Isabel’s POVSebastian rushed out of the room so fast, I could hardly believe it was the same man who had been calm and collected just moments ago. His usually steady demeanor had shattered in an instant. The urgency in his movements left me unsettled. I watched him disappear down the corridor, the sound of his footsteps fading. What could have made him react like that?Woods…The name the soldier had mentioned lingered in my mind like an echo I couldn’t ignore. “Miss Woods,” he had said. The familiarity of it gnawed at me, pulling me deeper into a fog of memories.Suddenly, it dawned on me. Miss Woods, the military, a familiar officer trying to save the innocent girls… It all made sense now.It’s Margot! A voice inside me screamed.Could it really be her? Could she have survived, too? If she was here, I had to find her!My heart pounded in my chest, urging me forward. I got out of bed, despite the nurse’s objections. I grabbed the sleeve of the soldier who had delivered the news, my
Isabel’s POVWhen I woke up, I was back in my familiar room at the infirmary. My body felt heavy, as though a thick fog had settled into my bones. My excursion to find Margot had led nowhere. I hadn’t even made it past a few corridors before everything had gone dark. I let out a slow breath, trying to make sense of the gnawing disappointment I felt. But, in a strange way, I supposed I should be grateful. I had been lost, and the soldiers were starting to get suspicious. Perhaps my headache, for once, had saved me from worse consequences.My eyes drifted toward the far corner of the room. The soldier who had found me with Sebastian was deep in conversation with a military doctor. The lines of their faces were tense, their postures rigid. As though they were discussing something far more serious than my brief collapse. Anxiety prickled at the back of my mind. What now?As soon as the soldier noticed I was awake, he excused himself and approached my bedside. His expression was grim, al
Isabel’s POVThe request had been jarring at first. But as I sat in the cold infirmary room, the reality of it began to sink in. What use would I have for my eyes after I was gone? The thought swirled in my mind, weighing heavily yet feeling almost... obvious. Of course I would agree. Even if it had been a stranger who needed my help, I would've made the same decision. But this wasn’t just anyone—this was Margot. She was the only reason I’d escaped that nightmare alive. She had been the anchor that kept me sane through unimaginable horrors.The military doctor remained quiet, giving me space to process. He’d asked me to consider donating my corneas posthumously, but it wasn’t a hard decision. The memories of Margot's kindness, her bravery, flooded back to me. How could I deny her now?I couldn’t let her go blind because of those terrible drugs—the ones she saved me from ever swallowing.“Yes,” I finally said, voice calm but resolute. “I’ll do it.”The doctor gave me a short nod, then
Isabel’s POVI turned at the sound of hurried footsteps, my heart skipping a beat when I saw her. Margot. She looked frail but determined, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps as she leaned against Sebastian for support.“Margot?” I whispered, completely taken aback. “Why did you get out of bed? You need to recover!”Her response wasn’t words, not at first. She stumbled forward, her legs unsteady, and threw her arms around me. She pulled me into a tight embrace. The force of it made me catch my breath. For a moment, all I could do was stand there, stunned, as she buried her head against my shoulder.“Isa, Isa,” she murmured, her voice trembling. “I missed you so much. I was so worried…”The sound of her voice, so raw and full of emotion, stirred something deep inside me. It was surreal, having her here in my arms after everything. After all we had been through—the terror, the darkness, the endless uncertainty of whether we’d survive—it was like a dream. I wrapped my arms around he
Isabel’s POVThe moment I asked Sebastian for help, I knew I was stepping into dangerous territory. His brow furrowed as he listened to my request, and I could see the wheels turning in his head as he processed my words. I didn’t expect him to understand right away, but I hoped he would trust me.“You want me to investigate Lilith and ... your father?” he repeated slowly, his voice laced with skepticism. “What exactly happened between them?”I took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirl of emotions inside me. “Yes. I don’t know what exactly happened. That’s what I’m wanting to find out.”Sebastian’s frown deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Why investigate your own father? Shouldn’t you be seeking justice for him, not trying to dig up old wounds?”I hesitated, feeling the weight of my next words before they left my lips. “My father’s bankruptcy and the accident that put him in a coma... they weren’t random. I believe they were orchestrated. It’s all connected to women he support
Emerson’s POVThe stale air of the hospital still clung to me as I sat in my new hideout—a small, isolated estate on the outskirts of the city. The moment I left that sterile prison of beeping machines and antiseptic smells, I knew I couldn’t return to my villa. If Lilith found out I was awake, that’s the first place she would search. I couldn’t risk her finding me. Not yet. There were too many unanswered questions. I needed time to investigate her further.The quiet of the countryside felt stifling. Every creak of the old house, every rustle of the wind outside, set my nerves on edge. I had always thrived in the center of the action—dealing with businesses, controlling the narrative. But now, I was in hiding. Like some kind of fugitive in my own life. All because of Lilith.Days passed until Sam called. His voice crackled over the line, full of the information I had been waiting for.“Sir,” he said, his tone as serious as ever. “I’ve got some news from the investigation.”I sat up s
Isabel’s POVMargot wanted me to stay at the military base with her for a while. Her insistence was gentle but firm, as if she sensed how fragile I was.“What about your uncle? Won’t he find you if you're here?” I asked, concerns slipping into my voice. Her uncle, General Victor Woods, was no ordinary man. His reach was vast, his power nearly limitless. The idea of him stumbling upon us sent a chill through my body.“Don’t worry,” Margot replied, her voice soothing but with a steely edge. “My brother has allies here. They’re making sure every mention of my presence is kept out of the system. The chances of him randomly visiting this site are slim to none.”I sighed with relief, though a part of me still felt uneasy. Could I really hide here? I didn’t want to endanger anyone. Especially Margot, who had already endured so much. But the truth was, I needed to rest, to heal. Maybe, just maybe, this place could be a temporary sanctuary—a space to regain my strength, with the right medicat
Isabel’s POVMy heart stopped. Emerson? So he was awake. The name echoed in my mind like a bell tolling, sending waves of panic through my veins. I thought he wouldn’t care where I was, at least not so fast. But if Emerson was contacting Sebastian… Had he found me? Was he trying to drag me back into his web again? A knot of fear tightened in my stomach.“Isabel, are you alright? You look so pale,” Margot’s voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. She touched my arm gently, her brows creased in worry.I couldn’t speak. My throat felt dry as if fear had stolen the words. My attention was focused on Sebastian, who stood just outside. His voice was low but clear.“OK, I get it. Help me set up a meeting with him tomorrow.” Sebastian’s words sent a chill down my spine. The phone call ended with a final click. When Sebastian came back into the room, his eyes immediately caught mine.I quickly lowered my head, hoping to hide the panic that must be etched on my face. I couldn’t let him s
Isabel’s POVMy hands clenched at my sides, my initial shock giving way to anger. “What are you doing here, Lilith?”“Oh, just taking a walk,” she said airily. “What a coincidence running into you two. You know how small the world is.”Her eyes glittered with malice, and I knew she wasn’t here by accident. Whatever game she was playing, it was only just beginning.Lilith turned to Caleb, her voice dripping with fake concern. “You should enjoy your time while you can. You wouldn’t want to end up like Sebastian.”Her words sent a chill through me, but before I could respond, Caleb stepped closer to her, his tone low and dangerous. “Leave. Now.”Lilith’s smug smile widened as she waved her smartphone in the air, its screen flashing faintly in the sunlight. “What do you think Emerson would say,” she purred, “if I told him about this little outing?”I clenched my fists, my annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. “Lilith, enough with the games. This is Emerson’s cousin Caleb you’re try
Isabel’s POV“Captivity, huh?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.“Exactly,” he said, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. “While the evil lord of the manor is away, I’m here to whisk you off to freedom.”His words were clearly meant as a joke, but I couldn’t ignore the subtle jab at Emerson. “And where exactly are you planning to whisk me off to?”“You’ll see.” Caleb’s tone turned mysterious. “But it’s somewhere you’ll love, I promise.”I hesitated. Spending time with Caleb felt like a risk. He had always been a wild card, unpredictable and charming in equal measure. And with the complicated web of tension between Emerson and me, getting too close to his cousin felt... inappropriate.“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said. “Besides, there’s Liam to consider. I can’t just leave him here.”As if summoned by my words, the maid came rushing out, taking Liam in her arms. She looked flustered, apologizing profusely for not hearing the doorbell.“It’s all right,” Caleb said with a sunny smi
Isabel’s POVI forced a laugh, trying to brush off her comment. “I think you’re imagining things,” I said lightly, but the words felt hollow.The maid smiled apologetically. “Perhaps. I didn’t mean anything by it, miss.”At first, it felt absurd—laughable even. Liam was Emerson and Lilith’s child; that was an undeniable fact. But as the seconds ticked by, something darker, more insidious, began to creep into my thoughts.“That’s ridiculous,” I said aloud, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.The maid gave me a sheepish smile, wringing her hands. “I’m sorry, Miss. It’s just something I noticed. His eyes, maybe? Or his smile? I didn’t mean anything by it.”Her apology only heightened my unease. “It’s fine,” I replied curtly, waving her off.But the seed was planted. My gaze drifted down to Liam, who sat in my lap, staring up at me with a toothy grin. His eyes sparkled with innocence, as if he was oblivious to the storm brewing in my mind.Could it be true?I sh
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
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
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
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
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
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