FROM ASHES TO GOLD

your marriage a pretense?" He felt a sudden surge of anger, but his face stayed emotionless. He was skille

. Isabella stood next to him, her hand shaking slightly as he held it. Alexander glan

ally, his voice steady and cold, "is Richard Steele

ting a path through the chaos. He tugged Isabella's hand, leading her toward the waiting ca

ella released a sigh of frustr

the window, his thoughts racing intensely. He finally said

plan? Because I'm not going to be dragged

the part. In every public appearance and private occasion, we sell t

t's not pretend this is an equal arrangemen

those clauses," Alexander shot bac

on them. Isabella gazed out the window wi

er gathering. A mix of corporate sharks, influential socialites, and potential a

been Alexander's choice, delivered to her suite with a note that simply read, "Wear this." She hated the

friendly greetings and subtle threats. However, his thoughts were focused elsewhere as he replayed the scene

side, her smile as sharp as the diamond necklace adorning her neck. "You've outdon

ed with a sparkling smi

in a conversation with a group of socialites. "She looks like a

irmly, though doubt gnawed at

inefield. The socialites bombarded her with

to such wealth?" one asked, h

to the lifestyle?

onfidence. "Wealth is relative," she said

sed. But Isabella refused to let their disdain faze

of the event. Alexander found himself pulled into a conversation w

rked, his voice oozing with mockery. Can you descri

ext to his body. "Be careful, Ric

I? Or are you simply afraid t

tormed into the room, his face flushed with anger. All eyes turned toward him as he st

d leave me behind?" the man shouted,

nt pale as recogni

as grave yard, the man, her ex-boyfri

ow you're living the high life with him?" He jabbed a fin

lexander said, his

lla. "He said, you are just a liar." "And I

eg's words. The critical gazes of the guests made her feel unc

s security team to remo

damage was done. Their meticulously constructed facade of t

mained in the living room silience without talking

re to explain?" Alexander ask

he was unaware he would a

rely contained. "Because it looks to me like you're

speak, but no words escaped her lips. What secrets is Isabella hiding,