The previous night, Isabella dreamt about her father. And, she found that odd.
But the thing that made it feel weirder was the realization that it was the first time in a while that she was seeing his face.
Slowly opening her eyes, a small sigh left her. Then, seconds after, with a heart that felt somewhat heavy, she sat up.
After scanning the room that was void of Charles' presence, Isabella wondered if her father ever felt guilty for cruelly marrying her off to Gabriel Manifold
Isabella knew that the man she grew up with would have felt such emotion.
But, judging by how he left her to rot in a damned marriage, it was evident that her father became a version of himself that she would have failed to recognize.
And, that made her heart ache. The fact that the only parent she had and depended on so much was double-faced made her quite sad.
But then... her father was the only one she had for a long time. Isabella never knew her mother and since her father hated the idea of hiring nannies, he single-handedly raised her despite his crazy schedules.
The undivided love and attention he gave to her were one of the reasons Isabella gave in to his shocking request years ago. She felt indebted to him, so getting married to help him pay off his debts didn't sound like a bad idea at the end of the day.
That was until things turned sour. Her sudden marriage became hell and her father turned his back on her.
As Isabella erased the frown on her face, a thought dropped in her mind.
Quickly, she ignored it and got off the bed while wondering where Charles went.
It was barely seven AM according to the huge clock at the opposite end of the room. That could only mean that Charles left the room very early.
As her mind continued to engage in a silent conversation, her legs walked her to the bathroom where light blue tiles awaited her sight. Then, the thought she earlier dismissed came back and Isabella reconsidered it.
Soon, while she reached for her toothbrush, she made up her mind.
She was going to see her father one last time.
~
With a sight as sharp as a hawk's, Christina trailed the woman who walked out of Charles' room.
While she wondered where the woman could be headed, Christina saw an opportunity and she had no desire to waste it.
It was more amazing that Mr. Oxford was still attending his virtual meeting. And, since the man had a few more minutes to spend there, the woman had more time to herself.
The opportunity was indeed a huge one. Christina had enough time to activate the first stage of the plan.
Hurriedly, Christina rushed to her room and soon came out with a trolley that carried a small box in its depth. As her legs steadily raced toward the entrance of Mr. Oxford's room, Christina began to play certain scenarios in her head.
A small smile graced her glossy lips as her mind played a particular scene she liked. A scene where she had Charles Oxford all to herself while the so-called Isabella Shade cried in a corner.
Soon, Christina was punching in the passcode that would grant her access to Charles' room. She had Mr. Oxford's brief recklessness to thank for the passcode. The first night of their arrival at the hotel, he told her the pin because he didn't want her to bother him with the sound of knocking.
That was indeed reckless yet gracious of him.
A clicking sound ensued and Christina urged herself to become more focused and push away all forms of celebratory thoughts.
Soon, she stepped into the large room and within the blink of an eye, Christina had everything she needed set up.
A quick scan of the small table she had arranged brought a smile to her face.
At that point, all she needed to do was wait.
And, she didn't wait for long.
While she adjusted her dark yellow fitted gown, the door flung open and the man of her dreams walked in, his build more evident, his arms bulging in the short-sleeved, cotton t-shirt he had on.
"Miss Kane..." His eyes scanned the room to her dismay. He was looking for that woman.
"Hello, sir."
"What's going on?" he asked as he closed the door. "Where's Isabella?"
Christina didn't stutter. "Oh, she went for a quick run. When I told her you were in a meeting, she asked me to get some juice for you." The woman motioned toward the set up on the small stool, her eyes watching him keenly. Charles then wore a smile as his sight landed on the large juice box and the glass cup next to it.
"Should I pour you a glass?" she asked.
"When did Isabella say she would be back? Did she eat before leaving?"
Christina almost cursed. Why was he so crazy about Isabella to that extent? What was so special about the woman?
But Christina didn't wish to mess up. She gathered her angry thoughts and pushed them aside.
Christina replied, "Ms. Shade said she had some bread before leaving."
"Hmm, I see," he replied a bit stiffly as he had his seat.
"How did the meeting go, sir?"
"Uh... very well. I will brief you about the details when it is all confirmed."
She smiled politely. "That's alright." Would you still like some juice, sir?"
"Certainly," came his thick voice, his body relaxing more into the comfortable chair.
"Sir, how long more are we going to be here for?" Christina asked after she handed him a glass which she poured with great poise.
"Why? Are you tired already?" As Christina watched him take a small sip, the sides of her mouth tugged.
"Oh no. I have been thinking about using my paid leave days to go on a small vacation. New York is a city I have always wanted to explore."
Smacking his lips, his brows arched as the side of his eye watched her. "I guess I have been overworking you."
She refuted with her hands fiercely waving. "Oh no. You have been the best, sir."
"I hope so," he said and soon downed the entire glass.
Then, relief washed through her. It was only a matter of seconds and everything would be looking good for her.
"Well, Miss Kane..." he groaned with a low voice as he got up from the chair. "Let's continue to work together to..." His head swung sideways instantly. His lips twisted, and he said nothing more.
"Sir? Are you okay?"
Charles nodded and smiled but his eyes said otherwise. They looked tired. "Please, have Isabella know that I am done with my..."
A loud yawn followed.
"Sir?" Christina praised her acting skills as her pretense grew. Her hands reaching out to possibly hold on to his arm, her brows knitted with more concern, she asked, "Do you need a doctor, sir?"
The tall man scratched the back of his head. "I guess I didn't get much sleep last night." He made to walk but his steps failed him, pushing him back onto the chair.
And, Christina watched as his eyes struggled to stay open.
It was a beautiful sight but she needed him to be totally knocked out.
Her wish was granted several minutes after.
After ensuring the drug had done a good job, Christina reached for the box she had brought in earlier and took out a pair of handcuffs.
As the metallic object jangled, she made her way toward the gorgeous man who was deeply asleep and she wore a brighter smile.
Though she was going to be faced with the issue of migrating him, her plan was going in the right direction.
It was only a matter of time... Charles Oxford would finally look at her the way she wished him to.