Chapter 2 - The Woman in Champagne
Isabella Laurent had been part of Marcus’s life long before Khloe met him.
At least, that was the story Marcus told.
He described Isabella as the daughter of one of his father’s closest business partners. They had attended the same schools, spent summers at the same estates, and moved through the same wealthy social circles.
“She is like family,” Marcus always said.
Khloe had believed him until their fourth wedding anniversary.
That night, she found Isabella standing alone in Marcus’s study, staring at a framed wedding photograph.
“You looked beautiful,” Isabella said.
The words sounded polite, but her fingers rested over Marcus’s face in the picture.
When Khloe entered, Isabella quickly pulled her hand away.
A month later, Khloe found a hotel receipt inside Marcus’s coat. The suite had been reserved under Isabella’s company account.
Marcus claimed they had held a confidential business meeting.
Isabella supported his explanation.
Khloe apologized for doubting them.
Now, sitting in the hospital suite, she wondered how many times they had rehearsed their lies together.
Isabella placed the rejected glass on a side table.
“You have become cautious,” she said.
“I am carrying a child.”
“Our child,” Marcus corrected.
Khloe looked at him.
The possessiveness in his tone chilled her.
Dr. Shaw returned to check the monitors. Isabella stepped away from the bed, but her gaze remained fixed on the spilled liquid.
Khloe noticed.
When Dr. Shaw pulled back the bedsheet to examine a sensor, Khloe caught her wrist.
“Could you send this sheet for testing?”
Marcus laughed.
“Testing for what?”
Khloe did not look at him.
“I spilled a drink. Something about it smelled strange.”
Isabella folded her arms.
“It is sparkling apple water.”
“Then testing it will prove that.”
Dr. Shaw glanced between them.
“I can ask the laboratory to examine the fabric, but unless you believe you were exposed to something harmful, it may not be necessary.”
“I believe it is necessary.”
Marcus stepped closer.
“My wife has been anxious lately.”
Khloe turned toward him.
“I am not anxious.”
“She has been receiving anonymous messages,” he continued. “I think someone is trying to frighten her.”
Dr. Shaw’s expression became serious.
“What messages?”
Khloe hesitated.
She had not told Marcus what the unknown sender wrote. His statement revealed that he knew more than she had shared.
“How do you know they are trying to frighten me?”
Marcus’s eyes narrowed.
“You said it was the pharmacy. It clearly was not.”
“You asked who messaged me. I never said there was more than one message.”
Silence filled the suite.
Isabella stepped between them with a soft laugh.
“This is becoming ridiculous. Khloe needs rest, not an interrogation.”
Dr. Shaw removed the stained sheet and placed it inside a sealed bag.
“I will send it to the laboratory.”
Marcus watched her label the bag.
“Is that truly necessary?”
“It will reassure your wife.”
After Dr. Shaw left, Marcus closed the door.
The gentleness disappeared from his face.
“You embarrassed me.”
Khloe’s heart began to race.
“I asked a doctor to test something I was offered.”
“You accused Isabella of poisoning you.”
“I did not use that word.”
“You did not have to.”
Isabella moved closer to Marcus, standing at his side rather than Khloe’s.
The position answered questions neither of them wished to discuss.
Khloe slowly pushed herself out of bed.
“You should leave.”
Marcus stared at her.
“This suite belongs to the hospital.”
“The hospital assigned it to me.”
“The hospital assigned it because of my family.”
Khloe walked toward the sitting area, one hand supporting her lower back.
“No. The hospital assigned it because I am a patient.”
Marcus followed.
“You are my wife.”
“That does not make me your property.”
For the first time, Isabella looked impressed.
Then her expression softened into pity.
“You really do not know, do you?”
Marcus turned sharply.
“Isabella.”
Khloe stopped.
“Know what?”
Isabella looked at Marcus.
He gave her a warning glance.
She smiled at Khloe.
“Nothing important.”
Khloe heard the lie clearly.
A nurse entered with medication, ending the confrontation.
Marcus adjusted his jacket.
“I have a board meeting. Isabella will stay with you.”
“No.”
His gaze became cold.
“That was not a question.”
He left before Khloe could answer.
Isabella waited until the door closed.
Then she approached the bed and lowered her voice.
“You should have taken the drink.”
Khloe felt the blood leave her face.
“Why?”
May you like
Isabella’s smile trembled.
“Because whatever happens next will hurt much more.”
