trol. The media had already caught wind of the engagement, and tabloids buzzed with speculation about Alex Hale's sudden decision to marry his son's nanny. The gos

intruding in a world that didn't belong to her. Alex's lifestyle was worlds apart from anything she had ever known, a

Isabelle couldn't help but be charmed by how easily he accepted her as part of his life.

to swallow her emotions, fo

ther-bound books that looked like they had never been touched, and the faint scent of old paper filled the air. She had come here for some quiet,

ding in the doorway, his suit jacket off, his shirt sleeves ro

you?" he asked

a moment, but th

before his eyes settled on her. He looked tired-more human

" he said, sitting down i

guard by his directness. "I

skeptical. "You've barely spoken to m

st emotionally. Being around Alex made everything feel more complicated. It was easier to focus

know what to say," Isabell

e. "You can talk to me, Isabelle. This doesn'

d, her tone sharp. "You're the one who turned this into a

one as quickly as it came. "I didn't mean it like that," he said, his

er hair. "I know that. But it's hard, Ale

e replied, his tone blunt. "B

irst time, she saw something vulnerable in his eyes. It was

asked quietly. "Is it really just f

he thought he might brush off the questio

pained. "But I won't lie to you. This isn't just about

him, stunned by his

part. My life, my business, everything I had worked for. I've spent years r

ething unsettling about his words. "So you're marrying me to kee

's best for Ethan. But yes, I need things to stay in control. I

m, heavy with the weight of his past

d quietly. "I'm just trying to figu

e stood, his gaze locked on hers. "You fit her

the room, leaving her alone

a whirlwind of preparations-hair, makeup, fittings. Claire had come to help her get r

she helped Isabelle adjust the delicate lac

her reflection a stranger in the elaborate,

g back to admire her handiwork. "Like a fairy-tal

es were too frazzled for the joke to fully land

about this, Belle? You don't have to go th

eart heavy. "I can't do that t

a better person than I am. Just... promise me you'll take

e would navigate this new life, this marriage that was both real and not real at the same time

om. Only a handful of guests were present-close associates of Alex, a few fa

step. Alex stood at the altar, his face as unreadable as ever, though his eyes were locked on her. H

the feeling that this was all a performance-a role

elle's mouth. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and Alex leaned in to kiss her,

was done. The

ike a business function than a celebration. Isabelle smiled and nodded as guests

he chaos, Alex approached her. "How are

though it didn't reach her eyes

pression unreadable

ure if she b

ansion had quieted, Isabelle found herself standing i

s in his pockets. The tension in the room was palpa

n, her voice hesitant

ession as guarded as ever. "Now

er chest felt tight.

ll figure it out. This doesn't have to be

belle couldn't shake the feel