Isabella's heels clicked loudly against the marble hallway floor. Her closed face, her dark eyes, and her set jaw were enough to warn anyone away from her. She had no desire to speak. And yet…
"Isabella!"
She froze. She knew that voice by heart. Klaus. She sighed, her eyes raised to the ceiling, as if the universe was about to offer her an escape.
She stopped in spite of herself. Klaus.
"What do you want, Klaus?" she snapped, without turning around.
He approached anyway, hands in his pockets, wearing that fake-cool look.
"You're in trouble… I can see it. This is because of Ray, isn't it? Did he hurt you again?"
She looked away, which was enough to prove him right.
"Isabella... How many times do I have to tell you? You deserve better. Someone who truly loves you. Who won't leave you for someone else."
"Oh, not again," she breathed, closing her eyes.
Klaus moved a little closer, his voice low and gentle.
"You don't deserve this, Isabella. He doesn't see you the way I do. He doesn't understand what he has in his hands. But I do... I love you, Isabella. And I'm ready to—"
"Stop. Now." His voice was sharp, cold as ice.
"But..."
She turned abruptly, her eyes blazing.
"Are you talking about yourself? Don't be ridiculous. I'm not interested in you, Klaus. And I never will be.
He tried to mask his pain with a twisted smile.
"You're saying that now, but..."
"NO. Stop it. Don't you understand? I already told you to forget me. There will never be anything between us."
She walked away without a glance, leaving Klaus frozen, his heart ripped, his jaw clenched. His fist clenched.
Inside: Ray... Why him? What does he have that I don't? This fucking..."
He was fuming when a crystalline laugh rang out.
"Klaus!" Diana snapped, approaching, a radiant smile on her lips. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"
He sighed heavily, his back to her, rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, worried, seeing his tense back.
He turned slowly, his ever-charming smile on his lips.
"Yes, everything's fine. You're worrying over nothing, Diana."
She looked at him, worried.
"Are you sure? You seemed upset."
"Don't worry. Just a little tired, that's all. Nothing serious."
She smiled, relieved, while inside him, weariness rumbled.
Inside himself: How much longer do I have to pretend? This girl... she's useful, but unbearable. I have to get rid of her."
But as he thought about it, a sneaky idea formed.
"You know," he said with a mock-pensive air, "it's a shame what happened between Ray and Isabella. Such a beautiful relationship destroyed because of a misunderstanding..."
Diana raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself.
— A misunderstanding?
She frowned.
— You know things?
He tilted his head mysteriously.
— Maybe… or maybe I'm wrong.
He let it simmer. The idea was already germinating in Diana's mind.
If I can sow seeds of doubt in Ray or Isabella… maybe they'll get back together. And me… I'll have Klaus.
She smiled softly.
— I just remembered I have something to do… I'll see you later!
Klaus watched her walk away, a smile on his face.
— So easy… he murmured. So naive. You don't even realize I'm using you. And because of you… Isabella will be mine.
A mischievous smile played across his face.