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 POVAs I stepped out of Victoria’s office, Emerson was leaning against the opposite wall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His gaze flicked from me to Victoria, sharp and assessing.She didn’t flinch under his scrutiny. Instead, she merely lifted an eyebrow and gave him a small, unreadable smile. “No need to glare at me like that, Mr. Williams,” she said lightly. “I didn’t bite.”Emerson didn’t respond, but his stare darkened. His silence spoke far more than words. Victoria shrugged, unconcerned. “Before you go,” she said, shifting her attention back to me, “Elena’s recovery will take time, but she’s resilient. Just make sure she stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest. If she has any lingering dizziness or nausea, bring her back immediately.”“Thank you,” I said, and I meant it. Whatever else Victoria might be, she had helped Elena today. That was what mattered most.She inclined her head slightly, then glanced once more at Emerson before turning away. “Take care, Is
Isabel’s POVThe next morning, everything seemed… normal.Too normal.The scent of fresh coffee and eggs filled the air as I stepped downstairs. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. Lila stood by the stove, her movements practiced and efficient as she flipped a pancake in the pan. She turned as she heard my footsteps, a warm smile on her face.“Good morning, Miss.” Her voice was hoarse as always, but pleasant. “How was your holiday?”I didn’t return the smile.“Stressful,” I answered bluntly, stepping closer.Her expression didn’t falter. “I’m sorry to hear that.”I pulled out a chair at the kitchen island and sat down, watching her. “Where have you been these past couple of days?”Lila stilled for a fraction of a second—so brief that I might have missed it if I hadn’t been looking for it. Then, just as smoothly, she turned off the stove and set a plate of pancakes on the counter.“I had to deal with some personal matters,” she said ca
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
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
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 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
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
Emerson’s POVI was finally done sorting things out on my work trip in Sweden. The crisp Scandinavian air had been invigorating. But I’d barely had time to register the incredible beauty of my surroundings.As I strode through the airport, my mind was occupied by one thought only: getting home. The past week had been exhausting, a whirlwind of negotiations and damage control. But it was finally over. As I stepped into the priority boarding line, I allowed myself a brief moment to imagine bringing Isabel and the kids here one day. The snow-tipped mountains, the breathtaking fjords—it would be a perfect getaway.Shifting my carry-on to his other hand, I pulled out my phone and dialed Isabel’s number. I let it ring. I waited, and waited. After what felt like an eternity, the call went straight to voicemail. Frowning, I tried again, and again. Still, no answer.A bad feeling settled in my gut. Something didn’t sit right with me. I quickly scrolled through my contacts and called Marianne
Isabel’s POVI let out the breath I had been holding as Lila and the gardener continued their hushed conversation. My heart pounded against my ribs, the sound deafening in my ears. She hadn’t seen me. Thank goodness.I swallowed hard and pressed my back against the cold brick wall, straining to hear every word.Stealing another glance around the corner, I saw Lila retrieve a thick wad of cash from the pocket of her coat. She handed it to the gardener, who accepted it with an almost smug expression."You really should’ve paid me sooner," the gardener said, stuffing the money into his pocket. "I had to lie low for a while. Do you know how hard that was?"Lila rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You got what you wanted, didn’t you? The job isn’t finished yet. I might have something else for you soon."The gardener raised an eyebrow. "More risks? I thought burying that damn watch was the last of it. You know, making me take the fall was a clever trick, but I ain’t doing this forever."I
Isabel’s POVEmerson left early the next morning. His goodbye lingered longer than usual, as if he wasn’t quite convinced I’d be okay without him. I assured him I would be. After all, I wasn’t alone—I had Liam and Elena to keep me busy. And, of course, Lila.The next few days passed in an odd sort of blur. Lila was... restrained. Almost too restrained. She moved quietly through the house, speaking only when spoken to, never lingering too long in any room where the children or I were. It was as if she was deliberately making herself scarce, and that should have reassured me. But instead, it unsettled me more.Had I been wrong about her? Was my paranoia making me see things that weren’t there?My own condition was another concern. My anxiety was getting worse by the day, even though there was no tangible cause. Despite my reluctance to take the prescribed medicine, I forced myself to follow the routine. And to my surprise, it helped. The constant edge of anxiety dulled, and my heart
Isabel’s POVThe crisp autumn air slipped through the barely open door, sending a chill under my robe and up my spine. I folded my arms tightly around myself, standing in the doorway, facing the psychiatrist.I hesitated. Letting a stranger into my home—especially one I hadn’t asked for—felt intrusive. But standing here, shivering in the cold, wasn’t exactly productive either."Alright, well... come in," I finally said, stepping aside. "I just need a moment to get more... presentable."Dr. Hensley gave a small nod, stepping inside. "Of course, Miss Sullivan. Take your time."I closed the door behind him and walked upstairs, my thoughts racing. Emerson had sent this doctor without telling me. Did he really think I needed professional help? Was I unraveling so much that he didn’t trust me to handle things on my own?I took my time changing, pressing my hands against my temples in an attempt to clear my mind. The last thing I needed was to seem defensive or unstable in front of a psychia
Isabel’s POVLila took a small step back, bowing her head slightly. "I’m sorry, Miss. I heard you scream. I was worried, that’s all."I clenched my jaw, forcing my breath to steady. My pulse still pounded in my ears, the remnants of my nightmare clinging to me like a shadow. I didn’t want Lila to see me like this—vulnerable, shaken. I already didn’t trust her, and the last thing I needed was to give her more reason to think I was weak."I’m fine. Just a nightmare," I said flatly, willing her to leave. But she remained rooted in place, her wide eyes watching me too closely. The sight of her standing in my room, uninvited, made my skin crawl. "Is there anything else you needed to tell me?" I asked, breaking the awkward silence."Yes, Miss." Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Mr. Williams was called out for an emergency. It seemed to be serious trouble."I frowned, my mind quickly shifting from my own unease to Emerson. "I see. I trust he’ll handle it." But something about the way sh
Isabel’s POVThe little girl stood frozen . Her lower lip trembled, eyes glossy with unshed tears as she stared up at me. I could see the way my expression—sharp, unfiltered irritation—frightened her. But instead of softening, I felt an inexplicable surge of frustration bubbling inside me, hot and irrational. Why? It was just ice cream, just a dress. Why did it feel like something had snapped inside of me?Before I could figure out how to undo the damage, her parents rushed over. They took in the scene quickly—the vivid pink stain on my cream-colored satin dress, their daughter's terrified face—and instantly started apologizing."We're so sorry! She didn’t mean to, she was just excited and—"“We’ll cover the cleaning cost,” her father added quickly. “Or if the stain doesn’t come out, we’ll replace the dress.”Their politeness made me feel even worse. I finally realized just how out of line my reaction had been. My throat tightened with shame, and I forced my features to relax, though
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