Isabella had dreamt about her father. And she found that odd. But what felt odder as her eyes opened slowly was the realization that it was the first time in a while that she was seeing his face.
A small sigh left her as she sat up. After scanning the room for some seconds, Isabella pondered on whether her father once felt guilty for marrying her off in that manner.
The man she always knew would be.
But with certain words flying around and the manner with which he left her ... she had to think otherwise.
And that made her heart ache. That the only parent she had would be so double faced made her quite sad.
But then... he really was the only one she had for a long time. A mother she never knew and her father hated the idea of nannies, so he single handedly raised her to a certain point despite his crazy schedules.
And that was one of the reasons she gave in to his request years ago. She felt indebted to him and doing that one thing on his behalf didn't seem so terrible.
Until things turned sour. Until her father turned his back on her.
As she sat up, heaviness on her chest, a thought dropped.
She ignored it and got off the bed while wondering where Charles could have gone so early in the morning. But as her legs walked her to the bathroom where light blue tiles awaited her sight, the thought she dismissed became reconsidered and she made up her mind.
She was going to see her father one last time.
~
With eyes as sharp as an eagle's, Christina followed the woman who walked out of Charles's room. She had no idea where Isabella could be headed, but she saw an opportunity and she wasn't going to waste it.
Mr. Oxford who was still in his virtual meeting had few minutes more to spend there. And that was enough to activate the first stage of the plan.
Hurriedly, she rushed to her room and soon came out with a trolley bearing a box on it. As her legs steadily raced for the entrance, Christina began to play scenarios in her head.
A small smile graced her lips as her mind played a particular scene she liked. A scene where she had Charles Oxford all to herself while the so called Isabella Shade cried in a corner.
As she punched in the passcode given, she became more focused and pushed all celebratory thoughts till later. Within a blink of the eye, she had everything she needed set up.
A quick scan of the small table brought a smile onto her face.
Then, all she needed to do was wait.
And she didn't for long. As she adjusted her dark yellow fitted gown, the door flung open and the man in her dreams walked in, his build more evident. Perhaps because of his new shirt.
"Miss Kane..." His eyes scanned the room to her dismay. He was looking for that woman.
"Hello Sir."
"What's going on?" he asked as he closed the door. "Where's Isabella?"
Christina didn't stutter. "Oh, she went for a quick run. When I told her you were in a meeting, she asked me to get some juice for you." Christina motioned towards the small stool and he smiled. "Should I pour you a glass?"
"When did she say she would be back? Did she eat before leaving?"
Christina almost swore. Why was he so crazy about Isabella to that extent? What was so special about the woman?
But Christina wasn't going to mess up. So, she gathered her anger and pushed them somewhere. "Well, she did mention having some bread?"
"Hmm, I see," he replied a bit sternly and went to have a seat.
"How did the meeting go sir?"
"Uh... very well. I will brief you later about the details when it is all confirmed."
She smiled politely. "Of course sir." Her eyes caught the box of juice. "Would you still like some juice sir?"
"Certainly," came his thick voice, his body relaxing more.
"Sir, how long more are we going to be here?" she asked after she handed him a glass which she poured with slight nervousness.
"Why? Are you tired already?" He took a small sip, the sides of her mouth tugged.
"Oh no. I am just wondering so I would know whether I could possibly use one of my paid free days to have a small vacation."
His brows lifted as the side of his eye watched her. "I guess I have been overworking you."
She refuted with her hands fiercely waving. "Oh no. You have been the best sir."
"I hope so," he said and soon downed the entire glass.
Then, relief washed through her. It was only a matter of seconds and everything would be looking good for her.
"Well Miss Kane..." he groaned with a low voice as he got up from he chair. "Let's continue to work together to-" His head went sideways and he said nothing more.
"Sir? Are you okay?"
Charles nodded and smiled but his eyes said otherwise. They looked so tired. "Please, have Isabella know I am done with my-"
"Sir?" A loud yawn followed. "Do you need to sleep sir?"
The tall man scratched his head. "I guess I didn't get much sleep last night." He made to walk but his steps seemed to fail him. As a finger came up as though to signal his intent to speak, he instantly fell back onto the chair.
And Christina watched as his eyes struggled to stay open. It was a beautiful sight but she really needed him to be knocked out.
Her wish was granted seconds later.
After ensuring the drug had done a good job, she walked to the box she had brought in earlier which was tucked in a corner and brought out a pair of cuffs.
As the metallic objects jangled, as she made her way towards the gorgeous sleeping man, she wore an even brighter smile.
It really was coming together.