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
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 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 POVMy 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
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
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
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
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
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