Isabel’s POVThe device Sebastian had given me was still tucked away in the military clothes. And those clothes were… in my room, right next to the bed where Emerson lay.I crept through the dimly lit hallway. The old wooden floorboards groaned softly under my weight. The atmosphere felt heavy, as if the very air was laden with secrets. My heart raced as I approached the door to my room. Every instinct was urging me to retreat. I pressed my ear against the cool wood, straining to catch any sound from within.A low, rhythmic snoring floated through the door. Good. Emerson was sleeping, as I had hoped.Carefully, I pushed the door ajar and slipped inside. The sight of him sprawled across the bed, his face partially hidden by tousled hair, stirred a strange mixture of emotions within me. I focused on the chair where my old barracks clothes hung. Shadows draped them like a ghost of my past. I tiptoed toward it, my heart pounding with every cautious step.Just as I reached the jacket pock
Isabel’s POVI sat frozen on the edge of the sofa, Sebastian’s words still echoing in my mind. Emerson was at the scene of the accident. The idea circled my thoughts like a dark cloud. Could he have been behind my father’s accident? I had always assumed it was orchestrated by one of my father’s competitors. That’s what made sense—his financial ruin had already seemed like enough revenge for Emerson. But what if that wasn’t enough for him? What if he wanted my father dead?It didn’t make sense. Emerson had the power to make someone disappear quietly, effortlessly. He didn’t need a car accident. If he wanted to eliminate my father, why not do it while he was vulnerable, in the hospital? Emerson had all the opportunity in the world. He could’ve hired someone to make it look like a tragic complication from surgery or recovery. But he didn’t. So what was he doing at the scene?The conflicting thoughts twisted inside me like a knot. What are you hiding, Emerson? I couldn’t shake Sebastian’
Isabel’s POV"Miss Isabel," Marianne’s voice was gentle, almost pleading, "I know it’s not my place, but I think he really needs you right now."Her words hung in the air. A part of me wanted to turn around, to run from whatever control Emerson was trying to have over me. But I needed answers. Why had he done all of this? What was driving him?With a steadying breath, I nodded. "Fine. I’ll see him." She gave me a relieved smile, but it did nothing to ease the tension in my chest. Marianne’s footsteps echoed softly as I followed her down the long, dimly lit hallway toward the guest room, where Emerson had claimed my bed. The closer I got, the tighter the knot in my stomach grew.Why did he need to see me so badly? Why was he doing this to himself—putting his health at risk, refusing to take his medicine—just to talk to me?As I approached the room, I felt the weight of my suspicions and fears, the lingering bitterness between us. The door creaked open, and there he was, lying in bed,
Isabel’s POVFor a fleeting moment, Emerson looked taken aback. His usual icy demeanor cracked just enough to reveal a hint of something raw underneath. But then, his expression hardened again, eyes narrowing. His self-esteem, bruised by my words, spiked his anger."Of course not," he scoffed, his tone laced with contempt. "Don’t flatter yourself, Isabel. The brooch belongs to you. It was given to you, and it should stay with you. That’s all."His words bit at me, but I wasn’t about to let him see the sting. He shifted slightly in the bed, wincing as the movement aggravated his injuries. The weariness etched into his features might have softened another person in my position. But I was too angry to care. I studied his face, searching for even the faintest flicker of sincerity. But there was none. Only the same cold, calculating mask he'd always worn—an impenetrable barrier between us.I’d seen it a thousand times during our marriage. Back then, I used to think of his aloofness as part
Isabel’s POV"Isabel," Emerson said, his trembling voice a sharp contrast to the icy demeanor he usually wore like armor. "Put the knife down."The vulnerability in his tone made me hesitate for a moment. But I didn’t lower the blade."Let me go, Emerson," I demanded, my voice steady but tense. "I can’t live like this—trapped, controlled. I won’t. So if you don’t give me my freedom..." I let the words trail off deliberately, knowing he understood the threat behind them.The air between us was thick with tension, so heavy it felt suffocating. Emerson’s chest rose and fell in ragged breaths, his eyes locked onto mine. He seemed torn, between his need to control me and his fear of what I might do to escape his grip."Isabel," he whispered again, and this time his voice cracked just slightly. "Please... put it down."The ironclad man who seemed to control everything, suddenly seemed so vulnerable. It was a rare crack in the wall, a glimpse of something deeper. But I didn’t trust it. Not af
Emerson’s POVAs I watched Isabel leave the room, a flood of confusion washed over me. My wounds hurt and my mind was spinning. “Why would she go to such lengths to get away from me? Can’t she see I’m just trying to keep her safe?” I thought to myself.But then, I supposed her demands weren’t unreasonable. I had already tried to find the doctor for her father. Even though I despised him, I believed he should live—not rot away in a hospital bed, unable to face his sins. No, he needed to atone. It was only fair after everything he’d done.Saving her father might make Isabel more compliant. More willing to see things my way. At the very least, it would stop the relentless coldness in her eyes whenever she looked at me. There had been a time when she looked at me with warmth, curiosity and attraction. Now, all I saw was suspicion and bitterness. Maybe if I could give her this, she’d stop looking at me like I was the villain in her story.I still remember the day of the accident. The weat
Isabel’s POVThe next morning, I woke up with a strange heaviness in my chest, a sensation I couldn’t quite shake. The weight of everything was pressing down on me—my father’s health, my own secret illness, and the looming presence of Emerson in my life. Today was the day I needed to take back some control. I had to contact Emma and Robert, and I needed to do it discreetly. I reached for the phone Emerson had given me, knowing it was likely monitored, but I had no choice. I had to let my friends know I was safe.I researched Robert’s company, MedTech Innovations, and immediately dialed the number.“MedTech Innovations, good morning. How may I help you?” The secretary answered, her tone professional.I cleared my throat. “Good morning. I need to speak to Mr. Robert Evans, please. It’s urgent. Tell him Isabel is calling.”“Alright, ma’am. One moment please.”The seconds stretched, the silence amplifying my heartbeat. What if he didn’t pick up? What if Emerson had warned him to stay away
Isabel’s POVThe sound of Liam’s delighted squeal sliced through the air. My heart lurched as I saw him wobbling dangerously in his highchair. Without thinking, my body reacted on instinct. I rushed toward him, arms outstretched, as though I could somehow catch him in time.But Emerson was faster and closeby. His reflexes, though weakened by his recent injury, hadn’t dulled enough to let anything happen to his son. He grabbed Liam just before the boy could topple over, pulling him securely into his arms.The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment.Liam was completely unaware of the chaos he had caused. His small face broke into a wide grin. One that exposed his tiny teeth as he clapped his hands, clearly pleased with the attention.My arms, now useless, hung awkwardly at my sides. Embarrassment crawled up my neck like an unwelcome heat. Why had I reacted like that? Why had I leapt into the fray as if I had any right to? This was Emerson’s and Lilith’s child. But before I could mo
Isabel’s POVThe restaurant descended into a chaotic frenzy as the journalists swarmed Emerson and Lilith’s table. Cameras flashed incessantly, their harsh light casting sharp shadows across the luxurious decor. Microphones jutted forward like accusing fingers. Each reporter was desperate to be the one who snagged the scoop of the night.“Mr. Emerson, are the rumors true? Are you and Miss Lilith officially together?”“Are you planning to announce your engagement tonight?”“Is this dinner the start of a new chapter for you both?”Emerson’s face darkened, his usual composure slipping under the relentless interrogation. He sat rigidly, his jaw clenched. His eyes flicked momentarily to Lilith, who was practically glowing with satisfaction. She leaned closer to him, her hand resting on his arm, and offered the crowd her most dazzling smile.“We’ve always shared a special bond,” Lilith said sweetly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to suggest intimacy. Then, with an almost imperceptib
Isabel’s POVCaleb and I sat in his car, the hum of the engine our only soundtrack as we trailed Emerson’s sleek vehicle through the busy streets. My palms were clammy against the leather seat, my nerves taut with anticipation. I knew this was a bad idea. But curiosity and a gnawing sense of unease had taken root in my chest.“Relax,” Caleb said, his voice light but his grip on the steering wheel firm. “You’re going to give us away before we even get there.”“I’m relaxed,” I shot back, though my jittering foot betrayed me.“You’re the definition of not relaxed, Isa.” He smirked, trying to lighten the mood.Despite myself, I let out a small laugh. “Just focus on the road.”We arrived at the Imperial Pearl, an upscale restaurant that exuded luxury from its gilded doors to the soft glow of chandeliers visible through its windows. Caleb parked a short distance away. We waited for a moment, watching as Emerson and Lilith stepped out of his car and entered the building.“They look cozy,” C
Isabel’s POVThe morning light streamed through the windows. Emerson wasn’t in sight when I got up. Which wasn’t unusual, but today it felt heavier. My mind wandered back to the phantom kiss from last night. Was it real? Or just another figment of my restless imagination?I shook off the thought and focused on the routine. After breakfast, I fed Liam pieces of soft fruit. He giggled as he grabbed for the bits, his little fingers sticky with juice. Watching him laugh eased the knots in my stomach, but not entirely. There were too many unanswered questions. Too many looming shadows.Work awaited, and I needed the distraction.Today’s assignment was exciting yet stressful—helping with the final touches on a high-profile fashion show. The backstage area buzzed with energy. It was a chaotic orchestra of models, makeup artists, and frantic stylists. I slipped into my role seamlessly, setting up cameras and checking the light angles.But something felt off. Sarah, usually the picture of ca
Emerson’s POVThe quiet of the night felt like both a balm and a curse. After hours of stewing in the study, I finally left to grab a drink.My thoughts were heavier than I cared to admit. The dimly lit hallway stretched before me, and my feet carried me toward Liam’s room almost on instinct.I hesitated at the door. Was this what my life had come to—seeking solace in stolen moments with my son while the rest of the world tried to unravel me?The door creaked softly as I pushed it open. But what I saw made me pause.Isabel sat in the rocking chair, Liam cradled against her chest. Both were asleep, their breathing synchronized in a way that filled the room with a rare peace. Liam’s small hand rested on Isabel’s collar. As if he was anchoring himself to her even in his dreams.A pang of longing hit me square in the chest. It was a feeling I couldn’t suppress, no matter how hard I tried. Seeing them like this reminded me of what I could’ve had. If I hadn’t been so blinded by Lilith’s su
Isabel’s POVI couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at me. Emerson’s parting words lingered like a shadow. Targeted by whom? And for what? The cryptic warning looped in my mind like a song I couldn’t forget, each repetition pulling me deeper into uncertainty.My mind raced with questions, but before I could ask them, Emerson walked away. His posture was tense, his footsteps deliberate as he retreated to his study. He had closed the door on the conversation as quickly as he’d opened it.“Good night,” he said quietly, though the words carried a note of finality that made it clear the topic was no longer up for discussion.I stood in the dimly lit hallway, staring at the closed study door, debating whether to knock and demand answers. But the image of his stern expression and tightly set jaw earlier stopped me. Emerson wasn’t the type to yield under pressure, especially when his mind was made up.With a heavy sigh, I turned and headed back to my room, my thoughts swirling like leaves caught
Isabel’s POVI blinked, stunned by Emerson’s question. His words hung in the air like an invisible weight pressing down on me. The intensity in his gaze made my stomach churn, but I forced myself to meet his eyes.“What are you really asking, Emerson?” I finally managed, my voice quieter than I intended.His posture remained rigid, his jaw clenched tight as if holding back something he wasn’t sure he wanted to say. The faintest crease in his brow betrayed an emotion I hadn’t expected—vulnerability. But there was something else, too, simmering just beneath the surface.Jealousy.The realization sent a shiver down my spine. Emerson, the cold and calculating man who rarely let emotions dictate his actions, was jealous. I hadn’t thought him capable of such a feeling, not when he had spent so much time keeping me at arm’s length, guarding his emotions like precious secrets.“Caleb is a nice young man,” I began cautiously, unsure where this conversation was heading. “He’s... a very qualifi
Isabel’s POVThe tension in the air was suffocating, and I found myself clenching my fists to keep my nerves at bay. Emerson’s sudden question hung heavily between the three of us. I could feel my heart pounding erratically.Caleb’s usual confidence faltered as Emerson’s piercing gaze bore into him. For a moment, Caleb looked genuinely stunned, his mouth opening and closing without sound. The silence stretched uncomfortably. My thoughts, relentless and intrusive, began to spiral. Caleb’s behavior over the past few days replayed in my mind like fragments of an unsolved puzzle.Did he have feelings for me?The question lingered, its weight growing with each passing second. Some of his recent actions hinted at something deeper.His attentiveness, the way his eyes seemed to linger just a moment too long, the subtle protectiveness in his tone when he spoke about me. Could there be more to it?Or was I just being narcissistic?I held my breath, silently praying.Please… let this be nothing.
Isabel’s POVCaleb barely waited for Emerson to approach before launching into his explanation. He was clearly worried about me. His voice carried the clipped confidence of someone both annoyed and defensive.“Look, before you get all moody and controlling,” Caleb began, stepping forward with his hands half-raised in mock surrender, “I took Isabel out because she needed some air. Nothing happened, alright? No harm, no foul.”Emerson didn’t acknowledge him. His sharp, unyielding gaze locked onto me instead, stripping away any sense of ease I had managed to salvage from the day. The intensity in his eyes made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Though I refused to flinch under the weight of his scrutiny.“Emerson,” Caleb pressed, clearly unwilling to let the tension fester, “you don’t have to interrogate her like this. She’s a grown woman. She doesn’t need a chaperone every time she steps out the door.”“Caleb.” Emerson’s voice was clipped and precise, as though he were severing the convers
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