Isabel’s POVThe room buzzed with the low murmur of conversation and clinking glasses. I sat there, feeling like an unwelcome guest at my own high school reunion. The laughter and chatter seemed to grow louder as the evening wore on. The event had taken quite the unexpected turn with the arrival of Emerson, Lilith and Robert. The question hung in the air. My heart raced, a mix of panic and dread flooding my senses. What was Robert going to say? How was Emerson going to react? The tension in the room was thick, suffocating. I felt trapped between these two men who, in their own ways, had such a hold on my life. My old classmate looked at Robert with a teasing smile. His tone was laced with curiosity. He was obviously unaware of the tension between Robert and Emerson. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. Emerson’s gaze darkened and rested on me, waiting for my reply. “Oh, no,” I stammered, waving my hands in a dismissive gesture. “We’re just friends. Please don't make jokes li
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s words sent a jolt of fear through me. “What did you mean? Say it!” Emerson said coldly; his tone sounded intimidating.His eyes were fixed on me. The room seemed to freeze. Multiple pairs of eyes turned my way. The tension was palpable. Everyone seemed to hold its breath as they awaited my response.I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. My heart pounded in my chest. I had fought so hard to keep my illness private. To maintain some semblance of control over my spiraling life. But now, with Emerson’s question hanging in the air, it felt like my carefully guarded secret was about to be exposed.Everyone's eyes were on me, waiting, expecting. I could feel their curiosity. Their desire to unravel whatever it was that I was hiding.I forced myself to meet Emerson’s gaze, trying to maintain a facade of calm. “It’s nothing,” I said. My voice sounded steadier than I felt. I forced a smile, hoping it would deflect his attention. “Just a pe
Isabel’s POVI stood there, draped in the beautiful silk cape that Robert had gifted me. Its soft fabric felt almost surreal against my skin. It had been a long time since I’d worn anything nearly as luxurious. Emma’s bright smile caught my eye. For a moment, I wondered if she had known about Robert’s intentions all along. But my thoughts were still consumed by the shock of his words."Pursue me?" The phrase echoed in my mind. Did Robert... like me? The idea seemed impossible. But then, I thought back on all the months he had spent supporting me through my illness. The countless times he had been there with patience and kind words. In my heart, he was just like a brother who always had my back and encouraged me. But now… Could he be something more? My heart fluttered with confusion as I tried to piece it all together. Why would he ask me in such a public place, in front of everyone? Surely, Robert had only spoken up to help me out. To shield me from the judgmental eyes of former cla
Isabel’s POVI could clearly feel Lilith’s malice in her eyes. She didn’t just want Emerson—she wanted to erase me entirely. As if my mere existence threatened her place by his side.Even now, with Emerson under her spell, she seemed bothered by the thought that he still cared about my dating life. Albeit in a twisted, controlling way. As if he still had a right to decide my fate. I could see the possessiveness in his gaze. The way his eyes darkened whenever Robert spoke to me.I turned to Robert, offering him an apologetic smile. Though I knew it wouldn't soften the blow. "I did sign the agreement," I admitted. The disappointment in his eyes was palpable, and I hated seeing that look on his face. He had been so kind, so understanding. And now he had to face the consequences of my past choices."But it had nothing to do with ‘Mrs. Williams’," I added, my voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. I deliberately emphasized "Mrs. Williams," glancing over at Lilith. It was a reminder that she
Isabel’s POVJust as I raised the glass to my lips, two voices rang out simultaneously, sharp and urgent.“Isabel, stop!”“No, don’t!”The sharp command startled me. I froze, the glass hovering inches from my mouth. Before I could react, Robert was beside me. His hand quickly grabbed the glass from mine, his face filled with worry. His eyes searched mine with an intensity that made my heart clench. “Are you crazy? Did you forget you’re allergic to mango?” His voice was low but laced with a mix of fear and anger.I blinked, the reality of what I’d almost done sinking in. The woman who handed me the glass feigned surprise. Her expression was a pitiful attempt at innocence. “Oh my, I had no idea! I’m so sorry, Isabel.”Robert’s gaze darkened as he turned to face her. His tone was icy. “You knew,” he accused, each word cutting through the room like a knife. “You knew she was allergic, and you still offered her this.” The woman’s face was drained of color, but she didn’t respond.I wonder
Emerson’s POVThe evening had been a whirlwind of conversation, business talk and forced pleasantries. But my mind kept drifting back to Isabel. She had excused herself to the restroom quite a while ago. And despite the ongoing dinner, I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me.Robert had been called away for an emergency just after Isabel had excused herself. But before he left, he had the audacity to speak to me in a low, serious tone. “If you have any pity left for Isabel, you should really treat her better. She loved you deeply once, you know?”His words lingered, festering in my mind. Who was he to talk to me that way? Yet, there was a part of me that couldn't deny the truth in what he said. My feelings for Isabel were a tangled mess. I should have hated her. Resented her for what her father did. For the past three years, I had convinced myself that I did. But now, I couldn't get her out of my mind—her golden hair, her bright smile, those captivating blue eyes. But I had L
Isabel’s POVThe darkness seemed endless, pressing in on me from all sides. My breath came in short, panicked gasps. It felt as if the walls were closing in tighter with every second. The small, enclosed space felt like it was crushing me. Squeezing out any last bit of hope. My head throbbed painfully, each pulse of my heartbeat sending sharp pains through my temples. Was this how I would die? Trapped, alone, and suffocated by my own terror?The memories came rushing back, as vivid as the day they happened. Falling down those stairs. Lilith’s wicked smile. The sickening crack of bone against stone. Until there was only darkness. I had lost my baby in that darkness. The same darkness that surrounded me now.The fear that had taken root inside me was growing like a dark vine, swallowing me whole. I couldn’t move, couldn’t scream. The overwhelming dread was too much.But then, through the suffocating silence, I heard it—a loud crash. And then another. My head jolted upright. What was ha
Isabel’s POVEmerson's words and reactions were unsettling. The way he’d pinpointed my claustrophobia, even tracing it back to when it began, left me bewildered. How had he known? And why did he look so sorrowful? His usually cold blue eyes held an unusual softness as he sat there. His hands were tangled in his hair. He was staring up at me with an expression that almost made me falter.Almost.But I couldn’t let myself be swayed by him. Not again. Emerson had hurt me too deeply. He had cut me in ways that left permanent scars. The look in his eyes might have touched me once. But now, I felt nothing more than a fleeting shadow of what I had once felt for him. I couldn't afford to let down my walls. Not again. Not with the man who had shattered my heart beyond repair.I ignored his question, refusing to give him the satisfaction of prying into my pain. All I wanted was to leave, to put as much distance between us as possible. But as I sat up and started gathering my things, Emerson w
Isabel’s POV“Captivity, huh?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.“Exactly,” he said, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. “While the evil lord of the manor is away, I’m here to whisk you off to freedom.”His words were clearly meant as a joke, but I couldn’t ignore the subtle jab at Emerson. “And where exactly are you planning to whisk me off to?”“You’ll see.” Caleb’s tone turned mysterious. “But it’s somewhere you’ll love, I promise.”I hesitated. Spending time with Caleb felt like a risk. He had always been a wild card, unpredictable and charming in equal measure. And with the complicated web of tension between Emerson and me, getting too close to his cousin felt... inappropriate.“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said. “Besides, there’s Liam to consider. I can’t just leave him here.”As if summoned by my words, the maid came rushing out, taking Liam in her arms. She looked flustered, apologizing profusely for not hearing the doorbell.“It’s all right,” Caleb said with a sunny smi
Isabel’s POVI forced a laugh, trying to brush off her comment. “I think you’re imagining things,” I said lightly, but the words felt hollow.The maid smiled apologetically. “Perhaps. I didn’t mean anything by it, miss.”At first, it felt absurd—laughable even. Liam was Emerson and Lilith’s child; that was an undeniable fact. But as the seconds ticked by, something darker, more insidious, began to creep into my thoughts.“That’s ridiculous,” I said aloud, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.The maid gave me a sheepish smile, wringing her hands. “I’m sorry, Miss. It’s just something I noticed. His eyes, maybe? Or his smile? I didn’t mean anything by it.”Her apology only heightened my unease. “It’s fine,” I replied curtly, waving her off.But the seed was planted. My gaze drifted down to Liam, who sat in my lap, staring up at me with a toothy grin. His eyes sparkled with innocence, as if he was oblivious to the storm brewing in my mind.Could it be true?I sh
Isabel’s POVThe stillness of the room pressed on me, amplified by the steady rhythm of Emerson’s breathing behind me. He still wasn’t asleep—I could tell by the occasional shift of his weight and the faint sighs escaping him.He had withdrawn his arm when I didn’t answer, but the proximity between us remained charged. Every so often, his body would shift, brushing against mine—a subtle, fleeting contact that sent ripples through my already frayed nerves. Was it accidental? Or deliberate? I couldn’t be sure, and the ambiguity only made it worse.My body, traitorous as ever, reacted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The heat of his presence seemed to seep into my skin, igniting a tension I had no desire to acknowledge. It wasn’t fair—after everything, after all the anger and betrayal, how could some unintentional touch unravel me like this?I tried to suppress the swirling emotions, willing myself to focus on anything else. But the way my heart raced, the way my breath hitched in those st
Isabel’s POVSitting on the kitchen table, Emerson still looming over me, my mind spiraled with guilt. Sebastian was locked up, possibly suffering, all because of me. He’d been trying to help me, to protect me, and now he was paying the price. I clenched my fists in my lap, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions.“Isabel.”Emerson’s voice broke through the haze. His sharp gaze fixed on me. His head tilted slightly as if studying a puzzle. “You’re quiet. You look… off. Do you know something you’re not telling me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.My heart skipped a beat. Did he suspect? Could he somehow see through me, past the walls I’d painstakingly built?I met his eyes, masking the turmoil within. “No,” I said, forcing a small, almost casual shrug. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”He didn’t seem entirely convinced. His piercing gaze lingered on me longer than I liked. I bit my lip, weighing my options. If Emerson knew the truth about Sebastian’s private investigation and
Isabel’s POVI turned to Emerson after Caleb left. Exhaustion was weighing on my shoulders like a lead blanket. “I’m really tired, and I have work tomorrow,” I murmured, taking a step toward the stairs. The tension from dinner and everything Caleb had implied was still twisting in my chest. I just wanted to escape. To drift off into blissful ignorance.But before I could get far, Emerson swept me off my feet—literally.“Emerson! What are you doing?!” I protested, squirming against his firm grip as he carried me effortlessly back to the kitchen.Without so much as a word, he placed me on the kitchen table as though I weighed nothing. I struggled to slide off, but his hands settled on either side of me, caging me in.My heart raced, but not entirely from rage. There was something about the way his eyes locked onto mine, unflinching and determined, that threw me completely off balance. I hated how he could do this—how he could ignite a whirlwind of emotions with just a look. How he made
Isabel’s POVCaleb strolled into the room as if he owned the place. A wide grin was plastered across his face. “Are you two done whispering sweet nothings yet? Or should I come back later with popcorn?”Emerson groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Caleb, do you have a radar for bad timing, or is it just a natural talent?”“I like to think of it as a gift,” Caleb quipped, leaning casually against the doorframe.I stifled a laugh despite the tension, my lips twitching into a small smile. Caleb always had a way of breaking even the heaviest silences with his antics.“Come inside,” Emerson said with an exasperated sigh. “If you’re going to interrupt, you might as well eat with us.”The three of us made our way to the dining room, where a simple but elegant dinner awaited. Caleb, ever the opportunist, immediately dug in. He complimented the meal with exaggerated enthusiasm.“This roast? Perfection. I’ve been abroad for so long, I forgot what a proper home-cooked meal tastes like. Kudo
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s hand clamped firmly over Caleb’s mouth. Caleb’s muffled protests only made the moment more absurd. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Really, Emerson? This is your grand strategy? Silencing him like a five-year-old?”Emerson shot me a look, his expression a mix of irritation and weary amusement. “You’d be surprised how much trouble this one can cause when left unchecked,” he muttered.Caleb, never one to miss an opportunity, wriggled free with an exaggerated gasp. “Admit it, you missed me,” he said, his grin wide and cheeky.“Missed you?” Emerson arched an eyebrow. “I’m considering sending you back abroad.”Caleb clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. Such gratitude for saving Isabel’s life. You’re lucky I have a forgiving nature.”At the mention of the accident, Emerson’s expression softened. His irritation ebbed, replaced by something quieter, almost regretful. His gaze shifted to me, lingering with a kind of intensity that made my chest tighten.“Are
Isabel’s POVI stared at Caleb, my mind still struggling to process what he had just said. A surprise for his lover? Emerson had said nothing about this, not even hinted at it. The idea clawed at me, a cruel whisper of betrayal I didn’t want to entertain.Recently, his long hours and late nights had seemed justified—he was supposed to be focused on finding Sebastian and Margot. He had painted himself as a man weighed down by duty, by the chaos of the military’s reshuffling. But now? Doubt slithered into my thoughts like a cold wind, chilling my resolve. What if he wasn’t just busy with military upheavals? What if he was lying?I bit my lip, trying to dismiss the growing unease. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to believe that Emerson, for all his faults, could betray me in this way. But hadn’t I learned the hard way not to trust him blindly? My heart and mind were locked in a bitter tug-of-war.Caleb leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. His expression softened a
Isabel’s POVAs the minutes ticked by in the hospital room, the tension between Caleb and me ebbed into something softer. As we chatted, the atmosphere became more companionable.He sat at the foot of my bed, his posture relaxed. But his gaze was keen, as if he were cataloging every detail of my face.“So,” he began, breaking the silence, “life abroad wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, I learned a lot—business strategies, management, marketing—but the culture there was different. Cold, in a way. You don’t realize how much you miss home until you’re halfway across the world.”I smiled faintly. “And yet, you stayed in Sweden for all these years.”“Well, I had to make it worth it, didn’t I? Prove to myself—and to others—that I could build something meaningful.” He paused, his expression softening. “But I always thought of you, Isabel. I used to wonder how you were doing, what you were up to…”His words hung in the air. I glanced away, suddenly uncomfortable under the weight of his g