Chapter 17

ISABELLA'S POV

The instructions said it would take a few minutes, but it felt like hours to me.

My eyes kept switching back and forth between the stick and the clock's second hand.

After about an extra minute of doing this, I finally forced myself to look down at the test result.

The first line appeared almost immediately, sharp and definite, but I kept watching, my pulse drumming in my ears.

For a moment, there was nothing else, just a white space where the second line would be.

My heart dared to hope, wishing it would remain that way.

But then, slowly, a faint blush of pink started to seep through; it was so faint at first that I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.

I leaned closer, narrowing my eyes and holding my breath as I watched.

In seconds, the second line grew bolder, deepening more and more until there was no denying it.

“Two lines.” I whispered weakly.

Feeling a deep, aching heaviness settle in my chest.

The realization hit me with the force of a tidal wave.

“I was