Eleanor’s voice was soft but insistent. “When will you finally set a wedding date? You have a child now. I’d feel so much better knowing you’re settled.”

Isabella’s reply was vague. “We will… eventually.”

How could she possibly explain the tangled mess between her and Lucas to her grandmother?

Eleanor released a tired breath. “I may not understand your generation, but Lucas is a good man. Don’t lose him.”

Isabella forced a smile and said nothing.

Inside the hospital, Eleanor went in for her check-up.

Alone in the hallway, Isabella distractedly scrolled through her phone.

A sudden vibration made her jump.

It was Natalie Chen, Design Director at Apex Design Collective.

“Natalie, hello.”

“Isabella, it’s good to hear your voice. I heard you’re back in New York.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Our Geneva branch is desperate for a design director. Please, won’t you reconsider?” Isabella was stunned. She hadn’t expected another offer from the company’s overseas branch.

“I… I’ll need to think it over.”

“Of course. Just let me know your decision as soon as you can.”

After hanging up, Isabella sank into thought.

She stood at a crossroads, uncertain which path to take.

Movement at the end of the corridor caught her eye.

Ethan and Sophia were walking toward her.

Isabella quickly ducked behind a large potted plant, her heart hammering.

She couldn’t let them see her. Not here.

Sophia clung to Ethan’s arm, speaking quietly with a doctor.

Isabella held her breath, trying to become invisible.

She noticed they were standing outside the maternity ward.

Could Sophia be pregnant?

A bitter taste filled Isabella’s mouth. Three years had passed. It was entirely possible.

Time changed everything.

Eventually, Ethan and Sophia turned and left.

Isabella released a shaky breath and went to collect Eleanor.

“Grandmother, we can go now,” she said, offering her arm.

Eleanor smiled gently and took it.

Isabella didn’t see the pair of eyes watching her from the shadows.

It was Sophia.

She stared in disbelief, blinking several times to make sure it was real.

It was definitely Isabella.

A cold dread settled in Sophia’s stomach. Despite all her efforts these past three years, Ethan had still refused to marry her. Now, with Isabella back, everything was at risk.

Panic surged through her.

She watched Isabella walk away, her eyes burning with hatred. She would not let Isabella steal him back.

Sophia snatched her phone and made a call. “I want Isabella followed. Report every single move she makes.”

She ended the call and crumpled the medical report in her hand, her knuckles turning white.

She got into her car and tossed the report aside, her face a mask of cold calm.