Chapter 65

Homecoming Heartache

The Fernandez mansion was silent, a far cry from the bomb that had gone off a few days before inside those very walls. Jack's revelation and his consequent exit seemed to leave behind an almost palpable feel of vacuum that echoed through every single room.

Isabelle stood at her study window, her eyes on the horizon, her mind far away. It was almost as if a video of those last week's events played in her head: that stunning revelation concerning Jack's true heritage, the pain and betrayal in Carlos's eyes, and that awful moment when Jack walked out the door forever.

A soft knock broke into her reverie. "Mom?" Sophia's voice was tentative, almost fragile. "Can we come in?"

Isabelle turned to see her twins hovering in the doorway, their faces etched with concern. "Of course, darlings," she said, managing a small smile. "Come here."

As Sophia and Alex sat down on the couch, Isabelle could only admire their strength. Through everything, they had clung to one another—a