THE ILLUSION

Chapter4: Smile For Me

I kept pacing around the room.

The chandelier light flickered across the walls, too bright — too real.

Nothing still made sense.

If I’m really Bella Ipkiss…

Does that mean no more bullying.

No more cheap clothes.

No more avoiding people’s eyes.

My heart hammered so fast I could feel it in my throat.

None of this should be possible.

I don’t even believe in reincarnation or new lives or whatever—

but here I am.

Hope Turner… is Bella Ipkiss.

Her enemy.

Her nightmare.

The girl I used to cry because of.

What kind of sick cosmic prank is this?

And as if that isn’t enough —

I’m really engaged to Draven Thorn.

Draven Thorn.

Oh—wow—okay—deep breaths—deep breaths.

I sat on the bed.

Stood back up.

Sat again.

So… I have money now? Like real money?

My eyes drifted to the small door beside the bed.

Curiosity tugged harder than fear.

I opened it.

And stopped breathing.

It wasn’t a closet.

It was a room.

Soft lighting. Velvet shelves. Designer bags. Shoes arranged like art exhibits. Dresses that probably cost more than my family’s rent for a year.

Everything I used to stare at online and whisper maybe someday…

was here.

Mine.

I stepped inside slowly, like I was scared the walls would charge me for touching the air.

It even smelled expensive.

I let out a shaky laugh.

This also means I’m friends with Bianca, Zoey, and Nalani.

Oh.

This life is getting interesting.

And I was worried before? Seriously?

I spun in a slow circle, hands to my head.

I am Bella Ipkiss.

I have money.

Status.

A walk-in closet the size of Hope Turner’s entire home.

“Ahhhhhhhh!” I squealed, spinning once more. “This is what I prayed for!”

Thank you, God.

You saw me—miserable, tired, starving—and You gave me the throne.

The bully.

The queen.

This is insane.

Knock. Knock.

The sound stopped me mid-spin.

“Miss Bella,” came the same gentle voice.

"Bianca is here.”

My heart jumped.

“Should I let her in?”

A louder voice bulldozed through the hallway:

“Get out of my way, crazy old woman! Do I need permission to see my friend?”

That voice—

I knew that voice.

Bianca.

The maid stammered an apology.

Then footsteps. Fast, impatient.

“Bella!” Bianca called. “Come on, girl, open up!”

I froze. My stomach grumbled so hard I let out a quiet fart.

Perfect timing.

Okay, Hope.

You’re Bella now.

Act like Bella. Blend in. Don’t get caught.

I twisted the handle and opened the door.

Bianca stormed in — flawless hair, perfume like honey and fire.

“Belle, baby! What the heck? You said you’d call me after the Thorns last night! What happened? Did Draven pull something again?”

She gripped my shoulders, eyes sharp with gossip and worry.

“N-no!” I stammered. “Everything’s fine! I’m fine. Draven’s fine. I just… don’t remember much. I’m tired. You should go.”

She blinked. “Are you okay, munchie?”

“Who? Me? Yeah! Totally fine. Just sleepy.”

I fake-yawned and tried to push her out.

She laughed softly. “You’re acting weird, but fine. Rest. We’ll talk tomorrow at school.”

“School?” I blurted.

“Yes, tomorrow’s Monday. Duh.”

“Oh. Right.” I forced a smile. “Thanks for checking on me.”

I closed the door quickly and locked it.

Leaning against it, I exhaled hard.

Phewww.

They didn’t know.

Not Bianca. Not Bella’s parents.

This is going pretty well.

The dinner at the Thorns tonight —

I’ll have to blend in there too.

I glanced at the clock. 4:57 p.m.

My stomach growled again.

A knock followed.

“Miss Bella?” the maid called softly. “Should I bring in your lunch? You haven’t eaten since last night.”

“Yes, please!”

She left and returned minutes later with a tray.

When I opened the door, warm steam hit my face.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d crave, so I brought everything,” she said, smiling kindly as she arranged the plates.

There was a small dining nook by thse window — white, cozy, glowing in the evening light.

I stood there, watching the food like it might vanish if I blinked.

“I can see you’re really hungry,” she teased gently and left.

The second the door clicked shut, I locked it again—

and ran.

I dove for the food, eating like I hadn’t seen a meal in days.

Every bite was heaven.

Warm, soft, seasoned. Real.

Tears stung my eyes before I could stop them.

For the first time in forever,

I wasn’t hungry.

I wasn’t hopeless.

I was Bella Ipkiss.

Evening came too fast.

One moment I was trying to figure out what to wear, and the next, I was in the back of a car, being driven to the Thorns’ mansion.

The black sequin dress I wore stopped right at my thighs. It shimmered like it had its own pulse every time the streetlights passed. I caught my reflection in the window.

For a second, I forgot to breathe.

I looked… perfect.

Beautiful.

Not Hope Turner — Bella Ipkiss.

The car slowed to a stop.

“We’ve arrived, Miss Bella,” the driver said.

Right. Miss Bella. That’s me now.

I stepped out.

The Thorn mansion stretched up like something out of a dream — all glass, gold, and light. Huge double doors. A chandelier glowing from inside.

The kind of place that made you want to whisper.

I walked in, heels clicking against marble. The scent of roses and wealth filled the air. My head spun a little.

Then—

“Well, if it isn't the drama queen.”

That voice.

I turned and froze.

Draven Thorn stood at the bottom of the staircase, hands in his pockets, wearing that dangerous half-smile he was famous for.

Tall. Sharp. Effortlessly confident.

My knees nearly betrayed me again, but I locked them in place.

“After what you did last night,” he said, coming closer, “I didn’t think you’d show up tonight.”

He tilted his head, smirking. “Guess you can’t wait to marry me.”

“I— uh—”

“Funny,” he said flatly, brushing past me as if I were a ghost.

My pulse wouldn’t slow.

What did Bella even do last night?

Footsteps echoed from the stairs again.

Draven’s parents.

Power walked with them. Every step looked expensive.

“Good evening, ma’am. Good evening, sir,” I said quickly.

Draven turned, laughing. “What did you just say? Did you just politely greet my parents?”

Heat rushed to my face. “I— I was just—”

Get it together, Hope.

Mrs. Thorn smiled slightly, eyes sharp. “Join us for dinner, dear.”

Her tone wasn’t kind. It was an order wrapped in silk.

The dining room was stunning — long table, candles, crystal glasses that caught every flicker of light.

I sat beside Draven, pretending my heart wasn’t trying to escape my chest.

Silence.

Only the sound of cutlery and clinking glasses.

Draven scrolled through his phone, occasionally glancing my way with that mocking smirk.

Mr. Thorn finally spoke without looking up.

“Your father called. Said you’ll apologize for your behavior last night.”

Behavior?

What behavior?

“I— I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I don’t know what came over me. I was just… drunk.”

Draven’s brows lifted in disbelief.

Oh no. Did Bella not drink?

Mr. Thorn gave a single nod. “See that it doesn’t happen again.”

He stood, took a slow sip of wine, and left.

Creepy.

Mrs. Thorn’s turn.

“I’ve always admired you, Bella,” she said smoothly. “Strong. Composed. But last night disappointed me. Let’s hope you remember who you are — and who you’re doing this for.”

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Then she, too, left the room.

Now it was just me and Draven.

He clapped his hands once.

“Well done, drama queen. You should try Hollywood — you’d win an Oscar with that little performance.”

I forced a weak laugh. “Haha… thanks.”

He leaned close, close enough that his cologne and breath tangled together.

“I don’t know what you’re playing at,” he whispered, “but it won’t last long.”

His fingers brushed my cheek — light, deliberate.

“Smile, Bella. We’re getting married.”

He straightened, still smirking, and walked off.

For a moment, I sat there frozen, heart pounding in my throat.

Everyone keeps leaving me mid-conversation.

I downed the rest of the wine, hoping it would shut the world up for a second.

Then I stood, straightened my dress, and walked out with whatever was left of my pride.

The air outside felt lighter. I could finally breathe.

“Home,” I told the driver.

He nodded and started the car.

As the Thorn mansion disappeared behind me, I pressed a hand against my chest.

Fear. Shock. Excitement.

All tangled together.

Maybe this life wasn’t heaven.

But it was mine now.

And I was going to survive it.