago. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, the diamonds at her neck catching the light whenever she moved. The green gown hugged my body in all the right places, and the heels made my legs look longer than they actually were.I looked beautiful. And a part of me was glad and another part hated it.“Miss, the car is ready,” Mrs. Collins called.
NADIA POV“Hello, miss.” Mrs. Collins called from the doorway. “You have a package from the boss.”I looked up from my phone. “Coming.”I put my phone aside and walked towards the door, wondering what Drew could possibly have sent me. Mrs. Collins stood outside my room beside a large black box tied with a silver ribbon. A smaller box sat on top of it, accompanied by a white envelope bearing my name.“What’s all this?” I asked, staring at the packages.“Your dress for tonight, miss. Mr. Callahan had it delivered this morning.”I blinked. “This morning?”“Yes, miss.”I glanced at the envelope again. “And he couldn’t tell me about this himself?”Mrs. Collins gave me one of her familiar smiles. “I’m sure Mr. Callahan has his reasons.”Of course he did. Drew Callahan always had a reason for everything, even when those reasons made absolutely no sense to me.I picked up the envelope and pulled out the card inside.Wear the dress. The car leaves at seven.That was it. No greeting, no explan







