Isabella~
"Xavier, you look tense. Is everything all right?" I noticed him silently having his breakfast. He didn't even respond to James and Victor's teasing. Is he unhappy with our engagement? I cast a suspicious glance at his face.
However, his expression betrayed no joy or sadness, leaving me confused about his feelings. My mind wandered to the past—how he had once forcibly held my hand, sliding the engagement ring on with a forced smile. His anger-filled gaze had pierced through me back then. I was naive, oblivious to his love for Alicia, and blind to their betrayal.
Even though I had encouraged him to put the past behind us and focus on our future, those upsetting memories still lingered, casting a shadow on my joy.
"Bella, where have you lost? Tell me, where are you planning to go on your honeymoon?" James's voice snapped me out of my reverie.
Before responding to James, I glanced at Xavier. He remained engrossed in his thoughts, barely noticing anything around him.
"I haven't made any plans yet," I replied, shrugging my shoulders and rising from the dining chair.
"Let me help you, Bella." Victor stood up to assist me. My fractured leg hadn't recovered fully yet, and his thoughtful gesture made me smile.
Dad quickly finished his breakfast and hurried off to the party venue, brimming with excitement over my engagement. Alan, too, scampered after him, eager to help his grandfather with the arrangements.
Victor stayed by my side while James helped Xavier prepare for the ceremony.
"Look at this gorgeous dress, Bella. Xavier sent it to you." After the makeup artist finished with me, I heard Victor's voice and turned to see him holding a stunning red silk gown.
"It's beautiful." I gasped in awe.
But as my gaze lingered on the dress, a pang of nostalgia struck me. The gown bore a striking resemblance to the one I wore during our first engagement. My heart tightened as memories of that day resurfaced. Why would Xavier choose this gown?
Without saying a word, I put on the gown and finished getting ready. Though thrilled about starting a new life with Xavier, I couldn't shake my nervousness or the unease that came with revisiting our past.
"You look stunning." Victor whistled when he saw me.
I smiled shyly and lowered my gaze to hide my blush. Holding Victor's hand, I entered the party hall. My eyes immediately sought out Xavier. He looked breathtakingly handsome in his blue tuxedo.
For a moment, I let my thoughts linger on him. How does he manage to look so effortlessly perfect?
"Don't swoon over him, Bella; he's your man." James leaned in, whispering teasingly in my ear.
Heat crept up my cheeks as I quickly averted my gaze from Xavier and lowered my head, trying to compose myself.
The engagement party was grand, as expected. Dad had spared no expense, ensuring everything was perfect.
"Congratulations, Bella." My face lit up as Uncle Jorawar and Aunt Lily entered the hall.
"Thank you for coming, Aunt." I hugged her warmly.
"Bella, are you reopening Laila's case?" Uncle Jorawar's question caught me off guard.
"Yes, tomorrow we'll file a case against Jonathan," I said, nodding in agreement.
"Does Richard know about this?" His skeptical tone made me hesitate.
I had already reassured Uncle Jorawar of my commitment to justice for Laila. But his doubt lingered, even as I explained my intentions.
"Jorawar, at least see the occasion. Why do you always open your court at any place?" Aunt Lily scolded him gently.
"I apologize, but I don't trust anyone in this family. Congratulations, nevertheless." He handed me a bouquet before walking away to greet other guests.
"Don't take his words too seriously, Bella. His heartlessness only grew worse after Laila's death." Aunt Lily held my hand reassuringly.
"I understand his pain, Aunt. Don't worry." I smiled softly, blinking away any discomfort his words had caused.
"I am thrilled to announce that my son, Xavier Thompson, will be re-engaging with Isabella Morgan." Dad's voice echoed across the hall as he invited us to the stage.
Xavier and I walked up together. My heart pounded as he took the mic from Dad.
"I want to say something before we get engaged, Dad,"Xavier said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying nervousness.
I froze. What is he going to say?
"Most of you were present seven years ago when I insulted Isabella on our wedding anniversary. I shamed her for her lack of education and shamelessly flaunted my affair with Alicia."
Gasps filled the room. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at him in astonishment.
"Later, I paid the price for my mistakes. I faced bankruptcy, and you all know how I became entangled in a false murder charge involving Alicia."
His voice cracked, but he pressed on. "Isabella, however, stood by me during my darkest times. No matter how many times I apologize to her, it will never feel like enough."
Xavier knelt before me, holding out the engagement ring.
"Isabella Morgan, aka Veronica Luis, will you marry me again?"
The room erupted in cheers.
"Say yes to him," someone shouted from the crowd.
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes as I whispered,
"Yes."
But just as he prepared to slide the ring onto my finger, I stopped him.
"What's wrong, Isabella?" Dad asked, his face etched with concern.
"I think we should wait for Lincon and Dixie. I want everyone's blessing this time."
Xavier's eyes pleaded with me, but I stood firm.
"Bella, all the guests are waiting. Delaying the engagement for them isn't a good idea,"Victor whispered in my ear.
Reluctantly, I allowed Xavier to slide the ring onto my finger. The hall was filled with applause, and congratulations.
Shortly after, Xavier's phone buzzed with an unknown number. He excused himself and stepped outside to take the call.
Concerned by the tense look on his face, I followed him.
"What? When did this happen?" I heard him say, his voice filled with urgency.
When he noticed me standing there, he abruptly ended the call and pocketed his phone.
"What are you keeping from me, Xavier? I asked, suspicion clouding my voice.