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 POVI stared at Emerson in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. What did he mean? The ruby necklace my mother had left me—how could it be on the auction list? My mind struggled to process the words that had just come out of his mouth.I shook my head, refusing to believe it. “That can’t be right,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I never sold it… I would never…” My words trailed off as memories of my father’s bankruptcy hit me hard. So many things had been taken, sold off. But not that necklace. It was the only thing I had left of her.I clenched my fists, trying to control the wave of emotions that surged through me. "The break-in at my father's house," I muttered to myself, piecing it together. “It must’ve been stolen then.”Just a few days ago, the police had called me about a break-in. “Ma'am, I’m sorry, the thief ran away, but nothing valuable seemed to have been stolen.” the police said. There wasn’t much left since the bankruptcy. But I totally forgot about