All Chapters of Beneath The Billionaire's Veil : Chapter 31 - Chapter 34

I sat motionless in my chair as Marco's name was called out, echoing in my ears. My pulse was racing out of control as my fists grasped the hem of my silk dress.Why was his name being called out so solemnly, and how the heck did he get here? With a serene assurance radiating from each step, I observed Marco coming up the stage.He commanded the attention of everyone in the opulent ballroom as he stood in front of the podium. Marco said, "Good evening, esteemed guests,"his deep voice effortlessly rising above the muttering of the audience. He continued "Being asked to speak at this gala is an honor. I'm here to highlight how chances that reshape our lives can arise from the challenges we experience, even if my path as an art designer has been anything but typical".As I tried to take in the words, I blinked. A struggling art designer? When had Marco developed into such a polished speaker, addressing a crowd filled with elites like he belonged here?Alexander, who was sitting next to

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting patterns on the walls. I blinked awake, the weight of the previous night still pressing heavily on my chest. The gala, with its whirlwind of emotions, felt like a distant memory yet fresh enough to haunt me. Marco’s face lingered in my mind. His eyes, the way they bore into mine, spoke volumes of unspoken words.I sighed and reached for my phone on the bedside table. A dull ache filled me as I remembered losing my old phone and, with it, Marco’s number. But the events of the gala had rekindled an ache to bridge the gap between us. I opened a messaging app and hesitated before typing a message to the number he gave me the other night:*Hi, Marco. It’s Isabella. I hope you’re doing okay. Let me know when we can talk.*The text felt inadequate, but I hit send before I could overthink it further. Placing the phone down, I swung my legs over the bed and stretched.After a quick shower and breakfast, I decided to visit my mother.