WHISPER A FORBIDDING HEART

wthorne. She had walked into that gala desperate to save her family's legacy, but now, she found herself engaged t

t her modest apartment. The driver handed her

egins today. Be re

outfit a cream blouse and black pencil skirt. As she stepped

his penthouse office. The view of the city skyline was breathtaking, but Isabella barely notic

ual," he said, moti

s there, Ethan slid a thick doc

act," he s

ed agreement outlining every aspect of their fake engagement: public appearances, pres

she muttered, her voice

to chance," Ethan re

looking up at him. "Why are you so desperate to stage a fake engagement? You're one of

thing flickered in his eyes something vulnera

aid curtly. "Just remember that thi

e weight of her own desperation held her bac

nd slipping it into a folder. "Your first

ipped a beat

e need to sell the story. You'll have a fitting in

ack to her. "One more thing," he said, his voice low. "You need to be convincing. Pe

a freight train. This wasn't just abo

ad imagined. The glittering chandeliers, flowing champagne, and se

d resting lightly on her lower back as he introduced her as his fiancée. Isabella felt the

a descended upon them. Cameras flashed, a

" one asked, shoving a

't prepared for this. But Ethan stepped

ound her waist and pulling her closer. "Th

s if the lie were true. But before the next question coul

rich coming fr

h fiery red hair and an icy smile. She was dressed in a st

than said, hi

flicking to Isabella. "So, this is t

h a sinking feeling that this woman wasn't just any guest. She was s

is voice low and dangerou

, her smile widening. "After all, I wouldn't want you

at was Victoria hinting at? And why did it feel like Etha

ispers around them grew louder, Isabella rea

she could trust Ethan H

past with Victoria? Will their fake engage

past in the next chapter or focus on Isabel