LOGINShare
Chapter 1 - His First Love
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Isabel’s POV
My husband Emerson hadn't come home for a whole week. I stayed in our huge villa all alone, waiting. The grand mansion with marble floors and chandeliers felt empty and cold without him.
I placed a hand on my big belly and hoped he'd come back soon. I’ve been having strange, severe headaches lately. At 7 months pregnant, that wasn’t normal. We had to go for a pregnancy check-up.
Where was he? My heart ached with worry and fear. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Our life together had always seemed perfect. Emerson, a successful businessman, had swept me off my feet. We had everything—wealth, status, a beautiful home and a baby on the way.
But recently, things changed. He seemed distant. I tried to ignore the signs. But the longer he stayed away, the harder it became to believe everything was fine.
I tried to keep myself busy. I rearranged the nursery, folding tiny clothes and organizing baby toys. Each little onesie and stuffed animal made me dream about the future with our little one. But my mind kept drifting back to Emerson. Where was he? What was he doing?
When Emerson finally returned, he wasn't alone. His first love, Lilith, was with him. She was visibly pregnant, just like me. Emerson was holding her hand.
What was happening? Was this why he was gone for a week? Did he cheat on me, with Lilith?!
My heart dropped at the sight of them together. "Emerson?! What is going on? Why is Lilith here?!" I cried, my voice trembling with despair.
Emerson’s expression was filled with defiance. "Lilith is having my baby. You finally get the revenge you deserve," he said in a cold voice. Lilith stood next to him, looking proud. She gave me a mean, icy smile when Emerson wasn’t looking.
His words hit me like a sledgehammer. “Your baby?! What do you mean, revenge?! What have I ever done to deserve this?!” I cried.
He didn’t answer my questions. Instead, he said in a cold, hard voice. “We should get divorced, Isabel. This loveless marriage has dragged on long enough.”
Loveless? What did he mean? Did he never love me at all?!
Lilith looked like she had about the same gestation period as I did. That means… Emerson cheated on me months ago. The ground seemed to shift beneath me. I clutched my belly, feeling the life inside me. How could he do this to us? How could he betray our family?
In my vulnerable state, I couldn't handle the pain and fear this news brought up. My vision blurred, and I felt the world spinning around me. I couldn't breathe. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a sharp pain in my head. The next thing I knew, I lost consciousness.
In my half unconscious state, I heard faint voices…
“No, you shouldn’t stay, Lil, you need to rest,” Emerson said softly. “Oh but Emerson, I have to help take care of her. This is all my fault. The poor girl is pregnant, just like me.” Lilith responded in a sweet voice.
I woke up in the hospital. The room was quiet and I felt weak. I reached for the call button. But before I could press it, the door opened. It was Lilith.
"Emerson had to leave for an emergency at his company. I offered to stay behind to help you," she said with a cunning smile. I couldn't stand to see her. She was the reason for my pain.
I felt claustrophobic. Being alone with the woman who destroyed my relationship was the last thing I needed right now. Her presence felt threatening. There was something terrifying about her cold, dark eyes. I still felt weak, but I had to get out of here.
"I have to go," I said, trying to get up. Lilith looked at me with false pity.
“Aww, you poor thing…” she said with an exaggerated tone. “Don’t you know, running away won't change anything.”
"Why are you bothering me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Haven't you done enough?"
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "You never deserved Emerson. He was always mine."
"Please, Lilith, I don't want to fight," I said, trying to maintain my composure.
She laughed bitterly. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? Playing the victim."
Tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm just trying to hold my family together."
Lilith took a step closer to me. "Emerson doesn't love you. He never did."
Her words cut deep, twisting the knife in my already shattered heart. But I stood my ground. "I know you were his first love, but that doesn't mean we can't all find a way to move forward."
"Move forward?" Lilith sneered. "With you in the picture? Never."
I felt a sudden surge of anger. "Lilith, this isn't just about you and me. There are babies involved. Innocent lives."
Lilith's expression hardened. "Only one baby matters now."
I felt my heart break even more. "How can you be so cruel? We can find a way to make this work for everyone."
Lilith's laugh was cold and mocking. "You’re so naive, Isabel. Emerson never stopped loving me. He only settled for you because I wasn't available. He'll come running back to me. You'll see."
"That's not true," I whispered, trying to believe my own words. "He chose me. We built a life together."
Lilith took another step closer, her eyes filled with malice. "Your life with him is over, Isabel. He's mine."
She was standing too close and towering over me. I felt claustrophobic. This woman seemed dangerous. I had to get away.
I scrambled up to my feet, still feeling unsteady. “I have to go now. Please leave me alone.” I pleaded. I grabbed my belongings and walked out of the room.
I was waiting for the elevator when Lilith slowly walked up behind me. The elevator was too slow. Anxiety gnawed at me. I glanced over my shoulder and found Lilith’s eyes fixed upon me with an intense, dark stare.
My heart skipped a beat. Something about her gaze sent chills down my spine. My instinct told me to leave immediately.
Deciding not to wait for the slow elevator, I turned and headed for the stairs. My footsteps echoed in the empty stairwell. As I descended, I vaguely heard another pair of footsteps behind me, quick and determined. I didn't dare look back. My gut told me to keep moving.
Suddenly, a pair of hands shoved me hard from behind. I turned just in time to see Lilith’s malicious smile. In a split second, I grabbed onto her arm to break my fall. We both lost our balance and fell down the staircase.
We tumbled down the stairs, hard edges hitting me at every turn. Lilith held onto me and used me as a shield from the hardest hits. When I hit the floor with her on top of me, the heavy shock pushed all the air out of my lungs. I was in severe pain. My vision blurred. Then, everything went black.
Related chapters
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 2 - The Breaking Point
Isabel’s POVWhen I woke up, the room was dimly lit. The low hum of medical machines noticed that I was in the hospital bed again. The difference was that I had a throbbing headache and intense stomach cramps that were worse than the last time. Where was I? What had happened?The soft hum of medical machines surrounded me. I had a throbbing headache and intense stomach cramps. Where was I? What happened?I suddenly remembered Lilith’s evil smile and hard push, then the painful fall down the staircase. I had ended up on the floor, flat on my belly with Lilith’s weight on top of me. Oh no… I gasped and jolted upright, causing another contraction in my womb. “My baby!”The doctor noticed I was awake and walked over to me. He stood by my bedside, his expression somber. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Williams," he said gently. "Your baby didn't survive the fall."His words pierced my heart like a dagger. I felt an overwhelming wave of grief wash over me. My hand instinctively moved to my now empty bell
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 3 - Last Hope
Isabel’s POVFacing the fear of death for the first time, I found myself clinging to the hope that my husband could be my anchor. I remembered our early days together. The joy and love that had filled our lives. Emerson had been my everything. My knight in shining armor. The memories now felt like distant dreams. He wasn’t here for me in my darkest moments. I spent a few more days in the hospital, under the watchful eye of a team of doctors and nurses. When they finally told me I could leave, I took a long shower in the sterile bathroom. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize myself.My once bright blue eyes were now dull and tired, shadowed by sleepless nights and endless tears. My long blonde hair hung lifelessly around my face, lacking its usual shine.I glanced down at my belly, still a bit swollen from the baby I once carried. The slight curve was a painful reminder of the life that had been growing inside me. A life that was now gone. I gently touched my stomach, feeli
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 4 - A New Battle
Isabel’s POVThe hospital corridors seemed endless as I hurried towards my father's room. My heart pounded in my chest. My thoughts were racing. I had to be strong. I had to be there for him. As I reached the ICU, a nurse stopped me."Ms. White, your father's condition has deteriorated. He's at risk of brain death," she said gently.Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt my knees weaken. But I couldn't afford to fall apart now. I needed to know more."What do we do now?" I asked, my voice trembling."The medical account balance is insufficient for further treatment. We need to make a decision soon," the nurse replied, her eyes filled with sympathy.Panic surged through me. My father's life was on the line, and I had no idea how to save him. Just then, my phone rang. It was Emerson."Where are you, Isabel?" he demanded, his voice sharp with irritation."I'm at the hospital. My father's condition has worsened," I explained, holding back a sob."You're just making excuses to avoid
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 5 - Shattered Pride
Isabel’s POVThe jewelry shop’s overhead light glinted off the bracelet in my hand. The little gemstones casted tiny reflections around the room. The bracelet had been a gift from Emerson. A symbol of a love that now felt like a cruel joke.“Wow, that's a beautiful bracelet!” Lilith’s voice broke through my thoughts, dripping with feigned admiration.She turned to Emerson, her brown eyes wide with innocent concern. “Isabel must be short of money if she's selling her jewelry. Should we help her?”Emerson’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me. He snapped, saying how this behavior humiliates him, and his family. His voice was low and menacing.I bristled at his accusation. “Humiliate you? You’re the one who insisted I give up my job to raise our child. I had no income and never asked you for extra money.” “I do need money, but not for myself,” I continued, my voice shaking with anger and desperation. “I need it to help my father. Since you refuse to help him, I ha
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 6 - It's Him
Isabel’s POV"Excuse me? Is this yours?" A voice stopped me in my tracks just as I was about to make the biggest—and last—decision of my life. I turned around and saw a hand holding my purse. Relief and confusion washed over me. The money wasn’t lost. A sliver of hope returned to my heart. Maybe it wasn’t my time yet. But that meant facing all the pain of living.The whirlwind of emotions became too much. My stomach churned, and a sharp headache surged through my skull. My legs gave way beneath me. I started to fall backward, off the edge of the pavement, toward the rushing cars. I held my breath as I felt myself slipping out of consciousness. Was this the end?But then, just in time, the figure’s arms caught me. He held me tightly as my world faded to black.The world slowly came back into focus as I vaguely heard someone talking. The voices were low and concerned. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw two doctors communicating with another man. The man noticed I was awake first. He rushed
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 7 - Confusing Feelings
Emerson’s POVThe day I promised to customize a necklace for Lilith as a birthday present, was the next time I saw Isabel. We decided to go to the jewelry store together to choose the perfect design. Lilith was in her element, gliding through the shopping street with an air of practiced elegance. I trailed behind her, my mind somewhere else entirely. As we entered the jewelry shop, I was only half-listening to her chatter about the latest trends.That’s when I saw her.Isabel stood at the counter. Her back was slightly hunched, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. Her hair, once vibrant and full of life, looked dull. Her face was shadowed with fatigue. She was holding something in her hand—a bracelet. My bracelet. The one I had given her on our first anniversary.A sharp pang of anger shot through me. How dare she try to sell it? That bracelet was a symbol of our marriage. A bond that should have meant something to her. Even though I proposed divorce, I felt a bitte
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 8 - An Unexpected Invitation
Isabel’s POVRobert offered to pay for my cancer treatment. I was stunned. His words left me speechless, and I didn’t know how to process the overwhelming kindness he was showing me.“Robert, I can’t accept that. It’s too much,” I replied, my voice shaking. “We haven’t seen each other in years. Why would you do so much for me?”He took a deep breath, his gaze softening. “You were my only friend in school, Isabel. You cared about me when I was bullied. You sat with me when no one else would. You have no idea how much that means to a lonely, insecure little boy. Now, I’m finally in a position to repay you. Please, let me help you.”His words left me with a strange mixture of gratitude and unease. His kindness and the offer to be my support touched me deeply. But wasn’t it a bit much for something I did all those years ago? I didn’t know what to say to his offer.Before I could gather my thoughts, my phone rang. It was Emerson’s assistant. What was this about? I picked up the phone.“Hel
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 9 - In The Shadows
Isabel’s POVEmerson stood over me. He claimed he saw me with another man. His cold face was contorted with rage. Why did he look jealous? He shouldn't have cared who I was with. When he proposed divorce, he even implied that he never loved me. Perhaps it was just about his ego…My reaction obviously irritated him. I tried to avoid unnecessary trouble, keeping my face as neutral as possible. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. As you said yourself, what could I possibly hide from you?" I countered. I didn’t want him to know about my illness. All I wanted was to diffuse the tension.Emerson's irritation flared. He mocked me with an ironic sneer, "We haven’t even finalized the divorce, and you’ve already found a new boyfriend.” Then he demanded, “No matter who he is, stop meeting him. It'll be best for both of you."I couldn’t believe his nerves. How dare he control who I do or do not see! “Emerson, you are being totally unreasonable! He is just a friend. And why should you even ca
Latest chapter
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 190 - Silent Night
Isabel’s POVThe stillness of the room pressed on me, amplified by the steady rhythm of Emerson’s breathing behind me. He still wasn’t asleep—I could tell by the occasional shift of his weight and the faint sighs escaping him.He had withdrawn his arm when I didn’t answer, but the proximity between us remained charged. Every so often, his body would shift, brushing against mine—a subtle, fleeting contact that sent ripples through my already frayed nerves. Was it accidental? Or deliberate? I couldn’t be sure, and the ambiguity only made it worse.My body, traitorous as ever, reacted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The heat of his presence seemed to seep into my skin, igniting a tension I had no desire to acknowledge. It wasn’t fair—after everything, after all the anger and betrayal, how could some unintentional touch unravel me like this?I tried to suppress the swirling emotions, willing myself to focus on anything else. But the way my heart raced, the way my breath hitched in those st
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 189 - A Promise in the Dark
Isabel’s POVSitting on the kitchen table, Emerson still looming over me, my mind spiraled with guilt. Sebastian was locked up, possibly suffering, all because of me. He’d been trying to help me, to protect me, and now he was paying the price. I clenched my fists in my lap, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions.“Isabel.”Emerson’s voice broke through the haze. His sharp gaze fixed on me. His head tilted slightly as if studying a puzzle. “You’re quiet. You look… off. Do you know something you’re not telling me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.My heart skipped a beat. Did he suspect? Could he somehow see through me, past the walls I’d painstakingly built?I met his eyes, masking the turmoil within. “No,” I said, forcing a small, almost casual shrug. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”He didn’t seem entirely convinced. His piercing gaze lingered on me longer than I liked. I bit my lip, weighing my options. If Emerson knew the truth about Sebastian’s private investigation and
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 188 - His Audacity
Isabel’s POVI turned to Emerson after Caleb left. Exhaustion was weighing on my shoulders like a lead blanket. “I’m really tired, and I have work tomorrow,” I murmured, taking a step toward the stairs. The tension from dinner and everything Caleb had implied was still twisting in my chest. I just wanted to escape. To drift off into blissful ignorance.But before I could get far, Emerson swept me off my feet—literally.“Emerson! What are you doing?!” I protested, squirming against his firm grip as he carried me effortlessly back to the kitchen.Without so much as a word, he placed me on the kitchen table as though I weighed nothing. I struggled to slide off, but his hands settled on either side of me, caging me in.My heart raced, but not entirely from rage. There was something about the way his eyes locked onto mine, unflinching and determined, that threw me completely off balance. I hated how he could do this—how he could ignite a whirlwind of emotions with just a look. How he made
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 187 - Whispers of Suspicion
Isabel’s POVCaleb strolled into the room as if he owned the place. A wide grin was plastered across his face. “Are you two done whispering sweet nothings yet? Or should I come back later with popcorn?”Emerson groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Caleb, do you have a radar for bad timing, or is it just a natural talent?”“I like to think of it as a gift,” Caleb quipped, leaning casually against the doorframe.I stifled a laugh despite the tension, my lips twitching into a small smile. Caleb always had a way of breaking even the heaviest silences with his antics.“Come inside,” Emerson said with an exasperated sigh. “If you’re going to interrupt, you might as well eat with us.”The three of us made our way to the dining room, where a simple but elegant dinner awaited. Caleb, ever the opportunist, immediately dug in. He complimented the meal with exaggerated enthusiasm.“This roast? Perfection. I’ve been abroad for so long, I forgot what a proper home-cooked meal tastes like. Kudo
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 186 - Threads of Distrust
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s hand clamped firmly over Caleb’s mouth. Caleb’s muffled protests only made the moment more absurd. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Really, Emerson? This is your grand strategy? Silencing him like a five-year-old?”Emerson shot me a look, his expression a mix of irritation and weary amusement. “You’d be surprised how much trouble this one can cause when left unchecked,” he muttered.Caleb, never one to miss an opportunity, wriggled free with an exaggerated gasp. “Admit it, you missed me,” he said, his grin wide and cheeky.“Missed you?” Emerson arched an eyebrow. “I’m considering sending you back abroad.”Caleb clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. Such gratitude for saving Isabel’s life. You’re lucky I have a forgiving nature.”At the mention of the accident, Emerson’s expression softened. His irritation ebbed, replaced by something quieter, almost regretful. His gaze shifted to me, lingering with a kind of intensity that made my chest tighten.“Are
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 185 - Stirring the Pot
Isabel’s POVI stared at Caleb, my mind still struggling to process what he had just said. A surprise for his lover? Emerson had said nothing about this, not even hinted at it. The idea clawed at me, a cruel whisper of betrayal I didn’t want to entertain.Recently, his long hours and late nights had seemed justified—he was supposed to be focused on finding Sebastian and Margot. He had painted himself as a man weighed down by duty, by the chaos of the military’s reshuffling. But now? Doubt slithered into my thoughts like a cold wind, chilling my resolve. What if he wasn’t just busy with military upheavals? What if he was lying?I bit my lip, trying to dismiss the growing unease. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to believe that Emerson, for all his faults, could betray me in this way. But hadn’t I learned the hard way not to trust him blindly? My heart and mind were locked in a bitter tug-of-war.Caleb leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. His expression softened a
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 184 - Whispers of Betrayal
Isabel’s POVAs the minutes ticked by in the hospital room, the tension between Caleb and me ebbed into something softer. As we chatted, the atmosphere became more companionable.He sat at the foot of my bed, his posture relaxed. But his gaze was keen, as if he were cataloging every detail of my face.“So,” he began, breaking the silence, “life abroad wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, I learned a lot—business strategies, management, marketing—but the culture there was different. Cold, in a way. You don’t realize how much you miss home until you’re halfway across the world.”I smiled faintly. “And yet, you stayed in Sweden for all these years.”“Well, I had to make it worth it, didn’t I? Prove to myself—and to others—that I could build something meaningful.” He paused, his expression softening. “But I always thought of you, Isabel. I used to wonder how you were doing, what you were up to…”His words hung in the air. I glanced away, suddenly uncomfortable under the weight of his g
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 183 - Curious Affection
Isabel’s POVI turned my head slightly, studying Caleb under the stark fluorescent lights of the hospital room. His features had matured since the last time I’d seen him—his once boyish face now sculpted with sharper lines and a stronger jaw. His brown eyes, though warm, held an intensity I hadn’t seen before. He was attractive, I supposed. But not in a way that stirred anything deeper in me. There was no spark, no pull. Yet, there was something else in his eyes—an air of devotion that felt almost... misplaced.His attention to me was unwavering, his every gesture laced with concern. The way he hovered near my bed, the protective edge in his voice when he questioned the doctor—it was as though he had a personal stake in my well-being. Why was he acting like this? I couldn’t help but wonder.“Caleb,” I said softly, breaking the silence. He turned to me immediately, his eyes scanning my face for any sign of discomfort.“Are you feeling okay? Do you need water? Anything?” His tone was
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 182 - Reunited in Chaos
Isabel’s POV“What did you say? Tumor?!”The voice, rough and loud, jarred me from unconsciousness like a splash of cold water. My head throbbed, a deep ache nestled at the base of my skull, and the rest of my body felt too heavy, as if I’d been weighed down. Blinking against the harsh light, I struggled to sit up. My vision gradually sharpened, and I saw a young man standing by my bedside, facing a doctor with an intensity that seemed both familiar and foreign.“Miss Isabel needs rest,” the doctor murmured with a steady calm, though he cast an uncertain glance between us. “Let’s discuss her condition outside—”“I’ll decide when she can rest,” the man snapped, his tone biting.Who was he? And why was he here?I cleared my throat, though my voice came out hoarse and faint. “Excuse me,” I managed, interrupting the tense exchange. The young man immediately turned. As he looked at me, his expression softened, melting from irritation into something warmer, something… protective.“Isabel,
