Chapter 13: Chapter 13

One morning, a knock at her doorstep interrupts her morning routine. She stares at her surprise guest uncertainly. “Isabella, we need to talk. I know what happened at the company picnic.” She stared at Isabella with a hot glare. “You- you do?” Isabella tried to calm the panic.

“Yes, Liam told me all about the conversation the two of you had.” Isabella almost choked on her own spit. “Wait, Liam?”

“Well, he didn’t tell me all about it. He kept the details pretty vogue. But I heard enough to know Liam was way out of line, and I just want to reassure you that I told him as much. He won’t bother you like that again.”

Isabella exhaled out of relief. “Look, Madelyn, I can handle Liam on my own.” Madelyn puts a hand on her arm and gives her a sympathetic smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. “Sure you can, dear. Anyways, now that that little bit of unpleasantness is taken care of. We can talk about why I am really here.” Madelyn gave the neighbourhood a terrifying look before she returns her gaze to Isabella.

“ I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. I forget sometimes how intimidating I can be to insecure younger women. But I could really use your help.”

The anger begin to rise inside of Isabella. “Seriously? Didn't you want me fired not too long ago? Now you want my help?” Madelyn gasps out of astonishment. “Ethan told you about that?”

“I heard you guys talking about it!” Madelyn looked embarrassed for the first time since Isabella ever met her. “I.. I did but Ethan told me in no uncertain terms that he was going to fire you, so I’ve moved on.” Madelyn waves her hand, as if she expects Isabella to just move on as well.

“And there’s an important charity gala this weekend, and I'll never be ready in time without the help of an assistant. Unfortunately, my current assistant is on break because she got married not long ago and has gone for her honeymoon. So selfish and irresponsible.” Madelyn scoffed annoyingly. “Ah, last time I checked you are getting married as well and I don't see you going to work.” Madelyn rolls her eyes as she washes away her concern. “Yes I understand what you mean and building up a family is important but business is even more important. I need to be at my best for this event. Ethan told me it’s okay if you take the day off to assist me since he already has things under control at the company. Meet me at this address in an hour.” She offers Isabella a business card. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're not my boss. I don’t have to do what you say, especially if that’s something other than supervising the companies business.” Isabella erupted like a volcano. Madelyn has disrespected her beyond her imagination. “You didn't even ask, you just demanded. If I decided to help you, you have to at least treat me like a human being.”

Madelyn gasps and nodded. “Oh, I... that’s fair. I suppose.” She clears her throat. That was the second time Isabelle witnessed her being embarrassed. “Isabella, will you please help me today? I'll make sure you're more than fairly compensated for doing something outside the normal bounds of your job.”

Isabella sighed... as much as she wanted to say no, the extra money would help her pay off her loans. Plus, Madelyn does seem like she’s trying. “Fine, I'll be there in an hour.” She took the card from Madelyn. She beamed, almost engulfing Isabella in a hug. “You’re a lifesaver, Isabella.”

Madelyn leaves with a promise to see her very soon. Isabella closed the door as she sighed. “Great, a full day of Madelyn. Yay...” Isabella sighed again and slumped on the couch.

She heard another knock at her door. She braced herself for whatever Madelyn forgot. But then she opened the door and glanced up to meet with his eyes. “Is she completely gone?” He raised a brow as he looked around the neighborhood. No sign of her car. “You waited till she left? You really are scared of Madelyn, huh? You’re a grown man sneaking around his own fiancee. You see that right?” Isabella teased him. He slips into the living room with a smirk. “I wouldn't call it sneaking. It’s more like... walking with discretion. But I am sorry she ambushed you like that. I owe you, big time. Thats why I'm... here.”

“Good thing I know just what I want as compensation.” A mocking smile crossing her face. “Oh? And what’s that?” A slow smile crept onto his face as soon as she stated that. Isabella placed both hand on his blazer and gently pulled him closer. “I want you. Just you, all to myself. Just you and I in your penthouse.”

Ethan's eyes darkens at the suggestion. He moves even closer to her until she could feel the heat from his body. “That seems like a... dangerous proportion, don't you think?” He asks making her to chuckle. “Thats what makes it fun.” Her gesture was almost manipulative. “Bella...” Ethan shakes his head and leans back, clearing his throat. “For the time being, maybe there’s something more immediate I can do to make it up to you?” She nodded her head, smiling. “I'm listening... intently.”

“I was thinking I could make you breakfast with... you know, pancakes, waffles, eggs, the works.”

“Madelyn would never approve of that.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Madelyn isn't here. I'm willing to risk it. What do you say?”

“I guess making me breakfast is the least you can do.” Isabella agreed with his suggestion. “Where’s the kitchen? Chef Ethan is at your service.” Ethan took off his blazer and dropped it on the couch.

Few minutes later, she settles down into a chair. Ethan knots an apron around his waist and warms some butter in a pan. He looks up and smirks at her. “Normally I'm the one enjoying the view while you help me with some paper work.” Isabella raised a brow as she smiled. “I didn't notice you were taking in the scenery.”

“I do try to be subtle... even if I don’t always succeed.” Her cheeks warm as Ethan fills a bowl with pancake mix. “You have a favorite thing about what you saw?” She dared to ask him. He settles his gaze on her again. “I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one thing... between your adorable bedhead and cute little pajamas, my eyes just don’t know where to look. But I definitely appreciate how hard working and serious you are with my business... even when it gets real messy and tough.”

“Ethan, I care about your business and that makes everything easier.”

“I know how the meetings and paper works can be. I'm still in awe how you handle things when I'm not around.” He then glances at his bowl of batter. “Would you like to help, or would you prefer to relax?”

Isabella gave him a soft smile and nodded. “I'll help you.” She drops down from the stool she was sitting down. “Oh, thank God. I've always been a little helpless at this sort of stuff, and I don’t want to burn your thank-you breakfast.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just hand me that bowl.” He passes her the batter. She works the lumps out while he chops some walnuts on the cutting board beside her. “You know, for someone who claims to be ‘helpless’, you seem to know your way around a chef’s knife.” She stared at the batter, carefully mixing it like Ethan hasn't already done the job.

“The chopping part comes naturally from years of working hands-on in a lab. You need the same sort of steady strokes for both. But when it comes to the rest of it... I swear, I've never met a chicken I couldn't burn to crisp.” Ethan flicks the walnut pieces into the batter and gently lays his hands over hers, reclaiming the bowl from her. “I'm not so sure I should give this back...”

Ethan couldn't help but chuckle. “You can supervise while I attempt to not burn these pancakes.” He glances over his shoulder at her with a little smile, then lays several pancakes into the pan. “A little cinnamon, a little honey, top with blueberries. I hope you like ‘em sweet.” Isabella nodded in agreement. “Oh yes I do.” She watch with a soft smile as he concentrates, delicately drizzling toppings and then flipping each pancake.

She couldn't believe a multi billionaire was standing right before her and even making her breakfast. “Don’t forget the secret ingredient... lots of love!” Ethan turns when he’s done, presenting her with a mountain of mouthwatering, steaming pancakes. “Made just for you.” Isabella rubs her hands together. “Looks delicious.” She cuts a small piece of pancake and slip it into her mouth. She closed her eyes to relish the crunch, the sugar, the bitterness, everything. “Mmm.... So good.” She moans out, eyes still closed. “Are you sure you’re bad at this?” She asked after taking another bite.

“Pancakes are the one dish I've perfected over the years. There’s a reason I offered to make you breakfast and not dinner.”

“And here I thought it was because you wanted to lick syrup off of me.” He lets out a low groan. “Isabella...” Ethan holds her gaze for a long moment.... Daily, the intensity is too much, and she reached for the syrup. “Whoops! Sorry...” She smiled sheepishly as the two of them reach to clean up the spill together. “I've got it, don’t worry.” Ethan insisted. “No, no let me do it.” She wipes at the spill with a napkin, then glances up, realizing for the first time how close Ethan was. She could feel heat radiating from his body, but she couldn't move away. He swallows heavily. “Did I get it all?” He mouthed gently. She licks her lips, and his eyes darts to catch the movement.

“You missed a spot on my lips.” He drifts closer to her, his eyes glued to her lips. “Are you sure?” He stares at her hungrily. She nods, unable to speak. Slowly, softly, he presses his lips to hers, then darts his tongue out to lick the corner. “Mmm... so delicious.” She wraps her arms around his neck. “You missed a spot.” She motioned him closer and opened her mouth to his. His tongue sweeps inside as he holds her body against his. “Wait until you taste the rest of me.”

“Oh god...” His hand drifts down to her waist, bunching up the fabric there, desperately searching for a silver of her bare skin. “Bella...” She pulls his lips to hers, kissing him with all the fire she feels inside her. “Touch me, Ethan... I need to feel you.” Immediately, his hands find their way under her clothes, and she shivers at his touch. “Like this?”

“God... y-yes...” He feels so good already, and she feels like he’s going to drag her over the edge within seconds, right there against the counter. Until the sound of the front door creaks open. “Isabella? Are you home? You left your door unlocked.”

“Crap! That's my sister.” They briskly spring apart, quickly smoothing her hair and clothes just before Hannah enters the kitchen. “Hannah, you’re here. You didn't tell me you were visiting.” Hannah smirked, looking at her sister to the multi billionaire standing beside her, acting cool like nothing happened. “I'll see you soon.” He whispered and walks out of the kitchen after waving hi to Hannah.

Hannah looks at his retreating back before fixing her gaze at Isabella. “I made pancakes.” Still blushing furiously, she slide several pancakes onto a plate and pass it to Hannah. Hannah gave her a pointed look, arms crossed against her chest. “Did you guys screw around?” Isabella gapes at her. “What? No, that's my boss! What the hell, Hannah.” She studiously ignores Hannah’s accusing look, trying to steady her racing pulse before she have to spend the day with Ethan’s fiancee.

She hurriedly left the kitchen and bolted to her room.

A little while later, she got ready to head out. She was about to step out of the house when Hannah stopped her. “You look like you need this.” She handed her a cup of coffee. Isabella smiled and thanked her. She takes a sip, letting its warmth energise her. She turns to leave, feeling much more ready to take Madelyn on.

Later, she meets up with Madelyn for her day of shopping. She drags her from place to place, never breaking stride. “I've got an appointment for eyelash extensions, but you can quiz me while you watch.” Madelyn stated, back to her nonchalant self. “I thought we already went over small talk topics at the nail salon.”

“Nonsense, we’re just getting started. Here, take these flashcards.” Isabella tries to stay focused on the card as a woman starts doing something to Madelyn’s eyelashes. “Uh... a potential investor just walked up and asked about Grayson Enterprises. What do you say?” Isabella reads it out loud. Madelyn clears her throat. “My husband is the CEO of the second largest biodegradable company in the world. We're here because we’re dedicated to resolving the complications surrounding healthcare and disease with technology and innovation. How was that?” Despite the fact that Madelyn knew she did great, she still asked.

Isabella gave her a tight lip smile. “It was perfect. Maybe too perfect. You should try to be more expressive with your face so the investors can read your emotion. Well, not right now, with your eyelashes and everything... but later, at the gala.” Isabella hummed and threw her hand in indication of understanding what Isabella stated. “More expressive, got it.”

Soon, Madelyn searches through racks of fancy clothes while Isabella drill her on photos of the guest list. “Okay, who’s this guy?” She asked Madelyn, showing her a picture of a man in his mid thirties. “Hmmm Kevin Bruno, entrepreneur and tech mogul. A vegan, likes yoga. Dislikes the poor, irresponsible spending. This is too easy, hit me with another one.” Isabella nodded and swiped to another picture. “How about this one?” Madelyn took a glimpse at the picture and looked away as she smiled a bit.

“Taylor d'torte, heiress and psychologist. Has a degree in psychology. Owner of ‘All girls can have’. Has been bankrupt twice but still has her business going.” They continued with the quiz, and Madelyn aces every one without hesitation. “Okay, I have to say... this is kind of creepy. I mean you research all these people in-depth just so you can pretend to agree with them in conversation?” Isabella couldn't wrap her finger on why Madelyn would do that instead of learning how to be a better spouse.

“Not creepy, darling. Strategic. Calculated. If you watch and listen, you might learn something. Its obvious you could use a role model, and I'm right here.” Isabella stares at her for a long moment, not quite sure what to make of her offer. Then, it hits her... Madelyn was trying to be nice! “Madelyn, I'm not really in the market for a role model. I'm doing just fine with what I've got now, so thanks, but no thanks.”

Madelyn brushes it off. “Suit yourself. But, you know where to find me when you realize that you do, in fact, need someone to look up to.” Madelyn squeezed in a smile. Isabella sighed intently, but hold her tongue, knowing that her silence will make the rest of the afternoon easier.

“What do you think of this one? Won’t it bring out my eyes?” Isabella glances up to see Madelyn holding a gown, then gives her a tight lip smile. “Why not.” Madelyn tucks the dress under her arm, giving Isabella a suspicious look. “Am I making you tired? I don’t know how you manage to keep up with work at the company if you’re already worn out. I know! You should start coming to the yoga class with me to get that stamina up.”

Isabella sighed again, yet tired of hearing her annoying voice. She never knew being tortured would increase her stamina. “Anyway, one more stop, and then I'm afraid I'll have to drop you off back at your apartment. I've got a coffee date.”

“I thought Ethan had work to do at the company. Are you meeting him there?” Isabella asked perplexed. “Oh no, it’s a business thing. Ethan won't be there. Now keep up.” Madelyn walks ahead.

Before she knew it, Isabella was perched on a couch in Madelyn’s private dressing room as she sorts through the dresses in her ‘maybe’ pile. Isabella sighed, bracing herself.

“What do you think? Won't Ethan love me in this?” Madelyn holds up a garment bag, giving her a peek of what’s inside. Isabella glances at the dress, then back at Madelyn as she struts around her underwear. “I mean, I can’t really see the gown like this.” Madelyn rolls her eyes. “Use your imagination, Isabelle. You have one of those, right?”

Isabella furrowed her brows and grunted. “Yes, I have an imagination. And I think you’ll look fine. It’s not like it matters anyways. You're just a plus-one to this thing. Does anyone really care what you’re wearing?” Madelyn chuckled dryly. “I wish you were right, Isabella, but the sad truth is it always matters what a woman is wearing. Even if you reach the top.” Madelyn pulls the dress out of the garment bag and steps into it.

She turns to Isabella, motioning at the fabric pooled at her feet. “Zip me up would you?” Isabella got to her feet. “Sure.” Suddenly, Madelyn chuckles and smirked. “Of course, Ethan will be the one zipping me up on our big night... and the rest of my life, for that matter. For now though, you’re going to have to play the role of Ethan... just like you play the role of Madelyn.”

Isabella stops dead in her tracks, the down still at her hips as the meaning of Madelyn’s words dawns on her. “W-what do you mean?” Isabella asked, trying to calm the panic. “Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean.” Madelyn casually fluffs her hair in the mirror, not even caring that the dress has fallen back to her feet. “It’s easy to get confused when you work with an attractive man, get close to his employees and spend free time together.”

Isabella took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing pulse. “The only thing confusing me right now is you, Madelyn.”

“Then I'll say it plainly. I know all about your little crush on Ethan.” Isabella gapes at her, mouth hanged open. “My crush? What crush? Mr. Grayson is just my boss. Just my boss and...”

“ And I’m not stupid, Isabella. I've seen the way you follow your ‘boss’ around like a little lost puppy.” Madelyn cuts her off. “But I-”

“Relax. I think it’s cute. If I was threatened by you, I'd have to be threatened by every woman on the street.” Madelyn gave her a stoic expression. “Well, I wouldn't say I'm just a random passerby...”

“Of course not. Expect, well, you are kind of randomly passing by. That’s the nature of being hired. You pop up, you go away, life moves on.” Isabella felt the anger surged in. “We’re like extras in a movie. No one cares about us, and matching we do makes a difference.” Madelyn threw her head back laughing. “I'm sure someone cares about you. Just... someone more your level.”

“What do you mean? Mr. Grayson is on my level.” She throws back. “Levels aren't determined by traits. They’re determined by class. For example, Liam might dally with a waitress, but... he’d never bring one to a party at a rolling hills.”

A look of bitterness swept across Isabella’s face. “Mr. Grayson literally brought me to a party at rolling hills.”

“As his foreseen, to make sure his business is taken care of. You've never been a guest! Look, I just don’t want your little crush to give you the wrong impression. Its so easy to let your feelings cloud your judgement if you aren't careful. I know tough love can be hard to take sometimes, but as your role model, I'm willing to make that sacrifice.” Satisfied, Madelyn bends to pick up the forgotten dress, then grabs another garment bag.

“Hmm, maybe I should try this on also, just in case. Be right back.” As soon as she leaves, Isabella pulls her phone. If she has to stay here with Madelyn for one extra minute, she shouldn't be held responsible for her actions. She needs a lifeline. Hannah would know what to do. Isabella quickly types out her message.

After venting out Madelyn to Hannah, she drops her phone back into her purse as she tried to shake off Madelyn’s effect. Just few more hours and she’s out.

Finally, the night of the gala arrives. She was trying not to let her jealousy get the better of her, so there was pizza on the way and a new movie to watch. There was a knock at her door, and she throws it open, expecting maybe Hannah.

He looks at her in her shorties and crop top. Isabella couldn't help but drool over him. Before she could restrain herself, he already caught her. She cleared her throat out of embarrassment. “What are you doing here? This isn't the way to the gala.” He smirked as he walked into the living room, hands in his pocket. “It is.” He turns and looks at her, his gaze softening as it travels over her face. “Isabella, I know this is terribly short notice, but... will you be my date to the gala?”