Page 70 of Until You (Forgive Me)

It was Eleanor who spoke up, having entered the room. “I can introduce her, let the country know what she’s called in to say before we put her live. Then if she changes her story...” The threat hung in the air.

“Okay. But no names,” Isabella said, watching as everyone looked at her in amazement. “No more casualties. What Victoria is doing is brave. She’s trying to help. I do not want her to be hounded the same way I have been. We are both victims.”

“Fine,” the producer said, clearly wanting to move things along. “You’ll need your makeup touched up, but then we should be good to go.”

Isabella nodded as he left to get the whole process running. Christian stepped forward. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, his eyebrows drawn together, his eyes locked on hers.

Isabella stood and faced him. “More sure than I probably should be. I want this over, and if she helps put this to bed, then I won’t complain.”

Christian nodded, taking her hand and leading her from the room and back towards the studio. One of the makeup artists appeared and repaired her makeup.

“Beautiful,” she said, smiling kindly. “Knock ’em dead,” she added, squeezing Isabella’s arm.

“So, are we doing this? We need to go back on air,” the producer asked, his face now turning red with the stress.

“We’re doing this.”

Isabella stepped forward and into the studio lights.

Isabella sat back and listened as the interview changed. The anchor explained to their viewers that while they had been on air, new information had been called in. Isabella confirmed she knew caller X and then Victoria was live. They showed redacted video footage and photographs to back up Victoria’s story. Isabella could not believe how quickly the team had turned the footage around and made it suitable for morning television. Isabella was glad they had not named Victoria, as the anchor tore her to pieces in her interview.

“I would just like to say how sorry I am. I did not mean it to go that far. The photos were supposed to remain private. They took the photos as a joke,” Victoria said as the interview ended.

Isabella knew Victoria was lying to cover up the real reason. Edward wanted to blackmail her into keeping quiet about his affair and force her to go through with their wedding. Victoria said to her privately he’d involved too many people, and the photos got leaked. Isabella wasn’t so sure. She knew Edward for the control freak he was. He’d always intended for those photos to be published. She just didn’t understand why.

The anchor turned to Isabella. “Is there anything you want to say to caller X?”

Isabella closed her eyes for a second. “I just want to put this behind me, and go back to living my life. I would like to thank caller X for being brave enough to come forward. It can’t have been an easy decision.”

The anchor stared at Isabella open-mouthed.

“That’s incredibly gracious of you,” she said finally. “They drugged you as a young, innocent girl and set you up. They tried to ruin your life. You left your home and your family.”

Isabella tilted her head.

“That’s true, but one thing I’ve learned is not to dwell on the past. I have a wonderful life. I have amazing friends and a fantastic business. What happened seven years ago was traumatic. But it also showed me a different path. I got the help I needed and went on a journey of self-discovery.” Isabella stared at Eleanor and smiled, knowing she may never understand. “Will I ever regret that? No.”

Victoria could be heard crying on the other end of the line. Isabella held up her hand before the anchor could say anything else.

“It’s taken a lot of courage for you to come forward and say what you have. We were all young and naïve, and people we loved played us. Thank you. This has not been easy for you.”

“I’m sorry, Izzy,” she said before the line cut off.

Isabella wiped her face as she felt the first tear fall.

The camera moved to give her some privacy, returning to the anchor. “Lady Isabella King has a more forgiving heart than most.” The anchor glanced over at her, and Isabella nodded. She could finish this.

“Isabella, considering this new information, what are your plans?”

“I don’t know,” Isabella answered honestly. “I’d just like to be left alone to get on with my life. Seven years ago, I stepped away from the limelight. I put society behind me. I would like to do that again and move forward.”

“Does that life include Christian Dupree?”

“My relationship with Christian is private and will remain that way. We have been friends for many years. Our mothers were best friends, and I’m very close to his sister. That’s all I have to say on the matter.” Isabella shot her a look, warning her to drop the subject. She’d already got enough to shoot the station’s ratings through the roof. This was going to be replayed morning, noon, and night.

“Well, thank you for joining us this morning. Next up is...”

The producer came and walked Isabella off set. The mic tech removed her microphone and as soon as they entered the green room, Christian pulled her into his arms, squeezing her tight.

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