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Chapter 9 - In The Shadows
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 10 - Two Worlds Colliding
Isabel’s POVI didn't expect to meet Robert here. He told me that his family had recently started a commercial cooperation with Andrew Williams, so he received an invitation. It felt surreal to bump into him again. But our friendly atmosphere was soon broken by Emerson.Seeing Emerson’s fierce expression, Robert whispered, “Do you need help, Isabel?” I appreciated his kindness but didn’t want him to get involved in our conflicts.“Don't worry, Robert. This is not your battle to fight,” I responded.Emerson paced over to us, his posture tense and menacing. He looked very handsome in his tailored suit. His sapphire blue tie matched the color of my dress perfectly. In the past, we would have laughed together about the coincidence, a private joke between us. But not today. His blue eyes were filled with nothing but rage.“Who is he?” Emerson demanded, his voice icy.I tried to explain, but Robert was faster. He introduced himself with a calm confidence that only seemed to infuriate Emerson
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 11 - Unbearable Moments
Isabel’s POVEmerson let go of my shoulders and hurried downstairs. He left me in the storage room. I stood there for several minutes, trying to compose myself before following him.I was confused about my own feelings. Why did Emerson care so much about Robert? He had a new family now. And why did I still feel attracted to him after all he had done to me? I took a deep breath to clear my mind, then walked out.I walked through the corridor filled with pictures of Emerson's forefathers. They looked down on me with stern and serious expressions as I walked by. It was as if they were silently judging me.“I know I no longer belong here…” I murmured. “I'll be gone from the Williams family soon enough.”Although I knew it was the right decision, the thought of divorcing Emerson still hurt. I had loved him so much. A future without him felt terrifying. Especially with my medical condition, and my father's uncertain future…When I finally came downstairs, I saw a crowd gathered around Lilith
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 12 - Desperate Measures
Isabel’s POVRobert overheard the phone call and noticed my despair. He gently placed a hand on my shoulder.“Are you okay, Isabel?” He asked, concern evident in his eyes.“I uh… My father is in trouble. He’s being summoned to court. But he’s unable to take their calls, since he’s in the hospital,” I explained.Robert overheard the phone call and noticed my despair. He immediately offered to drive me to the courthouse. "Let me help, Isabel. You shouldn't go through this alone," he insisted. We hurried to court, my heart pounding with anxiety.When we arrived, the staff informed me that if my father couldn’t pay off his debt, his house would be subject to foreclosure. The thought of losing my childhood home was unbearable. It was a large old farmhouse in the woods, filled with beautiful memories. My father had renovated it himself. Pouring blood, sweat and tears into the project. "This can't be happening," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I grew up in that house. It holds so many memo
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 13 - Emerson's Anguish
Emerson's POVI felt a surge of anger when I saw Isabel smile at a strange man. How dare she flirt with someone else at my family banquet? How could she smile at another man so easily, but always show me a cold face?My anger intensified when I recognized him. He was the man who had carried Isabel to the car. He introduced himself as Robert Evans, the son of a prominent medical enterprise. How dare he try to steal my wife? When I confronted them, I never expected Robert to provoke me. He acted protective over her, as if he were Isabel’s husband.Turning away from Robert, I took Isabel by the arm and led her to a storage room. I pressed her shoulders against the wall, glaring at her. "What were you thinking, smiling at him like that?""We were just talking, Emerson," Isabel replied, her voice shaking. "Why are you so upset?""Upset?" I spat. "You’re still my wife, Isabel. You shouldn't be talking to other men.""We're about to finalize the divorce," she shot back. "And besides, you’re
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 14 - Lilith’s Story
Emerson’s POVSeveral years ago, I met Lilith during a volunteering activity at a local community center. I was drawn to her unique, exotic beauty. She was tall and slender, sticking out above the people around her. Her raven hair and green eyes stood out amongst the crowd. She had an elegance and grace about her that I hadn’t seen before.We got talking. She told me about her life. She didn’t have it easy. She was juggling multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. But her real passion was music - she was a pianist. Despite her tough life, she never complained.Her strong will and optimistic attitude were what initially drew me to her. We exchanged numbers. From then on, I often invited her to lunches and dinners. I couldn’t stay away from her. As we spent more time together, our bond deepened. I found myself increasingly captivated by her.During one of our conversations, Lilith mentioned receiving assistance from a businessman because of her outstanding grades and musical talent. Sh
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 15 - White’s Pawns
Emerson’s POVLilith’s departure left a void in my life that I couldn't quite comprehend. I wasn't sure if my feelings for her were love or something else. It sure felt like love… Perhaps it was the shared moments, the mutual interests, and the resilience she displayed that endeared her to me. I considered that marrying Lilith wouldn't have been a bad choice. Although my family would prefer a higher social class marriage. Spending the rest of my life with someone with the same interests would be much nicer for me. But it was too late now. All because of Mr. White.One day, I received an unexpected invitation from Isabel White. I listened to her voicemail. “Hi, Emerson, how are you?” she started, sounding quite nervous. “It’s been a while. I uh… I’d like to go watch a movie with you. And… I have something important to discuss. Are you available tonight? I’ve emailed you the details.” Curious, I searched for information about the movie online. It turned out to be a romantic film. It wa
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 16 - A Grim Realization
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s texts were relentless. He kept on warning me to reconsider the consequences of my actions. But I stood firm. I knew what I wanted. I deserved better than a man who didn’t want me with all his heart.I wasn’t going to let his threats sway me. Maybe he was worried about his family’s reputation or didn’t want Lilith to suffer from public scrutiny. But eventually, he realized I wouldn’t change my mind. He agreed to the divorce. We finalized it the same day. As I signed the papers, a heavy sigh of relief escaped me. Our marriage was over.As I left the courthouse, Emerson’s scornful voice called out after me: "You are as shameless as your father. You never deserved to be loved!" His harsh words stung. I turned back to him, shocked. "What are you talking about, Emerson? What happened between you and my father?" I demanded. “It’s time to tell me the truth, right now.”Emerson’s eyes flashed with anger. "Ask him what the hell he did to Lilith!" With that, he stormed of
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 17 - Unwanted Encounters
Isabel’s POVEmma and Robert were my constant support during my chemotherapy. They made the unbearable bearable. Their friendship was like a comforting balm. Emma, ever the optimist, often suggested I start a new relationship. Her own new crush seemed to have reignited her belief in love.One evening, as we sat together, her phone buzzed incessantly. Annoyance flashed across her face as she checked the messages.“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing her frown.“Alex invited me to a party. He wants me to meet his friends. But I don’t want to go. We’re not even dating,” she replied, sounding frustrated.“Why don’t you give it a try? You might have fun,” I encouraged her, though I wasn’t feeling very social myself.Emma’s eyes lit up with an idea. “Isabel! Let’s go together!”“Me? I’m not used to these kinds of occasions,” I protested.“Come on! Just accompany me. You don’t want your friend to be lonely, do you?”Reluctantly, I agreed. Her excitement was infectious. She dragged me to her spac
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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
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 183 - Curious Affection
Isabel’s POVI turned my head slightly, studying Caleb under the stark fluorescent lights of the hospital room. His features had matured since the last time I’d seen him—his once boyish face now sculpted with sharper lines and a stronger jaw. His brown eyes, though warm, held an intensity I hadn’t seen before. He was attractive, I supposed. But not in a way that stirred anything deeper in me. There was no spark, no pull. Yet, there was something else in his eyes—an air of devotion that felt almost... misplaced.His attention to me was unwavering, his every gesture laced with concern. The way he hovered near my bed, the protective edge in his voice when he questioned the doctor—it was as though he had a personal stake in my well-being. Why was he acting like this? I couldn’t help but wonder.“Caleb,” I said softly, breaking the silence. He turned to me immediately, his eyes scanning my face for any sign of discomfort.“Are you feeling okay? Do you need water? Anything?” His tone was
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 182 - Reunited in Chaos
Isabel’s POV“What did you say? Tumor?!”The voice, rough and loud, jarred me from unconsciousness like a splash of cold water. My head throbbed, a deep ache nestled at the base of my skull, and the rest of my body felt too heavy, as if I’d been weighed down. Blinking against the harsh light, I struggled to sit up. My vision gradually sharpened, and I saw a young man standing by my bedside, facing a doctor with an intensity that seemed both familiar and foreign.“Miss Isabel needs rest,” the doctor murmured with a steady calm, though he cast an uncertain glance between us. “Let’s discuss her condition outside—”“I’ll decide when she can rest,” the man snapped, his tone biting.Who was he? And why was he here?I cleared my throat, though my voice came out hoarse and faint. “Excuse me,” I managed, interrupting the tense exchange. The young man immediately turned. As he looked at me, his expression softened, melting from irritation into something warmer, something… protective.“Isabel,
