PART 4: The truth that had been buried for years
They moved to a private lounge on the top floor. The man in the suit — Isabella’s fiancé — was told to wait outside.
Ethan sat on the edge of a velvet chair, still clutching the old suitcase like it was the only thing keeping him together.
Isabella knelt in front of him in her white dress, not caring that it touched the floor.
“Tell me everything,” she said.
Ethan looked at her for a long time before speaking.
“After the accident, I woke up in a hospital with no money and no name. Someone had taken my ID. When I tried to contact you, your parents’ people found me first. They gave me money to disappear. When I refused, they threatened to hurt you if I ever came near you again.”
He opened his palm and showed her a small scar on his wrist.
“I still have this from the last time they warned me.”
Isabella’s hands were shaking.
“My parents… they did this?”
Ethan nodded.
“I survived by working any job I could find. I saved every cent just to come here today. I heard you were getting engaged. I just… I wanted to see you one last time. To know if you really forgot me.”
Isabella’s tears fell freely now.
“I never forgot you, Ethan. Not for a single day. I agreed to this engagement because I thought you were gone. I thought there was nothing left for me.”
May you like
She reached out and took his rough, calloused hand.
“I was wrong.”
