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,
Emerson’s POVSo Isabel had found a new home. She wasn’t starving in the streets like my nightmares. A sense of relief washed over me. But when I saw the photos, my heart shattered. She was with a man. And not just any man…I thanked my assistant for the information and sent him off. I had to prepare for work.I began the familiar routine of getting dressed. Sliding into a tailored suede suit, I felt the soft fabric mold to my frame. As I looked into the mirror, I couldn’t help but admire the sharp contrast of my wavy, dark hair against my striking blue eyes.I looked every bit the successful and accomplished CEO that I was known to be. Yet, despite the polished exterior, a hollow feelin
Isabel’s POVEmerson stood before me, scrolling through his phone. His eyes were unreadable. There was something off about the way he looked at me, as if he was doubting whether I spoke the truth. “I don’t see any record of your call,” he finally said.I wondered if Lilith had hidden it from him. It wouldn't surprise me. She was cunning like that. But that wasn’t what I wanted to discuss. I needed to focus on the real issue."When are we signing the agreement?" I asked directly, my voice colder than I intended. I didn't have the luxury to dance around the subject. I needed that money. My father's life depended on it, and so did my own. I watched as Emerson’s expression shifted slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Isabel’s POVDarkness crept at the edges of my vision, but I clung to consciousness as if it were a lifeline. On the cold floor of Emerson’s study, the thud of my fall still echoed faintly in my ears. The world was already slipping away. The last thing I felt before giving in was the warmth of his arms wrapping around me.“Isa!” Emerson’s voice cracked, raw with panic. His hold was tight, almost crushing. As though his sheer will could tether me to him, to this moment.I managed to keep my eyes half-open, though my limbs felt like lead. Through the haze, I could see his face above mine, pale with fear. His lips moved, frantic, as he barked an order over his shoulder.“Marianne! Call the family doctor! Now!”The pounding of feet, the sound of something falling in the distance—all of it blurred together in my mind. Emerson’s voice came back, softer, trembling as he murmured against my hair. “You’ll be okay, Isa. Hold on. Please… don’t scare me like this.”I wanted to answer him, to tel
Isabel’s POVThe air between us felt heavy, laden with the weight of unspoken fears. Emerson sat across from me, his brow furrowed in discomfort. His initial reaction to my plea had been resistance, but I wasn’t about to back down. My chest ached with the need to protect my son—to secure his future. Even if it meant pleading with the one man I swore I’d never rely on again."I need your promise, Emerson," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me."If anything happens to me, you'll take care of Liam. You'll protect him at all costs."His brows furrowed in resistance. "Isabel, why are you even talking like this? Nothing is going to happen to you. I won’t let it."I crossed my arms, the weight of my secret pressing harder than ever. The surgery had been delayed time and time again. And even though it was coming soon, there was a chance I wouldn’t survive. But I could never tell Emerson that. He would freak out and control me even more than he already did."You don’t k
Isabel’s POV“Sure. Come on in,” he said gently. I followed Emerson into his study with a resolute heart. My breath was steady despite the pounding in my chest. The room was dimly lit, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the crisp rustle of papers. I was a little startled to find another presence in the room. Behind Emerson, standing silently against the desk, was Caleb. His gaze flicked up, a hint of unease in his eyes. It was evident he had been in the middle of a serious conversation with Emerson. My sudden arrival had clearly thrown off whatever plans they were discussing.“Am I interrupting something?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.“Don’t worry. We’ll catch up later,” Caleb said with a half-smirk before silently slipping out of the room, leaving just Emerson and me. The door clicked shut, and the tension in the room thickened in an instant. My heart pounded as I met Emerson’s gaze. I took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of everything I was about to say sink d
Isabel’s POVMy heart pounded in my chest as my thoughts spiraled out of control. The image of that swift figure disappearing over the wall in an instant replayed in my mind. The mysterious note left in the hospital window still felt like a riddle I hadn’t solved. Was it him? Could it have been Sebastian? His military training would explain his quick disappearances, his ability to blend into the shadows with ease. The idea sent a shiver down my spine.“Isa, what’re you thinking about?” Emerson’s voice, low and concerned, pulled me back to the present moment. I glanced up at him, his eyes searching mine. I quickly pushed the thoughts away.“Nothing,” I lied, forcing a small, fleeting smile. “I’m going to check on Liam.”He looked at me for a moment longer, suspicion flickering in his gaze. But, to my surprise, he nodded silently. A flicker of resignation settled on his face. Maybe he sensed that I wasn’t going to share whatever tumultuous thoughts were swirling in my head.I took a s
Isabel’s POVThe air in the room felt heavy, thick with the unspoken tension that seemed to follow every revelation tonight. Emerson stood near the window, his posture tense and his gaze fixed on something far beyond the glass. His unease was palpable, and a knot of anxiety began to form in my chest.“What is it?” Estelle asked impatiently.Emerson sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. He turned to face us, his expression serious. “Lilith escaped.”For a moment, his words didn’t register. Then, a chill ran through me. I tightened my arms instinctively around myself. “Escaped?”“She had help,” Emerson explained, his voice clipped. “Someone tipped her off about my meeting with Alistair. By the time I got to her location, she was already gone.”The room spun as his words sank in. Lilith, the woman who had caused so much pain and destruction, was still out there. Free. Unchecked.“How?” My voice was sharper than I intended, a mix of fear and frustration. “How does someone like her keep
Isabel’s POVI stood frozen, my mind reeling from Emerson’s explosive declaration. Alistair Montrose, the invincible patriarch, had abandoned Lilith—just like that. It felt surreal, almost too convenient to be true. My thoughts swirled with questions I dared not voice aloud. What did this mean for Lilith? For us? Was she truly out of the picture, or was this just the calm before another storm?But I knew better than to let my thoughts show. Estelle's gaze was sharp, cutting through the room like a blade searching for a weakness to exploit.Caleb must have noticed the tension tightening in my shoulders because he stepped forward. His expression was neutral but his voice was calm.“Maybe it’s best if Isabel takes some time to rest,” Caleb suggested smoothly, gesturing toward the door. “She’s had a long day.”I felt a rush of gratitude for his attempt to pull me out of the room, away from this powder keg of emotions. But before I could move, Emerson’s voice cut through the air. He stopp
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s sudden entrance startled us all. His commanding presence seemed to shift the atmosphere in the room, heavy with tension and unresolved truths. I glanced at him, searching his face for a clue to how he felt about the turmoil swirling around us. His eyes quickly scanned the scene, landing on the DNA test report still clutched in his mother’s trembling hands.Estelle turned toward her son, her normally composed features twisted in disbelief. Her voice quavered as she spoke. “Emerson… is this true? Is what she said about the child true?”Emerson hesitated. His confusion gave way to clarity as he pieced everything together. He met his mother’s questioning gaze, his jaw tightening. “Yes, it’s true,” Emerson said, his tone steady and unyielding, each word a firm declaration. His gaze met his mother’s, daring her to challenge him. “Liam is Isabel’s son. Our son,” he added, his voice softening ever so slightly.As he spoke, he turned toward me. A faint, almost impercep
Isabel’s POVThe tension in the room was suffocating. However, I refused to let Mrs. Williams crush me under the weight of her accusations. None of this was my doing. I had tried to get away from Emerson countless times. He was the one controlling me and forcing me to stay with him.My heart pounded as I clutched my mother’s ruby necklace, drawing strength from the gentle strength and grace she had always exuded. Mrs. Williams’ piercing gaze was meant to intimidate. But I met it head-on, refusing to bow.“I never asked him to do any of that,” I said, my voice soft but steady, each word deliberate. “If Emerson made those choices, he did so on his own. You can’t hold me responsible for his actions.”Mrs. Williams scoffed, her lips curling into a disdainful sneer. She rose from her seat with the kind of elegance that only masked the underlying venom. “You may not have asked, but you’ve certainly benefited,” she said coldly. “Don’t think for a second that I’ll stand by while you drag my
Isabel’s POVReturning to Emerson’s villa with my son should have brought me a semblance of peace. But tonight, unease clung to me like a heavy shadow. Even with Liam’s warm weight cradled in my arms, the bad feeling wouldn’t fade. I tried to focus on his soft breaths, his tiny fingers clutching at my sleeve. But the knot in my chest only tightened.“You look exhausted,” Caleb said, his voice gentle but firm as he stood by the doorway. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. Why don’t you get some rest? I’ll keep an eye on Liam.”I forced a small smile, appreciating his concern but unable to shake the growing sense of dread. “I’ll be fine. I just need a moment.”Before Caleb could argue further, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught both our attention. A moment later, the doorbell echoed through the house. Caleb frowned, glancing at the clock. “Who could that be at this hour?”I followed him to the door, my unease deepening as it swung open to reveal a familiar figure: Emerson