A contract with a billionaire

Chapter

" Congratulations Miss Smith, you are one month pregnant." The gynecologist announced to me.

I had a lost look on my face, tears stinging my eyes.

" You have to be extra careful, you are carrying twins." She added a smile on her face. With a simple thank you, I walked out of the room, tears washing over my cheeks.

__________________________________

" Next." A soft yet powerful feminine voice called. I watched as a blonde dressed impeccably in a black skirt suit made her way to the interview room.

I was seated outside, patiently waiting for my turn. My heart wouldn't stop panicking.

It's been hours since I arrived at YTC Corp, the largest company in Los Angeles.

I was here to try my luck despite knowing the chances of getting hired were close to zero. After all, who wants a freshman to work in their company without prior working experience? Especially if that company is as famous and developed as YTC.

I had come across an online ad, advertising a secretary to the CEO of YTC.

Without a job to support myself after graduating from college with a degree in business communication, I decided to apply and see if I could get shortlisted for the interview.

If not, it would just count as a wasted effort.

Who would have thought that a few hours after applying, I would get an interview invitation?

My mind thought back on how I got this opportunity, I adjusted my slim fitting black suit for like the hundredth time. It was already a privilege to be picked out by YTC as an interviewee.

After seeing how the rest of the applicants were dressed, I was already losing my confidence.

It did not help that I had always had inferiority complex, not to mention how low my esteem always was. Unlike some here, I was from a more than regular background. How wouldn't anyone feel nervous and inferior?

Two minutes later, the blonde left the hall with her chin held high.

I almost turned to leave when a voice interrupted my actions.

" Is there anybody else remaining?" The familiar feminist voice called from inside.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the door.

After knocking twice, I pushed the door open and the sight before me made me turn cold and stand with my mouth literally agape.

" Miss Smith, we meet again." The man seated behind the table said with a grin.

Flashback

" Come on Isabella, you can't chicken out now. Make your choice already!" Sabrina yelled at the top of her voice. She was always hyperactive.

" That's right Isa, what is it, truth or dare?" Kayla chirped in.

We friends had gone to the popular club called IMAGE to relax and have a few drinks. After all, it was Friday night.

I bit the bottom of my lips. There was no way I would answer the question they were asking.

But choosing a dare might not be a good idea either. My friends were always up to something especially doing mischievous things. I didn't like the sound of this at all. Either way , I knew that it would be impossible to escape them tonight.

" Dare " I finally answered, making Kayla giggle while Sabrina had a smirk on her face.

I was more than familiar with Sabrina's evil smirk, I could already tell that something was cooking inside her mind.

" Kiss the man on your left with a red t-shirt." Sabrina declared, making my eyes widen in disbelief.

I expected a prank from Sabrina, no doubt but not something as serious as kissing a random man.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Saint at all, at least not with my shady and dark past but even at that, I had never kissed any random man.

" I can't do that!" I refused outrightly. How on earth was I supposed to kiss someone I know nothing about?

" A deal is a deal Isabella, there's no backing from this one." Sabrina was not going to let me go. She was definitely enjoying this.

We had known each other for two years and since then, we had always kept a distance from men.

They had even doubted at some point that I was straight but I told them that my past experience with men caused me to start staying away from them.

Although they did not dig deeper, that didn't mean they didn't want to help their friend overcome whatever fear I had for the opposite gender.

" Alright, I'll do it!" I finally agreed. I knew what my friends aimed for with such an absurd request so I decided to play along.

Jumping off the high table stool I was seated on, I began to take confident strides towards the man described by Sabrina.

Tapping on his shoulder twice, the man turned to look at me and all I could do was gasp at the handsome man that stared me in the eye.

The man looking at me curiously was the most handsome man I had ever seen. His sky blue eyes seemed to pierce straight through my heart.

I gulped. What was wrong with me?

I was against Sabrina's request but seeing the man I was to kiss, I no longer had any hesitation.

' At least he's handsome.' I consoled herself before leaning in and capturing the stranger's lips with her own.

The idea was to kiss him shortly but when I was about to pull away, the man's hands snaked around my waist, pulling me into his arms before he deepened the kiss.

What was meant to be short and brief turned out to be a passionate fight of dominance.

From the intensity of the kiss, I could tell that the man was a pro when it came to kissing.

After almost a minute of kissing, the two of us pulled away, our gazes locked together.

I was lost in his deep blue eyes, that's until the whole club burst out cheering and clapping.

Looking around, all eyes were fixated on me. I immediately panicked, turning around and running out of the club.

Kayla and Sabrina had teased me all the way home, making me regret agreeing to the truth and dare game in the first place.

End of flashback.

I shook my head, dispelling all the memories of what happened that night before I finally composed myself..

" I don't know what you are talking about Sir." I decided that I was going to play dumb. I would not admit to meeting him. I would simply just pretend to have no idea of what he was talking about. It was night and although the lights were on, they were dim. There is no way he could have recognized me, I thought confidently.

" Do you two know each other?" The woman seated next to the man asked, her eyes darting between I and the man.

" No."

" Yes."

We answered simultaneously, making the lady smile secretly.

" Take a seat, you are the last candidate for this interview." The woman announced.

I didn't know if I should proceed with the interview or just flee.

But won't that prove to the man that I was lying?

With that in mind, I took confident strides before settling on the chair facing the woman.

" Can I see your CV?" The woman inquired and I passed her the file in my hands.

While the woman went through my papers, I could not help but sneak a peek at the man besides the lady, he was handsome and I couldn't deny it.

Our gazes collided, making me look away almost immediately.

For some reason, my heart was beating impossibly fast.

" I think we just found the perfect candidate for your offer, president." The woman announced with a smile but her words were like a bombshell to me. What did she just say?

" President!" My mouth hung low with disbelief.

" Oh, allow me to introduce myself. I am Samantha Lewis and this is Justin Noble, the CEO of YTC."

The lady named Samantha introduced him.

If I was shocked earlier, I was now astounded by the news.

Did that mean the man I had kissed the other night is none other than Justin Noble?

Turning to look at the man, he had a playful smile on his face.

" As I was saying, you are hired for the position of secretary. Remember, you are the personal assistant of president Justin and when I mean personal, you have to agree to whatever it is he wants." Samantha said, making my eyes widen. I wasn't sure if I heard clearly or if I was the one misinterpreting what she had just said.

" To cut the story short, I want you to be my wife."

" What?" A frown settled on my face as I tried taking in the CEOs words.

What in the world was he talking about?

I must have heard him wrong or perhaps, he was playing a prank on me.

Yes, that must be it.

" I think I am speaking in a human language, Miss Smith. I am hiring you as my personal assistant and that means I want you to be my wife. We will sign a contract, the duration of this contract is one year. After that, our contract will become void." Justin explained, his playful smile all gone and replaced with a serious face.

My mouth hung open with disbelief.

" Why in the world would I accept such a deal?" I asked, albeit calmly.

Be a contracted wife? That's not something I've never considered.

" I believe Miss Smith is wise enough. I will provide you with a financial reward. You will be paid for all the twelve months you will be acting as my wife. When the contract comes to an end, I'll write you a recommendation letter from YTC.In exchange, you just need to play the role of a dutiful wife. You will accompany me to social functions and family gatherings. If you agree with the terms, we will sign the contract right away." Justin explained.

Looking at him,he had changed from the charming young man to a ruthless businessman.

" What if I don't want to?" I stubbornly pressed. I wasn't planning on letting him have his way.

" Then we have no deal miss Smith." Justin said flatly but something about his tone of voice told me that the man was not done talking.

" But without any working experience and financially unstable, are you sure you want to turn down this offer? Besides,I still have pictures of you forcefully kissing me at the club the other night. I can sue you for sexual harassment." Justin finished, a smirk dancing at the corner of his lips.

He had his last tramp card and with that, he knew that he would succeed.

" How dare you threaten me? Do you think anybody will believe such nonsense?" I quickly rebuked.

I should have known I was dealing with a conniving snake.

" Do you want to give it a try?" Justin mocked.

Samantha who was quietly observing the both of us could only shake her head.

Ever since the young lady entered the room, she could see how Justin's eyes sparkled everytime he looked at her.

She knew that nothing would stop Justin from getting whatever he wants, and with the looks in his eyes, she knew he was attracted to Miss Smith.

They had been interviewing countless ladies throughout the day and one by one, he had disqualified each one of them.

So how could he allow Miss Smith to escape his claws?

Since they were young, Justin has always been the kind of person who gets whatever he wants and Samantha could tell that Miss Smith would not be an exception.

She was proved right, but what is this about Miss Smith taking advantage of Justin?

Are you sure it isn't the other way round?

Not wanting to butt in their little argument, Samantha chose to be the spectator.

* * *

I was so mad that she almost puked blood.

Of all the people I had met, this had to be the most despicable person ever.

How could he threaten me for sexual harassment? Wasn't he the one who pulled me to himself, deepening the kiss?

" You obviously enjoyed the kiss!" I accused, there was no way I was going to let him shove me around.

" That's true, I did enjoy the kiss. But, do you have a way of proving it?" Justin mocked.

To say he was enjoying teasing me would be an understatement, he was loving every bit of my flushed and confused expression.

After contemplating, I decided to accept the deal. What could possibly go wrong?

Justin was right, I had zero working experience and that meant securing a decent job would be close to impossible. Although the pay was good and I still had a number of debts to settle. I could also get a recommendation letter from YTC. That will help me secure a job later after their fake marriage comes to an end.

" I'll sign the contract." I said with determination.

I was going to take this as a little sacrifice to end my past life and start a new one with a glimmer of hope. I stood a better chance of surviving and living better if I started on a good note, besides I was here to make my life better.

" Tomorrow, 10 AM, meet me at the marriage registry office." Justin said before standing up to walk out.

" Is that necessary? It's a fake marriage after all." I complained.

" Miss Smith, let me remind you, being Mrs Noble isn't as easy as eating a cake. You need to convince people that we are truly married." Justin replied before walking away.

" How arrogant!" I cursed under my breath.

" Thanks for your time, Miss Smith. I'll see you around." Samantha said before showing me out.

I had just arrived at my rundown apartment only to find the Old landlady waiting for me at the entrance of the house.

" Good afternoon ma'am?" I greeted with a smile.

The rent for the house was overdue within a few days.

" What's so great about the afternoon?" The old lady grumbled.

" You haven't paid this month's rent young lady. I don't run a charity here. Today,I came to warn you. If you don't pay your dues, get ready to pack. I already got the next tenant ready to occupy the house once you vacate it." She spoke with hostility before turning to walk away.

After getting married to Justin, I would be moving in with him as stated in the contract so I won't be needing a house anymore.

That night, I went to bed thinking about how life will be for the next one year.

* * *

To her, marriage was something serious and holy. She had always dreamt of getting married and living a happy ever after but that dream was shattered months ago.

Now, she will use this marriage as a stepping stone from her dark past. Maybe after the contract is nullified, she will have a fresh start.

With that resolution, she drifted off to sleep waiting for the sun to rise tomorrow, bringing with it a new life.

Chapter 3

The following morning, I woke up at seven and started to prepare myself. I still had three hours before the agreed meeting time but I figured out that I might as well arrive beforehand and wait for him.

Not that I was excited to marry Justin, it's just how I was, punctual.

After having noodles for breakfast, I went to take a bath.

Ten minutes later, I stood before my broken dressing mirror, looking at the woman reflected in the mirror.

" This is it Isa, a new beginning for us. Maybe after the year ends, we can bury the shameful past." I said to myself with a smile.

After drying my hair and tying it casually, I wore her faded jeans and a white t-shirt before completing the look with black flat shoes.

I left for the marriage registry office in a cab. Minutes later, I was dropped off at the office.

It was early, maybe too early since the only available people were the cleaners busy doing their job.

Opposite the marriage registry office was a park. I walked over there and sat on one of the benches.

After minutes of waiting, a car parked outside the registry office and down stepped Justin in all glory.

He was dressed impeccably in a black three piece suit which hugged his body highlighting his great physic.

His eyes met mine and he frowned.

I watched anxiously as Justin walked towards her. The look on his face told her that he was displeased with something.

" It's our marriage registration day, can't you dress decently?" Justin reprimanded.

Taking an overall look at herself, Isabella did not know what was indecent about her choice of clothes.

" You are going to get married to me and become my wife. What kind of clothes are those? Are we coming to sell street food here?" Justin reprimanded harshly.

Now that I think about it, wearing this and standing next to Justin in the marriage registry would send the wrong message. Compared to how he was dressed, I looked like a maid, what was I thinking?

" Actually, this is one of my best clothes." I answered in a low voice. Even though I knew he wasn't wrong to yell at me, it wasn't my fault either but how would a rich brat like him understand?

Justin was taken aback by my confession before it dawned on him that I, the woman before him was extremely from a humble background.

Justin felt like someone just punched his guts.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, he offered, " Come, I'll take you to change into something fit for the event."

I followed the man obediently to his car.

After about five minutes of driving , we arrived at a fashion house.

Justin led me inside before instructing one of the staff to attend to me.

It didn't take time to have me dolled up since Justin had arranged that we were in a hurry.

When I stepped out of the dressing room, Justin could not help the gasp that left his lips.

Did I look that stunning? Or was I getting the message wrong?

The red off the shoulder I wore did justice to my body.

I had an hourglass figure, a figure that many envied.

After recovering from his momentarily stupor, Justin took my hand before leading me back to the car and speeding away. Okay, this was weird.

At the marriage registry office, Justin signed his name on the marriage declaration form. When it was my turn, I hesitated before excusing myself to go to the washroom.

Despite convincing myself that I was ready for this, I could not help the uncertainty that cracked up in my heart. I was afraid of what sort of arrangements I may be getting myself into.

Instead of walking to the washroom, I took a turn, exiting the office.

I had just taken a few steps when a voice so venomous stopped me in my tracks.

" What are you doing here Isabella or did you find another man to fool to marry you?"

I turned to look at the direction of the voice and was met by my sister's disgusted face.

" Is it true Isabella? Did you find a man to marry you because I refused to marry you? Are you so desperate for a man that you don't care who you hook up with." Another voice berated.

Before me were Mason and Rossy. One was my ex boyfriend and the other was my snaky sister.

The two of them had teamed up and betrayed me before hooking up together.

Looking at them being so self righteous in front of me, I fought the urge to puke.

But I wasn't going to bother with them, they were not worth my time.

I was about to walk away when someone snaked his arms around my waist.

" Darling, did you perhaps forget something at home for our marriage registration?" Justin's overly sweet voice caressed my ears, reminding me of the fact that I was running away from our marriage.

Faced by the two people I hated the most, I decided to play along.

" Yes, I thought I forgot some documents. Turns out I have them." I replied with a smile.

I didn't know what was cooking inside his head but I was at least thankful that he saved my face In front of Rossy and Mason.

I cast one last glance at the adulterous pair before walking back, hand in hand with Justin.

The look of envy on my sister's face was enough drive to proceed with the marriage.

It did not take them long to have the marriage certificate ready. Surprisingly, Justin did not bring the matter of my attempted escape up.

After getting the marriage certificate ready, Justin left for the office in his car.

A chauffeur was instructed to help me move my things to Justin's Villa.

Since I did not have any valuables, the only things I took with me were my clothes.

I did not forget to take with me the butterfly pendant.

It was the only thing I was found with outside the orphanage when I was rescued.

Apparently, I was abandoned outside an orphanage when I was barely a year old.

Not a day had passed without me thinking why on earth my parents would abandon me.

I always think about how life would have been if my parents were still with me. Or more like if I was still with them, after all, I was the one abandoned.

But what's the use of thinking about it? It's not like I will find the answers to my questions.

It's been seven months ever Since Imoved in with Justin as his pretend wife.

At first,it was hard for me to wrap my mind and play my role as Justin's wife. I didn't know the man well and with the first impression I had of him, I did not trust the man immediately. At first, it felt like I was living with a stranger under the same roof but as time went by and I got to know the real Justin, I found herself dropping the prejudices and growing comfortable around him.

I found herself entangled in a perplexing situation where a relationship that was supposed to be contractual had transformed into something unexpectedly genuine, or so I thought.

Justin began treating me as if I were his actual wife, blurring the lines between fake and real. He spoiled me with everything I ever needed and even more. He showed me off to the public and his family members. He dedicated himself into making me feel loved and cherished, as if I was someone special to him.

I knew that there's a possibility I was deceiving myself or even misinterpreting Justin's actions but despite the warning bells, I llowed myself to fall for Justin.

You couldn't blame me for that, after all, Justin was an attractive man coupled with how well he treated me, I convinced myself that falling in love between them was a mutual feeling.

One evening, Justin had took me out for dinner.

The romantic music playing in the background as we sipped on our wine and ate our steak had my heart fluttering.

Despite his busy schedule, Justin would find time amidst his tight schedule to squeeze a dinner date for us. That indeed moved me.

Each dinner date ended with a passionate night and just like always, I was looking forward to having Justin drive me to ecstasy.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by Justin's phone ringing. Casting a glance at it, he excused himself to pick up the call.

Ten minutes later, Justin was not back yet and I was getting impatient.

Just when I was about to head out looking for him, Justin came back but something seemed to have changed about him.

The sweet smile he had earlier was replaced by a forced one.

After dinner, Justin drove us back home.

I could not help but note the change in Justin. Usually at this time, Justin would be all over me, touching me intimately but now, he was so focused on driving like I didn't exist. That troubled me.

Although feeling disheartened, I did not ask him.

I figured out that maybe the call from earlier might have been the one responsible for his change in mood. Maybe it was something concerning his company.

Consoling myself, I leaned on the chair and closed my eyes.

That night, Justin did not sleep besides me.

With an excuse of dealing with company issues, he spent the night in his study room.

The following morning, I woke up to the sight of Justin seated on the bed, his back facing me.

" Good morning hubby?" I greeted Justin happily but was met by silence.

" This is the contract termination form. Fill it and our marriage comes to an end."

Justin announced, making me frown.

" What are you talking about? What contract termination? Today is not fool's day Justin. You are not funny at all." I said, a nervous smile gracing my lips.

After a short silence, Justin said, " I'm not joking Isabella. I want to terminate our contract but don't worry. I will pay you every single cent for the remaining five months. I have also sent a recommendation letter to your email. Sign the papers and we will become strangers."

It was not until then that I registered that Justin truly meant what he was saying. Reality dawned on me at that moment.

" Why?" I asked, fighting the urge to break down In front of him.

" What do you mean why? This arrangement was nothing but a contract. The only difference is that it ends five months earlier. The same would have happened five months later." Justin's tone was cold and detached. I could not relate the man before me with the Justin I have been living with for the past seven months.

" Why now? We were doing just fine." I was unwilling to accept that Justin was discarding me after everything we did together.

I thought that after spending time with him, I meant something to him. Turns out I was deluding myself all this time. To him, I am nothing but a dispensable item that could be trashed when he's bored with it.

" I don't love you Isabella. I only married you because I needed to convince my family that I am capable enough of managing the family. I love someone else and now that she is back,I want to marry her. I want to start a family with her, something real this time."

Justin's words were like poisoned daggers shooting straight to my heart.

So all this time, I was a fake? He dared confess that he was using me all along? That what we had was so unreal and that I was the stupid one who fell for him?

" The call last night?"

" Yes, she is the one who called me. She is back and wants us to meet. I have everything ready for you. Samantha will come later to escort you to the airport. You are leaving the City." Justin ruthlessly announced.

" You are driving me away from this city to hide your dirty little secret? Is that what I am to you? A secret you are ashamed of?" I asked painfully.

" If you put it that way, then yes. I don't want anything coming in between me and the woman I love. I want to start anew with her and that can only happen when you are far away from this city." Justin admitted, his words tearing my heart apart.

" Fine, as you wish." With that I walked out of the room.

Minutes later, Samantha arrived to take her to the airport as instructed.

" Congratulations Miss Smith, you are two months pregnant."

Those were the words that echoed inside my mind as I made my way to my rented apartment.

It's been one month since I left Texas city for New York.

One month of trying to drown my sorrows in an attempt to forget about Justin. Our break up hurt me the most, could I even call it a break up? After all, we were never really a 'thing'. When I thought everything was going smoothly for us, I woke up to the harsh reality that it was all in my head.

I had finally decided to settle here and start my life afresh but with not just one child but two growing in my belly. I never thought I would end up a single mother. How was I supposed to take care of them all by myself?

I could not go back to Justin because he warned me to stay away from him. The other day, it was Al over the news that the famous businessman Justin Noble just reunited with his first love and that they would get married soon.

What will be the use of going back to him?

" I'm sorry my babies but mother will have to raise you all by herself."

Five years later

" Wake up sleepyhead." I called, tickling my four year old daughter who was pretending to be fast asleep.

The little one burst out laughing while struggling to escape my grip.

" Enough!! I'll wake up!" She gave up and only then did I let go of her.

Five years ago, I gave birth to two lovely twins. Amelia and Aiden. The two have been my source of joy and happiness, they were the reason I could continue living and surviving.

" Let's get you ready. Your brother is ready for school." I announced, carrying her to the bathroom to wash her face.

" Mother, can we not go to school? The other kids tease us, saying that we are bastards without a father." Amelia said in her childish voice.

I felt my heart constrict painfully.

Children nowadays could be really mean, why would anyone tell that to someone's face? Besides, it's not like they didn't have a father, their father just had no idea they existed. Even if he did, I'm not sure if he would care seeing that he's with his true love.

I had picked that kindergarten and spent a fortune to enroll my children there because Iwanted them to study without any problems. Seems like I will have to pay the school director a visit.

" Haven't I always told you that your father is very busy with work? Once he's done, he will come back home and never leave again." I said in an attempt to soothe the little one. It's been a year since I started telling this lie to my daughter, I feel guilty but I'd feel even worse if she knew the truth right now.

I didn't need to lie to my son because he has always been mature and never disturbed about his dad, he probably knew that I was hiding something and I'm grateful he understands.

" Okay." After preparing the two, I drove to the school to drop off my kids.

After that, I proceeded to the director's office.

" Hello, good morning Miss Smith? What can I do for you?" The director greeted me warmly.

" Let's go straight to the case. My children are being bullied by other kids and being called bastards. I don't know how the children have been raised by their parents but as a school, how can you let bullying happen right under your nose?" I reprimanded.

" I'm sorry Miss Smith, we will look into this matter. Rest assured."

I left the director's office and headed to my office.

Over the years, I had managed to secure a job at a small company as the finance Manager.

I worked extra hard for years to support myself and my twins.

I had just stepped inside the office, ready to start the day when James followed me behind.

" I figured out that you didn't have breakfast so I brought you some." James said with a smile.

I was aware of James' feelings towards me, it was quite obvious really and for years, I had turned him down.

To be honest, James was everything a woman would love. He was caring, attentive, nice and most importantly, he never once looked down on me or questioned me for being a single mom.

Despite treating him harshly and turning him down, he never gave up. I wonder where his enthusiastism and optimism came from.

" What? Do I have something on my face?" James asked. He was used to me turning him down ruthlessly so I knew he felt weird and suspicious with the way I calmly stared at him.

" Nothing. I was just wondering if you are free for lunch today " I asked.

James was indeed nice and had proved his worth over the years, it's high time I try to move on and give him a shot. It's only fair, he has been trying really hard. He could be the new definition of relentless.

Yes, I was hurt in the past but now, I will have a different reason for accepting James.

My children need a father and who would be better than James who treats them like they were his own. It was selfish of me but no one is innocent of this, I was used before and thrown aside. At least, I wasn't going to throw him aside.

" Are you serious?" James asked, disbelief painted on his face.

" You know what, never..."

" Of course I am free. Very free." James answered, grinning widely.

He just couldn't believe that I had asked him out for a lunch date.

" Alright then, I'll see during lunch time." I said and James took that as his cue to leave my office.

After placing the cup of coffee on the table, he walked away, casting one last glance at me before disappearing into the hallway.

" I hope I don't regret this." I mumbled to myself, taking a sip of the coffee.

Time passed by quickly and before I knew it, it was lunch time already.

James knocked on my door, a smile plastered on his face.

" Give me a minute, I need to save this." I said, finalizing with the document I was working on and saving it.

" Done." I announced before shutting my laptop and picking my pouch.

We walked to a fancy hotel situated a few blocks from the office.

After ordering our food, James decided to strike a conversation.

" Thank you for agreeing to have lunch with me." He said.

" I invited you here, remember?" I replied with a smile.

" Yeah, my bad."James said with an awkward smile.

Taking his arms in mine, I said," I am aware of how you feel about me James." I was going to make the first move.

James looked at me anxiously, even I knew this was going to sound weird coming from me.

" I like you Isabella and I have always hoped that you could give me a chance to make you happy. I'm not saying you are not happy, I just want to give you another reason to be happy."

" But things are complicated James. I am a mother." I voiced out. My children were the reason I was careful not to let another person into their life. I wanted to protect them.

" You think I don't know that? Aiden and Amelia are such adorable kids. If you give me the chance, I'd like to take up the role of their father." James proposed.

I could tell that James meant what he said.

Maybe this was my chance to finally have a complete family.

" Okay, I'm willing to give it a shot. Let's try and see if things will work out." I said, a gentle smile gracing my lips.

James leaned in before kissing my cheeks. For a moment, I panicked, thinking that he would kiss my lips. I was glad he didn't.

" Thank you Isabella. I won't let you regret ever giving us a chance." James swore, smiling gently at me.

' You better! Otherwise I don't know what will save me this time.'

In the past, my children helped me get over Justin's betrayal. They gave me the strength to stand again and live with my head held up high.

That night, I had just finished tucking the children to bed when the bell rang.

It was already so late, who could be knocking at that time of the hour?

Deciding to check it rather than contemplating, I rushed downstairs and opened the door.

The sight before me made my blood turn cold as anger overtook my every nerve.

" Hi princess, long time no see."