chapter 5

ISABELLA POV

Ryan’s voice was smooth as silk. “ So, divorcing for stars isn’t something that’s uncommon...it’s normal and it’s nothing new...”

But I wasn’t interested in hearing his justification. “ I know I can’t refuse, but I don’t like the idea of just going with the flow of things,” I said, my voice firm.

Without waiting for his reply, I hung up and started getting ready for school. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Ryan’s games right now.

I quickly got dressed and headed downstairs, my mind still reeled from the conversation with Ryan. I couldn’t believe he had announced our engagement without even telling me first.    I walked into the kitchen and found Maria, the maid, busy making breakfast. She smiled at me and asked if I wanted some pancakes or eggs. I shook my head, still feeling a bit upset. “Just coffee, please,” I said.

Maria nodded and handed me a cup of steaming hot coffee. I took a sip, feeling the caffeine kick in and clear my head a bit.

As I drank my coffee, I couldn’t help but think about Ryan’s words. He was right, of course. Divorcing for stars was nothing new. But that didn’t mean I had to like it. And it didn’t mean I had to go along with everything Ryan wanted without questioning it.

I finished my coffee and headed out the door, feeling a bit more determined.

I couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises Ryan had in store for me.

As I walked out of the mansion, I was immediately surrounded by an entourage of bodyguards.  I felt a little self-conscious about the fuss, but I knew it was all part of being engaged to Ryan West. He was a high-profile celebrity, and his fiancée was bound to attract attention.

The bodyguards escorted me to the car, a sleek black SUV with tinted windows. I slid into the backseat.

As we drove to college, I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. I was still getting used to the idea of being part of Ryan’s world, and it was a lot to take in.

The bodyguards were discreet, but I knew they were always watching, always waiting for any sign of trouble. It was a little unnerving, but I knew it was all part of the package.

As we arrived at college, I could feel the eyes of my classmates on me. They whispered and pointed, no doubt speculating about my engagement to Ryan.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, my head held high. I was determined to navigate this new world with confidence and poise.

The bodyguards fell into step beside me, their eyes scanning the crowds as we made our way to my first class. I felt a little like a celebrity, but I knew it was all just part of the show.

As soon as I stepped into college, my best friend and roommate, Cario, walked up to me with a huge grin on her face. “ Oh my God, are you really the one I saw on the news? Like, you’re all over the news, girl!” she exclaimed.

I sighed tiredly and shook my head.   “ Cario, I’m too stressed for any of this right now.”

But Cario was undeterred. “ Have you checked the group chat?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “ No, I haven’t.”

Cario let out a loud squeal. “ There’s absolutely no way you just got married to every girl’s dream man!”

I felt a flutter in my belly at her words, but I acted all tough outwardly. “ Yeah, it’s nothing to be excited about,” I said nonchalantly.

But Cario was not buying it. “ Girl, you should be careful. There are lots of girls who have a huge crush on your fiancé. And your life is going to be even tougher than usual.”

I shrugged. “ There’s nothing they can do. Nothing physical, at least. They’re all aware of the backing I have now.”

Cario squinted her eyes at me. “ Your confidence needs to be checked.”

We both burst into laughter, and for a moment, I forgot about all the drama and stress that came with being engaged to Ryan West.

As I walked out of my last class of the day, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. I was looking forward to heading back to Ryan’s mansion and just relaxing for the rest of the day.

But as I turned a corner, I was confronted with a face I hadn’t seen in a while. Levi, my ex-boyfriend and his clique of friends, standing in front of me, a smug look on his face.

I felt a surge of anger and hurt, and I quickly turned away from him, muttering

“ Bastard” under my breath.

I walked over to my locker and started putting away my books, still feeling Levi’s eyes on me. I ignored him and tried to walk past him, but he reached out and grabbed my arm.

I spun around, my eyes flashing with anger. “ What are you doing?” I demanded.Levi’s eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the possessiveness and obsession still burning in them. “ We need to talk,” He said, his voice low and urgent.

I shook my head, trying to pull my arm out of his grasp. “ We have nothing to talk about, Levi. And shouldn’t you be with your fiancée? I heard she’s pregnant.”

Levi’s face darkened, and he pulled me into a corner, away from Cario and the other students. “ This isn’t the time for this, Isabella.” He growled.

I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. “ And this isn’t the time to bug me,” I shot back.

Levi’s eyes flashed with anger, and he took a step closer to me. I could feel his breath on my face, and I knew I had to get out of there before things escalated.