Isabel Past

Chapter 6

As the days passed, Isabel found herself consumed by thoughts of Leonardo rather than the usual, aching memories of Nicolas. It was strange, unsettling even, how this man had entered her life in such an unexpected way. Flashes of the night he had rescued her haunted her mind—the way his arms had wrapped around her, the calm yet commanding presence he exuded. The image of his eyes, intense yet kind, lingered in her thoughts. She had never been this close to any man other than Nicolas, and even then, her feelings for the crown prince had always felt more like a dream. But Leonardo... something about him felt real.

Despite the mystery of Leonardo occupying her thoughts, life moved forward. Her family was preparing for the upcoming ceremony where Nicolas would officially be named crown prince. It was a grand occasion, and the entire kingdom would be in attendance. As part of the preparations, Isabel and her family made a trip to the main town to finalize their gowns.

The streets bustled with life, filled with the sounds of merchants and shoppers. Isabel walked alongside her sisters, their voices animated with excitement as they discussed their dresses and the upcoming event. She joined in their laughter, trying to immerse herself in the moment, but every so often, her thoughts would drift back to Leonardo. She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the warmth of his hand on hers as they danced, the steady beat of his heart when she held on to him during their escape. What was it about him? she wondered, her heart tightening in confusion.

Isabel was still lost in these thoughts when they arrived at the boutique. It was a lavish shop, filled with gowns of every color and style imaginable. Months ago, she had come here to commission her dress for the ceremony—one she had designed with a specific purpose in mind. The gown was a rich, golden hue, traditional in style but designed to enhance her natural beauty. Gold had always been Nicolas's favorite color, and back when she still believed that maybe, just maybe, he might see her as more than just a childhood friend, she had chosen the dress with him in mind.

The memory stung now, but she couldn't change it. Her sisters chatted as they tried on different dresses, but Isabel quietly excused herself to find the gown she had commissioned. The seamstress had told her it would be ready for final adjustments today, and she was eager to see it.

As she made her way through the boutique, Isabel paused, her heart suddenly catching in her throat. There, in front of one of the full-length mirrors, was a figure she recognized immediately. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she thought she was seeing things. No, it couldn't be...

But it was. Standing before the mirror, draped in her golden gown, was Sonia—Nicolas's fiancée.

Isabel's mind reeled in disbelief. Sonia was stunning, of course. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, contrasting sharply with her pale, almost porcelain-like skin. The golden fabric of the gown shimmered in the boutique's light, clinging to Sonia's delicate frame as if it had been made specifically for her. The golden hue that was meant to bring out Isabel's warmth now highlighted Sonia's cold beauty.

It was as though the world had stopped. Isabel felt her heart plummet as she watched Sonia twirl before the mirror, admiring herself in the dress. How had this happened? That gown was hers—designed for her, meant to be worn to the ceremony in the hopes that Nicolas might notice her one last time. And now, it was on Sonia's.

Sonia's soft voice broke through Isabel's thoughts. "It's perfect, isn't it?" she asked the seamstress. "Nicolas loves gold. I think this will be just right for the ceremony."

Isabel's chest tightened. She wanted to say something, to step forward and claim what was hers, but her throat felt like it had closed. What was the point? Nicolas was engaged to Sonia now. He had chosen her, and even her carefully planned gown wouldn't change that.