Isla Bennett stretched in her king-sized bed, savoring the warm sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her downtown apartment. Today wasn't just any Monday—it was possibly the most important day of her career.
"Six-thirty," she murmured, silencing her alarm before it could even ring. Isla never needed an alarm; her internal clock was as precise as the schedule she lived by.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded to the window, admiring the city skyline. Everything in her life fit perfectly—like puzzle pieces snapped into place by her own determined hands.
"Perfect planning makes perfect days," she whispered, touching the diamond engagement ring that sparkled on her finger. Julian had proposed six months ago, and they'd set the wedding date for next spring. Not too soon to interfere with her career goals, not too far to delay starting their family.
Isla's phone buzzed with a text from Julian.
Good morning, beautiful. Knock 'em dead today. Dinner at Giovanni's to celebrate your promotion?
She smiled, typing back: Let's not jinx it. But yes to dinner!
In the shower, Isla mentally rehearsed her presentation. Parker & Associates was considering her for junior partner—the youngest in the firm's history. At twenty-nine, she had already handled more high-profile cases than lawyers with twice her experience.
She blow-dried her chestnut hair into smooth waves and applied light makeup, enhancing her bright green eyes. The navy suit she'd chosen projected authority while the silk blouse softened the look. Perfect balance—just like everything else in her life.
Her apartment was spotless, decorated in cool grays and blues with splashes of yellow. No clutter, no mess. Even the coffee maker was programmed to brew at exactly 7:15 each morning.
Isla sipped her coffee and scrolled through her emails. A message from her assistant confirmed all documents were prepared for today's meeting. Another from her mother wished her luck, though Isla didn't believe in luck. She believed in preparation and hard work.
"You make your own destiny," her father had always said before he passed away three years ago. His death had been the one thing Isla couldn't control, the one flaw in her otherwise perfect life. She touched the small photo of him on her bookshelf. "Wish you were here to see this, Dad."
At precisely 7:45, Isla grabbed her briefcase and coat. The spring weather was unpredictable, but she'd checked the forecast—sunny with a chance of afternoon showers. She had an umbrella in her desk drawer at work. Always prepared.
The doorman smiled as she exited the building. "Big day, Ms. Bennett?"
"Hopefully, Carlos. If all goes well, I might have a new title by this afternoon."
"They'd be crazy not to promote you," he said, hailing a taxi for her.
The morning traffic moved smoothly—another small victory. Isla used the twenty-minute ride to review her notes one final time. The Westbrook case had been her biggest challenge, but she'd won it brilliantly. That victory alone should secure her promotion.
Isla walked into the gleaming lobby of Parker & Associates at 8:15, exactly forty-five minutes before her presentation. Her assistant, Maya, waited by the elevator with a cup of tea.
"You're a lifesaver," Isla said, accepting the tea. "Any updates?"
"Mr. Parker arrived early and asked to see you before the meeting," Maya whispered, her eyes wide. "He's in his office now."
Isla's heart skipped. Richard Parker never came in before nine, and he never requested early meetings unless something was wrong.
"Did he seem upset?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"No... actually, he seemed excited. And Mrs. Wilson from HR is with him."
HR and the firm's managing partner waiting for her before the promotion meeting? This could only mean one thing—they'd already made their decision.
Isla took a deep breath. "Thanks, Maya. Can you make sure the conference room is ready for my presentation just in case?"
"Already done. And I put fresh flowers on the table—yellow roses, your favorite."
Isla smiled gratefully and headed toward Parker's corner office. Through the glass walls, she could see Richard Parker and Judith Wilson from HR chatting animatedly.
She knocked lightly before entering. "Good morning, Mr. Parker, Mrs. Wilson."
Richard Parker rose from his chair, beaming. "Isla! Just the woman of the hour. Come in, come in."
Judith Wilson smiled warmly. "We were just talking about you."
Isla's stomach fluttered. This was happening faster than she'd anticipated. She'd prepared for every aspect of today's presentation, but not for an early decision.
"Please, sit down," Parker gestured to the chair across from his desk. "I hope we didn't throw off your morning schedule by calling you in early."
"Not at all," Isla lied smoothly. She liked schedules and planning, hated surprises. But she could adapt when necessary.
Parker leaned forward, his expression serious but his eyes twinkling. "Isla, I've been watching your work closely over the past three years. Your dedication to this firm, your brilliant handling of the Westbrook case... you've impressed everyone here."
Judith nodded. "Your performance reviews have been exemplary."
"Thank you," Isla said, her hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. This was it—the moment she'd worked toward since law school.
"We don't need to wait for your presentation today," Parker continued. "The partners met last week and voted unanimously."
Isla held her breath.
"Congratulations, Isla. You're not just becoming a junior partner—we want to offer you full partnership."
The words hit her like a wave. Not junior partner—full partner. At twenty-nine. Unprecedented.
"I—thank you, Mr. Parker. This is... incredible." For once, Isla was at a loss for words.
"You've earned it," Parker said, standing to shake her hand. "We'll make the announcement at this morning's meeting. Judith has the paperwork ready for you."
As they discussed the details, Isla felt a surge of pride. Everything she'd worked for was falling into place. Julian would be thrilled. Her mother would cry happy tears. And somewhere, her father was surely watching, proud of his ambitious daughter.
After leaving Parker's office with a folder of partnership documents, Isla hurried to the bathroom. She needed a moment alone to absorb what had just happened.
The bathroom was empty. Isla leaned against the counter, staring at her reflection. "Partner," she whispered. "I did it, Dad."
Her phone buzzed with a text from Julian.
Just checking in. How's it going? Nervous?
She smiled, typing: You won't believe what just happened...
Before she could finish, the bathroom door swung open. A woman Isla had never seen before entered—tall, elegant, with striking silver-streaked black hair.
"Isla Bennett?" the woman asked, her voice low and urgent.
Isla frowned. "Yes? Can I help you?"
The woman glanced at the bathroom door, then back at Isla. "My name is Victoria Calloway. You don't know me, but we need to talk immediately."
"I'm sorry, but I have a meeting—"
"It's about Damien. My stepson." Victoria stepped closer, her eyes intense. "And the fact that you're married to him."
Isla's phone slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor. "Excuse me? I'm not married to anyone. I'm engaged to Julian Mercer."
Victoria pulled an envelope from her designer handbag and handed it to Isla. "Then perhaps you can explain this."
With shaking hands, Isla opened the envelope and pulled out a document. Her eyes widened as she read the title: Marriage Certificate.
And there, beside her own signature, was a name she'd never heard before: Damien Calloway.
The bathroom spun around her as she looked up at Victoria, her perfect life suddenly shattering into a thousand pieces.
"This is impossible," Isla whispered. "I've never even met a Damien Calloway."
Victoria's red lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Well, my dear, according to this, he's your husband."