A SHATTERED ILLUSION

Giselle’s POV

“Nothing,” Patrick said quickly, though his tone was uncertain.

A single tear slid down my cheek as I stared at the phone lying beside me. l pick up my phone with my pulse and head back home

Back at Hilton's mansion, I was in my bedroom on the call with My brother Nicholas. I pressed my phone against my ear, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “Nicky, you have to trust me. Okay? I know what I’m doing.”

Nicholas’ tone was sharp, his concern palpable even through the phone. “Why are you back at the Hilton’s place after

Patrick sent you those vile text messages? Gigi, this is insane!”

“I just have to look at his face,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “I need to look into his eyes and hear it from him. I know you're hurt. Confirming him like that will not gain you anything. Clearly, he has cheated on you. Gigi, please come back home.

“I can’t,” I said firmly, my hands trembling as I gripped the phone tighter. “Not until I know the truth.”

“Trust me, come back home. Pack your things. I’ll be there soon.”

“No, Nicholas,” I said, my voice cracking slightly as I ended the call.

EARLY BEFORE I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL

The afternoon sun was shining so bright as I walked down the quiet street, my arms clutching a small paper bag filled with groceries. My car had broken down earlier that morning, and Patrick, as always, had been too busy to send someone to help.

The rhythmic click of my heels on the pavement was the only sound around me until the sudden hum of engines filled the air. I turned slightly, my heart skipping a beat as four pristine white luxury cars approached. They slowed down, matching my pace.

My stomach tightened. I know exactly who it was? And why are they following me?

The lead car came to a halt, and the back door swung open. Relief and irritation flooded me as my brother, Nicholas Von Howard, stepped out, exuding his usual air of authority and arrogance. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, the kind of suit only someone who owned half the city could afford.

“Gigi,” he drawled, leaning casually against the car door, his piercing blue eyes narrowing at me. “Walking? In this heat? Where’s your car?”

I sighed, already bracing for the lecture. “It’s at the mechanic’s. Why are you here, Nicky?”

He gestured dramatically to the paper bag in my hand. “Don’t tell me you’re shopping for groceries. At Walmart, of all places. What are you doing living like this? Where’s your chauffeur? Or is Patrick too busy playing CEO to care about his wife?”

“Nicky, I’m not in the mood for this,” I snapped, my exhaustion bubbling into irritation. “Why are you here?”

He ignored my question, his gaze hardening as he stepped closer. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You’ve been avoiding my calls again.”

“Because I know exactly what you’re going to say,” I shot back. “Patrick isn’t good enough for me. The Hilton family doesn’t deserve me. Yada yada yada. Can we skip this part?”

Nicholas smirked, his perfect teeth on full display. “It’s not just me saying it, Gigi. Father agrees. He sent me to—”

“Let me guess,” I interrupted, rolling my eyes. “To remind me that I'm the only daughter of the Von Howard family and I shouldn’t lower myself to be with someone like Patrick Hilton.”

Nicholas said, I'm here to tell you something important in person.

“Father is giving in,” Nicholas had said, his tone equal parts exasperated and triumphant. “He’s ready to give you and Patrick his blessing. So, you don’t have to hide anymore. Just pick a good time, bring Patrick and his family to meet him. I’m sure the Hiltons will be over the moon at that.”

Nicholas continued, After everything? After you threaten to cut ties with us?”

Nicholas had shrugged, his signature smirk playing on his lips. “What else could Father do? You’re his favorite, Gigi. He loves you, even if you drive him insane.”

A flood of relief had washed over me, the kind that made my knees weak. For years, I had been carrying the weight of my family’s disapproval, their belief that I had traded my birthright for a love they didn’t understand. And now, finally, they were willing to accept my choices.

“I knew you guys couldn’t stay mad at me forever,” I’d said, throwing my arms around Nicholas. His embrace had been brief but comforting, the way only an older brother’s could be.

“Okay,” I’d continued, my mind racing with plans. “I’ll reveal my identity at my mother-in-law’s birthday party tomorrow, and then we’ll come to the castle. You can pick us up. Don’t forget the gifts.”

Nicholas had raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my enthusiasm. “Alright, whatever you say. I have to admit, though, I’m curious to meet the man you gave up everything for. Let’s see if he’s worth the sacrifice.”

I’d laughed, brushing off his skepticism. “He is, Nicky. You’ll see.”

When he’d offered me a ride, I’d declined, insisting on maintaining a low profile. “I’ve got to go,” I’d said, spotting the bus in the distance.

The house was alive with activity. Outside, the sprawling lawn was crowded with guests who had come to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday. Laughter and chatter filled the air, blending with the soft hum of classical music playing from the speakers. It was the kind of grand affair the Hilton family was known for—extravagant, elegant, and utterly exhausting.

I stepped out of my room, clutching a cup of coffee in one hand while the other rubbed at my throbbing temple. The stress of everything—the texts, the photos, and the truth I had overheard at the hospital—was beginning to take its toll.

The hallway was bustling with servers carrying trays of champagne, florists putting the finishing touches on floral arrangements, and distant relatives fussing over their outfits. None of them spared me more than a passing glance. To them, I was just another face in the crowd, not the woman who had been holding the family’s darkest secret.

As I descended the grand staircase, I felt the weight of the day bearing down on me. My body moved on autopilot, navigating the chaos without really seeing anything. My mind was elsewhere, replaying every moment from the hospital like a cruel montage.

I was Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the woman until she was right in front of me.

The collision was so sudden that I barely knew it was happening. The coffee in my hand sloshed dangerously close to spilling, but the woman wasn’t so lucky.