I want a complete transformation, William ordered, hair, makeup, clothes, everything. The staff nodded, and within seconds, Isabella was seated in a styling chair. If you want to change your mind, now’s the time, she said as a hairdresser began untangling her hair.
Change my mind? About me. I guess I was expecting someone more impressionable. William crossed his arms.
Are you not impressed by anything? Not by this. Isabella closed her eyes as the hairdresser started washing her hair. I’ve been in this world before.
William frowned, but before he could ask anything, the stylist pulled him toward the waiting area. Mr. Lancaster, would you let us work? He glanced at Isabella one last time and left, intrigued. The hours dragged on.
When the stylist finally called his name, William stood up and walked back to the salon. When he saw her, he held his breath. The woman standing before him didn’t look like the same person he had met sitting on the curb.
Her once messy hair now fell in smooth, shiny waves. Her face, previously dirty and marked with exhaustion, was now flawless, her eyes accentuated by sophisticated makeup. The fitted dress flattered her figure, and the high heels made her look even more confident.
But what surprised him the most was her expression. She didn’t seem shocked or impressed by her transformation. She simply looked at herself in the mirror, observing as if she had seen herself like this before.
What is it? She turned to him, catching his curious gaze. You don’t look surprised. Isabella smiled, a mysterious glint in her eyes.
Because I’m not, William crossed his arms. Who are you, Isabella? She grabbed the purse the stylist handed her and walked toward him. Someone who knows how to seize good opportunities when they come.
The car glided smoothly down the illuminated road toward the event William had been avoiding but was now eager to attend. Beside him, Isabella observed the landscape with an almost irritating calm. He had expected her to show some anxiety or nervousness at some point.
But since leaving the salon, her composure remained flawless, as if she were already familiar with that world. You’re very quiet, William commented, glancing away from the road to look at her. I’m just enjoying the silence, Isabella replied with a faint smile.
He frowned. Most people in your situation would be dazzled by all this. She laughed softly.
Maybe I’m not like most people. William realized that pressing her further wouldn’t get him anywhere. There was something about her that intrigued him, but he wouldn’t get answers so easily.
The car finally stopped in front of the luxurious banquet hall, where hundreds of elite guests had already gathered. Outside, couples stepped out of limousines and sports cars, showing off their jewelry and designer dresses. Photographers and journalists covered the event, ensuring every detail of the wedding was documented for the society pages.
William got out first, adjusting his suit naturally. Then he extended his hand to Isabella, who accepted without hesitation. When she stepped out of the car, the immediate impact was undeniable.
All eyes turned to her. Women whispered among themselves, trying to figure out who the mysterious woman accompanying William Lancaster was. Men watched her with interest.
Isabella, however, didn’t flinch. With impeccable poise, she lifted her chin and smiled discreetly, as if she were already used to being the center of attention. William guided her down the red carpet toward the entrance of the hall.
As they walked, Isabella maintained a serene expression, showing no surprise at the luxurious surroundings. Follow my lead, William whispered. Be polite, smile, and don’t draw unnecessary attention.
She raised an eyebrow. Did you bring me here to make your ex jealous or to be invisible? William pressed his lips together, not answering. That’s what I thought, Isabella said with amusement.
They passed through the double doors and entered the grand hall, where crystal chandeliers sparkled under golden light. The room was filled with high-society figures, dressed in their finest attire. It didn’t take long for Olivia and her fiancé to come into William’s line of sight.
Olivia looked stunning in an elegant white dress, her smile perfectly crafted to charm everyone. Charles Montrose, her future husband, was exactly the type her family would approve of—wealthy, traditional, and predictable. Olivia’s eyes met William’s.
For a brief second, she seemed surprised to see him there. But then her gaze landed on Isabella and froze. Olivia’s expression changed subtly, as if trying to figure out who this dazzling woman next to her ex-fiancé was.
With a calculated smile, William led Isabella directly toward them. Olivia, he greeted her with a polite yet cold tone. She blinked a few times before forcing a smile.
William, what a surprise! I didn’t expect you to come. Of course I came, he looked at Isabella, and I brought company. Olivia examined Isabella from head to toe.
We haven’t been introduced. You are? Before William could respond, Isabella extended her hand naturally. Isabella, a pleasure to meet you.
Her voice was firm, elegant, her posture was flawless, and her smile showed no sign of submission. Olivia hesitated before shaking her hand, clearly uncomfortable. You look… familiar, Olivia remarked.
Isabella smiled, tilting her head slightly. Do I? Olivia forced another smile, but William noticed the tension in her eyes. She was unsettled, exactly as he wanted.
Charles cleared his throat, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. Shall we toast? He raised his champagne glass. William nodded, but before he could turn, Isabella gave a polite smile and said something that caught everyone off-guard.
I hope you’ll be very happy. Marriage is a serious commitment. I was once engaged myself.
William froze. Olivia and Charles exchanged glances. Really? Olivia asked, forcing a casual tone.
Isabella nodded, taking a sip of champagne. But it didn’t work out. My fiancé decided I wasn’t the right choice for his family.
William felt a chill run through him. She was sending a clear message, and Olivia caught it. His ex-fiancé’s eyes narrowed slightly.
That’s an interesting coincidence. Isabella smiled. I think so too.
An uncomfortable silence filled the air. William could tell Olivia was struggling to keep her composure. Finally, Isabella lightly touched William’s arm.