A Surprise Visitor

The day after Alex left for his business trip, life at the mansion continued with its usual calm pace. Isabella had settled into a comfortable routine, spending her mornings in the garden, afternoons with Veronica, who was teaching her family recipes, and evenings relaxing with James, discussing the baby or the latest books he'd recommend. Life seemed peaceful, but the weight of Alex's absence and the underlying tension of Ethan's presence still lingered in her mind.

One afternoon, Isabella was resting in her room when a knock came at the door. Expecting it to be one of the maids or perhaps Lian, she answered without a second thought. But when the door opened, she was surprised to see a familiar face she hadn't expected.

Sophie stood there, her expression cool but slightly shocked, her eyes quickly scanning the room before settling on Isabella. "Isabella," she greeted, her voice tinged with surprise. "I didn't expect to find you here."

Isabella blinked, caught off guard by Sophie's visit. The last time they'd crossed paths hadn't been pleasant. Sophie had tried to cause a scene at a gala, but Alex had quickly shut it down. Seeing her here, in Alex's family home, felt strange and out of place. "Sophie," Isabella replied cautiously. "I didn't know you were coming."

Sophie stepped inside, her gaze still wandering around the room as if trying to understand how things had changed. "I came to see Alex's parents. I didn't realize you'd be staying here."

There was an awkward pause as the two women assessed each other. Isabella could sense that Sophie wasn't just here for a friendly visit. There was an underlying tension in the air, a quiet rivalry that neither of them could fully shake.

"I'm staying here for a while," Isabella said, keeping her tone polite but distant. "Alex thought it would be best since I'm pregnant, and he's away on business."

Sophie's eyes flicked to Isabella's belly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "So, it's true then. You're pregnant."

Isabella nodded, instinctively placing a hand over her stomach. "Yes, I am."

For a moment, Sophie's face softened, but it quickly turned into something more calculating. "I see."

Before the conversation could continue, Veronica appeared in the doorway, her expression warm as she greeted Sophie. "Sophie, I didn't expect to see you today."

"Mrs. Grey," Sophie greeted her, her voice a little cooler than before. "It's been a while."

Veronica smiled, though it was a far cry from the warmth she had shown Isabella. "Yes, it has. How are things with your family?"

Sophie shrugged, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. "Good, I suppose."

There was an awkward silence, and Sophie's eyes flickered between Veronica and Isabella. It was clear that something had shifted in the dynamic of the Grey household. Once, Sophie had been treated like the future daughter-in-law, the perfect candidate for Alex's wife. But now, that treatment had been extended to Isabella, and Sophie was left on the outside.

"Why don't you join us for tea, Sophie?" Lian offered, though her tone was more out of courtesy than genuine interest. "Isabella and I were just about to sit down in the garden."

Sophie hesitated, clearly realizing that the invitation was more formality than anything else. But she nodded anyway. "Sure, I'd love to."

As they moved to the garden, Sophie's eyes lingered on the way Veronica gently guided Isabella, treating her with the kind of care and attention she had once received. The jealousy in her heart began to burn, though she tried to keep it hidden.

They sat down at a small table surrounded by blooming flowers. The soft hum of bees filled the air, and the breeze was cool against their skin. A maid appeared with a tray of tea and small pastries, setting it down before excusing herself.

Isabella felt the tension radiating from Sophie, though she tried to focus on the pleasant surroundings. Veronica, as always, kept the conversation light, asking Sophie about her family and her travels. But it was clear to everyone at the table that something had shifted—Sophie was no longer the center of attention here.

Halfway through the tea, Sophie couldn't hold back any longer. "It's funny," she said, setting her teacup down a little too forcefully. "How things change. I used to come here, and you both treated me like family. Now, I'm just a guest."

Veronica exchanged a glance with Isabella before addressing Sophie. "You're always welcome here, Sophie. But things have changed, as you said. Isabella is Alex's wife now, and she's carrying our grandchild. Naturally, our focus is on her and the baby."

Sophie's smile was tight. "Of course. I understand that."

But it was clear she didn't. The shift in tone, the way Veronica spoke about Isabella with such affection, was a sharp contrast to how she had treated Sophie in the past. Sophie had once been seen as the perfect match for Alex—beautiful, poised, from a prestigious family. But now, she was on the outside looking in.

Sophie turned her gaze to Isabella, her voice cold. "You've certainly managed to settle in well."

Isabella met her gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated. "I'm trying my best."

"Yes, I can see that," Sophie replied, her tone dripping with condescension. "Though I'm surprised you're not working anymore. I thought you were too independent to rely on others."

Isabella's expression didn't waver. "I'm still working. Just taking a step back while I focus on the baby."

Sophie leaned back in her chair, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "Well, I hope you enjoy it while it lasts."

There was an awkward pause, and Veronica cleared her throat. "Sophie, we're happy you came to visit, but I think it's time we wrap this up. Isabella needs to rest, and I'm sure you have things to attend to."

Sophie stood up, her face still composed, though it was clear she was seething inside. "Of course. I wouldn't want to impose."

As she left, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the last she'd see of Sophie. There was something about the way she had spoken, the way she had looked at her, that left Isabella uneasy. Sophie wasn't just bitter—she was plotting something, and Isabella had a sinking feeling that it wouldn't be long before she made her next move.

Veronica noticed Isabella's tension and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about Sophie. She's just jealous. You're part of this family now, and nothing she does can change that."

Isabella nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Sophie had been a rival before, but now she felt like a genuine threat. And with Alex away, Isabella couldn't help but feel vulnerable. She would have to be careful—especially now that she had more than just herself to protect.