Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 41

"Theodore, you're back!" A woman's voice rang out.

The moment Theodore led Isabella into the hall, she was stunned. It looked more like a cocktail party than a family dinner.

Men and women stood around in elegant gowns and tailored suits with wine glasses in hand, chatting and laughing with the kind of ease that only came with status.

But the second someone called out Theodore's name, every head in the room turned toward him. And when they noticed the woman by his side, their eyes sharpened with curiosity.

It was the first time Theodore had ever brought a woman to a family gathering. Naturally, everyone was wondering who Isabella was.

Her first instinct was to shrink back behind him, and right then, the same voice asked, "Theodore, who's that you've brought with you? Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Theodore's eyes swept coldly over Amelia, but he didn't bother to answer her. Instead, he lowered his head to Isabella's ear and whispered, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. And I'm sorry, Isabella. I should've given you a heads-up."

The sincerity was clear in his eyes, but her head was a mess right now. A part of her couldn't help resenting him. She couldn't shake the feeling that he'd been deceiving her all along. But what on earth was there about her worth lying to?

Still, she forced a smile up at him.

He tightened his grip on her hand and led her deeper into the crowd. "This is Isabella Moore. My wife."

Gasps rippled through the room, followed by a chorus of congratulations.

Suddenly, Isabella's eyes landed on a familiar face. Her body stiffened. No wonder that woman's voice had sounded familiar earlier.

Three years ago, that very woman who had threatened her to leave Alexander. Amelia was here, too!

"Alex, what are you standing there for?" she called. "Come greet your aunt."

Isabella stiffened. Everything tonight had been too sudden, and she had no time to prepare herself.

She no longer had feelings for Alexander, but they had once been in love. And now? He was her boss, while she… had suddenly become his aunt.

Putting herself in his shoes, she couldn't help but feel the bitter irony of it.

She yanked her hand from Theodore's and turned. Right there at the entrance stood Alexander, staring at her with a complicated expression. And beside him, a pretty, delicate young woman was holding his arm.

It was his fiancee, Natalie.