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Chapter 58 - Walls of Resilience
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Isabel’s POV
It 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
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His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 59 - Web of Lies
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 60 - Aching Hearts
Isabel’s POVSeeing Emerson leave so decisively, my heart ached in a way that felt all too familiar. The pain was sharp, as if he had driven a knife deeper into a wound that never seemed to heal.Why did he keep hurting me? Why did I let him?I tried to stand. But as I put weight on my ankle, a sharp pain shot through me. I fell again. I must’ve sprained my ankle.The cold pavement stung against my skin, and the humiliation burned in my chest. I was about to try getting up once more when I heard hurried footsteps approaching."Isabel!" Emma's voice broke through the haze of pain and despair. She knelt beside me, her face etched with worry. "What happened? Are you okay?"
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 61 - Facing The Inevitable
Isabel’s POVI tried to comfort Emma, but my words felt hollow. I told her I was just preparing for the worst, trying to make sense of it all in advance. No one could predict the future, I reminded her. It was a flimsy shield against the gnawing fear that clung to me. I knew she could see through my brave front. But she nodded, her eyes heavy with concern."Isabel, don't talk like that," Emma said, her voice trembling. "You’re not going anywhere. We’ll figure this out together."I forced a smile, though it felt like a thin mask. "I just want to be prepared, Emma. If anything happens to me, I want you to sell the house I got from the divorce. The money should be enough to support my father for the rest of his life."Her face crumpled at my words, but she nodded again. "You know I’ll take care of him. But please, don’t give up. You have to keep fighting."I reached out, squeezing her hand. "I’ll try, Emma. But I need to do this my way."Later, I contacted the auction organizer. My finge
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 62 - Under the Spotlight
Isabel’s POVLilith's irritation was palpable. Her sharp eyes narrowed, her lips twitching as though she was fighting to hold back a retort. Her fingers gripped the edges of her chair. But before she could spit out whatever venomous words she had prepared, the auctioneer’s voice boomed through the hall.“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer announced with a theatrical pause, “Welcome to an evening of rare treasures and timeless pieces. Our collection of items this evening is truly exceptional...”The room grew silent as everyone turned their attention to the stage. Lilith still managed to shoot me one last glare, her gaze like daggers piercing into me. It was a silent accusation, simmering with unspoken threats.As she settled into her seat, I couldn’t shake the feeling of her watching me. Even while pretending to be engaged with the auction, her glances told me otherwise.She wore a stunning evening gown that clung to her curves, the fabric shimmering under the chandelier lights. Her
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 63 - Ghosts of the Past
Isabel’s POVI barely registered the auctioneer’s words as the auction officially began. The room was filled with the hum of people bidding, their voices rising and falling with each item presented. But to me, it was all just noise, distant and meaningless. The expensive artifacts, the glittering jewels, the rare art pieces—they were nothing more than props in a show I had no interest in.I let my eyes wander across the room. The opulent displays of wealth were all blurring together. It was as if I were watching a movie, completely detached from the scene unfolding before me. I was just a spectator, a ghost among the living. My thoughts began to drift. I got carried away by the memories that still lingered like shadows in the back of my mind.I remembered the first year of my marriage to Emerson. He had taken me to events like this one—grand auctions where the rich and powerful gathered to flaunt their wealth."Isabel," he had said as we entered one of those glittering venues, his ha
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 64 - Ruby Legacy
Isabel’s POV“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer began, drawing out the suspense, “this exquisite ruby necklace dates back to the early 19th century. Crafted by a master jeweler, its deep red stones symbolize both passion and power.”His gaze swept over the crowd as he continued. “These rubies are some of the finest you’ll ever see—untouched, unblemished, and set in a custom-designed gold frame. A true collector’s piece.”The room hummed with quiet admiration as he went on. “This necklace is not only a symbol of elegance but a testament to history. A one-of-a-kind treasure, ladies and gentlemen.”But I didn’t need to hear the details. I knew them by heart. The ruby necklace had once belonged to my mother. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was her, in a way. A link to the love she’d given me, to the memories that now felt like they were slipping away. I could still picture it around her neck. The way those rubies sparkled against her skin. The way her deep blue eyes shimmered wi
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 65 - The Highest Bidder
Isabel’s POVThe tension in the room was suffocating. No one was bidding anymore. My heart raced. This was my last chance. I needed to stop Emerson. My eyes darted to his hand, his paddle ready. Intense panic surged through me. What could I do? He had taken everything. How could I stop him from taking this from me too?Frantically, I grabbed my phone and started typing, my fingers trembling."Emerson, please, don't do this. It’s the last thing my mother left me. You know how significant it is for me. Please, as long as you give it to me, I promise that I will never appear in your life again. Even if you want my life, I can give it to you."I hit send, praying he’d read it. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat loud in my ears. My gaze flickered to him as he glanced at his phone, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I feared he would ignore me. That he would raise his hand again and bid, snatching away the necklace that meant everything to me. But then, he hesitated. He paused.
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 66 - Ruffled Feathers
Isabel’s POVI stood outside the auction hall, the evening air biting against my skin. The cold, harsh wind whipped around me. I didn't need to turn around to know who had come to taunt me. The voice was all too familiar.Emerson always seemed to show up at the worst moments. As if he had a radar for my most humiliating situations. It was as if he was waiting, lurking in the shadows. Ready to catch me at my weakest just to watch me break.The sound of his leather shoes clicking against the floor echoed closer. Each step felt like a hammer to my fragile composure. I could feel his presence closing in. And with it, a wave of panic was rising in my chest. I couldn't bear it any longer.I spun around, my voice trembling with a fury that had been simmering for months. “Why should I have regrets? Regrets about what? For not seeing your true face sooner? For not giving up the position of Mrs. Williams earlier so you could parade Lilith around?”Emerson’s eyes widened, caught off guard by my o
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His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 192 - Swept Away
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 191 - Mirror’s Deception
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 190 - Silent Night
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 189 - A Promise in the Dark
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 188 - His Audacity
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 187 - Whispers of Suspicion
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 186 - Threads of Distrust
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 185 - Stirring the Pot
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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 184 - Whispers of Betrayal
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
