LOGINShare
Chapter 141 - Bridges to the Past
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 142 - In the Grasp of Innocence
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 143 - Caught in his Web
Isabel’s POVEmerson hadn’t told Lilith he was awake? The thought gripped me like a cold hand on my heart. Why wouldn’t he tell her? What had changed between them? The more I tried to rationalize it, the more tangled I became in my thoughts. There had to be a reason, but what was it?As I cleared the breakfast bowls from the table, I caught sight of Liam still happily banging his spoon against the high chair. His innocent laughter was a sharp contrast to the storm of questions raging in my mind. That little spoon clattering against the bowl felt like a small anchor pulling me back from the whirlwind of emotions Emerson always stirred in me. But still, I couldn’t shake the growing unease.From the hallway, Emerson and Michael’s low, urgent voices filtered through, muffled but distinct enough to catch snippets of their conversation. I wiped my hands on a dishcloth, straining to hear more.“She’s been looking everywhere for you,” Michael said. “She was even spotted near the villa.”“Wha
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 144 - Silent Heartache
Isabel’s POVArriving at the hospital felt like I was finally coming up for air after being submerged in deep waters for too long. The sterile smell, the faint hum of machines, even the cold white walls—all of it was oddly comforting. It was the only place that hadn’t changed in the whirlwind of my life lately. As I stepped into my father’s room, relief surged through me. Seeing him there, safe, breathing, alive—it made the months of uncertainty and fear fade, even if just a little.I stood by his bed, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. His face was peaceful, like he was just sleeping. But I knew better—he was trapped in the unyielding prison of a vegetative state. His hand lay limp at his side. Without thinking, I reached out and held it. His skin was warm, but there was no reaction. I had grown used to that over the months, but it still stung every time.“Dad,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.” The words tumbled out before I coul
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 145 - Second Chances
Isabel’s POVWhen I stepped out of the bathroom, the three bodyguards were waiting. Their eyes scanned me with suspicion. I plastered on a casual smile, pretending not to notice their scrutiny. “I’m heading to see a gynecologist,” I said lightly, adding a pointed look as I continued walking past them. “Do you really need to follow me for that?”They exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering across their faces. One of them finally spoke, “We have to check with the boss.”Of course. Emerson.I crossed my arms, impatience bubbling up inside me. One of the guards pulled out his phone. His voice was a low murmur as he relayed my request. After a short conversation, he turned to me and handed over the phone.“He wants to speak to you.”I rolled my eyes and took the phone, bringing it to my ear. “What is it, Emerson?” I asked, letting my annoyance slip into my tone.His voice came through the line, tight with frustration. “What’s going on, Isabel?”I paused, knowing exactly how to frame my r
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 146 - Weighing Risks
Isabel’s POVThe phone rang incessantly in my hand, vibrating like a heartbeat. Emerson’s name flashed on the screen, demanding my attention. I could almost sense his impatience seeping through the device. My thumb hovered over the green button, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer just yet. Not now.I needed a moment to think.If this had been a few days ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would’ve used this exact moment—this opportunity—to slip away from Emerson’s grip. As far as possible from the life of constant surveillance and control. I had spent too long in the grip of powerful men, waiting for the right window to escape, knowing that my time was slipping away like sand through my fingers.But now, everything had changed.“The tumor hasn’t grown.” Robert’s news had been like a sudden, unexpected crack of light in the darkness. The results from the secret examination still echoed in my mind. The tumor was no longer spreading, and there was even the chance of improvement. A pos
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 147 - Between Truth and Survival
Isabel’s POVI sat in the waiting room of the private hospital, my mind still reeling from the good news about my tumor. But my thoughts were quickly overshadowed by Emerson’s angry, suspicious voice.“I couldn’t answer the phone during my gynecologist examination now, could I?” I said smoothly, even though I could feel my nerves rising. It was a lie, but a necessary one.There was a pause on the other end of the line. Emerson’s voice, when it came, was tight, still edged with suspicion. “Well… Why did it take so long?”I swallowed, quickly coming up with an explanation. “There are some complications because of the miscarriage,” I said softly, adding just enough vulnerability into my tone to disarm him. “I’m still awaiting the results, but they might have to run additional tests and treatments.”I wanted to plant the seed of a future cover—an excuse for any medical visits that Robert would arrange for me. This was all about buying time, staying under the radar while I figured out what
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 148 - Tied to the Past
Isabel’s POVI scooped Liam off the floor just in time, as the heavy bookshelf came crashing down behind us. I felt a sharp sting as the shelf scraped against my arm. But the pain was nothing compared to the terror that gripped me just moments before. If I had been a second later, the shelf would have crushed him.The sound of the crash brought Emerson and two maids rushing into the hallway. I sat on the floor, my arms wrapped tightly around a trembling Liam, as the heavy cupboard lay sprawled beside us.“Isabel! What happened?” Emerson’s voice was laced with panic as he knelt down beside me, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene.Still catching my breath, I managed to explain. “He pulled the shelf down... it was falling... I just grabbed him in time.” My voice trembled, my pulse still racing from the near disaster.Emerson’s face softened, relief flooding his features. “You saved him, Isa…” His voice was quiet, almost reverent. He crouched down beside me, staring at Liam as if the real
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 149 - A Subtle Game
Isabel’s POVKiss me? The words echoed in my mind, twisting my gut in disgust. Every fiber of my being recoiled. But I quickly remembered the delicate game I was playing.If I wanted to win Emerson over, to buy my freedom bit by bit, I couldn’t let my true feelings show. Not now. Not after I’d spent days carefully maintaining peace between us. The only way to get what I wanted was through calculated patience.I forced a smile, gentle but firm. "I don’t think that’s a good idea right now," I said, keeping my voice calm.Emerson blinked, caught off guard. I’d never seen him speechless before. He stammered, “Oh… okay, sorry… It’s just—I thought—”The sight of him stumbling over his words would’ve been almost comical if the situation weren’t so dire. It was strange seeing this side of him—vulnerable, unsure. For years, he’d been nothing but cold, controlling, calculating. Now he stood before me, clearly embarrassed. As if he wasn’t sure how to proceed."It’s fine," I said, adjusting the
Latest chapter
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 193 - Unexpected Confrontations
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 192 - Swept Away
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 191 - Mirror’s Deception
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
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
