Hello dear readers. Thank you for your attention. Some people think Isabel is too weak to be a female lead, but actually she'll be stronger later on. After suffering so much, she needs time to recover and grow. But her personality is tough, otherwise she wouldn't be able to take so much. Let's look forward to her development in the future~.
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
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s words hit me like a hammer. The realization of what he was saying made my heart sink. If I wanted to reclaim my mother’s necklace, I would have to go through bankruptcy all over again.The thought made my stomach twist with anxiety. “I need to think,” I murmured. My voice was barely audible, as if speaking louder would make the situation more real.Emerson nodded, his expression unreadable. “Take your time. But remember, the auction won’t wait forever.”As he left the room, I sank into the chair, feeling the exhaustion wash over me. My mind raced with possibilities. Each one seemed more futile than the last.My mind was a storm of thoughts.
Isabel’s POVIt was absurd. Show him weakness? Why would I ever do that again? Emerson's question echoed in my mind, stirring a mix of anger and disbelief. Were my worries about money not enough to satisfy his cruel heart?I had begged him for help before. Each time had only deepened the wounds he’d already inflicted. How could he even ask such a question now? How could he expect me to show weakness, after everything that happened?I took a deep breath, trying to steady the tumult of emotions swirling inside me. I had to keep my walls up. I had to protect myself from his twisted mind games. I couldn’t give him any power over my heart ever again.“I may not be as rich as you,” I began, my voice trembling with the effort to keep
Emerson’s POVI was at the hospital with Isabel, again. Isabel was sitting on the bed. Her eyes were distant. She was clearly lost in thought.I watched her for a moment, the way her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of the blanket. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of something—guilt? Regret?It was hard to tell these days. My emotions were a tangled mess whenever I was around her.I decided we could both use a cup of coffee, so I stepped outside into the hallway. While I waited at the coffee machine, I reached into my pocket. I pulled out my phone and sighed as I saw the screen light up with missed calls and messages.Most of them were from Lilith. I could almost hear the ange
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