Isabel’s POV
The 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 POVSince Isabel vanished from the hospital, I hadn’t seen her. My calls went unanswered, which only fueled my frustration and anxiety. Isabel, where are you?!Every night was a torment of nightmares. I saw Isabel homeless and lost. She wandered alone in freezing streets, exposed to the biting cold. In other dreams, she lost her hair in bunches and lost more and more weight. Until all that was left was a hollow shell. Her once-lustrous hair and curves were gone, leaving behind only a skeleton. The images plagued me, leaving me restless and guilty.I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something. I picked up the phone and dialed the lawyer. “We need to talk about the divorce settlement,” I said, my voice lacking its usual firmness. “I want to make some changes.”He hesitated before responding. “What kind of changes?”“I’m willing to give Isabel the apartment,” I admitted. “She needs a place to stay. And—” I stopped, my thoughts clouded by the realization of what I was offer
Isabel’s POVI stared at my phone. Lilith’s taunting voice replayed over and over in my mind. “We had a wonderful night together.” The way she said it left no doubt. I couldn't believe her nerve.My ex-husband, who once promised me forever, was with his new family while I struggled to pick up the pieces. Why would he toy me around like this, making me feel like I meant something to him, only to dive in bed with his new girlfriend? The humiliation was unbearable.I tried to shake off the feelings. I had to. Emma and I had plans to go out tonight, and I needed this distraction.I dressed carefully,
Isabel’s POV“I didn’t come back to Rivermont to steal other women’s men, Victoria,” I said sharply, my patience wearing thin. “I have better things to do.”Victoria studied me, her expression unreadable. For a long moment, she said nothing, simply watching me with the kind of quiet intensity that made my skin prickle. Finally, she exhaled, as if coming to some internal conclusion.“I understand,” she said. But there was something cautious in her voice, as if she wasn’t quite sure whether she believed me.She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs elegantly. “I didn’t know about you at first,” she admitted. “Robert had never mentioned you. Not once. But then, one day, I found a box of photos at his place. Pictures of you.”A strange tightness settled in my chest. “I see.”She gave a small, dry laugh. “I thought maybe you were an ex, someone from his past who had simply drifted away. But there was something in the way he looked at those pictures—something different.”I swallowed ha
Isabel’s POVI forced myself to act naturally. To keep my expression calm even as the air between us crackled with unspoken tension.Victoria studied me with sharp, assessing eyes. Her perfectly poised demeanor was a stark contrast to the discomfort tightening in my chest.I chose my words carefully. “Robert and I have always been close,” I said, keeping my tone even. “But not in the way he might have wished. If that’s what you’re getting at.”Victoria’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, I know. But it’s fascinating, isn’t it? How some people leave such an imprint on others.”There was something calculated in her words. A test hidden beneath the guise of casual conversation. I met her gaze without wavering.“I’d like to think we all shape the lives of those we care about,” I said simply, my voice firmer than I felt.Her fingers tapped idly against the desk. “Perhaps. But some more than others.”I resisted the urge to sigh. “Victoria, if you’re asking whether Robert and I had unres
Isabel’s POV“I am... Do I know you?” I asked, my voice careful, measured. I was certain I had never met this woman before. Yet the way she looked at me, as if we had some kind of unspoken history, unsettled me.She smiled—a polished, professional kind of smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “My name is Victoria Jacobs,” she said, extending a perfectly manicured hand. “Pediatrician. And also... Robert’s girlfriend.”The words struck me harder than I expected. I blinked, momentarily at a loss. Robert’s girlfriend. I had never given much thought to who Robert might be with now, but hearing it out loud felt strangely jarring.“Oh, how lovely. Nice to meet you,” I said finally, shaking her hand. “Robert mentioned he was seeing somebody. I’m happy for both of you.”“Oh, thanks,” she said lightly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Isabel. Robert used to talk about you often.”At that, my gaze flickered toward Emerson. He had been quiet until now. But I could see the slight tightening of his ja
Isabel’s POVThe fire crackled softly, its warm glow dancing on our faces. I cradled Elena in my lap, wrapping the blanket tighter around her small frame. Her shivers were less frequent now, but I could feel the lingering fear in her tight grip on my hand. Liam sat close to Emerson, looking subdued, a rare stillness settling over his usually lively demeanor.I needed answers.“Elena, sweetheart,” I said gently, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. “Can you tell me what happened? How did you end up in the water?”Her big eyes, still glossy with unshed tears, blinked up at me. She hesitated, glancing toward Liam before speaking. “We were playing hide-and-seek,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.“I was counting,” Liam added, his tone defensive, as if he already anticipated blame. “I swear I didn’t know she went near the lake, Mom. I didn’t see her leave!”“I know, Liam,” I assured him, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “Just tell me everything you remember.”Elena no
Isabel’s POVAs soon as Emerson proposed the plan to the kids, there was no way I could back out.Liam’s face lit up like the sun breaking through storm clouds. “Yeah!!! I wanna go camping!”Before I could voice my doubts, Elena joined in, her small hands clasped together in a pleading gesture. “Please, Mommy! Camping will be so fun. We can roast marshmallows, and Liam can tell me scary stories!”It was impossible to say no to their sparkling eyes and contagious excitement. I laughed, relenting. “Alright, alright. Camping it is.”Though I agreed, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the thought of Emerson roughing it in the wilderness. Camping didn’t exactly scream ‘Emerson Williams,’ the man whose wardrobe probably had more three-piece suits than most men owned socks.We left early the next morning. The car was loaded with supplies, snacks, and the kids’ boundless energy. I had to admit, seeing Emerson in a lumberjack-style outfit—a plaid shirt, slim-fit jeans, and hiking boots—wa
Isabel’s POVThe sight before me froze the air in my lungs. Liam was sitting on the floor, clutching his mouth, tears streaming down his face. A small streak of blood glistened at the corner of his lips, and a smashed cupcake lay in pieces around him.“No...” I gasped, the worst scenarios racing through my mind. Elena stood frozen by his side. Her wide, frightened eyes darted between Liam and me.“What happened?” I rushed to Liam, pulling him into my arms as he sobbed against my shoulder. “Lila,” I growled, my voice laced with barely controlled fury. “What have you done to my son?”Lila, standing in the doorway, looked the picture of confusion. Her green eyes widened, her hands clasping the empty dessert tray in front of her like a shield. “I—I didn’t do anything,” she stammered, her tone drenched in innocence.Emerson stepped past her and crouched beside us, his brow furrowed in concern. “Liam, let me see.” He gently reached out. But Liam clung to me, his sobs growing louder.I cradle
Isabel’s POVLila turned slowly, almost too slowly, and her green eyes locked onto mine. That was one of the few differences between her face and mine—instead of blue eyes, hers were a striking shade of green. There was something unnervingly familiar about them. A resemblance I couldn’t place, but one that sent an icy chill skittering down my spine.Her expression was strange, a careful mask of innocence. Yet it failed to hide the underlying tension in her features. “I was just delivering desserts for the little ones… to give them a sweet welcome,” she said, holding up the empty silver tray in her hands as though it were proof of her harmlessness.My eyes darted past her to the children, seated at a small table in the corner of the room. Liam and Elena were happily munching on cupcakes, their laughter filling the space with a warmth I couldn’t let myself fully relax into. The sight of their joy should have reassured me. But it didn’t.Lila’s lips curved into that unnatural smile of
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s lips tightened and his jaw clenched at the edge of my sarcasm. I could see him weighing his response, clearly aware that the tension in the room had grown thick enough to cut. After a long moment, he exhaled deeply, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair—a telltale sign of his discomfort.“Isabel,” he began, his tone low and measured, as if handling a fragile object. “I understand how this might look. And I’ll admit, when I first saw her… I was swayed. Lila’s resemblance to you—it caught me off guard. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But that’s all it is—a resemblance.” He glanced at me, gauging my reaction. “I’ve never felt anything for her. Nothing like what I feel for you. You have to believe me when I say that.”My jaw tightened as his words settled into the room. “Believe you?” I said coolly. “The tabloids told a different story, Emerson. You’ve been photographed with her. You’ve been seen out together.”His shoulders stiffened, and he shook his
Isabel’s POVBefore I could respond, a knock at the door interrupted the charged silence. Grateful for the distraction from the unsettling tension with the maid, I cleared my throat. “Come in,” I called, my voice steadier than I felt.“Oh,” he began, his tone hesitant. “I see you’ve met the new maid.”“How perceptive of you,” I replied, arching an eyebrow. My words dripped with sarcasm, cutting through the silence like a blade. The tension in the room was almost palpable, coiling between us like a living thing.Lila stood quietly by the corner. Her head was bowed just enough to feign modesty, though the faintest hint of a smirk danced at the edge of her lips. Emerson cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably under my scrutiny, but his usual confidence seemed to falter.“Is… something wrong?” he asked. His sharp eyes darted between me and Lila, who stood rigidly by my suitcase.Lila immediately dipped into a respectful bow, her voice calm but deferential. “Nothing, sir. Miss Isabel w