Chapter 1596
No.1
She retrieved a hidden diary from her suitcase, scribbling furiously with a pen. After documenting her thoughts, she dialed Eleanor.
Eleanor's anxious voice answered immediately. "Victoria! Where have you been? Why haven't you called? Your father and I have been worried sick!"
"Mother, please forgive me for worrying you. I needed time alone for reflection and clarity. I'm perfectly safe and taking good care of myself," Victoria reassured with saccharine sweetness.
Eleanor sighed heavily. "You've never been away this long. I fear you might do something drastic out there."
"Just come home. Everyone's moved past that incident anyway. Your grandfather forbade anyone from discussing it. No one blames you anymore."
No one blames me? Then why hasn't my ten percent share been returned?
Victoria seethed internally while maintaining calm composure. "I appreciate everyone's forgiveness, Mother, but I can't forgive myself yet. I need this full month of reflection. Please understand."
"Actually, I called hoping you could help rekindle things between Isabella and Alexander."
"What? Victoria, have you lost your mind? I thought you loved Alexander!" Eleanor gasped in disbelief.
No.2
“It’s because I love him, Mother,” Victoria said softly. “That’s why his happiness matters more than anything. His heart belongs to Isabella. Forcing him to stay with me would only bring him pain… and turn his love for me into resentment. Their bond was written long before I ever came into the picture. I was always the outsider.”
“Don’t you dare say that! Don’t you ever speak of yourself that way!” Eleanor’s voice was sharp, protective. “Alexander is the one who’s blind—chasing after Isabella when he was promised to you! Your father warned him, but that arrogant man never listens!”
Even if he had reasons to leave Isabella all those years ago, that gave him no right to discard her daughter. Not when Victoria had given him her heart.
Victoria shook her head, her expression pained but resolved. “You misunderstand him, Mother. I was the one who ended things. I’ve had time to think… to realize what I’ve done.”
She took a shaky breath. “What I did to Isabella… it was monstrous. Back then, no one stood by her. No one but Alexander. I may have lost him, but I still have you and Father. That’s why… I want to step aside. Let her have him. Maybe then… this guilt will hurt a little less.”
Her words were gentle, self-sacrificing. Eleanor’s heart ached with pride and sorrow.
“Oh, my dear girl… Having a daughter as kind as you is a blessing. I will find you a husband worthy of you—someone far better than Alexander Whitmore.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
That same evening, Eleanor commented publicly on Isabella’s post:
No.3
[If you truly wish to rekindle what was lost, your sister has graciously consented. It’s clear you and Alexander share a history that cannot be ignored.]
At the same time, a private message from Theodore Montgomery arrived in Isabella’s inbox:
[I believe you and Alexander should set a date for the wedding celebration.]
Meanwhile, inside the Blackwood Estate, Isabella was guiding Oliver through a series of yoga poses. The practice was meant to soothe his nerves, to bring calm to a mind often clouded by illness.
Nearby, Nathaniel noticed Isabella’s phone light up. His eyes flickered over the screen—first Eleanor’s comment, then Theodore’s message. Even Alexander had texted her:
[Isabella, your family has given their blessing. Have I proven myself these past weeks? There are only fifteen days left. If you agree, I will begin arranging our wedding.]
Nathaniel knew this was all part of her plan—a carefully laid trap for her prey. But knowing didn’t stop the hot coil of jealousy tightening in his chest. Alexander’s relentless pursuit, the gifts, the pressure from her family… Was he really discussing wedding plans?
His gaze shifted, dark and displeased, toward Oliver.
The boy, seated cross-legged on his mat with headphones on, sensed his father’s mood instantly. He clutched his stomach dramatically.
No.4
“Oww… Mommy, my tummy hurts! I need the bathroom—I’ll be right back!” He scrambled up and bolted from the room before Isabella could respond.
She smiled faintly, assuming he was just avoiding the session. She resumed her pose. There was much to prepare for—not just the impending confrontation, but the upcoming Night of Glory. She intended to sweep every major award that night, to leave Victoria seething with helpless envy.
Balancing on one leg, Isabella extended the other high behind her, her body forming a clean, elegant line. The dancer’s pose required focus, strength, and grace—a perfect metaphor for her current life.
But she hadn’t practiced this particular pose in too long. Her core wavered. Her balance broke.
She started to tilt, bracing for the fall.
Then a pair of strong hands caught her firmly around the waist.
Isabella spun around to find Nathaniel standing right behind her.
She hadn't heard him approach. Dressed in casual home attire, he looked less intimidating than usual, his sharp features softened into an elegant refinement.
She stumbled backward, landing against his chest. Her head tilted back as his hands settled firmly on her waist. She wore only a thin yoga top and form-fitting leggings...
No.5
Isabella quickly tried to regain her composure, but Nathaniel's grip tightened, refusing to let her go. She frowned. "Mr. Blackwood?"
His voice came out low and stern. "Are you truly going through with marrying Alexander?"
"Yes. I told you before—it's not real. The wedding won't actually happen," she replied.
Nathaniel's expression remained severe. "You're treating something serious like a game. Is it worth taking such a risk?" Displeasure laced his deep tone.
Straining from the awkward arch in her back, Isabella pushed against his arms with force. "It's not a game. It's a strategy," she explained, her tone deliberately casual despite his intensity.
'Using marriage as a strategy?'
"Isabella, just tell me what you need. I can handle any problem for you."
She didn't need to go this far!
She met his gaze squarely. "Mr. Blackwood, remember our agreement. You can fix almost anything with power and money—but not people's hearts. Besides, our contract clearly states we don't interfere in each other's personal lives. I expect you to honor that."
No.6
With that, she broke free from his hold and walked away.
Nathaniel's eyes darkened as he watched her retreat.
Passing the sofa, Isabella noticed her phone lighting up. She picked it up and replied to Alexander: [Yes. Proceed with the wedding arrangements. Make it grand and very public. Announce it everywhere.]
Reading her text, Alexander immediately tried to dissuade her. He had hoped for a quiet certificate signing, not a spectacle.
[Isabella, simple ceremonies are more fashionable now. And you're busy—a large wedding would take days.]
[I'll manage my time,] she replied firmly.
Alexander's face darkened. She had been so defiant weeks ago—now she seemed desperate to marry him!
Just as he expected. Pathetic!
Once they were legally bound, he would make her suffer. He replied: [Alright. I'll start the preparations.]
No.7
Satisfied, Isabella then texted Julian: [Schedule me only half-day shoots or events for the next two weeks.]
Julian: [Busy?]
Isabella: [Yes. Wedding.]
Julian: [With Nathaniel?]
Isabella: [Of course not! Do you think Nathaniel Blackwood would marry me? It's Alexander—you know why.]
Julian's confusion cleared as he understood her plan.
[You're stirring the pot again?]
A smirk touched her lips. [Yes. Stay tuned.]
Isabella would make both Alexander and Victoria pay dearly at this wedding.