Burning Sensation

ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ ᴏɴᴇ

"Earth to Isabella."

I jolt back to reality as Zahra's voice pierces the air, the kettle slipping from my grasp and scalding water splashing onto my hand.

"Shit!" I hiss, grabbing tissues to dab up the spill as I mutter curses under my breath.

Zahra's concern is immediate. "Are you okay?" she asks, setting aside her book, her bookmark glinting like a sword as she turns to face me.

I compose myself, rounding the table to take my seat, and hiding my burned hand beneath the table.

Zahra has always had the type of beauty that makes you do a double take, her beauty still takes my breath away, but now it's tempered with a radiant glow.

"Are you pregnant?" I blurt and her eyes widen.

"Pregnant?" she squeaks out, disbelief on her face. "Oh God no."

My gaze narrows slightly. "You look...different," I say, my tone hesitant. Her face lights up, and she waves off my concern.

"It's nothing. Just pure happiness," she says, her body language screaming contentment.

My curiosity gets the better of me and I find myself lifting a brow.

"I think Gio's gonna propose soon," she whispers, her voice barely audible. I shoot out of my seat, excitement propelling me toward her.

"Really?" I squeal, my enthusiasm infectious.

She nods, her words spilling out in a rush – browsers bookmarks, hints, secret vacations – and I'm caught up in her excitement, but my mind strays to Valerio.

I feel happy for her, honestly, I am happy for her but my mind keeps drifting to Valerio. The weight of my secrets presses down on me like a physical force. I think about the hard drive, the files, the betrayal—

Oh God, What was I thinking? Betraying the one man I love just to please my father?

My father's influence, my trauma, my daddy issues – none of it justifies what I've done. The thought of facing Valerio's anger, hurt, and disappointment makes my stomach twist into knots.

Maybe today I'll find the courage to confess, to bare my soul and beg for forgiveness, but the thought of facing Valerio's judgment fills me with self-loathing – I'm a coward, a deceitful, weak woman who can't even stand up to her own father, let alone be honest with her husband.

I feel like I'm drowning in my own weakness, suffocating under the weight of my secrets, and the only hope I have is that Valerio's love for me might be stronger than my betrayal.

I stand up abruptly, interrupting Zahra. "I've got to go." My voice is tight, urgent. "I'm so sorry, but, I need to head home right now."

Zahra's eyes lock onto mine, seeing right through me, before she nods and gathers her things. "I noticed you were off," she says softly, her hand brushing against my chest. "I hope you sort everything out, love."