Chapter 282 What could go wrong?

Chapter 282 What could go wrong?
Isabel’s POV

The days blur past like scattered pages in the wind. Since Dad received that call from the police, everything has been moving fast. Today is the day. The D-day.

The day everything changes… and I become someone else’s wife.

My mother adjusts the final layer of my dress, her fingers slow, steady. The makeup artist and hairstylist have just packed up, offering compliments and smiles before leaving the room. Now it’s just us.

She steps back and clasps her hands, eyes lighting up with joy. “Oh, my dear. I’m so glad to finally see you this beautiful. And moving forward with your life.”

I try to say something, but the words don’t quite come. She sees it—like she always does—and gently takes my hands in hers.

“You don’t have to worry about anything, dear,” she says, squeezing softly. “The authorities already briefed us. Nothing’s going to happen. In fact, today… today everything will finally fall into place. The police will handle the rest and make sure her plans fail. You get to be happy now.”

I nod slowly, understanding the weight of what she’s trying to reassure me about. I want to believe her.

The door creaks open again, and in come Scarlett and Sterling, followed closely by Aurora.

My mother and I turn toward them at once.

Scarlett’s wearing a pastel pink dress with tiny pearls around the collar, her braids tied back with a white satin ribbon. Sterling is in a mini tux with a red pocket square. They both wave, full of energy.

“Mom, you look like an angel,” Scarlett beams.

“I’m so happy today!” she giggles, bouncing on her toes. “We’re finally going to have a daddy!”

Their joy makes us laugh. Even my mother chuckles, her hand brushing against my shoulder.

“Come on, darlings,” she says warmly. “Let’s get you two fully dressed. We don’t want to be late, do we?”

The twins hesitate at first, reluctant to leave.

But then Mom adds, “I’m sure you wouldn’t want us to miss the wedding, hmm?”

That does it. They jump to their feet again, waving as they leave.

“Go get ready, okay, Mommy!” Sterling calls out, grinning.

They disappear down the corridor, leaving only Aurora and me in the room.

My smile fades as silence returns. I glance down at the white dress draped over me, adjusting the lace fabric at my side. The room feels heavier now. Still.

I catch a glimmer of light… and realize Aurora is standing in front of me.

Her dress is champagne gold, the sequins catching the light like stars. She steps closer, then sighs and sinks down beside me.

“Isabel,” she says gently, “is there a problem? Aren’t you happy?”

I blink, scoffing lightly. “Of course I am. Why would you think that?” A soft laugh escapes me, thin and hollow.

Aurora doesn’t smile.

“Do you really want to get married to Roy?” she asks. “Do you love him?”

Her voice doesn’t hold judgment. Just concern.

Silence hangs between us.

She continues, voice low, “Look, sis… I know how grateful you feel to Roy. For being there. For helping with the kids. But I hope that’s not the only reason you’re doing this.”

Still, I don’t say anything.

Aurora’s tone sharpens. “Because if it is… that’s going to be even more damaging.”

Her words strike somewhere deep. I don’t even know what to think anymore. Her voice… it sounds exactly like what I feel inside.

She calls my name. “Isabel. Isabel.”

I blink hard.

“Where’s your mind?” she asks, frustrated now. “In a few hours, you’ll be married to Roy, and you can’t even say if it’s what you truly want.”

I force a smile. “Of course I want to marry him, Aurora. This is what I want.”

The lie tastes hollow even as I say it.

Then why does it hurt?

Why do I feel like I’m falling apart quietly inside?

I mean… it’s Roy. Not someone else.

So why?

Aurora’s voice slices through the haze. “Alright then,” she says softly. “Because as much as I don’t like Alexander for what he did to you, I also don’t want you hurting yourself more… by marrying someone just because you feel indebted.”

She leans in, her tone calming. “And if you’re worried because of the information the police gave us—don’t be.” She holds up a hand like a promise. “We’ll stick to the plan. Nothing’s going to go wrong. Hmm?”

I finally smile, small but sincere, and nod.

Even if my heart is still unsure.



The car speeds along the road, smooth and deliberate. Travis is behind the wheel. The black SUVs trail behind us, guards seated and alert.

We’ve been briefed.

Thanks to James, we know what Cynthia planned—to intercept our convoy on the way and take Scarlett and Sterling. But the police came up with a trap. Our actual convoy isn’t following the main route. It’s a decoy now.

We’re supposed to be safe.

In theory.

More than once, I catch Travis watching me through the rearview mirror. His eyes hold something I can’t place.

Unease? Guilt?

I try to shake it off. Maybe it’s just nerves. But I can’t lie to myself — my thoughts are with the car behind us. The one carrying Scarlett and Sterling. With Mom and Aurora beside them.

That’s the car Cynthia wants.

Thanks to James, we know what Cynthia planned… the real vehicle won’t take the main road.

Still, I can’t stop the fear twisting in my gut.

What if something goes wrong?

I exhale deeply, trying to relax. They’re protected. Mom, Aurora, the kids… and guards behind us. What could possibly go wrong?

I exhale deeply, trying to relax.

But then… the car jolts forward.

My body snaps with the sudden turn. Travis has sharply veered off course, taking a different road—one we weren’t meant to follow.

My heart leaps.

I turn, eyes wide, looking behind us.

No cars.

No backup.

Just us.

“Travis,” I say slowly, panic creeping into my voice. “What are you doing?”

He doesn’t answer.

Just the tires, humming.

Then—

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” he says quietly, eyes on the road. “I have no choice.”

The air shifts.

My breath catches.

Something is wrong.

Terribly wrong.

And I think I just realized it too late.