Chapter 1

Canneville was rather chilly in September, bringing a sense of melancholy. The airport was bustling with travelers rushing to their destinations, each in their own pursuit. "Isabella, are you even listening to what I'm saying?" Isabella Clarke wheeled her suitcase toward the underground parking lot. She wore a floral maxi dress, paired with a white cardigan and brown sandals, giving her a chic yet casual appearance. Even with her sunglasses on, her delicate features caught the attention of passersby, making them turn their heads for a second glance. "Hey!" The woman's irritated voice blared through her Bluetooth earpiece. Isabella sighed and responded, "Amelia, I'm trying to find my car. Can you give me a second?" "Didn't you say someone was picking you up?" Isabella finally located her car and pressed the unlock button, watching as the lights flashed in response. She listened as Amelia Fischer continued her rant. "Five years, Isabella! After five years, you finally come back to Canneville, and this is how the Valdez family treats you?" After settling into the driver's seat, Isabella started the car and explained, "I told them not to come. The flight from Lanville to Canneville was seriously delayed, and I didn't want them waiting around for hours—leaving a car for me made more sense." The dim lighting in the underground parking lot made Isabella drive cautiously as she searched for the exit through her windows. The space was rather large, and she had difficulty navigating the place. "Well, okay, but you're staying this time, right?" Amelia asked. "Yes, I'm staying. I'm actually planning to open a studio. I've already found the perfect location," Isabella replied. There was a brief pause before Amelia cleared her throat and asked, "Won't it be awkward if you run into Xavier?" The mention of Xavier Valdez's name made Isabella freeze for a second before she responded calmly, "It's been five years. What's there to be awkward about?" "It's not just about you two being exes—he's part of the Valdez family. You have deep ties with them, and you two practically grew up like siblings," Amelia pointed out. "I—" Before Isabella could finish her sentence, a bright light suddenly flashed before her, piercing her eyes. She instinctively turned away, and then, there was a loud crash as her car collided with something. The impact threw her forward, her chest hitting the steering wheel. Consequently, her mind also went blank for a moment as her heart raced from the shock. When she regained her senses, she realized her car had hit a sleek black sports car, its front end slightly dented from the collision. "What was that? Did you crash into something?" Amelia's frantic voice came through. "I'll call you back," Isabella said as she quickly removed her Bluetooth earpiece. After that, she tossed it onto the passenger seat before hurrying out of her car. Just then, the passenger door of the black sports car opened, and a woman with an hourglass figure in a form-fitting black dress stepped out. Her voluminous waves cascaded down her shoulders, exuding an air of sophistication that perfectly matched the luxury vehicle. The car's windows were tinted, making it impossible for Isabella to see inside. As such, she focused her attention on the woman before her and immediately took responsibility. "I'm so sorry. It was entirely my fault. Please let me know how to make up for this," Isabella began. She peeked where the cars had collided, inwardly wincing at the damage. The woman glanced casually at the car, seemingly unbothered as she replied, "Don't worry about it. It's nothing major." "Does this mean I don't have to pay for the damage?" Isabella wondered, thinking this woman had to be wealthy to be so nonchalant about her expensive sports car. Suddenly, the driver's door opened, and a man's hand rested on the door frame. Isabella's gaze was immediately drawn to the bracelet on his wrist. Similarly, the woman also glanced back when she heard the movements. Before the person showed himself, she purred with a smirk, "Xavier, what do you think? Should we let it slide?" Isabella froze at the name. Sure enough, her suspicions were quickly confirmed as the actual owner of the car stepped out unhurriedly. His hand still rested on the door frame as he deliberately met her startled gaze. They stood in silence. Isabella could not take her eyes off him, momentarily forgetting how to react. It was not until Xavier's cold gaze became too uncomfortable to bear that she finally looked away. She also finally realized why the bracelet had seemed so familiar—she wore an identical one on her right wrist. The woman appeared oblivious to the tension between them, and she maintained her smile as she glided to Xavier's side and naturally linked her arm through his. Despite her own height of nearly five feet seven inches, she appeared petite next to Xavier's tall, lean frame. They made quite the pair—her sultry allure complementing his bad-boy charm. "We should handle this properly, with appropriate compensation," Xavier stated, his gaze briefly falling to where the woman's hand rested on his arm. The woman shot him a surprised look. From what she knew about Xavier, he usually avoided hassles and was generally generous with money, though his temper was not to be tested. That was why she had been willing to let it go, hoping to avoid upsetting him. Yet, here he was, holding Isabella to it. "Fine. How would you like me to compensate you?" Isabella asked calmly. Their teenage romance had morphed into invisible daggers, leaving only a cold unfamiliarity between them. Xavier glanced at the damage and replied, "I'm not a mechanic. We'll need a professional assessment first." Isabella nodded politely and walked back to her car. A minute later, she returned with a business card, which she deliberately handed to the woman instead of Xavier. "My contact information is on the card. Please call me once you have the repair estimate, and I'll make sure the payment is processed immediately," Isabella stated professionally. The woman was caught off guard, glancing at Xavier's impassive face before accepting the card. "Are you planning to just leave like this?" Xavier called out as Isabella turned to go. Isabella faced him again. "What else did you have in mind?" "What if you don't answer our calls? How will we collect the repair costs?" His tone was serious, but Isabella was well aware that it was just an act. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Isabella replied politely, "I will answer." "I don't believe you," he stated firmly. The woman looked bewildered, glancing between them. It seemed impossible for Xavier, known for his carefree attitude, to be so petty. "I'm staying at Orchid Residence," Isabella responded flatly. "May I leave now?" Xavier smiled. "Of course." After Isabella drove away, Xavier's smile vanished instantly. He took the business card from the woman's hand and studied it carefully.