Chapter 5
After she was discharged, Isla went straight home and started gathering every last thing that had anything to do with Rhett.
The letters she’d written but never sent. The diary pages filled with hope. The photos she’d secretly printed. The little gifts she’d stashed away, saving them for the day she could finally tell him the truth–that he had always been the one.
But that day would never come.
There was no “someday” now.
She tossed them all. Every reminder, every scrap of that foolish dream.
And just as she turned away from the trash bin, she ran straight into Rhett.
He had just walked Arabella back.
His gaze slid to the overflowing garbage can, then landed back on Isla, unreadable but unmistakably cold.
Arabella noticed too.
www
She looped her arm through his and gave a little pout. “Looks like Isla’s finally learned her lesson. Maybe now she’ll stop clinging to you.” She giggled, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. “She’s still my baby sister, Rhett. No need to be so harsh with her. Rhett didn’t even glance at Isla. “I don’t waste warmth on people I don’t care about. Never have.”
Isla stood there, silent.
She didn’t argue. Didn’t flinch. Just drew in
a
breath, swallowed the ache in her throat, and walked past them into the house.
The next day was Arabella’s birthday.
The mansion was packed. Laughter echoed from the chandeliers, champagne flowed like water, and everyone seemed to have something to say.
“I mean, this party is insane, Rhett went all out for his fiancée. I heard the flowers were flown in from Drovane this morni
“Three days of custom light shows, can you believe it? And that jewelry set? I’d bet anything he snagged it from Sotheby’s himself.” “Girl, Arabella hit the damn jackpot. Rhett’s obsessed, and the whole pack knows it. The Grayscale name’s about to go from mid–tier to dynasty.”
“Too bad Isla’s still lurking. She’s like a glitch in the perfect picture–always showing up, always hoping he’ll look her way. It’s just…
sad.”
“Right? It’s like she missed the memo that they’re sisters. You’d think she’d have some self–respect by now.”
“Honestly, if she were mine? I’d have shipped her off years ago. The fact that Regis and Viviana haven’t–pure damage control.” Isla heard every word.
And felt… nothing.
She sat alone in the corner like a piece of background furniture, doing her best to disappear.
Across the room, her parents, Rhett, and Arabella stood under a cloud of admiration. Laughing Toasting. Adjusting her dress. Lighting candles. Singing her birthday song like some happy little family.
Isla watched them, empty.
She remembered the birthdays she used to spend alone–Arabella always managing to whisk their parents away last–minute, leaving Isla to eat store–bought cake and blow out candles by herself.
Chapter 5
Back then, Rhett would show up with a smile and a gift. Stay for cake. Stay for her.
For a while, she thought that meant she’d never have to be alone again.
But whatever warmth she’d once known–it was gone now. Scraped clean.
The guests gathered around as Arabella made her wish and began opening presents. Luxury handbags. Custom jewelry. One designer
label after another. Her smile never faltered.
Then came the final three.
Gifts from Regis, Viviana, and Rhett.
And the whole room leaned in.
Regis stepped forward first. “After careful thought, Viviana and I have decided–Arabella will inherit Grayscale Group’s full corporate holdings and family estate.”
Applause erupted.
Then Rhett spoke, pulling out a small velvet box. “As for me, I’m giving her command over half of Echelon’s lands and warriors. And this.”
He opened the box.
Inside was an antique ring–delicate, gleaming, and unmistakably meaningful.
wore
it would find a love that lasts a lifetime. Arabella,” he said,
“This ring belonged to my grandmother. She always said whoever wo slipping it onto her finger, “you are my only mate. My always.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
The room went wild–clapping, cheers, champagne
And Isla?
glasses in the air.
She stood at the edge of the crowd, her chest tight and her palms clenched so hard her nails bit into skin.
She turned to leave.
But Arabella’s voice rang out across the room.
“Isla! Where’s your gift?”
Dozens of heads turned, All eyes now on her.
Isla froze. Then reached into her bag and pulled out the small box she’d prepared days ago—before she’d known what this night would feel like.
She walked forward and handed it over.
Arabella opened it with a smile too sweet to be real, clearly about to make some cutting remark
But she didn’t get the chance.
Because Rhett had gone still, eyes locked on Isla’s wrist like he’d just seen a ghost,
“Where did you get that bracelet?” he demanded, voice sharp and low.
Chapter 5
