"What do you mean she's alive?! That's impossible!"
A man's voice thundered down the hallway, loud enough to shake the walls. Sweat rolled down his forehead as the nurse stammered.
"I-I don't know, Sir. We… we found her like that—"
The door burst open.
Sitting calmly in a hospital robe, with her legs and arms crossed elegantly, was Poppy.
No—Bella.
But his throat went dry.
Impossible! He'd made sure she was dead before he reported her death himself to Mr. Highland. He'd even been the one to suggest cremation.
So how… how was she sitting here, alive?!
Recognizing the face, Poppy frowned.
He was Leonardo Crown, Bella's father's personal assistant and her step mother's loyal dog.
Bella must've been terrified of the man because even if she was gone, some fragments of her fears still lingered at the sight of him.
She didn't blame her though, not after she'd seen the memories of how this man tormented her.
But Bella was gone. And Poppy had no plans of bowing to him.
"You don't look happy to see me alive," she said coldly.
Leonardo's jaw tightened. "That's not it—"
"Save your pathetic drama for someone who's interested, Leonardo. I don't have the patience for that." She stood and walked out of the room.
Leonardo froze. It took a while for him to get over how he was spoken to. Regardless, he followed her.
When he came out, Poppy just finished talking to a nurse nearby. She looked at him nonchalantly before proceeding.
Leonardo frowned and walked behind her, studying her closely. There was something different about her.
It wasn't just because she was skinnier, and was no longer looking like a dying cow. But... he couldn't quite place it.
What was more concerning was the way she spoke to him. Bella had never been able to look him in his eyes, even more speak to him. Something was definitely wrong!
"Is the car ready?"
His frown deepened. "Where are you going?"
"To see Grace."
"Your sister is at an event with your mother, Miss Bella," he said, fully aware of how Bella hated public events. Besides, 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. 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.
"Your father wouldn't be happy if you bring any scandal to him."
"Give me a break, Leonardo! You enjoy his little performances when he's angry. Regardless, there's no way you can't handle the invite situation, that is, if you don't want us going somewhere else like the hotel at fifth Avenue."
Leonardo's brows furrowed.
"I heard it's lovely. What does Mrs. Jewel think about it?"
His face paled immediately.
Mrs. Jewel was Bella's step-mother's friend.
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 could say anything.
And it worked because she'd never said a word about it. So, why was she bringing it up now?!
He clenched his jaw. "I'll get you an invite."
Poppy smiled. "I'm happy we have an understanding. I didn't want to have to send a copy of the receipts and guest lists with a sweet little voice note to your wife."
His eyes widened.
She was threatening him!
There was no way he was overthinking now.
What is going on?!
...
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 broke the news about her death earlier.
It only took a couple of seconds for Poppy to spot Grace who stood close to her mother, Evelyn Highland, in the midst of some guests.
Poppy smiled charmingly and started approaching them. But, a familiar voice spoke from the mic.
"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Your love and support means everything to us, especially as we prepare for this new chapter..."
She froze.
No...
Poppy turned 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!