"What do you mean she's alive? How is that even possible?!"
Leonardo Crown's voice echoed through the hallway. He was already sweating, and the nurse's answer didn't help.
"I-I don't know, Sir. We found her that way—"
The door to the room where Poppy was kept opened abruptly.
There, sitting calmly in a hospital robe, with her legs elegantly crossed, and her arms folded, was Poppy.
No—Bella.
But Leonardo's heart stuttered at the sight.
She was dead.
He had checked thoroughly. He'd made sure there was no pulse, breath, or warmth, before he reported her death to Mr. Highland personally.
And he had asked him to proceed with the cremation. That was why he was here.
So how was she alive?!
Recognizing the face, Poppy frowned.
This was Bella's father's personal assistant, and her step mother's loyal dog.
She couldn't even begin to list out the numerous wickedness this man had orchestrated toward Bella. It made her blood boil.
"You don't look happy to see me alive," Poppy said coldly.
Leonardo's jaw tightened. "That's not it—"
"Oh, relax..." She stood to her feet. "It's not like you were praying for my recovery."
He blinked, staring at her closely as she approached him. There was something different about her.
It wasn't just because she was skinnier and was no longer looking like a dying pig. But he couldn't quite place it.
What was more concerning was the way she spoke to him. Something was definitely wrong!
"You know I always have your best interest—"
STOMP.
Her boot came down hard, right on his polished black shoes, grinding his toes with every ounce of her weight.
"Ahhh—!" He cried, hopping backwards. "What the hell was that for?!"
Poppy smiled faintly, thankful she'd picked the right shoes.
"Oh no! I didn't see your foot there," she said calmly, not even putting effort in her act. She didn't apologize. She just waved it off with a, "My bad," and started walking out of the room.
Leonardo frowned heavily.
"Is the car ready?"
He was still frowning. "Where are you going?"
"To see my sister. Where else?"
"Your sister is at an event with your mother, Miss Bella."
Knowing how Bella hated public events, he'd expected she'd shut down the idea and go home instead. Her stepmother and Grace wouldn't want her there.
But, "That's even better," Poppy said.
"Entrance is strictly invite and you don't have one, Miss Bella. Also, don't tell me you plan on going there looking like this..."
His words stopped in his throat as he scanned her entire body.
She was in a plain hospital robe. Her legs were bare, but the way her perfectly curved hips swayed in the robe and her hair fell over her shoulders...
She looked breathtaking even in the shabby cloth.
His jaw flexed as his gaze flickered away quickly, annoyed at himself for noticing these things.
This was Bella Highland, the fat, useless Bella.
He'd seen her multiple times in hospital robes. She was unattractive and shapeless.
But now, heads were turning for a second look as she walked past. This annoyed him to no end.
Poppy smiled. "Surely, there is no way you can't handle the invite situation, Mr. Leonardo. And I'm shocked you still feel shame after everything you've done, especially with your little outings with my mother's friend. I heard the hotel in Fifth Avenue is lovely. Is it? You should know since you visit there frequently."
Leonardo's face paled immediately.
Bella had found out about his affairs by mistake. That was why he'd joined forces with her stepmother and stepsister to crush her before she crushed him.
And it worked because she never said anything in the past.
He clenched his jaw. "I'll get you an invite."
Poppy smiled. "I'm happy we have an understanding, Mr. Leonardo. I didn't want to have to send a copy of the receipts and guest lists with a sweet little voice note to Mrs. Crown."
His eyes widened.
She was threatening him!
Bella had never spoken back to him before, let alone issuing threats and blackmails!
How did she change so much after waking up?!
...
The sleek car rolled to a smooth stop in front of a beautiful estate.
Lights glittered across the grand mansion. Loud music and laughter from guests at the party could also be heard.
Immediately Poppy stepped out in her robe that fluttered slightly from the breeze, heads began to turn from the party, as a few guests outside caught sight of her.
They murmured amongst themselves, but Poppy didn't care.
She walked in with Leonardo.
Inside, balloons in soft pink and blue floated above elegantly decorated tables.
The room was also decorated with tiny teddy bears, rattles, ribbons, cupcakes with frostings.
And at the center of the room, a large banner stretched across the hall: "A special little voyager is on the way..."
Poppy looked around confused.
A... baby shower?
Across the room, Grace Highland turned from where she stood with a glass of champagne in her hand.
She wore a beautiful smile as she mingled with other guests. But it vanished immediately her eyes fell on Poppy.
She blinked rapidly as if she was trying to convince herself she wasn't seeing a ghost.
She'd seen that face too many times not to recognize her. Yes, the girl was curvy, and her beauty stole people's attention even in her shabby clothes...
But that was Bella!
How did she change so much?!
Grace frowned heavily.
And more importantly, how was she alive?!
Her father told her Bella was dead, so how the hell was she in the party?!
It only took a couple of seconds before Poppy spotted Grace, who stood close to her mother, Evelyn Highland, in the midst of some guests.
Poppy smiled charmingly.
"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Your love and support means everything to us, especially as we prepare for this new chapter—" a familiar voice spoke from the mic.
Poppy froze.
No...
She turned her head slowly toward the stage.
Her heart stopped when she saw the familiar face smiling beautifully with his hands wrapped around the waist of a familiar woman.
James and Sarah!