Chapter 4 Family Dinner
1003 Words
The next morning, Isabelle woke up and was shortly startled by the unfamiliar surroundings before recalling she was staying at Nicholas' place.
He had invited her to move in, reasoning that since they were getting married soon, they might as well start living together to make their acting more convincing.
Isabelle had just returned to the country and had not yet found a suitable place to stay, so his offer had been timely.
"The decor is quite nice..." Isabelle muttered to herself as she surveyed the room.
A small box on the bedside table caught her attention. She was certain it had been empty last night.
"A gift for Izzy."
A note with fluid handwriting lay beneath the box, unmistakably left by Nicholas.
Opening it, Isabelle found a stunning diamond ring inside, and her breath caught.
Tentatively, she slipped it onto her ring finger, surprised that it fit perfectly.
'How did he know my ring size?'
She held up her hand, the morning sunlight refracting off the flawlessly cut diamond, casting colorful sparkles.
Isabelle was attracted by the ring and couldn't help but smile.
'Nicholas is generous. So far, the contract seems like a good deal.'
"Mrs. Carter, breakfast is ready." The butler knocked on the door and informed her respectfully.
Isabelle quickly lowered her hand, feeling a bit embarrassed. She hadn't noticed being called "Mrs. Carter" yet.
Following the butler to the dining room, she found an extravagant spread laid out, complete with a dozen different spreads for the bread.
Just then, Isabelle's phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.
"Hello?" Isabelle answered.
"How was your sleep last night?" Nicholas' voice came through.
"Not bad. Is your breakfast always this lavish?" she teased.
"Not knowing your preferences, I had the chef prepare a variety. It seems you're pleased."
'Who wouldn't be?' Isabelle thought.
"There's a family dinner tonight. It's the perfect time to announce our marriage. Someone will deliver a dress for you this afternoon."
After a pause, he added, "And remember to wear the ring."
Nicholas seemed to have everything planned out, making him an ideal partner.
*****
Evening fell at Carter Estate, and Isabelle showed up in a deep blue mermaid gown, her movements graceful like a sea siren. The pearl necklace around her neck accentuated her smooth skin. The stylist had pinned up her brown hair, leaving a strand to fall over her collarbone, adding to her allure.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw Nicholas wearing a suit that matched her dress and then willingly linked her arm through his.
They entered the main hall together.
They weren't the first to arrive. Many guests were already there, chatting in groups. Conversations halted as everyone stared in shock at Nicholas and the woman on his arm.
Nicholas led Isabelle straight to Imogen Carter, where Selena and Alexander, the newlyweds, were also standing.
"Mom, this is my fiancée, Isabelle."
Imogen's hair was entirely grey, but her skin was well-maintained, making her appear no older than fifty. She wore numerous expensive pieces of jewelry, exuding an air of wealth and power.
She looked Isabelle over with a mix of amazement and scrutiny before speaking with grace, "You look even more beautiful than you did yesterday."
"Thank you," Isabelle replied gracefully, letting Mrs. Carter take her in.
'Nicholas' mother appeared to be an elegant woman, likely easy to get along with.'
Isabelle's gaze subtly drifted towards Selena, curious about her reaction to hearing her name.
As expected, Selena froze at the mention of "Isabelle." She stared intently at the flawless face before her, searching desperately for any trace of her sister.
Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms without her even feeling the pain.
Only when she found no resemblance between the woman and her sister did she relax, convincing herself it was just a coincidence.
But then she turned to see Alexander, who was gawking at Isabelle with a look of pure infatuation.
"Alex, did you hear her name?" Selena asked, anger simmering in her voice.
"I-I heard it. It's the same as your sister's," Alexander stammered, finally tearing his gaze away from Isabelle to meet his wife's furious eyes.
Isabelle inwardly scoffed at their ridiculous display. 'How foolish can Selena be to treasure the playboy Alexander?'
As everyone took their seats, the servants began bringing out delicious dishes.
Amidst the soft murmur of conversations, Nicholas tapped his fork against his wine glass.
"I have an announcement to make," he said, looking seriously at Isabelle. "Isabelle and I will be getting married next month."
"Isn't that a bit rushed?" Matthew Carter, Alexander's father and Nicholas' brother, asked.
"No," Nicholas replied, holding Isabelle's hand and planting a kiss on it. "I've been planning for this day for a long time."
'I should give him an Oscar,' Isabelle thought.
She played along with a shy smile and asked, "You have everything planned? Including our wedding?"
"It only takes one night for me to decide many things," Nicholas said, refilling her glass.
"Of course, some details still need your input, like the wedding dress."
After dinner, Matthew pulled Nicholas aside for a private conversation.
Watching him leave, Isabelle knew her own battle was just beginning.
As soon as Nicholas was gone, Imogen and the other ladies surrounded her, eager to learn about her background and her romantic stories with Nicholas.
Isabelle had anticipated this and was ready with answers. She then took out an exquisite box from her bag and said, "I have a gift for Mrs. Carter."
Imogen was surprised but opened the gift in front of everyone.
Under the soft light, an emerald necklace sparkled brilliantly.
"Thank you. I love it," Imogen said, stroking the necklace with a gentle smile.
The necklace was one of the many valuable pieces of jewelry Isabelle's mother had left behind. Not only was it expensive and beautifully crafted, but it was also quite old, making it a natural favorite for Imogen.
Selena, however, stared at the necklace in disbelief, mumbling, "This can't be..."
- Writer
