Chapter 15

The golden sunset painted the sky in fiery hues as the luxury car glided toward Windsor Estates. Inside, Alexander Kingsley leaned back in the leather seat, exhaustion lining his sharp features.

"Mr. Kingsley," Gordon cleared his throat. "We've handled the online trolls attacking Ms. Sinclair. Legal notices were sent - they won't dare repeat their actions."

He hesitated. "But the marriage rumors... that's trickier to contain."

Alexander remained silent, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery. His fingers twitched toward his phone for the fifth time since leaving the office.

What would he even say if she answered?

An apology for today's disaster?

The words stuck in his throat like shards of glass. A leaden weight settled in his chest, unfamiliar and suffocating.

As the estate gates came into view, Alexander suddenly straightened. "Pull over."

The car screeched to a halt. Before Gordon could question him, Alexander was already striding across the street toward a boutique clothing store.

"Timeless Reminiscence" - the elegant script above the door matched the logo on the suit box Isabella had given him.

The bell chimed as he entered. An elderly tailor with kind eyes approached. "Good evening, sir. Are you here for a fitting or collection?"

Alexander's voice came out rougher than intended. "About a month ago, did a young woman in her twenties commission a men's suit here?"

Recognition flashed in the tailor's eyes. "Ah, yes! The young lady with remarkable design skills. In forty years of tailoring, I've rarely seen such natural talent."

"Did she come here daily to work on it?"

"Religiously." The old man nodded. "From open till close, sometimes so exhausted she'd nap at the worktable. When I asked if it was for her father or sweetheart..." He chuckled. "She blushed and called him her 'beloved.' Must adore her husband tremendously to pour such love into every stitch."

Beloved.

The word struck like a physical blow.

"Her eyes would light up whenever she spoke of him." The tailor studied Alexander curiously. "If I may ask, how do you know about this?"

Alexander swallowed hard. "I'm that man."

The tailor's face transformed with delight. "A match made in heaven!"

Outside, the fading sunlight felt surreal against Alexander's skin. Like walking through a dream Isabella had crafted for him.

Could she truly have loved him?

Yet how could someone switch emotions so completely? Devoted one moment, then coldly moving to another man's embrace the next?

An unfamiliar hollowness spread through his chest.

"Mr. Kingsley!" Gordon's voice shattered his thoughts. "Since when do you shop at common boutiques? Your suits usually come from Savile Row!"

"Never mind. Let's go."

His phone buzzed insistently. Lucas Grant's name flashed on screen.

"What?" Alexander barked.

"Celebratory drinks tonight!" Lucas's teasing tone grated. "For your wedding... or divorce. Whichever applies."

"Piss off."

Lucas laughed. "Relax! My new club opens tonight. Been ages since we caught up. Has our friendship expired?"

Alexander exhaled sharply. "Fine. Tonight."

Meanwhile at the Fairhaven mansion...

Isabella carefully plated the gourmet dinner she'd prepared for Sebastian. Her brother's eyes widened at the spread.

"You shouldn't strain yourself," Sebastian fretted. "Kitchen fumes aren't good for your recovery."

Isabella waved him off. "I've cooked plenty of—" She caught herself too late.

Sebastian's fork clattered onto the table. "Tell me you didn't cook for that bastard daily for three years!"

"It's nothing," Isabella said lightly, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. "A wife's duty. But don't worry - those days are over."

Suddenly, the usually playful prosecutor pulled her into a fierce embrace. "Consider those years wasted," he murmured into her hair. "From now on, you'll be treated like the royalty you are."

9:00 PM sharp.

Lucas's new nightclub pulsed with energy, packed with Elmsworth's elite drawn by the Fairhaven heir's reputation.

A matte black Bugatti purred to the entrance. Sebastian emerged first, his casual attire a stark departure from his usual courtroom formality - no less striking for it.

Then the driver's door opened.

All heads turned as Isabella stepped out. The silver mini dress hugged every curve, catching the light with each movement. Her cascading waves and diamond tassel earrings completed the vision of effortless elegance.

Sebastian groaned, pulling her close. "Must you wear that? You're attracting every wolf in the place."

A dangerous smile curved Isabella's lips. "Let them try anything. I could use some stress relief."

Inside, Sebastian secured a VIP booth away from prying eyes, though it did little to deter admirers.

"Honestly, brother," Isabella swirled her martini, "bringing you was a mistake. A newly divorced woman needs distractions, not chaperones."

Sebastian snorted. "Club rats? You'd lower your standards that far?"

Upstairs in the exclusive lounge...

Lucas clinked glasses with Alexander. "Still dressed like you're chairing a board meeting, I see."

Alexander surveyed the club with disinterest. "Nightclubs are declining investments. This one won't last the year."

Lucas grinned. "Who cares? I've got money to burn!"

His attention suddenly snagged on the dance floor. "Now there's a vision! That woman moves like poetry in motion."

Alexander barely glanced up until Lucas forced his gaze downward.

His breath caught.

Isabella.

And the man beside her was unmistakably Sebastian.

The glass in Alexander's hand cracked.