Chapter 71

ISABELLA'S POV

Scarlett continued to stare, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and bewilderment. She watched as James’s car disappeared from view.

And as I pressed the remote in my hand, the sound of the automated gate closing filled the space where words should have been.

The gate swung shut, locking us into a silence I wasn't quite ready for.

Our eyes met across the distance.

Scarlett’s lifted her brows, her mouth hanging open as if she were searching for the right words.

Finally, she made a gesture with her hand, repeating herself.

"Together? You're really back together?"

Her voice shook as she pointed sharply toward the gate where James had just driven out of

"What was the meaning of all that, Bella?"

I forced a casual smile, feeling my shoulders tighten despite my best efforts.

“Nothing much; James just dropped me from work, that’s all.”

I replied, trying to brush it off with a wave of my hand.

Scarlett's expression didn’t change. She leaned cl