Page 50 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Give her the space she needs. Star knows you loved Lily, and that Lily loved you. Everyone needs to move forward for Skylar’s sake. She knows you’d do anything for your daughter, and that’s what matters to her. Star wants you to be happy, Christian. We both do.”

Christian dropped his chin, his heart heavy at his friend’s words. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“Bye, Daddy,” Skylar said, reappearing and giving him one last hug before he dropped himself into his car.

“Bye, Princess. Be good for Mummy and Daddy,” he said before driving off.

Could his life get any more complicated?

Chapter Twenty-two

Isabella

Isabella’s flight back to the UK was long, but uneventful. As promised, May’s father had got her into the airport and through customs with the minimum of fuss. A simple case of who you know, not what you know. Isabella had splashed out on her ticket, flying first class for the first time since her father had passed. She’d hidden in the corner of the first-class lounge before boarding and kept her head down before take-off.

Several glasses of champagne later, and with a proper bed, Isabella had managed to get some sleep. It had been a crazy twenty-four hours since the story had first broken, and Isabella was surprised by the number of people who’d appeared out of nowhere to gain their fifteen seconds of fame. These were people Isabella couldn’t even recollect, let alone the stories they were weaving. It made Isabella even more determined to stand her ground—look forward, not back. As she’d said to Christian, May, and Scarlett, she was no longer that frightened young woman who’d fled abroad. It was no longer just about her and Christian. It was about her disappearing, about the scandal she’d run from, and until another scandal erupted, she was going to be caught in its wake. If she didn’t put it to bed, every time the news items dropped, she would be fair game. She’d seen it happen too many times to be that naïve to think this was going away anytime soon.

The only downside with any flight was all bags came into the same area, irrespective of class. Isabella noticed the stares as soon as she arrived at the baggage hall. She’d decided against the dark glasses or baseball hat. If anything, that drew more attention. However, mobile phones appeared, and people began nudging each other. Isabella grabbed her bag as soon as it arrived and made her way through customs. As soon as the sliding doors opened, Isabella froze. She realised she probably shouldn’t have been quite as stubborn where Christian’s offer of the company plane was concerned. Cameras flashed, and people started shouting questions at her.

Welcome Home Isabella.

Two men flanked her. “If you’d like to follow us, Lady King, we can get you to safety.”

Not thinking, Isabella stood between them, letting them guide her through the hoards of travellers and journalists.

One man spoke to the air, “We’re coming out. Bring the car round.”

Isabella could not believe Christian had been so thoughtful, especially after all the grief she’d given him for trying to take over her life. Without him now, she’d be in dire straits.

The men stopped next to a Bently with blacked-out windows. Opening the door, he ushered Isabella inside before stepping back and closing it behind her.

“Isabella, it’s good to see you.”

Isabella’s eyes flew to the voice on the opposite seat. One she’d not heard in seven years. “Danielle,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“Clearly. It’s quite the storm you’ve incited. You never were one to do anything quietly, always our little drama queen.”

Isabella smarted at her stepmother’s words. Nothing could be further from the truth. She’d always toed the family line until her father’s sudden death. Then, her life had come crashing down around her. Her father had been her world. Even after he’d married Danielle, he’d always made time for her. Not once had she felt her stepmother had replaced her, or her mother, in his affections. His love was infinite. Danielle had been a different phase in her father’s life, but as he’d promised before he’d married her, nothing would change, and he’d kept that promise.

“I thought you’d be ecstatic I’ve stayed silent and out of your hair for so long. Left you to get on with whatever you wanted... see whoever you want.”

“Happy? I knew you’d be okay. You are your father’s daughter, after all.”

“Then why are you here?” Isabella asked.

She was perplexed. Why had her stepmother taken the time and effort required to come and collect her? Isabella was no longer a child, desperate to win over the woman her father loved.

“No, Pierce or Edward?”

“Why would they be?” Danielle sounded genuinely confused. “I’ve been worried about you. I wanted to check you were okay. Know why you’re back? What you hope to achieve?”

Isabella laughed. Typical Danielle.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to evict you. I want nothing to do with you. I’m back because that hole I disappeared into is no longer the tranquil place I want it to be, and I refuse to damage those I love... I’m here to set the record straight.”

“What record? Isabella, what happened, happened. You left and disappeared. I don’t see how dragging up the past...” Danielle murmured.

“No, you wouldn’t. You weren’t interested in the truth... only too happy to get rid of me. I want to set the record straight and to move on with my life. When I’ve done that, I’ll be gone again. You don’t need to worry,” Isabella said.

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