When the Queen returned

The Return of the Queen

Chapter Two: The Return of the Queen

The glossy black Rolls Royce glided past the golden gates of the Martins Estate and halted at the grand entrance of the mansion. Servants rushed to open the door as I stepped out, the weight of heartbreak buried beneath my air of calm composure. The towering pillars, glistening marble floors and lavish fountain at the center of the courtyard. All of it felt like I was stepping into a dream I had once left behind.

"Welcome home, Miss Isabella," one of the staff said with a deep bow.

I offered a small smile and walked inside with the grace of an empress. My heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing with authority. My father was already waiting in the vast living room, seated in his favourite armchair, his temples and steel-blue eyes looking as commanding as ever.

"Welcome home, my princess," he said, standing as I approached. "It’s been a while, my sweet Bella. What have you done to yourself??? Take a look at how you look. My love, you have got bruises all over your body and you look so skinny. This isn’t the daughter I raised."

His voice cracked with emotion and when he embraced me, I finally let a tear roll down my cheek. "I warned you about this whole arrangement, didn't I? Now have you seen how it all turned out? I swear I will ruin that lunatic of a husband."

"Calm down, Dad," I said softly, pulling away slightly and cupping his cheek. "I know that I should have listened to you and I am sorry. I thought that I had found the right person, but it was all in my head. He never loved me but it's fine now. I promise you dad, Lucas will pay for the time I wasted and for every scar that I now carry."

A proud smile tugged at my father's lips. "That's my Bella. You will always be a fighter. Anyways, the moment I heard you were coming home, I told the kitchen staff to prepare all your favourite dishes. Go on to your room, freshen up and join me for dinner. Let’s have a feast."

I couldn’t suppress the grin that broke across my face. "Oh, Dad. All this for me? Thank you so much, I can’t even remember the last time I had a proper feast."

He chuckled. "It’s okay, my princess. Just freshen up and come downstairs."

I kissed his cheek and walked up the grand staircase to my old room. As soon as I opened the door, memories flooded in. Birthdays, pillow fights and the late-night stories my mom read to me. The scent of lavender still lingered in the air making my heart swell with emotions.

I jumped onto my bed like a child, burying my face into the plush pillows. My closet was still arranged the way I had left it. My suits, blouses, heels, all were intact. I walked into the bathroom, undressed and entered the shower. I let the hot water run down my body, and tried not to think about Lucas and the hell that I had endured.

After the shower, I slipped into a soft lavender pyjamas and made my way downstairs. The dinner was splendid. My favourites-stuffed turkey, grilled salmon, creamy mashed potatoes and even mango cheesecake were all on the table. Dad and I ate, laughed and reminisced old memories.

“Bella,” he said while sipping his wine, “I know you're still processing everything, but the company needs you, It’s time for your return.”

“I know,” I said with a soft nod. “I’ll resume tomorrow.”

He raised a brow. “You’re sure?”

“Hundred percent, dad.”

We clinked glasses, sealing the deal. That night, I tried to sleep, but my thoughts betrayed me. I tossed, thinking about Lucas, about Susan and about all the ways I’d hidden my identity to be with someone who saw me as nothing but that wasn’t going to happen any more. I will make Lucas pay dearly.

At dawn, I got up, showered, and stepped into the walk-in closet. Mia, my loyal personal maid, was already waiting.

"Good morning, Miss Bella! Welcome home again!" she said cheerfully.

“Mia, I’ve missed you,” I said, hugging her.

“I missed you more. Let’s get you ready to conquer the world again.”

She picked out a stunning outfit. It was an ivory-white silk blouse with diamond-studded buttons, paired with a navy-blue high-waisted pencil skirt that hugged my curves elegantly. A diamond-studded belt cinched my waist and I wore white stilettos that made me feel taller and prouder.

Mia styled my hair into long, flowing curls that cascaded down my back and gave me a golden-glow makeup look with wine-red lips that radiated power.

“Now you look like the billion-dollar heiress that you are,” she said, stepping back to admire her work.

I gave her a wink. “Let’s remind the world who I am.”

Descending the stairs, I met my father at the foot. He looked at me with pride and admiration.

“Now that’s my princess. Your beauty radiates like the sun, my angel. Shall we?” He extended his arm and I slipped mine into his.

We walked out like royalty. The driver moved to open the door, but Dad stopped him.

“No, Marcus. I’ll do it. My daughter is starting her journey again and she deserves all my support.”

He opened the door, and I smiled, stepping inside.

The journey to the company headquarters was silent, but comforting. When we arrived, the staff lined up at the entrance, holding flower bouquets. Some clapped, others wiped tears. My return was celebrated like a queen’s coronation.

"Welcome back, Miss Isabella!"

The large golden sign above the skyscraper read: Martins International Holdings.

I gave a short speech, thanking everyone for standing by the company and promising to make it stronger than ever. Then I headed straight to my office. My name was written on the door. My office had sleek glass walls, a 360-degree city view and my initials engraved on the desk-“C.E.O. ISABELLA MARTINS”

My manager, Jenna, briefed me about the meetings scheduled for the day. Three deals were pending and needed my signature. By lunchtime, I had closed all three.

“Last meeting is in fifteen minutes,” Jenna said. “He’s a new investor from abroad. You might want to freshen up. He’s important.”

I nodded, reapplied my lipstick, and adjusted my diamond necklace.

When the door opened, I stood… and froze.