Chapter 4 - A New Battle

Isabel’s POV

The hospital corridors seemed endless as I hurried towards my father's room. My heart pounded in my chest. My thoughts were racing. I had to be strong. I had to be there for him. As I reached the ICU, a nurse stopped me.

"Ms. White, your father's condition has deteriorated. He's at risk of brain death," she said gently.

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt my knees weaken. But I couldn't afford to fall apart now. I needed to know more.

"What do we do now?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"The medical account balance is insufficient for further treatment. We need to make a decision soon," the nurse replied, her eyes filled with sympathy.

Panic surged through me. My father's life was on the line, and I had no idea how to save him. Just then, my phone rang. It was Emerson.

"Where are you, Isabel?" he demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.

"I'm at the hospital. My father's condition has worsened," I explained, holding back a sob.

"You're just making excuses to avoid the divorce," Emerson snapped. "I was waiting for you. This is just another one of your manipulations."

"Emerson, please," I pleaded, tears streaming down my face. "I need money for my father's medical expenses. You owe me a fair share of our assets. Can’t you lend me some now?"

"Your father deserves this," he spat, his words filled with venom. "Don't call me again."

He hung up, leaving me shattered and confused. Why did he hate my father so much? Emerson had always despised him. He tried to hide it, but I saw it in his eyes every time they met.

I never understood the depth of his animosity. Now wasn't the time to dwell on it. I had to act.

I looked down at the bracelet on my wrist. It was the only valuable thing I had left. A gift from Emerson during happier times. 

It symbolized our love. Or… what I thought was love. Selling it felt like giving up a part of myself. But I had no choice.

I rushed to the nearest pawn shop. The saleswoman examined the bracelet, her eyes widening.

"This is exquisite. It will fetch a good price," she said.

I hesitated, my heart heavy with reluctance. This bracelet held so many memories, both joyful and painful. It was a piece of my past. A piece of me. But my father's life was more important.

Just as I was about to agree to the sale, the doorbell chimed. I looked back and saw Emerson and Lilith enter the shop. My heart sank.

Emerson stood tall, his broad shoulders exuding a commanding presence. His dark hair was neatly styled. His piercing blue eyes, once filled with warmth and love, now seemed cold and distant. He wore a sharp, tailored suit. Every inch of him radiated confidence and control.

Beside him, Lilith was the epitome of elegance and grace. Her sleek black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her perfectly symmetrical face. Her makeup was flawless, accentuating her high cheekbones and full lips.

She held their baby in her arms. A tiny, delicate bundle wrapped in a soft blue blanket. The baby cooed softly, its chubby fingers gripping Lilith's perfectly manicured hand.

Lilith's dark eyes glanced around the pawn shop, finally settling on me. Her expression was unreadable. A mask of serene composure. She wore a simple yet stylish dress that hugged her slender figure.

Emerson's gaze followed Lilith's. When his eyes met mine, they narrowed slightly. There was a flicker of surprise before his face settled back into a cold mask. He looked at me as if I were a stranger.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. My heart broke. The image of my shattered dreams was standing right before me. I stood there, clutching the bracelet, feeling exposed and vulnerable. 

"Isabel?" Emerson's voice was cold.

My mind raced with thoughts of betrayal, love, and survival. I took a deep breath and faced Emerson, ready for whatever came next.