She sold her body to save her mother’s life.
She never expected the man she gave it to… would be her new boss. Or the father of her child.

Isabella Howells had her future mapped out—until everything shattered in one day. Her mother was dying, her fiancé had stolen everything, and with nowhere left to turn, Isabella made a desperate decision that would haunt her forever.


Five years later, she’s a single mother craving a fresh start in a quiet town. When she lands a dream job as executive assistant at StoneTech Solutions, it feels like fate is finally on her side—until she walks into her new boss’s office and comes face to face with Jake Stones, the man she thought she’d never see again.


The one-night stand. The man who swore he couldn't have children but was somehow the father of her son, Timothy. 


Would she be able to do her job without thinking about the past? What happens when Jake Stones is bent on making Isabella his, unaware of his secret baby with her? Will she accept him?


What happens when Jake's brother's schemes puts Timothy's life in danger and Isabella is forced to reveal the truth about Timothy's paternity?


Will Jake accept this truth? Or will it break him and everything he'd ever come to know about Isabella Howells? 


Let's find out in this story of love, lies, betrayal, and a second chance that could cost everything.



******Excerpt******


Jake leaned back slowly, eyes narrowing, studying her with new intensity. "Tell me, Miss Howells," he said carefully, "have we met before?"


Bella's heart lurched, panic flashing through her veins. Did he recognize her? It couldn't be. If he did, he wouldn't have asked her that. Besides, she had a reason to recognize his face, but him? He didn't have a reason to. She concluded.


She forced herself to laugh lightly, shaking her head. "No, sir. I don't think so. I'd certainly remember if we had."


Her words came out smoothly, but inside she was crumbling. Of course, I remember you, Jake. How could I not? You're the man who lied. The man who changed the course of her life with just one lie. 


Jake tilted his head, unconvinced. The denial in her voice didn't match the flicker in her eyes, or the way her hands gripped the edge of the chair just a little too tightly.


She recognized him, too but was obviously lying to him. 


He nodded, deciding not to press further. Not yet.


"Strange," he murmured, leaning back in his chair, a faint smile ghosting his lips. "I could've sworn you looked familiar."


Bella kept her eyes lowered, pretending to be busy with the folder he slid across the desk.


Jake let the silence stretch, his gaze never leaving her. Inside, his thoughts churned. She was lying — he was sure of it. That mole, those eyes, that voice… There was no mistaking her. She could hide behind her polished clothes and calm tone, but he knew. She was the one who had refused his help and had wanted to pay for whatever money he gave her.


And if she thought she could walk into his world again and pretend otherwise, she was wrong.

The house wasn't quiet after Rachel left for her date.


It was never quiet when Chloe was around. But she knew she didn't want Chloe's attention right now. 


There was something she needed to do. Bella told herself as she picked up her bag and stepped out of the room. 


Bella stood in the hallway, slipping on her sandals, her phone clenched tightly in her hand like it could feel the reason her heart was racing. The television murmured lowly in the background, a cartoon theme song floating out from the living room. Chloe's voice carried as she talked back at the screen like she was personally invested in the storyline.


Timothy's small laughter echoed down the corridor. Bella paused, wondering how she'd step out without Chloe or Timothy noticing. 


She tightened her sandals anyway. She needed air. She needed to see him. She needed to stop thinking.


"Where are you going?" Chloe's voice cut through the hallway as Bella reached for the door.


Chapter 153 - Bella?