chapter 118

Tony sat beside Emily’s bed, watching his little sister sleep. Her breathing was slow and steady, her face peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had gripped their family in recent months. Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to push away the dark thoughts that had been plaguing him since Austin’s death. The weight of responsibility was heavy on his shoulders, and he wished more than anything that things could go back to the way they were.

Isabella sat quietly in the corner of the room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She had been watching Tony closely, her heart pounding with anxiety. She could see the worry etched on his face, the tension in his shoulders, and it was tearing her apart inside. She loved him, truly, deeply, but the secrets she had been keeping were like a poison in her veins, eating away at her conscience. The guilt had become unbearable, and she knew she couldn’t keep the truth from him any longer.

Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore.