THE BROKEN HEIRESS LAST REVENGE

ISABELLA'S POV

Getting ready for a dinner party has never been my thing; I have always preferred being locked up in my room binging on a few of my favourite series or working on something instead. It wasn't that I couldn't go, I just never belonged to the settings, and my stepmother had always made me aware of that.

Every time there was a family function, I would always be reminded not to set my foot there so I do not cause a scene. Not like I have ever caused one.

My father would watch this watch in silence and never make a remark; as long as it wasn't work-related, he didn't seem to care.

My name is Isabella Reed, the first and illegitimate daughter of my father, Tony Reed. I have always been the outcast in my family since I was a child; my stepmother had made sure of that. I stared at the reflection that stared back at me in the mirror; it looked beautiful; I always knew I was beautiful, but never this beautiful. My hair cascaded down in soft waves with a side part instead of the usual messy bun I always had on. I had exchanged my glasses for contacts, and my pastel blue eyes were softly highlighted with molten copper eye shadow.

I looked different, like a sassy and arrogant woman. It looked like a stranger had occupied my body. I wore the only thing that reminded me of my mother. A dainty gold necklace that had always been with me since I was a child.

This party wasn't for people like me but a little hope tugged me to go for it. I needed to see for myself even if I could only do it once in my lifetime. It's not like I have much time left. I glance at My room, a small box With beige walls located at the end of my father's mansion. An unwanted distraction that needed to be kept out of sight, my stepmother had called it. I made my way to the parking lot ready for the party.

I watched Camilla hold her mother's hand tightly, they exchanged a knowing smile. She squealed for the umpteenth time today and it scratched my ear. I hated her and her mother with a passion, but they didn't need to know that yet. I just had to do what they wanted me to do and get them off my back.

I stepped forward to enter the limousine after Camilla when she pushed me hard.

"Do not forget your place; just because Father is letting you come with us this time around doesn't mean you get to ride with us; ride with my assistants. You know that's where you belong." Camilla snapped, slamming the door in my face.

I held back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes, as I walked slowly to the car. The assistants cast me a pitying look. Everyone always did. The first illegitimate daughter of my father, a taint to his family's glory, an abomination. I smiled at their pitying faces, not wanting to give them the satisfaction they wanted.

The drive was slow and peaceful, and soon enough, we arrived at the function. A Victorian mansion house with a timeless elegance welcomed us; it embodied old money and grandeur. I hastened my footsteps as I made my way inside when my stepmother, Tina, slipped to my back whispering, "Do maintain a low profile today if you don't want me to make your life a living hell."

"Yes ma'am," I replied curtly.

The function is an anniversary of the Whiltmore family empire and also a celebration of the Whiltmore family union with my family. Of course, no one knew about it; only a few people did; the old money has always been marrying one another for business purposes. The announcement to be made has been making Tina And Camilla over the moon.

They feared I would jinx it, but I had other plans.

The hall was buzzed with chatters and chandeliers cast a luxurious warm glow on the room. Waiters in white and black uniforms glided through the guests swiftly. The air carried a sense of superiority and luxury.

I grabbed a champagne flute from a waiter who walked past me and chugged it down, wishing the night would end soon.

My chest tightened, and I clutched my bag closely, avoiding eye contact with anyone. I hated crowded places, but I walked with elegance, each step exposing my perfectly tanned thighs in the black cocktail gown that hugged me like a second skin.

I scanned the room for the very reason I decided to put myself in the spotlight. He was at the far end of the room. He laughed effortlessly and looked genuinely happy. I watched him exchange words with a few investors I did recognize and I admired how he carried himself with elegance and class. His sharp cheekbone and chiselled jawline became prominent each time he smiled.

I did not want to face another group of entitled rich people. Just as I wanted to slip away, Camilla and her friends made their way towards me.

"Enjoying the party, sister?" she asked smiling sweetly

"Yes, I am."

"My friends have been meaning to meet you for the longest time, and this makes it the opportunity to introduce you to them. Don't you think?" she replied.

I ignored her taking a few steps back. I was making my way towards the gallery when she pulled me by arms, spilling my drink all over my body. I tripped on her leg, and the glass fell to the floor, earning a few gasps from the guests.

Her friends stifled their laughter while she smiled and smirked. "Are you okay, sister? Do you want me to help you with that? Why weren't you watching where you were going you have always been so clumsy."

I ignored her and sprinted towards the restroom when I bumped into a something hard; I raised My head to vent my frustration when I recognised the person in front of me.

He smelled like cedarwood and leather, which intoxicated my nostrils. I gave him a once over without saying a word and proceeded to leave. His fingers wrapped around my wrist in a swift action. "Isabelle, listen to me."

"Let go of me", I said, jerking my hands away from him. Once again, he looked oddly familiar. I try to pinpoint where I know him from, but my memories just seem to be filled with blurs and fog. All I knew was that I seem to know him professionally, did we work together before?

In the restroom, while cleaning the stain the drink had left on my green silk dress I could hear whispers not far from me.

"I heard Shaun Whitmore is going to be engaged to Camilla today and he is going to announce it soon."

"Wow, that's exciting, the fact that she would get married before her so-called elder sister. I sometimes wonder if he is truly a member of that family."

The voices' and laughs stopped when they made eye contact with me as I walked out of the restroom.

What do I even think I am doing here, sauntering around like a lost child And making a fool of myself? Nobody cares about me; no one has ever done so, so it won't start now.

I can only look out for myself. I am alone in this world.

"I'm going back home to where I belong, and I would never set foot outside again." I made up my mind as I left the restroom.

Entering the bustling hall again, the constant chatters clouded my mind and made me fuzzy. Grabbing my Chanel bag, I walked discreetly, not wanting to draw attention to myself once again, when an announcement was made by the host.

"We would like to welcome the heir to the Whitmore Empire to give a benediction while he also has a special announcement to make."

The guests jammed their hands together, and the sounds of palms meeting each other filled the hall. I begged my feet to move but it felt like they had a mind of their own. Every atom in me wanted to leave, but here I was, stuck to the ground and glaring at him as he proceeded to talk.

He smiled as the noise went down, the smile that made women swoon for him. He wasn't only the heir, he had the face and body suited for it. He was fitted in his black tuxedo that pronounced his athletic build. I watched his chiselled jaws as his mouth moved. He spoke calmly and his voice felt like he charmed the guest with a lullaby. "I would like to make the public know about the marriage alliance between the Family of Reed and my family the Whitmore family."

Gasps rippled through the guests' mouths as they took turns to mention congratulations to Tina and my father. I should leave now, I am not meant to be here. Still, my feet were glued to the ground as I watched Camilla giggle meekly, making Her way to Shaun Whitmore.

I finally found the strength to move, my legs carrying me towards the exit. "Allow me to introduce you all to my beautiful fiancée, Isabella Reed."

The guest gasped once again. I did a 180-degree turn to process what the hell was going on and locked my eyes with him while he only smiled at me and motioned me to come forward.