Page 69 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I can’t answer that,” Isabella said sadly.

“We’re going to a break. We’ll be back shortly to continue our interview with Lady Isabella King.”

The interviewer looked over. “I’m sorry. If I’m not tough, they won’t believe me. You are doing great. Something has happened, and we need to talk to you.”

Christian and the man he was talking to approached the desk.

“Isabella,” Christian said. “Victoria has called in. She says she has proof that night was a setup. She’s emailed in photos and video footage that show you being manhandled unconscious and photos being taken. There are no visible faces apart from yours, but it’s clear you are not compliant.”

Isabella’s heart moved to her throat, memories of Victoria and Edward together, rising like a tsunami… as their bodies moved together. Her stomach repelled, her hand flying to her mouth, and she ran from the studio. Luckily, she’d spotted the toilets outside the studio as she entered. Throwing open the stall door, she bent double as she lost her breakfast. She’d always known she was innocent. Even at her most drunk, she’d been aware of what she was doing, but that night had always been a blank. Now, she knew what she had always feared. She’d been drugged and set up, but why?

Christian and Andrew entered behind her, their faces a mask of concern. She sat back, resting her head against the side of the stall, her body feeling hollowed out, her chest tight.

“Are you okay?” Andrew asked, crouching down next to her.

Isabella turned her head and stared at him, her eyes watering from being sick.

“Not right now,” she answered honestly. “But I will be.”

Isabella got to her feet, staggering a little.

“I’m taking you home,” Christian said, holding her arm.

Isabella looked at him, giving him a half smile, her protector.

“No,” she said, placing a hand over his. “I want to continue. I came here for a reason, and I’m going to see it through. This circus has to end.”

Andrew stepped forward, handing her a glass of water.

“They’ve moved to the next segment until you decide what you want to do. They’re happy to stop and update the public with the new findings. You can reschedule or go back on before the end of the show.”

“Can I see the tapes?” Isabella asked.

It was the producer who stepped forward this time. The ladies’ bathroom was getting a little crowded. “Of course. If you want to come with me.”

Isabella swilled her mouth out and thanked one of the production team, who had retrieved a toothbrush to enable her to freshen up. Leading her into a side room, Isabella sat down and was shown her worst nightmare. The only saving grace, being she knew now that no one had violated her while she’d been in that state. She recognised the voices, people she thought were friends, laughing and joking as they hauled her around and positioned her like a mannequin. Christian held her hand the entire time, giving her the strength she needed. The more she watched, the angrier she got. She’d done nothing to deserve this sort of treatment. It was Edward who’d been unfaithful, but she was the one who’d been punished. She’d loved Edward, or at least thought she had.

Edward had been so convincing after her father had died, comforting her, telling her he loved her. Pierce and Danielle had both encouraged their relationship, telling her how happy her father would have been to see them together. What was Victoria’s game? Why did she have this information? Isabella had done nothing to her apart from unknowingly getting engaged to the man she loved.

“What does she want?” Isabella asked, turning to the producer while squeezing Christian’s outstretched hand.

“She said she wants to right a wrong.” The producer looked at her. “What do you want to do?”

“Can I speak to her?” Isabella said.

“Of course. I’ll get her patched through.”

The producer left, returning when the phone on the desk rang. He gestured for Isabella to pick it up.

Isabella took a deep breath and listened to the woman she’d once called a friend apologise for and make excuses for the horrors Isabella had endured.

The producer stepped forward. “I’m sorry to rush you, but you need to decide before we go off air. Are we going to run with this thread?”

Isabella took a deep breath. “What does that mean?”

“We can connect her live on the telephone. Include her in the interview.”

Isabella’s heart was racing. She closed her eyes, too many scenarios flashing through her mind.

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