Chapter 69

Isabella's POV

I pedaled faster, feeling the tension slowly ease from my muscles.

Morning rides were becoming a new ritual I had grown fond of lately; it reminded me of the uncomplicated days of my early adulthood.

Those days when I would look forward to my mother's criticism and instead of remorse I would feel pride, I smiled again.

And as time progressed, I found myself thinking about how the past few days;

I was mostly at home, wrapped in silence, save for these kinds of rides, and the nights were mostly spent with Lilian.

We would sip wine and vent endlessly about work, about the stress and pressures that came with hospital and office hours.

But then there were the things I didn’t talk about with anyone yet.

Like how I had been avoiding Michael, dodging his calls and messages, even changing my route to avoid the restaurants we used to visit together.

I knew he must be feeling the sudden distance between us, but I couldn't let myself dwell on his hurt.

I knew I needed