Page 47 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“But I don’t know how to live that life anymore...” Isabella’s voice cracked.

“When we first met, you were heartbroken and alone. You’d run away from your troubles, turned your back on your past, and I couldn’t blame you.” May sighed. “But Isabella, you’re not that young woman anymore. You’re strong and independent. You’ve built a new life and have something to fight for. Go back to the UK. Set the record straight. Face your past... then, when you’re ready, you can come home to us. Free to embrace a future you want. No more hiding, my beautiful friend.”

Isabella could not stop the sob that escaped her. “When did you get so smart?”

“I haven’t. I just have my moments.” May chuckled before her voice caught. “Isabella, I will miss you, but you need to do this. I spoke to Dad. He can get you into the airport and on a flight to the UK.”

Isabella wiped her cheeks. “I don’t want to leave you. You’re my family,” she said.

“And we always will be. We’ll be waiting for you.” May coughed. “You’re older and wiser, plus you have a very sexy man on your side. Own your past, free your future.”

May’s tone allowed for no argument. Who knew her fun-loving friend could be fierce?

“Okay. You’re right. It is time I took charge. A life in hiding is not what my father wanted for me.”

The tension loosened in her shoulders as she accepted what she must do.

“You go, girl. Call Christian back. I’ll call Dad and move things along. I love you.”

“I love you too. You’ve been a loyal friend since the beginning. Thank you,” Isabella said, overcome with emotion. “I’ll speak to Annelise.”

Isabella disconnected and redialled Christian’s number from the call history.

“Christian Dupree’s office, Lucy speaking. How can I help?” an efficient voice answered.

“Hi Lucy, this is Isabella King. Can I speak to Christian, please?”

“Oh, of course, Ms King. I’ll put you straight through.”

Isabella waited until she heard the phone click.

“Isabella?”

“I’m coming.”

Silence greeted her. “I’ll send the company plane,” Christian said.

“No. May’s dad will get me on a flight tonight. He can get me into the airport and through customs quietly. He’s helping to smuggle me out under the nose of the press.”

“But...”

“No buts. I’m doing this on my terms. Any journalist with any sense is going to track your plane’s flight plans for exactly this reason. Hopefully, this way, I can get out of Thailand and back on British soil before they’ve even realised I’m gone. May will then announce I’ve left, and hopefully, business can return to normal.”

“I would prefer you take the company plane,” Christian interceded.

“You might, but I need to leave tonight. As May pointed out, this is not about us, or this weekend. That was merely the catalyst. In reality, this has been seven years in the making. Coming back to the UK is about me taking control of my future... this cannot happen again... I’m going to put all the rumours and lies to bed, once and for all.” Isabella stopped. “I’m not the same scared young woman I was when I left. It’s time to own my life. Past, present and future.”

Christian grunted, clearly not accepting but also not willing to fight her on it.

“I’ll send a car for you when you land. Let me know the flight details.”

Isabella laughed. “They can intercept emails. I’ll see you when I get there. Don’t worry, Christian, I’m a big girl. I can handle the press. This is not my first rodeo, and it won’t be my last.”

“I don’t like it, but I’ll accept your choices. Safe travels, Isabella. Let me know when you land.” There was a pause before he added, “I need to see you’re okay.”

“Stop worrying. I’ll see you soon.”

Isabella disconnected their call, a warmth spreading through her body at Christian’s words. Heading downstairs, she went in search of Annelise. She’d heard the front door, so she knew Richard was home. Was she making the right decision? She didn’t know, but what May had said made sense. She needed to take charge of her life. If she didn’t, she’d always be looking over her shoulder, always be a victim. If the past seven years had taught her one thing—no one could make her a victim unless she let them, and she was sick of running. It was time to face the past head on.

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