The Prince and The Charming

4. Isabella Renewed

Eight Years Later…

The luxury apartment, designed with modern interior and unique metallic designs, the sleek mahogany furniture, matte emulsified walls and the cornered wooden work over the different corners of the apartment, added a much more modern text work. The apartment surely depicted it belonged to an artist. But the lack of any sort of painting or messed up wall work, showed the artist was clean freak and not a painter or sculpturist. The separate white room, labeled as design study outside the door, had long wooden frames with sheets of white filled with designs of spaces, buildings, houses, docks, ports and planes. It was an architect’s house.

The morning alarm buzzed through the entire empty house, reaching out from the master bedroom. The bedroom was made of up of entirely two colors, wooden c**k and light brown blazing over the walls covered with satin white curtains over the open wall length windows through which winds gushed in.

Isabella extended her hand outwards reaching for her phone placed down over the wooden frame reaching down from the platform where the mattress was placed to the back of the wall that had carvings over its surface.

Isabella extended her arms out and smiled feeling the soft fur underneath her skin move and follow up reaching her chest as her cats rested over her breasts peacefully.

“Good morning to you two!” she smiled, getting up checking her phone. She smiled looking at the wallpaper which was a photo of her family on her sister’s wedding. But only she was missing in it. Getting fresh, preparing her breakfast while dancing to shake it off with her Russian Blue and Persian White cats; Taylor and Selena, named after her favorite celebrity best friends.

She went through her walk in closet, picking out her outfit casually, putting on her look for the day, grabbing her keys, walking down towards her garage, waving down at the small figured receptionist who smiled at the beauty walking in front of him. He was a twenty years old community college student who had a diehard crush on Isabella; for the girl who lived on the top floor. Keeping his chin over his palms on the desk, he admired the beauty and grace.

Isabella pulled her goggles on, sitting inside her Audi A8, rolling it down the street.

She waved off at the old watchman of her building and watched as the annoying noisy couple who yelled out loud during s*x every night, like they were performing another one of their cardio, jog right into the building smiling at Isabella to which she gave out a fake one.

Rolling the windows down to her car, she pulled the roof top down, letting the air circulate through her body system, blowing her long straight hair. She enjoyed the sensation of feeling free and sensible.

She stopped by the signal, on the front square down the lane to her building, just another one of the many parallel, identical squares in the city of Barcelona.

She whistled through her spot, catching the attention of the old Spanish florist in her cornered flower shop as she rushed out. The old man walked his three huskies down the street, smiled and waved at Isabella as she smiled back at him. She had no connection to him, she just saw him every day and it became a daily routine for her to watch the old man walk his huskies.

She pulled the envelope out of the front board and flew it like a saucer across the street towards the old lady. She took in the envelope and smiled at Isabella. It had money, that Isabella donated every day to the florist who gave flowers to someone who would be distressed. This was just one of Isabella’s way of making someone feel better.

Stopping her car in front of her office building, she pulled herself out, standing over her open toe thin strap black stilettos, her long thin slender legs covered with thin black stockings, and her black slim fitted jersey dress hugging the perfect sleek curves of her body and flaring along as she walked carrying her Burberry black bag. She took her shades, revealing her beautiful big rounded green eyes, her flushed cherry cheeks, her beige tinted lips, her sharp jawline sculpturing her sharp features. She was a beauty all in all.

Who would’ve thought; the girl who was chubby, tom boyish, quirky, wrestler and naïve would turn out to be a head architect of the biggest construction company of Spain. She waved a smile at the security who welcomed her with warmth.

She was greeted cheerily by the receptionists, followed by the liftman. Everyone in the elevator greeted her with a sweet smile. Followed by her floor, where people worked in different sections, with design studios, technical cubicles, to assessment rooms, and finally her room, she had specifically requested a special design for the floor, designing each spot for people under her supervision, in accordance with their job to make the environment enjoyable.

Gestures like these, were exactly what made her everyone’s favorite. Despite of being young, strong headed woman who had achieved so much and held a strong and chief position in a multinational corporation, everyone saw her as a kind hearted, loving and caring girl, who would casually have lunch with everyone, be as involved in every office activity, dance at office parties, contribute equally in every task, be personally involved with everyone to make sure they never faced any issue at work place.

She hung her coat over the rack inside the office on the side. It was a medium cabin with a complete wooden design and Walnut desks, a white swivel chair for Isabella, two black chairs on the front and two small single seats on a further corner right next to the window.

Her assistant walked inside the office, “Good morning Ms. Rowan, here’s your schedule for the day and big boss is here today and just called asking for you to see him whenever you are available. He’s in his office until seven.”

That was her secretary Paulo, a young ambitious yet anxious college graduate who was younger than Isabella but an enthusiast of work.

Isabella chuckled softly at Paolo’s adorable behavior and she signed back at him, “Thanks, I'll see him now.”

As a teenager he was involved in a car accident and had lost his hearing ability and had difficulties professionally in terms of his disability but Isabella hired him despite of having difficulties initially in making him understand things initially, she finally learned the sign language and made it easier on Paolo’s behalf for which he adored her more than ever.

Isabella grabbed on to the elevator on her floor and pressed the top floor button to visit her boss, the head of board of directors and the CEO of Barca Constructions.

The elevator stopped on the finance floor as two well suited young Spanish men, wearing black coats and strong masculine scents entered inside the elevator, with their coffees discussing finances and numbers to which Isabella rolled her eyes. She always found guys who discussed too much of business in too much strong official language, unattractive.

The two shared glances standing behind Isabella, studying her figure. They recognized the head of architecture department, the young and graceful woman, who had been consistently listed as the hottest woman in the entire company for the past six months.

“Rowan right?”

One of the guy found the courage to speak to which Isabella, who turned around and noticed his pointed features, tanned skin and tall height emphasized by his muscular built.

She smiled gently at him and the small curve on her lips was sufficient enough to emphasize on the plumness of her full lips.

“Are you going to Daryle’s party tonight?” He asked hoping for his chance to get laid with Isabella.

Another thing that was famous about Isabella, she never paid any heave to anyone's advances or never went on a date with anyone from workplace, which made her a hard score on bed.

What no one actually knew was the fact that she was the same even outside the workplace. Because of which she was still a virgin, waiting for the right guy to happen.

And the finance guy asking her out to some Daryle’s party wasn't definitely the right one.

“No…” She simply gave a sad smile as the elevator doors opened up and she walked out and the two guys simply stood watching her hips sway as she moved.

She greeted her boss's assistant and entered directly inside the office, after a knock, something that no one in the entire enterprise had the guts to do so.

“Good Morning big boss.” She greeted at the young boss of hers who stood at the corner looking out of the large office window. The entire aura of the office was that of a futuristic rich eccentric one, with large windows displaying the skyscrapers as a competition to reach more. Silver and grey dominating the entire essence of the room.

“Morning.” he said in a stiff tone and Isabella sensed something wasn't right.

Her boss, Alejandro Santiago turned around and gave her a stern look and sensing his stern expressions she understood something wasn't right with him. He walked up to his seat and slumped down.

“Is everything alright?” She asked.

Alejandro had noticed Isabella’s hard work combined with her confidence and enthusiasm and admired her stamina she put in everything she did. He gave her a single opportunity to work on the new Ritz Carlton, he was building in Las Vegas for which she even lived in America for a whole year. The hotel was a huge success which earned Isabella a respectable place. Barca construction’s name became a siren with the label of Isabella Rowan, which made her an essential part of the company. And when the executive head of architecture department retired, Alejandro promoted her and at the young age of twenty-three she became the most successful person in her field.

“The England project got accepted, good work.” He said with a stiff tone.

Isabella rose her eyebrows with surprise. Alejandro had been dying to get his hands on the project and Isabella had worked hard to get him that project for the construction of the new sea port in London. Something she didn't want to be involved in initially but upon Alejandro’s insistence she agreed readily.

“So? That's a good thing.” she paused for a moment, studying his expressions that remained quaffed, “Isn't it?”

“It is.” He replied with a nod. “But…”

“But…?”

“They loved the entire concept…” he tried putting more sentiments into his statement.

“And I still don't get what's so bad about it… don't you want this project?”

She asked in utter confusion. While the whole world was afraid of Alejandro she was blunt enough to speak back anything. In fact, she was even in friendly terms with his wife Rachel and his triplets called her Aunt.

“I do… But… Matt Bruce himself is personally involved in this project and he loved your idea.”

Matt Bruce was one of the top architects in the entire world, having worked with international agencies and governments in building multiple airports, sea ports and train stations. He was a huge inspiration to Isabella and listening to his name did excite her but the thought of England had still plagued and infected her mind to the point she felt averted off the entire project while knowing how much influential the project can be for her, skyrocketing her entire career overnight.

“Well glad to hear that…”

She tried dodging the topic that even Alejandro felt resistent to talk about.

“Matt has personally asked for you.”

Alejandro dropped the major bomb on her and she rolled her eyes sighing in exhaustion.

“I already told you, boss… I would give my one hundred percent to this project but to I would never go to England…”

“Try telling this to Matt Bruce…”

He cut her off and the two looked at each other for a brief moment.

His gaze held challenge and something told Isabella that he had set his mind up to make her get involved in this project to any extent and she clearly no when it came to his own decisions, Alejandro Santiago didn’t take no for an answer.

“Mr. Santiago you know I would never so no to your orders no matter what but this is where I am putting my foot down. I'm sorry but I won't be able to be a part of this project.”

“Who said you had an option?” Alejandro quirked at her, c*****g his eyebrows.

Isabella stole away her glance sensing that now Alejandro was in full stern mood and there was no way he would ever listen to her. It was time for him to be the authoritarian and he would never listen to anyone, except for his wife of course.

“What else option do I have?” She asked in a disappointed tone.

“Listen Isabella…” Sensing her tone he began, “I don't want to push you and whatever reasons you have for not going back to your home country are your personal reasons and I respect that but this is work. This project is just not only beneficial for us but for your career as well. Don't be fooled by circumstances and throw away a good thing. At least give it some thought.” he pulled out an envelope from his drawer and passed it to Isabella, “Bruce sent this letter personally appreciating your effort and asking for you. Give it a read. And you always know what I would recommend.”

Isabella felt silent at his words, rendered as confused as ever.

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“Seriously Bella, don't be such a worried as hoe.” Jerry commented.

Isabella rolled her eyes, chugging on her beer.

She was sitting inside the closed club, by the bar, drinking over her confused and scared thoughts. Her best friend and drag queen Jerry was practicing for his performance. He wore a shimmering sequin pink dress that had a huge slit leading up to his torso, dancing around the silver pole on the small hook set up. The huge lumpy wig was waving off his head in blond matching his extra tanned, dark brown skin. He was tall, around six foot, but extra thin which made him look even more taller. He was twenty-seven, but due to his specular freckle and wrinkle free skin, he could fool anyone for a teenager.

“Would you stop spreading your legs, you’re flashing your dick.” Sally, Jerry’s twin sister commented, standing opposite to Isabella over the other side of the bar.

Sally was just as tall as Jerry but her thick figure, small rounded eyes and pointed curves and cheekbones, she was a true Spanish beauty, especially one when she dressed up in her traditional costume, Isabella found her as a true beauty.

‘Lan’s club’ was a major center regime club of Barcelona, where Isabella used to serve during her college days and there she met Sally and Jerry. The two twins, who were her fellow waiters. Sally worked hard to gain her position as the manager, while Isabella persuaded her dream of a architect and well their gay friend Jerry, was a makeup influencer by day and a drag queen by night but earned more than the two combined.

“Seriously what is the problem here Bella? This project can change your career overnight.” Sally asked confused at Isabella’s refusal to go to England.

“She's just being a salty bitch.” Jerry stated, grabbing the pole and turning upside down, wrapping his legs around the pole as the entire dress fell down revealing his manhood to the two girls.

“Eww…. Could you at least wear an underwear?” Isabella complained throwing her coat at him.

“You should be happy at least you get to see some d**k, you prude.” he shrugged making Isabella roll her eyes.

“Come on Bella, what is it really that makes you not want to go back home?” Sally asked the main question making Isabella fall into complete silence.

“If I was you, I wouldn't waste this opportunity even for once.” Jerry commented, rolling around the pole, finally doing a full leg split.

Isabella sat in utter silence not knowing what exactly held her back from her own home for such a long.

Ever since she was little, she always wanted a career, to be an architect but after falling for Harry, she felt at loss of enthusiasm to be anything but be with him. But after the embarrassing night of her insult, she wanted nothing but to be away from the place that reminded her of him. She wanted to move on and built her own life, self-sufficient and strong enough to never let anyone look down upon her.

She applied to one of the biggest architect school in Spain, and got accepted on full paid scholarship.

But her family didn't want her to leave the country and forced her to pursue a career in business management just like her sister. She couldn't compromise her dreams so she ran… picking up all of her savings she ran from her home, leaving a note with no promises of ever coming back.

Her sister and brother stayed in contact with her telling her about the family situation until her sister got married and Isabella couldn't attend her wedding as she was busy in Vegas and didn't get the mail invite. While her brother became a member of the parliament, he found it hard to keep contact anymore and they hadn't spoken for the past two years either.

“I just can't face too many people.” She finally admitted her fears to Sally, “With my entire family hating me, I can't run behind everyone and…”

“You don't have to…” Sally cut her off. “Just do what you have always done.”

“Be selfish?” Isabelle pointed what she had felt about herself for the past eight years.

“Choosing your own decisions over others isn't being selfish.” Jerry hit her shoulder playfully, taking a seat next to her and pulling his legs on the other bar stool, taking his beer and chugging on it. “Look at me, Papa hates me for being who I am. Does that make me selfish? No! I'm a proud w***e and I accept it because this is me. If someone just can't accept who you really are, this isn't your fault. Just get that straight through your head.”

Sally's smiled walking all the towards Isabella and engulfed her in a hug, “Don't put yourself under too much pressure, you deserve this opportunity.”

_________________________

Opening her apartment’s door, Isabella was greeted by Taylor and Selena and the thought of leaving these two for almost two years saddened her heart.

She put down her bag on the table that tilted spilling her things out of it. She picked it up and her gaze fell on the sealed envelope that had the words ‘To Isabella Rowan’ written in bold over it.

She still hadn't opened Matt Bruce's letter because she knew it was something that could stir the desire of going to England within her.

“What do you think, should I open it?” She asked her cats that simply meowed and jumped over her head and lap.

Pulling the two over her chest, she took a seat on the leather couch and opened the leather.

Dear Miss Isabella Rowan,

In my fifteen years of experience, I always thought that structuring a place meant work. Never in my life I had ever thought it could ever mean anything more. But after reading your proposal, for the first time ever I felt personally moved. Never had I ever felt that soulfully persuaded by anything. The way you proposed to build that port in the name of sense and reliability, you made me feel more of a human rather than an architect, something that revived my soul. And for that I would want you to personally come to England and be a part of this project.

Hope to see you soon.

With all love,

Matt Bruce.

Isabella’s eyes felt moist reading that letter. All she wanted in life was to make people feel connected and desired. Something she had lost the sense of and suffered years ago and now with this project she was able to do so.

More than being an architect she wanted to be a human, to make a change.

She bit her bottom lip, sitting peacefully, in utter silence, patting the fur of her purring cats, thinking about her final decision.

She picked up her phone and made a final decision. Heaving a breath, she dialed in her boss's number.

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