Isabel’s POV
I never imagined Emerson could muster such strength in his weakened state. Maybe it was I who was the weaker one. Caught off guard, I was pushed down by him. My body hit the cold, hard floor with a force that knocked the wind out of me.
The impact sent a nearby glass tumbling from the table. It shattered against the floor. Before I could react, sharp shards dug into my skin. A cry of pain escaped my lips, piercing through the tense silence.
The sound seemed to snap Emerson out of his rage. His eyes widened in shock. He looked at me as if he couldn’t believe what he had just done. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked up at him. The man I had once loved and admired more than anyone. The man who had hurt and betrayed me, more than anyone.
Emerson’s POVIt was the middle of the night. After the doctor’s visit, my fever subsided. I woke up extremely thirsty. I desperately needed a glass of water. “Isabel?” I called out in the darkness. I touched the bed next to me, trying to feel where she was. But her side of the bed was empty.I switched on the light and looked around. Where was she? She had promised to take care of me, hadn’t she? How could she leave me when I had a fever? “Isabel!” I called out again. No response.I really needed water. “I suppose I’ll have to get it myself then,” I muttered, frustration bubbling over. I got out of bed, slipped into my robe and made my way down the hallway. On my way to the bathroom, I noticed a light shining und
Isabel’s POVThe bed in my old home felt like a strange comfort. It was surreal to be here again, knowing my life had shifted so drastically. The villa, once a symbol of my success and happy marriage, was now home to Lilith – the woman who had destroyed it all.The sprawling modern villa was a marvel. High ceilings, sleek marble floors and expansive glass windows that framed lush gardens and a shimmering pool. It had been my haven.Now, it was a place of bittersweet nostalgia. Emerson was with Lilith now. They had Liam. The child I was carrying, Emerson's baby, was gone. I was painfully aware of the nursery next door. The one I had prepared meticulously. I hadn’t had the courage to go in there again. It would hurt too much.
Emerson’s POVMy heart dropped when I heard the maid’s scream. Panic surged through me. I knew something must be wrong with Isabel. I ended my call with Lilith abruptly.Rushing down the hall, I felt a cold sweat on my brow. Images of Isabel in danger flashed through my mind. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. I recalled all the beautiful moments we’d shared. Memories of laughter and tender words clashed violently with our twisted relationship now.I reached her door, my breath shallow and uneven. The scene inside was worse than I feared. Isabel lay on the bed, her face contorted in pain. Her skin was mottled with red blotches. It was clear she was having a severe allergic reaction. The sight of mango residue on the bed explained it al
Isabel’s POVI never imagined that a simple fruit could be my way out. Yesterday, when I found mangoes in the refrigerator, I froze. The sight of them was jarring. Mangoes hadn’t appeared in this home since Emerson and I married. He knew how allergic I was to them. But now, they were here, casually placed on a shelf.Simone, a middle-aged maid who had worked here for years, noticed my stare. Her eyes widened in recognition. She remembered my deathly allergy. She quickly explained, “These are for Ms. Lilith. She loves mangoes.” Of course they were. Lilith’s preferences now dictated what was kept in this house. The pang of jealousy I felt was sharp, but I shoved it aside. I didn’t have time for envy.When the plan began to form in my mind, I knew it was risky. It could either save me or destroy me. The risk was immense, but so were the stakes. I knew that if I allowed Eric to examine me, there was a high chance he would discover my secret—my illness. I couldn’t let that happen. Not now
Isabel’s POVI had been so close to escaping. The sterile scent of disinfectant lingered in my nostrils, reminding me of the urgency to leave. To distance myself from Emerson's suffocating presence. This was my chance to break free. Emerson wouldn’t expect me to be gone when he returned. But then, as if fate had other plans, a doctor entered the room. I froze in place on the edge of the bed as I watched him take my stuff. What was going on?The doctor was covered head to toe in surgical attire. His cap, mask and glasses obscured his face. But his gray eyes were unsettlingly familiar. I squinted, trying to place where I had seen them before.“Follow me,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I’ll get you out of here.”My instincts were screaming at me to be cautious. “W-why should I trust you?” My voice wavered, betraying the fear I tried so hard to suppress. I had been through too much to blindly trust anyone. Especially now.The doctor hesitated for a moment. He then reached up and rem
Emerson’s POVEric leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he spoke with a serious tone. "Emerson, do you even realize how dangerous today was? Isabel could’ve gone into anaphylactic shock. You were lucky she didn't, but luck won’t always be on your side. You need to be careful. Not just with her health, but with everything. What are you going to do with this relationship?"His words cut through the haze in my mind. I hadn’t been thinking clearly. And now, sitting in Eric's office, I was forced to confront the reality of what had happened. I couldn't shake the image of Isabel’s pale face. Her body, limp and unresponsive in my arms. It haunted me, gnawing at my thoughts.I clenched my jaw, trying to push down the surge of frustration that welled up within me. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen," I said, my voice rough. "I... I just want to protect her."Eric sighed, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "Protect her? From what? From yourself? From the mess this
Isabel’s POVThe moment I heard that familiar but cold voice, a chill ran down my spine. I froze. My steps faltered as fear gripped me. It was Emerson. How did he find out about our escape plan?But before I could respond, Robert pulled me along to the exit. My heart raced as we pushed through the glass revolving doors. I stole a glance back, dread pooling in my stomach. But to my relief, I realized Emerson had mistaken another doctor and nurse for us. He hadn't seen us.As the cold air hit my face, reality settled in. I was finally out of Emerson’s grip. But where to now? I couldn’t go back to Emerson’s villa. The place was a prison of misery, filled with memories of betrayal, of Lilith’s presence everywhere. I couldn't face that. Not now. I had other priorities, more pressing ones. Keeping my father alive and saving his house were at the top of the list. His life depended on the payment of his medical account, and my own illness was a ticking time bomb that I didn’t have the luxury
Isabel’s POVI knew signing the papers was a trap. But I needed the money, so I had no other choice. I avoided thinking about the uneasy encounter that awaited me with Emerson. The last thing I wanted was to face him, but I had to sign those papers to secure my future.The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache. My thoughts felt like they were tangled in a dense fog. I forced myself out of bed and made a simple breakfast—eggs on toast and tea. I needed to clear my head, so I decided to take a brisk walk and explore the area. The sun was shining. The fresh air felt good against my skin.The suburb was picturesque and tranquil. White picket fences lined the streets. The sound of children playing in the distance reminded me of a simpler time. I dialed Emma’s number while I strolled, hoping to catch up with her and escape the overwhelming stress for a few moments.“Hey, Isabel! It’s so good to hear from you!” Emma’s voice was warm, but there was an edge of concern.“Hey, Emma. H
Emerson’s POV“Daddy, where are you going?”I paused mid-step, turning to see Liam standing in the doorway, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His hair was a tousled mess, and his favorite blanket hung limply from his small hand. Despite the early hour, his innocent gaze pierced through me like sunlight through storm clouds.“You’re awake so early, my son,” I said, scooping him up into my arms. His warmth was comforting, grounding me in a way little else could.Liam tilted his head, curiosity shining in his eyes. “Are you going to see Mommy?”His words froze me in place. My grip on him tightened slightly, and I shot a questioning glance at the nanny standing just behind him. She shifted uncomfortably.“I… I think it’s because of your sleep talk, sir,” she admitted hesitantly. “Back when you went to visit Isabel’s grave every day, you, uh... Every time you returned, you’d call her name in your dreams.”“Oh… I see,” I muttered, my shoulders slumping slightly.The maid’s gaze softened as she c
Sebastian/Elias’ POV“Sir, the trial is about to begin.”Carter’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I nodded curtly, tightening my tie in the reflection of the courthouse window. My heart beat heavily, not with fear but with the weight of a mission that had spanned years. This was the day Victor Woods would finally face the consequences of his actions—a day I had dreamed of since I was a boy.Victor had taken everything from me: my father, my family, and the life I should have had. After Isabel left with the Sullivans, I threw myself fully into my revenge. My promotion following the intel I had provided about the hospital incident gave me the leverage I needed to expose the truth. Emerson's power and influence had been a useful tool. The path to today was carved with blood, sweat, and unrelenting determination.I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. The courthouse doors loomed large before me. But my mind slipped back to a day I will always cherish… The day I had finally shown Victor m
Isabel’s POVThe line was silent for a moment before a confused voice came through. "Sorry, who is this?" Robert asked, the faint sound of papers shuffling in the background.I almost laughed but held it back, savoring the moment. “It’s Isabel,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m back in Rivermont.”There was a sharp intake of breath, followed by a stunned, almost disbelieving, “Isabel? Is it really you?”“It sure is,” I confirmed, letting the warmth in my voice convey what words couldn’t.The line went quiet again, but this time I could sense the emotion on the other end. “I—I can’t believe it,” Robert finally stammered. “After all this time…”“Well, believe it,” I replied lightly, though my heart felt heavy with the weight of all the years of silence between us. “I’m here, and I thought we should catch up.”“Yes,” he said immediately, his voice a mix of urgency and relief. “When? Where?”We arranged to meet at a quiet café on the edge of town. It had once been a favorite
Isabel’s POVThe weight of the key in my hand felt symbolic. It was a tangible marker of the new life ahead. As I slid it into the ornate lock of my new villa, a sense of determination settled over me. The door swung open, revealing a sprawling space with high ceilings, marble floors, and expansive windows that offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. Eric had outdone himself in finding us the best place on the market.This wasn’t just a home. It was a declaration of power and potential.Elena’s gasp brought a smile to my face. “This place is huge!” she exclaimed, her wide eyes darting around the opulent foyer.“It is,” I said, squeezing her small hand. “But no matter how big it is, it’s still just a house. We’ll make it a home.”She nodded, her excitement dimming slightly as she turned thoughtful. “Like we did back home, in Sicily?”“Exactly,” I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Together.”The maid Eric had arranged for us, a cheerful woman named Claire, greet
Isabel’s POVEric’s words stayed with me long after our conversation. The trust he placed in me, the belief that I could bring Liam back, was both empowering and terrifying. I had spent so long building myself up—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but leaving meant stepping into the unknown again.That night, as I began packing my suitcase, the reality of it all hit me. The familiar comfort of my family estate in Sicily would soon be replaced by the harsh world I had left behind. Yet, this time was different. I was different.A soft rustle near the door caught my attention. I turned to find Elena peeking in, her wide eyes glistening with unshed tears.“Elena? What’s wrong, sweetheart?” I asked gently, setting down the folded dress in my hands.She hesitated, then stepped into the room, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny. “Are you… leaving me?”Her words pierced through me like a knife. I knelt down to her level, holding her tiny hands in mine. “Oh, sweetheart, no. I could never
Isabel’s POVThe days in Eric’s villa on the south coast of Sicily unfolded like a slow, beautiful symphony. The house itself was a marvel of understated elegance, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the ocean. The soft sound of waves crashing against the cliffs became the background music to my new life.Eric had spared no effort to make me feel welcome. My room was spacious and airy, its large windows letting in the golden morning light. Elena, the spirited little girl Eric had adopted, often wandered in without knocking. Her giggles filled the space as she clambered onto my bed or rummaged through my things with innocent curiosity.“Isabel, come look!” Elena called one morning, dragging me out of my study. She had found a butterfly in the garden and insisted we follow it. Her laughter was infectious as she darted through the roses, her tiny hands trying to catch the delicate creature without success. She reminded me so much of Liam—her curiosity, her boundless energy, and th
Emerson’s POVI couldn’t move on. No matter how much time had passed since Isabel’s death, the gaping wound in my chest refused to heal. It wasn’t just grief; it was guilt. A relentless, suffocating guilt that gnawed at my sanity day after day. I should have noticed sooner, should have seen the signs of her illness. Instead, I had lashed out, controlled her, suffocated her when all she needed was understanding and space.I often visited her grave, kneeling on the cold, unyielding ground as though it could offer me absolution. The marble headstone was pristine, its engraving sharp and final: Isabel White. The sight of her name etched in stone tore at me every time. I would whisper into the void, hoping that somehow, somewhere, she could hear me.“I’m so sorry,” I said, my voice hoarse. “For everything. I should have been better—for you, for us, for Liam. He’s growing so fast now, Isa. You’d be so proud of him. He’s got your stubbornness, your fire. Every time he smiles, I see you.”Th
Isabel’s POVUnder a canopy of stars, the warmth of family enveloped me—a feeling I hadn’t experienced in so long it almost felt foreign. As I sat at the table, sipping the last of my wine, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.Margaret, the elderly woman who was now confirmed as my grandmother, slowly wheeled her chair toward me. Her hands trembled as they gripped the armrests.“Lily,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of years and memories. A sweet smile lit her face as her watery eyes met mine. “I always knew you would come back.”I felt a pang in my chest. Her mistake didn’t sting as much as it should have. Instead, it filled me with a strange sense of peace. Taking her frail hand in mine, I returned her smile.“I’m Lily’s daughter, Grandmother,” I said gently. “But in a sense, you’re right. My mother lives on within me. So, in a way, she is here with us tonight.”Margaret’s expression softened further, her lips trembling as if she wanted to say more but coul
Isabel’s POVI sat at the long outdoor table with Eric, his family, and little Elena. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses wove a fragile sense of warmth I hadn’t felt in years. This was… my family.The golden hues of the setting sun painted the ocean in shimmering amber. The air was heavy with the scent of grilled seafood and the faint sweetness of tropical flowers. But my heart was heavy, weighed down by the revelations of the evening.Eric leaned forward, his expression softened by nostalgia. His deep voice was steady but tinged with emotion. “Your mother, Lily… she was the heart of our family,” he began, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. “She was young, beautiful—just like you—and perhaps a little too naive when she left us.”I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the edge of my chair. “She left? Why?”Eric sighed and shook his head. “She fell in love. Head over heels, the kind of love that blinds you to everything else. He was a man with a reputation—a famous playboy known