The Wrong Vows

Chapter-5 (Isabella's POV)

The vibration of my phone stirred me from sleep. Groggily, I reached over, assuming it was the alarm. But it wasn’t. “Serena?” I blinked at the screen. Why is she calling this early?

I picked up. “Hello?”

Her voice came up sharp and impatient. “I’m calling to tell you that Dad called me. He wants both of us home for dinner tonight.”

I sat up, suddenly wide awake. “Wait... what? Dad asked for us? Are you serious?”

“You heard me. Don’t be late.”

She hung up before I could ask anything more.

I stared at the phone in disbelief. Dad never called. Especially not for me. Mom once told me he always wanted two kids—a boy and a girl. When Serena was born, he was thrilled. But when the second twin—me—arrived, and it turned out I wasn’t the son he expected... well, he checked out. Emotionally, at least.

I pulled the blanket off and mumbled, “Maybe if I show up late, I can avoid too much talking.”

I took a hot shower, let the steam clear my head, then dressed and dried my hair. With my laptop bag slung over my shoulder, I locked up and stepped into the morning light, sliding into my Mercedes.

“My baby,” I whispered fondly, running my fingers along the steering wheel before starting the engine.

Music on, windows down, I drove straight to my favorite cafe, hoping the ambiance would help me start writing again. Inspiration felt overdue.

The cafe was like a scene from a book—cozy, quaint, with the rich scent of coffee blending with the faint smell of old books. Bookshelves lined the walls. Upstairs, plush couches waited by windows filled with sunlight, and the rooftop boasted a small garden of colorful flowers.

I waved at the barista behind the counter. “Hey, Alina!”

She smiled. “Hey Bella! Upstairs, as usual?”

“You know me too well.”

I climbed the stairs, settled onto my favorite couch, kicked off my shoes, and placed my laptop on my lap. The keys clicked beneath my fingers as I started writing. Words flowed easier here.

Time slipped away until my phone rang again. I blinked and answered distractedly, “Hello? Who’s this?”

A deep voice met my ears. “Hello, Bella. It’s me, Andrés.”

My heart stumbled. Andrés? Calling me?

I tried to sound casual. “Oh, hey... Andrés. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to check on you. How’s your foot? Is it better now?”

His voice was soft. Gentle.

“Oh… yeah, it’s much better. Barely hurts anymore. I actually forgot I got hurt,” I laughed nervously. “You bandaged it really carefully.”

I murmured that last part, but he chuckled. Did he hear me?

“Thank you for calling,” I added quickly.

“Take care, Bella,” he said and ended the call.

I stared at the screen for a moment, then saved his number. Heart emoji and all.

Before I could refocus on my draft, another call popped up.

“Mia,” I muttered. “Wow, everyone’s calling today.”

I answered. “What’s up?”

“Are you going?” she asked.

“Going where?” I frowned.

“To your parents’ house! My mom said your parents invited us for dinner.”

I blinked. “Wait… what? They invited your family too?”

“Yeah, I thought you knew.”

“No! Serena called me in the morning, told me Dad wanted us there. That’s all I know.”

“Okay, well… I guess we’ll figure it out tonight. See you there.”

“See you.”

I sighed, shut my laptop, slipped my shoes on, and headed back to my car.

Once home, I changed into something decent—a soft lavender dress with light makeup. Simple, clean, nothing too flashy. I gathered my things and headed out.

As I parked outside my childhood home, I noticed Serena’s car already in the driveway. I took a deep breath before stepping out.

The door opened before I could knock.

“Bella!” Mom’s arms wrapped tightly around me. “Oh my baby, you’re here! I missed you so much! Why don’t you ever come visit me? Don’t you love your mom anymore?”

I chuckled, hugging her back. “Mom, please don’t start.”

Serena appeared at the door, laughing. “Aww, a girls-only hug and no one calls me? Not fair, Mom!”

We laughed, pulling her into the hug.

Just then, Dad walked in. I turned to him. “Hello, Dad.”

He barely acknowledged me. “Hmm,” he grunted, walking past.

Same coldness. At least he was consistent.

I turned to Mom. “Okay… what’s going on? Am I forgetting something?”

She hesitated, her expression faltering. “Um... your dad will explain. I’ll get you something to drink.”

I exchanged a glance with Serena.

“What’s happening?” I whispered.

“No idea, girl.” She shrugged, already reaching into her purse. “Let’s take a sister selfie before the drama begins.”

We both pouted dramatically. Click.

She giggled. “I’m posting this on Insta—with a bunny filter on your face!”

“What?! Serena, no! Don’t you dare!”

I lunged for her. She squealed and bolted down the hallway. I chased her, laughing and yelling, “I will end you!”

My heel caught the edge of the rug. “Oh no—” I gasped.

I was falling.

But I didn’t hit the floor.

A strong hand gripped my waist just in time. My breath caught.

I looked up.

Andrés.

My heart raced as he helped me stand upright.

“Careful,” he said softly, his hand lingering a second longer than necessary.

I fixed my dress, avoiding eye contact. “Thanks,” I mumbled, trying to act unfazed.

But Mia’s exaggerated cough and smirk from the hallway told me otherwise.

I shot her a look. Shut up, my eyes warned.

She wiggled her brows.

Just then, Mia’s parents arrived, followed by three unfamiliar faces. One tall man in a black suit and a poised demeanor walked ahead, flanked by a well-dressed couple—his parents, I assumed.

“Mia, who are these people?” I asked, confused.

She frowned. “No clue. Andrés and I came in a different car. I don’t know who they are.”

I turned to Serena, hoping she had answers. But her face had gone pale.

“Serena?” I whispered. “Do you know them?”

She quickly looked away.

The guests were seated, and the room buzzed with chatter. But I noticed the tall man in the black suit staring at Serena while she pretended to scroll through her phone.

“New admirer of yours?” I teased.

Before she could answer, Dad stood.

“I have an important announcement,” he said, drawing everyone’s attention.

“We’ve made a decision, one we believe is best for our children’s future.”

The air stilled.

“Serena will be marrying Andrés.”

Applause erupted.

But my heart... stopped.

I couldn’t hear anything. My ears rang.

Mia nudged me. “Bella?”

Dad raised his voice again. “And another announcement. Isabella will be marrying Conrad.”

The name struck like lightning.

I turned to Serena.

She wasn’t smiling.

Neither was I.