The Alpha Prince And His Bride
Book 3 The Alpha’s Substitute Bride – Episode 26

I didn’t believe it to be possible that a few words could ruin my life.

How could Maggie be alive? I heard what everyone had to say about her death. Both Hunter and Esma had explained to me the events of that fatal day. Maggie was seen motionless in the ground covered in her own b***d. Then how could Bruce have seen her?

“How can that be?” I asked in disbelief. “Does Maggie have a twin?”

He shook his head. “If she did she never told us.”

I took a step back from Bruce in shock. This was the last thing I was ever expecting him to say.

Bruce did not look happy at my reaction but I was sure that he wasn’t expecting anything different. This wasn’t the kind of news that anyone could take well. “I’m sorry Isabella. I know you must be angry with me for bringing this news forward to Hunter when everyone was already seeing that he was becoming a little happy for the first time in his life after that incident five years ago . . . Because of you. He was finally allowing another woman into his life and then I broke that news to him. Please know that it’s not my intention to cause any problems between the two of you. I’ve just always been there for Hunter and I knew that this was something he wouldn’t have wanted me to keep to myself. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

I shook my head at him. “You’re a good friend to Hunter. You don’t need to apologize to me for that.”

I just wished that Hunter wouldn’t be so cold towards me because of this news. It only made me believe that if anything were to happen, he would quickly let go of me and take her in. I would never be able to survive heart-ache like that and I prayed that I didn’t have to.

I was hoping that things would begin to get better between Hunter and me after our few moments together but now it seemed like I wouldn’t get my wish. Things were definitely about to take a rough turn.

“I know that you’re the right one for Hunter. I hope he realizes it soon before he loses you.”

Bruce’s words surprised me. I didn’t expect anyone to say that I’m the right one for Hunter after knowing that Maggie was his mate. Was it possible that he could also see the pull between Hunter and I? Why else would he say that?

After our small conversation I made my way back up the stairs. The maids had told me they’d seen Hunter go up to our room. This was my chance to confront him about everything.

My heart broke when I found him in the room staring at a picture of Maggie with a lost look in his eyes. I didn’t know pain like I did now and it was hard to control myself. I wanted to run and cry but instead I stood and waited for him to notice my presence.

Hunter had only heard of Bruce seeing someone like her and already he was like this.

What would happen if any of this was true? What would happen if Maggie was really alive? I still didn’t see how that could logically be possible. But knowing all of the strange things I’ve seen in my life and that of my family’s life, I couldn’t deny that anything was possible in our world.

Hunter looked up at me the moment he realized I was staring at him. There was a guilty look in his eyes and it did nothing to make me feel better.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered. My voice sounded alien to my own ear and I was still finding it hard not to cry.

He straightened his back and placed the photo frame faced down on the table. He guarded me with wary eyes and I wondered what he was thinking.

“Tell you what?”

My body trembled with rage; he was still trying to keep the truth from me. We were husband and wife; I was entitled to nothing but the truth from him!

“You can stop pretending Hunter. I know the truth now. Bruce told me everything he told you.” I confessed. “You should have told me.”

His eyes hardened and immediately the room was filled with so much tension that I unknowingly took a step back.

He had this look on his face that was impossible to read. If I had to take a guess, he was torn between something. I had no idea what it was but it was clearly driving him insane.

“How did you want me to give the news to you Isabella?” He asked; his voice cold and void of any emotion.

I winced at his tone but still kept my eyes directly on his, refusing to look away no matter how much it hurt.

I stayed completely still as he approached me. I could tell that he was having a fight within himself and I wished that I could help him overcome all of this pain still bottled up inside of him.

“What is the best way to tell my current wife that my best friend saw a woman that looked exactly like my dead wife? How do I tell her that there is a possibility that my first wife may be alive?” He demanded. “How am I supposed to break that news to you?”

I remained quiet because even I wasn’t sure what was the right way to break that news to anyone . . . Much less myself.

“Are you happy hearing of this?” He asked as he grabbed my shoulder. “Did this make you feel better? Tell me Isabella. Are you happier now that you know the truth?”

I felt tears prick my eyes at his questions. I stared pointedly at him and poked a finger at his chest angrily. “I don’t know what was the right way for you to tell me but I definitely didn’t deserve to find out like this.”

I turned and stormed out of the room. I heard heavy footsteps behind me and knew that he was not far behind.

“Isabella!” He shouted.

I ignored him and continued to storm out of the house. I wasn’t staying here and I wouldn’t be taking any sort of disrespect from him.

“Isabella! Damn it!” He shouted louder than before.

I paused when a womanly figure came into my view and I slowly stopped walking to get a better look at her.

Long shiny blond hair flowed behind a slim figure and pretty eyes were masked by long eyelashes. She was a little taller than I and a lot thinner. Her lips were red and covered in gloss, even her skin was smooth and flawless, not a hint of a scar anywhere. I paused when recognition hit me like a strong force that almost tumbled me over.

Those features, they could only belong to one person.

No.

It couldn’t be . . . Maggie.

My eyes widened as soon as her name entered my mind. My eyes saw her but my heart refused to accept it.

This couldn’t be true.

She can’t truly be alive!

Maggie couldn’t possibly be alive!