Isabella walked out of the plane cautiously, shoulders held high. Her glinting bag and fashionable outfit made people stop and look. Travellers and passersby couldn't help but wonder quietly who this beautiful woman, strutting around so confidently like a boss, might be

As she looked around the city, memories of pain and hatred from five years ago filled her mind. She never thought she would ever return to New York City.

But here she was.

She was suddenly brought back to reality by the sudden, tender voice of her son.

"Mummy, can I go with you to your meeting so that we can go grab ice cream later?"

She hesitated before smiling softly. "Sure, Ethan, as long as you promise to be a good boy."

They headed towards a limousine parked across and zoomed off to Madison Avenue.

As soon as she arrived, she was greeted by a familiar atmosphere which took her down memory lane.

She remembered how she had had to run away for her life to protect herself from her billionaire husband.

Despite giving her heart to the man she loved, she ended up being betrayed.

"Welcome back, ma'am. It's good to have you here," she heard a familiar voice say.

"Oh, Mr Roosevelt. I am glad to be here." She replied, extending her hands to the man as though they had known each other for a long time.

"This way, please." Mr Roosevelt quickly ushered her into the meeting room where others were waiting.

As soon as the door to the meeting room flung open, the CEO was taken by surprise to see the beautiful, bold lady walk into the hall.

What struck him more was her confidence. There was something different about the way she looked at him.

Something isn't right, he thought.

Isabella walked right in with eyes staring at her. She's been the person they've all been waiting to see, and now she's here.

As she took her seat opposite the CEO, he couldn't help but stare at her throughout the meeting, wondering what could have happened to the shy, timid, and soft Isabella. The Isabella he knew wouldn't dare look him in the eyes when he spoke.

As the meeting ended, and everyone left the room one after the other, Alexander approached Isabella, still surprised to see another version of her.

"You left without saying goodbye." His tone sounded big. Isabella recognised the tone. It was the same one he used when he wanted her to feel intimidated.

Before he could say another word, a tiny voice echoed in the room. "Mummy, mummy, let's go get ice cream."

A little boy rushed in and clung to Isabella's hand. Alexander's eyes froze on the child. The boy had his sharp jaw, his dark hair, and even his stormy grey eyes.

It was like looking into a mirror of his own childhood.

The air grew heavy. Alexander's powerful voice cut through the silence.

"Who is that child, Isabella?"

Her hand trembled as she pulled the boy closer.

"He's my son," she said, her voice firm but nervous.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, suspicion and shock battling in his chest. He had been betrayed once before, but this... this was different.

The boy looked exactly like him.

Isabella quickly pulled back with his son as they made their way out of the building.

Before Alexander could get over the shock, Isabella was gone.

Alexander summoned Roosevelt into his office, demanding an explanation for everything that had just played out.

"Why is Isabella our new investor? Why am I just getting to know about this?" Impatient to get an answer. He stood up, slamming his hand on the desk and donning a stern look.

The last time Roosevelt had seen his employer looking this angry was the day Isabella left home five years ago.

"I demand an answer now," his strong voice echoed in the room

"She approached me as an investor willing to sponsor our new project, and I couldn't say no, considering that Mr Victor decided to pull out of the deal last minute."

He sank into the chair. "Talking of Mr Victor, any idea why he is pulling out so suddenly?"

"I have no idea. But I guess he is just being an investor after all.

Unsatisfied with the answer, he decided to let the issue go to resume talk about Issabella. "As for Isabella, I want to know where she stays, what she eats, who she meets, and every single detail about her.

"Okay, boss. I will get to it." He said, shutting the door behind him.

The next morning, he found himself knocking on Isabella's apartment.

The door was flung open by the boy he saw at the office. As he stood across, looking at the boy more closely. He could sense the resemblance, and several questions began to flood his mind.

"Ethan, honey, who do we have there?" He heard Isabella's voice from across the room.

Before the boy could say a word, Alexander barged into the house, standing face to face with Isabella.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was firm as she got a hold of Ethan, as if trying to shield him from Alexander. "How did you know where I stay?"

"I am still your husband, you know. And that means I have every right...."

"Just hold it there. She quickly cut him, her voice sounding strong. "What makes you think you can just walk up to my house and talk to me the way you like? You have no right over me or my child. I hope that sinks into your skull."

"If you think I am still that weak and soft woman you used to know, then you are mistaken."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. And for your information, I would like to keep the relationship between us professional. Let's only talk business when we are at the office."

Silence took over for a while before Alexander finally spoke. "The child," he said, pointing at Ethan. "Is he mine?"

Ignoring the question, Isabella quickly ushered him out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Alexander went home that day and thought about the occurrence. That night, he couldn't sleep and kept turning on the bed as he tried to make sense of everything.

The Issabella he knew then is different from the one he saw today. There is definitely something different about her. She seemed more courageous, outspoken, and bold.

Different thoughts and questions occupied his mind. What could have happened in five years? Where did she get enough money to invest in his new project? Who could be the boy's father?

On getting to work the following day, Alexander quickly summoned Roosevelt to his office, demanding answers to all of his unanswered questions.

"Here, sir, this is what I have found so far." Roosevelt handed a file to him. He continued as Alexander tried to check the content of the file. "From what I know so far, she went straight to her mother's town, where she spent five years before coming back to New York."

"And what has she been up to?" he asked, eager to learn about Isabella's recent moves.

"Well, I learnt she started her own company and has been successfully running it ever since. She actually came to New York for expansion.

While Alexander carefully studied the document presented to him as he listened to his personal assistant, he couldn't shake off the thought that Ethan could be his son.

"Did she ever remarry?" he asked, trying to satisfy his curiosity.

"No, she didn't. I think she was already pregnant before leaving New York."

That means Ethan could be mine. He let out a sigh of relief, hoping to be right about this.

Alexander's phone rang, and the secretary informed him of the presence of Isabella.

"Send her in," he raised his hands to signal for his assistant to go.

As Isabella entered his office, he tried to maintain calm.

"Good morning, Mr Alexander," she spoke with confidence written all over her as she grabbed a seat. "I hope you have been able to go through our proposal."

"Oh, yes. So I think we need to discuss a few changes that I think would affect both parties. If you don't mind."

"That's why I am here. Let's have it."

"So, I have highlighted a few changes I think would work well for the new project, and I think this would be in everyone's favour. I will have my PA send it to your email.

Alexander stood up from his seat, gently approaching Isabella. "You look different, though; what changed?"

"Does it surprise you that I can also be successful?" she said, trying not to show too much emotion.

"Was that why you left suddenly with no explanation?"

"What kind of explanation can I possibly expect from a selfish man who deemed it necessary to cheat on me despite the fact that I gave my life for him?"

At this point, it became clear to Alexander why his wife had left five years ago without saying goodbye.

"You know what happened with Tracy?" he said in a soft tone.

Tracy was his ex-fiancée who drugged him and made his wife leave the house. The flash of the scene occurred to him as he pictured Isabella entering the house and leaving angrily after she saw both of them lying together on the bed.

Now that he thinks about it, he can actually remember the sound of the door opening, but he was too high to picture the face he saw.

"I gave you everything; I gave you my life. I was an obedient wife; I did everything you wanted, and what did I get in return? Betrayal. That's why you gave me."

Now that he understood why he lost his wife, a sense of regret rushed through him, replacing the earlier hatred he had been nursing for the woman who left him suddenly without giving reasons.

For the first time, Isabella thought she saw him break down, showing his soft side.

"I am sorry, Bella. Tracy drugged me and set me up."

Isabella felt her heart melt for the man whom she thought she would hate forever. But here she was, her heart skipping for Alexander.

She quickly got back to her senses again, acting tough and strong.

As Alexander pulls closer, she finds herself struggling to keep up with the tough act; a sense of weakness engulfs her. Alexander pressed his lips on hers.

She tried to stop him but didn't find the words. "Stop it, I am here for business," she managed to say.

But Alexander continued dipping his tongue in between her lips. She felt weak and eventually gave in to him. He grabbed her waist drawing her closer as both of them became drawn into each other. She felt her breast on his body as her body reacts to gentle touches and she started giving him kissing his passionately.

Highly disappointed in herself, Isabella couldn't shake off the fact that she had locked lips with Alexander, who is supposed to be her enemy.

I can't let this happen to me, never. I can't allow myself to be treated like trash for the second time. She thought to herself as she wandered around the room.

She beats herself for being weak in the presence of Alexander after five years of staying away from him. By now, she thought she had gotten over him, but it appears there was still something left for him somewhere in her heart. She hated the fact.

She promised herself she would not be weak for any man again because it wouldn't end well. She only had to work hard so that she could give her son a proper life without having to depend on any man who would take advantage of her.

Besides, she wasn't ready to let the controlling man father her child. If Alexander could be mean to her, he would do the same for her son, and she wasn't ready to allow her son to go through the neglect and betrayal she went through. She would rather raise her son as a single mother.

Ethan is better off without a father. She thought.

Meanwhile, Alexander continued his investigation into Isabella's five-year missing period. He had just discovered something significant. Isabella's business structure is the same as that contained in a business blueprint he had designed five years ago.

It occurred to her that Isabella actually stole his blueprint to start her own business. He had searched for the blueprint but eventually had to let go when he couldn't find it, thinking that he had misplaced it somewhere.

Alexander decided to visit her. This time, he hoped to get the answers to all his questions. But before then, he has to fill his stomach because he hasn't eaten all day. He has been drawn by the thought of Isabella and the possibility that Ethan could be his son. He quietly prayed that it was the case.

He drove to a restaurant nearby, but what he saw shocked him. Isabella was on a date with Victor. The same businessman who had pulled out of his company's new project at the very last minute.

He quickly went back into his car, waiting patiently for the date to be over, and then followed Isabella's car behind.

As soon as she parked her car and walked towards the door, she noticed Alexander approaching her.

"Are you stalking me now?" she asked, trying to hide her anger.

"So you're going on a date with Victor?" Alexander ignored her questions.

"The last time I checked, who I meet or what I do with my life is no business of yours."

"It is my business because I still own you; I own everything you own. The business you run today was the result of my idea and my money you stole from me.

"That's the problem I have with you. You think the world revolves around you because you have money. You think you can control everyone around you. Their feelings don't matter to you."

"So what? I stole your money and your business idea. Shouldn't that serve as compensation for all my years of being loyal to a lying, cheating husband?" Her index fingers danced in the air at the mention of her husband.

"What about Ethan? Why did you take him away from me?"

Isabella became more furious at the mention of his son's name. "Don't you ever mention his name again. I have told you times without number that Ethan isn't yours. Is that too hard to comprehend?"

"So who's his father?" he asked, eager to get an answer from Isabella, but she stormed into the house, avoiding any more questions about his son.

As he stood there watching Isabella go inside, his assistant called him to discuss some development.

"Meet me at home. I should be there in about an hour." He said to his assistant on the phone.

At his house, Mr Roosevelt revealed an important happening which left Alexander dazed for a few seconds.

"Several investors have reached out to us asking to withdraw from the new project," he said, presenting a list of investors who want to back out.

He went through the list, expressing shock at the names of top investors.

"Even Mr Lloyd?" He asked, unable to hide his surprise. Mr Lloyd happens to be one of his biggest investors in the company and has been with his company from the very start. His sudden decision to withdraw from the new project surprises him.

"Call an urgent meeting with the investors for our new project and make sure everyone attends," he responded firmly.

The meeting was filled with top billionaires and business moguls who had shown interest in the business – some still do. The new project, titled 'Project Z' is supposed to be one of a kind, offering opportunities to generate more funds.

Alexander cleared his throat, ready to deliver a speech at the meeting. Isabella was seated on the left side of the table.

"I called this meeting today to remind you all of the importance of Project Z."

Everyone quickly adjusted to their seat, giving way for silence to fill the room. If there is one thing the CEO is known for, it is that he commands respect from his workers, managers, and investors. He has a history of turning everything he touches into gold. No wonder he was able to build a large empire to become a billionaire at such a young age.

No doubt everyone in the room believed in him, one who can facilitate multiple returns from Project Z. He has done it before, and he can do it again and again. Though strict, he is known as a hard worker and a go-getter who will stop at nothing to ensure his empire thrives.

As all gazes were fixed on him, everyone in the room watched him deliver an amazing presentation, reminding them of the vision he had for the project. Again, their interest became rekindled as they began to envision the success of the project.

"I hope you all can have a rethink and see the potential this new project holds", he concluded.

The whole room was alive again as he was applauded by all. Isabella's heart skipped as she saw the man she had once fallen for. She met him seven years ago in his office after her boss from another company sent her on an errand to deliver some documents to Alexander.

She could recall how she was shy around him and refused to look at his face. His voice was intimidating at first, but when he touched her to collect the document, he could feel her shiver. When she finally summoned the courage to look at him, she could recall the spark in his face as he smirked. That was the very moment she knew he had fallen for the guy she had just met.

Now, when she looked at him, she saw the same spark as before.

The meeting came to an end, and everyone exchanged pleasantries. They exited the room one after the other. Isabella waited for Alexander to finish talking with Mr Lloyd before approaching her.

"That was a beautiful presentation," she complimented, unable to hide her feelings. "I have always believed in you, and that is the reason for investing in Project Z. I am happy to tell you that my company has no plans to back out of the deal at any time," she assured.

"And you won't regret partnering with us", he assured, extending his hand for a shake.

Isabella's phone rang suddenly, and she excused herself to pick up the call, moving a few meters away.

"What?" she screamed. "I will join you at the hospital."

Alarmed by her, Alexander moved closer to her, asking what had happened.

"It's my son, my son..." The rest of the words failed her.

Sensing danger, Alexander held her by the hand and swung her to her car. "Where is the car key? I will drive."

She handed the key over, and Alex zoomed off to the hospital.

As soon as the car parked at the hospital, she jumped out of the car and went straight inside, and Alex was right behind her.

"What happened to my son? What happened to Ethan?" she asked, her body shaking as she sweated profusely.

"He was running around with his mates when he suddenly collapsed to the ground," Kaya, Ethan's nanny, said. "The doctors are attending to him inside."

Alexander watched as Isabella became destabilised as she worried about her son. He held her hand and hugged her tightly, telling her that everything would be fine.

Just as the doctor came out of the room, she ran to him, almost knocking him over. "Doctor, doctor, how's my son?" She sounded impatient to get a reply from the doctor.

"Well, he is stable for now. But..."

At this point, her heart beats fast as she prays to God to heal her son.

"If you don't mind, can you see me in my office?" The doctor sounded polite, trying to ease any form of tension possible.

The doctor told her that Ethan's fever caused his platelets and blood levels to drop rapidly and required a transfusion to be carried out immediately.

The problem, however, is that Isabella and Ethan do not share the same blood type. The doctor said he must have inherited his father's rare blood type.