Fifty Six

Isabella sat on the neatly made bed, trying to calm herself in her childhood room. The room still felt the same as it always had—warm and cozy, as if time had never moved here. But her mind was spinning, unable to find peace.

Feelings of loss, confusion, and betrayal swirled together, forming a heavy weight on her chest.

She took a deep breath, trying to soothe her heart. I can face this, she thought. She had always managed to get through difficult times, and this would be no different.

But the comforting silence was suddenly broken by the sound of the doorbell echoing throughout the house. Isabella lifted her head, sensing something wrong. Who could be here at this hour?

In the living room, Ben and Rose exchanged worried glances. They knew who was standing outside before they even opened the door. Felix.

Ben approached the door, his face tense. Behind the door, Felix stood with an expression full of regret and exhaustion. “I want to speak with Isabella,” he said, his voice hoarse, as