Chapter 4

Isabella woke up to bright daylight pouring through the window. She shot up in bed and checked the time—it was already 9 AM. Since marrying Desmond, she'd never slept in this late. Her head was still a bit foggy, but at least better than yesterday. She headed downstairs. Desmond was sitting in the living room, flipping through the newspaper. She hesitated for a second, then said quietly, "Hang on, I'll make breakfast real quick." Then she went straight to the kitchen and got to work. There were no maids in the house—she was the maid. Isabella had long since gotten used to that. She came out with two plates—spicy avocado toast with poached eggs and a side of hot sauce. Desmond was nowhere to be seen. She checked the clock. Less than thirty minutes. She sat down and forced herself to eat. Desmond liked it extra hot. She didn't even like avocados. By the third bite, the heat was too much. She stumbled to the bathroom, barely making it before she threw up.Yep, forcing yourself really doesn't work. While she was rinsing her mouth, her phone rang. She picked up, and a woman's voice came through, bright and cheerful—"Sister." Isabella's eyes widened in disbelief. It took her a few seconds before she whispered, "Nora?" "It's me." "You're...still alive?" "I was never dead. Let's talk in person." Isabella clutched her phone, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her face had gone completely pale from the shock. Her sister. The sister who used to smile so gently...was alive. She had no idea what to feel in that moment. After everything—being misunderstood all year, Desmond's coldness every day—was all this finally coming to an end? She gave a bitter smile. If Desmond found out she'd been wronged, would he maybe...treat her a little better? They chose a café to meet. Isabella sat clutching her coffee, sipping nervously. As the meeting time drew closer, her anxiety only climbed. Then someone sat across from her. "Isa." No one had called her that in so long. Since the day Nora disappeared. Isabella quickly looked up at the woman across from her, wearing sunglasses.She took off her sunglasses, revealing a pretty and charming face. Her long, wavy hair fell loosely to the sides, making her look fresh and radiant. That sister who had always treated her so kindly… was really alive. Isabella's tears fell instantly. She called out, "Nora!" Nora gave her a small nod and signaled the waiter for a coffee. Isabella couldn't take her eyes off Nora—not even for a second. She was terrified that the moment she blinked, Nora would vanish again. "Where have you been this whole year? Do you even know we all thought you were dead?" Nora smiled. That warm, gentle smile of hers hadn't changed a bit. "Wasn't doing anything big. I got pregnant back then and went off to get an abortion." Isabella's eyes widened. "What?" Nora chuckled. "Kidding." After a brief pause, she said, "I heard you married Desmond." Isabella gave a small hum in response, quickly lowering her head, feeling weirdly guilty even though she had no reason to. "Isabella, Desmond and I were meant to be together," Nora said softly. "I'm sorry..." Isabella gripped her cup tightly, her knuckles turning pale. Yeah… now that Nora was back, Desmond wouldn't look her way again. He wouldn't keep tormenting her day and night anymore. But for some reason, she didn't feel the relief she thought she would. Nora continued, "I know things haven't been great for you lately. But there's something I need your help with." Isabella looked up. "Come back to the Bennett house with me. Bring Desmond too." Isabella though, "Was Nora finally ready to come clean about everything?" Then she smiled. "Yeah, sure." Now that her sister had returned, their parents would probably be happy again. Maybe they'd stop treating Isabella like air. As for Desmond, he was never really hers to begin with. It was about time she let go of those silly hopes. When Isabella walked into the Bennett house with Nora, just as she'd expected, their parents practically broke down crying while hugging Nora. Isabella stood quietly at the doorway. She was happy too—but the way they clung to Nora still stung. She had always longed for a hug like that. But ever since they were kids, their parents' love had all gone to Nora. Even with Nora "dead" for a whole year, all her parents had left for Isabella was their growing resentment. Stepping outside, Isabella pulled out her phone and called Desmond. It took ages before he finally picked up. Not wanting to hear his usual annoyed tone, she spoke quickly: "Nora's back."