The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

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"Miss Love-Struck Shadow, don't baby me! Evan and I are boarding a plane back to Century City, and guess what? It's your fault I've been stuck working here in Singapore! You've been driving me crazy!"

The voice belonged to my best friend, Cassie Monroe, sharp and clear through the phone.

"I thought you'd learned your lesson! Is it true you're getting married to Gabriel? You're trending as the number-one hot topic on social media, so don't even think about denying it!" Annoyance laced her words.

"What if I am marrying Gabriel?" I kept my voice deliberately neutral.

I could picture her dramatic eye roll through the phone.

"Baby, do you seriously believe he's going to marry you? Do I need to remind you about that email you sent from Mexico? The one where you told me he stood you up at the wedding?"

"I'm just saying-"

"I swear, I'll block your number and let you live

your life

as Mrs. Love-Struck Shadow!" Her irritation was almost tangible.

"Why are you so annoyed? Did something happen? To put your mind at ease- yes, I'm indeed getting married this weekend. But before you hang up in a fit of rage, let me clarify one thing: my groom is 'not' Gabriel," I said, surprisingly calm even to myself.noveldrama

"What?!" The shriek was so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear. Then, the sound muffled: "Evan, give that back!"

"What do you mean you're marrying another man? Don't tell me it's that bastard from the Shaw family!" A new voice jumped into the conversation: Evan, Cassie's older brother. He'd been like a brother to me for years.

"Can both of you just breathe for a second?" I massaged my temple, feeling a headache building. "I'll explain everything in person, but right now, there are things I need to handle. You've already seen how badly my reputation's been trashed in the industry."

"Oh my god! Was it your mystery fiancé who paid off Golden Stage to release you? Is that what happened?" Cassie was back on the line, her voice rising in pitch.

"Yes, that is correct."

"Tell us now!" she exclaimed dramatically. "What if this plane goes down, and I die wondering who your secret groom is? Wouldn't you feel guilty if I died with unanswered questions?!"

"Baby, you're not going to heaven. They won't let you in," I teased with a sly grin. "Besides, there's no F3ndi, Gvcci, or Berkin bags up there. Would you really want to risk getting knocked off and miss all those limited edition collections you've been eyeing?"

Cassie was momentarily stunned into silence.

I pressed on, unable to hide my smirk. "Anyway, all I'm saying is, you already know who I'm marrying. Isn't it exciting? And honestly, it's perfect timing you're returning to Los Angeles-I need my baby more than ever!"

"Prepare yourself for a lot of questions when I get there!" she shot back, her voice carrying that familiar mix of burning curiosity that always meant trouble.

And just like that, our conversation ended.

Cassie Monroe is the epitome of wealth and privilege: the daughter of a Singaporean tycoon, an heiress, a thriving modeling career, and an elite education to top it off. Months ago, she left Los Angeles to focus on her responsibilities abroad, leaving a noticeable gap in my life.

22:52 Fri, 11 Apr

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For years, she'd pleaded with me to leave Gabriel. While I was trapped in toxic love, she saw our relationship for what it truly was. But I was too blinded by my feelings for Gabriel and too stubborn to listen.

When I returned from the Mexico trip, I announced to her that Gabriel and I were finally over. Not surprisingly, she didn't believe me. Instead, she rearranged her life and returned to Los Angeles, determined to confirm it herself.

The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the hospital corridor as I walked toward Grandma Blake's room, balancing the food containers of meals I'd spent the morning preparing.

I genuinely cared for Grayson's grandmother. Now that she was ill, I wanted to show her kindness, even though the last thing I wanted was for her to think I was just trying to win favor.

"Isabella!" Her face lit up when I entered the ward.

I returned her smile, settling into the chair beside her bed. The conversation started with questions about how she was feeling, followed by a gentle reveal of the healthy food lovingly prepared for her.

"My dear, you seem to know exactly what my body needs right now," she said, her eyes twinkling as she surveyed the carefully prepared meal.

"These are actually from my nutritionist's special menu since we have to stay fit for the screen," I explained, helping her arrange the food on her tray. "I thought you might enjoy them too."

I watched her take small, grateful bites, resisting the urge to ask about Grayson. The question lingered, but I didn't want to seem like an outsider fishing for information about her grandson.

We were enjoying a pleasant conversation about her garden when Grandma Blake's visitors arrived-the Mendez women, mother and daughter. The same daughter who would have been on a date with Grayson if I hadn't been introduced as Grayson's girlfriend to Grandma Blake.

***

From Evan's perspective, he had arranged his work in Singapore to catch up with Cassie's trip and also to check on Isabella. He had been waiting for years for Isabella and Gabriel's breakup, almost thinking he no longer stood a chance. But who would have thought that he still had no chance, especially since she was marrying another man?

No, he had to investigate and find out who it was.