RE-WRITING DESTINY

CHAPTER 3; THE BALL

Isabell’s pov.

At the ball…

The ballroom was breathtaking.

Crystal chandeliers blazed overhead, scattering light across polished marble and golden draperies that shimmered like the sun.

Musicians filled the air with sweeping strings, while nobles moved like a river of jewels, gowns of sapphire, emerald, and ivory swirling with every step.

The scent of roses and fine wine clung to the air, mingling with the hum of whispered gossip.

Debony and I were able to attend the ball because we are nobles. Matilda was outside waiting for us by the carriage.

All eyes turned when I entered.

I could sense it, not just because of my incomparable beauty but the tragic story that lies behind the most beautiful maiden.

My tragedy is known widely in the kingdom: the girl who lost both her parents and uncle in the woods.

But yet managed to find her way out with her male friend, who they suspected was my lover.

The news of Dante being my lover became true after I decided to call off my betrothalment with Hiram.

The stares became much, and the murmurs were loud.

My pulse raced, and for a moment, I wanted to shrink back into the shadows. I wished I never came. But then I saw him.

Hiram.

He stood tall at the center of the room, dressed in a black and silver coat that caught the light with every movement.

His gaze found mine instantly, and the crowded hall seemed to vanish. Only he and I existed, two stars drawn together. I felt courageous and bold.

“Well, you hardly attend balls, so expect all these stares,” Debony said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Is that the famous lady of the Woodlock household?” Lady Bridget asked the other ladies with her. “I heard she is only interested in charity.” Lady Toma replied,

“You should not look at me that way,” I told them.

“My apologies,” Lady Bridget said. “But I'm not the only one staring.” She giggled as she fanned herself.

“Look who's just arrived.”Debony nodded towards the entrance, where Dante and Rosalind had just walked in.

“And there is your knight,” Debony said, her eyes sparkling with amusement towards Hiram.

“This ball is memorable, don't you think?” she asked

“Well, this is just a step to correct all my wrongs,” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

Debony smiled knowingly as she walked away. Hiram crossed the floor in measured steps, his hand extended, his smile soft yet unshakable.

“You did come,” he said, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “I was beginning to think you'd left me to dance alone.” I placed my hand in his.

“I wouldn't dream of it.” I replied

The music swelled as he led me to the floor. His hand rested at my waist, steady and warm, guiding me with a confidence that made my own steps lighter. Around us, the crowd whispered, some with envy, some with admiration.

“You're trembling,” he murmured.

“Only because you insist on staring at me,” I whispered back, trying to hide my blush.

“Then I shall never look away, for if I do, other stares might come,” he said with a smile, showing his dimples.

“I still can't believe what's happening,” Lady Toma said, her voice carrying across the room. “So it is true, she called off her engagement with Dante.”

Lady Bridget chimed in, “Who does she think she is?”Lady Brigitte questioned,

“She is the most successful and beautiful lady in the empire.” Debony said as she walked past them.

“Isabell, can we talk?” Dante asked, his voice low and urgent.

“For what reason?” I asked, my eyes never leaving Hiram's face.

“I'm sorry for what happened at the opera. I could not get the thought of you calling off the engagement out of my mind,” Dante said.

“There is nothing to talk about, Dante,” I said, my voice firm.

“Do you really love him?” He asked, his eyes searching mine.

“Yes, I do,” I replied, smiling.

“Can’t you live without me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“We both know you don't have feelings for Hiram. Why then are you acting up?” he said, his voice laced with frustration.

“Anything to flee from your bondage,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “And also, you and Rosalind are both good at acting.”I said giggling as I walked away, leaving Dante looking stunned.

“What was that?” Debony asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Dante fooling around,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“What on earth does he want from you?” Debony asked furiously.

“Do you believe that Dante and Rosalind aren't cousins but lovers?” I asked, my voice low.

Debony's face shifted, her expression changing from excitement to shock. “I'm not sure I believe that,” she said slowly. “Are you serious?” she asked.

“Yes, a hundred percent sure. I just need evidence for my story,” I said, a plan forming in my mind.

“And how will you get that information?” Debony asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

“That's why I would have to take photographs of them both,” I said with a smile.

“I have a bad omen about cameras, and I thought it's not to be taken much in a lifetime,” Debony said, her voice laced with unease.

The new inventory Camera just came, and people are still afraid to use it. Rumors have it that once your photo is taken, your soul is trapped in it. But the year I died, people have already started seeing cameras as a normal thing, and pictures were taken every time.

“Don't worry, Debony,” I said with a reassuring smile.

“And how will you accomplish that? You aren't staying with them to get their photos,” Debony questioned, her skepticism evident.

That's true, I did not think about that.

Dante's POV:

“Something is off,” Rosalind said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Did you see how Hiram and Isabell danced at the ball?” she asked, her eyes scanning the room.

Isabell wants to play this game. She doesn't know what I'm capable of doing,” I said with a smirk.

“What do you mean?” Rosalind asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“She knows about our relationship,” I said, my eyes locked on hers.

“Really! How?” Rosalind asked, her voice laced with surprise.

“Don't know, but I'm sure of it,” I said. “But I don't think Hiram is aware.”

“Next week is Isabell's and Hiram's engagement ball,” Rosalind said, her voice dripping with malice.

“All we have to do is eliminate Hiram,” she suggested, a plan forming in her mind.

I smiled, my mind racing with possibilities. The game is on Isabell.