Doubts - Regretful ex-Fiancé

Chapter 4 | ✓

I felt a sharp pain in my left arm. 

I don't recall going to bed in pain or taking any medicine for it. But now that I'm awake, it feels like I've slept too long, and I'm surrounded by discomfort and pain. Oh no, I feel so out of it.

My arm feels wrapped up and useless. I open my eyes to an unfamiliar place. My heart races and panic rises within me. Where am I?

"Hey... Isabella. It's okay," a gentle male voice reassures me. I turn to see Mason, my sister's boyfriend. I remember him, but why is he here? I stare at him, completely confused about what's happening.

"You're okay now. You had surgery to remove the bullet, and you'll heal soon. I'm really sorry this happened, Isabella." He pauses and sits in a chair next to me. "Do you remember? Do you remember me?"

I stare at him, feeling confused and shocked by what he said. It all comes back to me now. I remember everything. Oh my God! I recall the fear, the desperation, the overwhelming sense of dread. Tears of pain and sorrow fill my eyes as I look at Mason. I nearly lost my life. I almost lost everything in my search for Lily. I was trying to prove something to Jonathan... I almost died!

I bite my lip to hold back my feelings. Then a thought strikes me. "Where is the nice lady? Mia!" I ask, thinking of the kind neighbor who had shown me kindness.

"Mia is fine. She wasn't hurt and is now in a safe place. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you too, Isabella. I truly regret it." He hangs his head, looking defeated.

"It's alright, Mason. It's just a little scratch. I'll be okay." I try to comfort him, even though I long for some affection. I wish I had someone to lean on right now, someone who cares for me like Mason cares for Mia.

"I remember everything now," I whisper to him.

After talking to Samuel and hearing his harsh words, I finally realized that it was really over between me and Jonathan. If he truly loved me, if he really cared, would he treat me this way? Would he ignore me? Would he send his brother to hurt me? Could he really be with another woman...?

I can't believe that last part is true. I can't accept that Jonathan could be so heartless. But now I see my situation more clearly. It's truly over. I risked everything trying to prove something to someone who doesn't care. Someone who allowed his brother to mistreat me .I've never felt so alone and exposed as I do now. Isn't a fiancé supposed to give you the benefit of the doubt? Isn't your future husband meant to protect you no matter what? Did I ever mean anything to him?

I shut my eyes, recalling how I felt when I got home after my last encounter with Samuel. The deep shame I experienced. The chilling indifference from a man who once held me in high regard.

I walked into my apartment, tears streaming down my face. No, that's not quite right. I was sobbing, like a wounded animal. All I could do was collapse onto my bed and cry. The entire night passed in tears until morning came.

My phone stayed silent that night. Jonathan didn't care at all. He didn't care if I was hurt or in pain. If I was suffering! I was sure Samuel would celebrate my downfall. But Jonathan...? I never imagined he could be so heartless.

Still, a small part of me hoped to prove myself to them and fix everything. So, I searched through that phone I found, looking for clues. I remembered Lily boasting about some charming, handsome guy she was about to date. I couldn't believe it for a second. A nice, serious man dating my sister seemed really... odd.

There were some messages on the phone from a guy, my sister's boyfriend apparently, and I even found his address. With some nerves, I decided to visit him. I brought my weapon for safety. When I arrived, the man was very handsome and serious, but something felt off. He thought I was Lily and offered to help me, unaware that Lily had a twin.

His behavior towards me and Mia, the other woman, was kind and respectful, which was unexpected and nice. But why was he involved with my sister? Something felt wrong.

I knocked on his door, and he looked surprised when he opened it. He didn't ask me to come in but began firing questions at me, wanting to know everything I had been up to lately. I felt confused and didn't know how to respond. That's when I broke down in tears, pleading with him to tell me where my sister was. It was chaotic, and I can't recall everything I said. All I remember is that a minute later, Mia, the neighbor from next door, opened her door and came to help me.

Mason seemed uneasy about this and began talking on the phone. I was so overwhelmed that I didn't really listen to what he was saying. The last thing I recall is sitting on Mia's couch when suddenly, two men burst through the door, guns drawn! I reacted quickly, pulling out my gun and shooting at them twice, hitting both. I felt a pain in my arm but didn't realize until later that I had been shot.

I backed up to the couch for safety after Mason jumped up from where he had been lying with Mia. He fired again, taking control of the situation. I stayed still, feeling dizzy and sick as I stared at the ceiling. My thoughts turned to the cat. Mia's little cat was in my lap when I fired, and I hoped it was okay.

A few minutes later, Mia came over with towels and comforting words, tears streaming down her face. In the background, Mason was shouting, and soon a group of police officers arrived. I felt Mason beside me, holding me close. It was a comforting feeling, and for a moment, I imagined it was Jonathan. I fainted with a smile. Now, I look at Mason, feeling exhausted.

I want to go home. I want to forget everything. I want to wipe these memories away. I don't want anything to do with the Coleman brothers anymore. They can all take a hike! If this is the drugs talking, I really don't care. I've had enough. It's done. There's just one more thing I need to find out. "My sister?"

"She is in custody," he replies, watching me closely. "Before all this happened, I was speaking with my partner, and we already had a lead on her. We found her in a motel, and now she will be answering some questions for us."

"You're a cop," I state.

"Yes," he confirms with a nod. That makes sense. I found it odd that he was my sister's boyfriend, living in a nice apartment, and wanting to be with her. When I visited his place, I expected to meet a crazy dude. But learning he was a police officer explained a lot. In the end, does it really matter?

"Is she safe? Is she going to jail?"

"I can't share too much, but yes, she is safe and will be held accountable for her actions. She's involved in some serious crimes. I'll update you when I can. For now, let's focus on your recovery. Do you want me to call someone for you?" he asks softly, and I stare blankly ahead.

Should he reach out to someone? Absolutely not. Absolutely not! "No," I reply firmly. He looks thoughtful for a moment and nods. It seems he has more to say. He clears his throat.

"Mia asked me to share a few words... So, here it goes," he clears his throat again. "You were really brave to help us. You actually saved our lives. And Mimi, the cat, is also thankful." I smile at this, but he goes on. "I'm sorry about what happened; you got hurt because of my investigation. If I could have kept you safe, I would have. But right now, I'm here to help you if you need it. Just call me for anything—whether it's to confront someone, lift heavy stuff, or be your support in any situation. Mia also wants me to give you her number. So, that's it, alright? I couldn't do much back there, but you can rely on me from now on."

I am really surprised by this offer. I doubt he truly meant it... Maybe Mia made him say it? But it makes me feel warm inside. It's like a cozy blanket of safety is around me. Tears begin to well up again, and I smile at him with appreciation. He and Mia have been so kind to me...

"Thank you, Mason. I really appreciate it."