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 POVAs Emerson turned to leave, his words cut through the air like a knife. “Move out of this house today,” he commanded in a voice as cold as ice. He tossed a set of keys onto the table between us. “If you don’t want Robert to pay a ‘big price’ because of you.”I stared at the keys, my heart pounding. Emerson’s threats always carried weight, and I had no doubt he meant every word. Robert stood beside me, his face contorted with anger. He opened his mouth to retort. But I quickly reached out and touched his arm, silencing him.“I was planning to move out anyway,” I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. “I can’t keep burdening you, Robert. I’ll move to the apartment from the
Isabel’s POVThe moment Emerson’s words had left his lips, a cold sensation spread through me, crawling down my spine like ice water. I helped him pick out that tie? This morning? My mind scrambled to pull up any recollection. But all I found was a frustrating blankness where the memory should have been.Emerson’s eyes darkened as he observed my reaction. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on my arm. “Isa, you’re pale. Sit down for a moment.”I shook my head, resisting the panic threatening to rise in my chest. “I’m fine,” I said, though my voice wavered. “I just… don’t understand. I don’t forget things like this.”He exhaled slowly, as if choosing his next words carefully. “Maybe it’s stress. You’ve been through a lot, Isabel.” His thumb absently traced small circles on my wrist, grounding me. “It wouldn’t be surprising if your mind needed a break.”“But I don’t feel like I need a break, Emerson,” I said sharply, yanking my hand away. “I feel like something is slipping. Like I’m losin
Isabel’s POVThe crisp scent of fresh bread and brewed coffee filled the air as I took a slow sip from my cup. I felt better this morning—lighter, more like myself. The grogginess from last night had faded, and I chalked it up to exhaustion. Maybe I had just been pushing myself too hard lately.Across from me, Liam and Elena sat unusually quiet. Their small hands were resting on the table. Something about their solemn expressions made me uneasy. I set down my coffee cup and studied them."What is it?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "Why are you two staring at me like that?"Liam pouted, glancing at Elena as if urging her to speak first. Elena let out a small sigh and tilted her head. "Mommy... don’t you remember?"My brows knitted together. "Remember what?"Elena’s shoulders slumped as she exchanged a crestfallen look with Liam. "You promised us.""Promised you what?"Liam crossed his arms, frustration flickering in his eyes. "You said you’d take us to the playground today!" he blurted,
Isabel’s POVI rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the lingering heaviness in my head. “I’m fine. Maybe it’s just grogginess from sleeping too long.”Emerson nodded, but kept studying me as if he wasn’t convinced. I decided to change the subject, if only to get his scrutinizing gaze off me. “The new scented candles are nice. Where did you buy them?" I asked, looking at Marianne.Her face lit up at the compliment. "Oh, I’m so glad you like them! They're handmade by my family. We’ve been making them for years, mostly for gifts and home use. But if you enjoy them, I could have them send more."I glanced at her in mild surprise. "Really? Handmade? That’s impressive. They smell so calming. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so soundly in a long time."Marianne beamed. "That’s wonderful to hear! Though, to be honest, we never made them with any sleep-inducing properties. Just natural ingredients and essential oils. But maybe I just spotted a new business opportunity!" she added with a playful
Isabel’s POVI stood frozen, my gaze still fixed on the doorway where Lila had disappeared. The weight of her words clung to me, an invisible force pressing against my chest."What did she mean by that?" My voice was sharper than I intended. "Is she implying that I have a delusional disorder? That I’m imagining things?"Emerson stepped closer, his hands resting gently on my shoulders, his thumbs brushing against my collarbones. "Isa, don’t let her get under your skin. She’s twisting things. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. You really need to rest."I shrugged off his hands with a jerk of my shoulder. "Don’t touch me," I snapped, my irritation flaring unexpectedly. I wasn’t even sure if it was directed at him or at the tangled mess of thoughts in my mind. Lila. The gardener. Elena’s watch. Nothing made sense, and I hated it.Emerson sighed but didn’t press the issue. "Fine. But at least try to get some sleep."I didn’t reply. Instead, I turned sharply and strode toward my
Isabel’s POVEmerson and I stepped back into the villa. The tension between us was almost palpable. My mind was still racing, trying to make sense of everything. The gardener had stolen Elena’s smartwatch—yes—but that didn’t mean the deeper mystery was solved. There was something else at play, something that still eluded me.Marianne was the first to notice our discomfort. She stood by the grand staircase, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in our expressions. “What happened?” she asked, a note of concern lacing her voice.Emerson and I exchanged a glance. We had no intention of explaining everything in detail—not yet—but telling her the bare minimum wouldn’t hurt.“The gardener,” Emerson said, his voice clipped, “he was caught trying to bury Elena’s watch. He… stole it.”Marianne’s hand flew to her mouth. “What? But—he’s been working here for years. He seemed so… honest.”That same thought had crossed my mind, but experience had taught me that appearances were deceiving.“He claim
Isabel’s POVThe crisp autumn air carried the scent of damp earth and the last lingering sweetness of summer flowers. The sun, pale but warm, cast long dappled shadows over the stone pathways where Emerson and I walked side by side.Golden leaves fluttered down from the towering oaks that lined the villa’s garden. Their rustling whispers fill the quiet morning.I inhaled deeply, trying to shake off the frustration knotting in my chest. Emerson had done everything possible to uncover Lila’s real identity, yet the answers we received only deepened the mystery. If the DNA test confirmed her story, why did something still feel… off?“I appreciate everything you’ve done, Emerson,” I said, running my fingers along the ivy creeping up the garden wall. “But I can’t help feeling like we’re missing something.”He glanced at me, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. “I know what you mean. The pieces don’t quite fit together.”Before I could respond, a sudden movement in the distance cau
Emerson’s POVThe look in Isabel's eyes as she handed me the tissue stirred something deep within me. There was a fire in her, a sharpness honed by everything she had endured. She had always been fierce, but now it was different. More refined. Controlled. I had stood in the hallway, listening as she pressed Lila with her sharp, unwavering questions. She had backed the woman into a corner without so much as raising her voice. I had known Isabel to be cutting when it came to me, but seeing her unleash that steel elsewhere? It was something else entirely. Something that raised my heartbeat and made my chest tighten in ways I wasn’t prepared to acknowledge.My eyes trailed over her as she stood there, arms folded, her posture strong and unyielding. She had changed over the years—not just emotionally but physically. Her once softer frame had hardened. The sleek lines of muscle beneath her tanned skin were a testament to how much she had pushed herself. She was healthier, stronger, more
Isabel’s POVLila’s sobs filled the room, her shoulders trembling as she wiped at her damp cheeks. Watching her break down like this stirred something unsettling in me—guilt, perhaps. Had I been too harsh? Had my suspicions twisted my perception so much that I was now tormenting an innocent woman?A part of me wanted to believe her, to accept the sorrow in her eyes as real, to reassure her that she was safe here. But another part—the one honed by years of betrayal and loss—remained wary.“And my throat,” Lila choked out, her voice thick with emotion, “was hurt by their maltreatment. I don’t want to recall that memory at all!”She wasn’t just crying now—she was pleading. And when she finally lifted her gaze, her eyes shone with raw vulnerability.“If you don’t believe me, then investigate me,” she continued. “I have nothing to hide.”I exchanged a glance with Emerson. He remained unreadable, his arms crossed over his chest. But after a beat, he gave me the slightest nod.I exhaled slow
Isabel’s POVLila’s face changed a split-second after my question left my lips. It wasn’t the look of someone caught in a lie—there was no panic, no flash of guilt. Instead, sorrow washed over her features. Her expression was raw and almost... wounded. But why? What was she trying to pull?I was still piecing it together when she suddenly lifted her gaze. Not to me, but to someone standing behind me.“Did you tell her?” Her voice trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.I stiffened. Emerson.Slowly, I turned my head. Sure enough, he was standing in the doorway, watching us in silence. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his stance was unmistakable.What the hell was going on?He cleared his throat, his tone calm but firm. “Isabel is the hostess of this house. She has the right to know everything that happens here.”His words should have reassured me. But instead, they sent another wave of unease through me. Know everything? But he had never spoken to me about an