My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace

Outside the quiet, towering wrought-iron gates of Xanthea Haven Estate, Isabella watched from a distance as Orion and Xanthea embraced lovingly
amidst a sea of irises, their sweet kisses painting a scene straight out of a fairy tale, reminiscent of a prince and princess in love. Silently, she put on
her sunglasses.
“Xanthea,” she thought, “may your marriage be filled with joy and lifelong companionship.”
"Who's that over there?"
"I don't know. Let's check it out!"
Two patrolling security guards spotted her and quickly approached.
"Hello, can I ask who this is?"
"Just passing by."
Before they could say more, Isabella was ready to leave. The guards exchanged a look and both stepped in front of her.
Today was Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood's wedding day, and the estate was surrounded by top-tier security. Not a single mistake could be afforded. The

person in front of them was cloaked in a baseball cap, a face mask, and sunglasses; aside from her incognito state, she also seemed to have been
lurking around and peeking from a distance, which was just too suspicious!
"Sorry, Miss, but we're concerned about your identity. Could you please show us your ID?"
"You don't have the right."
"Then we'll have to call police."
One of the guards reached for the walkie-talkie to alert the estate's staff, but Isabella quickly pulled down her mask.
Seeing her face, the guards froze.
"You are Isabella Taylor?"
"Ms. Taylor? Why aren't you inside the estate? Why are you standing out here?"
Isabella asked, "Can I go now?"

"Of course, of course!"
Watching her retreat, the guards were left puzzled.
"Wasn't she here for the wedding? Why hide out here?"

"Could it be she didn't have an invitation?"
"What's going on then? Should we tell Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood?"
"Let's wait until the wedding’s over, and tell Mrs. Lockwood then."
After leaving Xanthea Haven Estate, Isabella headed straight for an international flight. She spent three months abroad working on a film before
finally returning home.

The film turned out great, and her agent arranged a celebration party for her at New Hotel.
"Isabella, take it easy on the drinks. Be careful not to get drunk."
Wendy saw her sitting in a corner, downing one drink after another, and voiced her concern.

Coming out was one thing; after all, it wasn't unheard of in the entertainment industry. But the issue was that Xanthea was not only a woman but also
now a married one!
And most importantly, Chairman Lockwood was the powerhouse behind Starlight Media. Becoming rivals in love with him, wasn't Isabella just setting
herself up for disaster?
"Just leave me be. If I get drunk, I'll just head back to rest."
Isabella pushed her away, snapping Wendy out of her wild speculations.
Shaking off the absurd thoughts, Wendy said, "I'll book a room for you at the New Hotel then, okay? Just in case you're too drunk to make it back on
your own."
Isabella didn't respond, so Wendy took it as a “yes” and headed downstairs.