Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

AUTHOR'S NOTE & FAMILY TREE

My Dearest Reader!

Thank you from the depths of my heart for embarking on this enchanting journey and reaching the final chapter of this book. The creation of this tale, weaving its way through thirteen months of writing and chapter releases, has been nothing short of magical. As I delved into the intricacies of Isabella's and Travis' story, a narrative that I hold dear, I realised that, in essence, it became my own confession.

For those who prefer brevity, I won't hold you back – feel free to skip ahead to the updated family tree and images of the House St. Arcey members after the second book below this text. However, for those curious souls who linger, allow me to share why this story feels like a personal declaration of love, longing, and heartbreak.

In crafting this narrative, I breathed life into it by drawing numerous parallels from my own experiences. Much like Bella, I too yearned for love, though my timeline was compressed into a single year before officially dating and eventually cohabiting with my love over the subsequent two years. The intensity of my emotions led me to believe he would be my first and last partner, only for the harsh realisation, nearly four years later, that he was not the one.

Bella's struggles sort of mirrored my own, attempting to communicate my dissatisfaction within the relationship, hoping for positive change, only to witness temporary shifts that soon regressed. The emotional labour invested, with little reciprocation, was a challenging ordeal. Reliving those moments with Bella was, undoubtedly, gut-wrenching.

I harboured expectations of a tangible symbol—a ring, perhaps—during my 22nd birthday celebration, an evening marked by an ostensibly special dinner. As we sat across from each other, I couldn't help but inquire about my gift. To my half-joking query, he responded, "But we're at an expensive dinner, what further gift would you expect?" Mind you, the dinner had been secured at a discounted rate via a voucher bought on a website, and given his role at the local ministry, financial constraints were far from the reality he lived in.

A culmination of grievances necessitated the decision to break up, the final straw being the stark realisation that he was incapable of expressing love. Throughout our four years together, not once had he uttered those three simple words. Thus, with a heavy heart, I gathered my belongings and vacated his home.

It was an exit prompted by the acknowledgement that the confession of love I so desperately sought was an elusive mirage. He never loved me, not even a fraction, a truth I could no longer deny. He insisted his love was demonstrated through actions, an approach I failed to recognise as the substitute for the verbal affirmation I craved. I left not out of defiance or retaliation but as a consequence of the profound feeling that I was but a transient placeholder, easily replaceable when the opportune moment arrived.

You may think there are parallels between Travis and my ex, however, I must clarify that Travis shares nothing more than a zodiac sign with my former partner (both are born under the zodiac sign Pisces). Like me, Travis grappled with unwelcome intrusions into his life, a sentiment I've experienced firsthand with my own family. Despite our best efforts to chart our own paths, external disruptions often veer us off course, mirroring even my current struggles.

At times, I can't help but feel as though I'm fated to attract misfortune, constantly grappling with life's challenges. Yet, like Travis, I remain steadfast in not lingering in despair for longer than necessary, determined to overcome adversity that comes my way. Just as he persevered, I too hold onto hope for brighter days ahead.

For Bella and Travis, I envisioned a joyful conclusion that mirrored the happiness I yearned for in my own life—a conclusion, however, that reality chose not to grant yet. Life, as we know, can be relentless and demanding, placing obstacles in our path to challenge our fortitude and introducing individuals unworthy of our affection.