I glanced toward the door, where Liam stood like a statue, arms crossed and unreadable. "Why is it so cold in here?" I asked him, voice calm but firm.
Liam's jaw tightened. "I like it cold. Keeps people alert." His eyes flicked briefly to Isabella. "Besides, I don't want her getting too comfortable."
"Get her a blanket," I insisted.
He hesitated. "Fine. But don't let her get soft."
As Liam left, I stayed close to Isabella, wrapping a thin rag around her shoulders. She flinched at the warmth, her body tense.
"Can I ask you something?" I said gently.
She nodded, eyes wide and scared.
"Are you... pregnant?" The words felt heavy in the quiet room.
Her breath hitched. Tears welled up instantly, and she shook her head fiercely. "No, no, I'm not. Stop, I'm not."
Her voice cracked as sobs escaped, her fragile defenses crumbling.
The door creaked open, and Liam returned with a blanket folded over his arm.
"I need to talk to her privately," I said, standing up and facing him. "Please give her some space and wait outside for a while."
He glared. "Why? So you can have your little chat with her alone? What are you planning?"
"For just a little while. She needs space. Trust me."
His voice dropped low, warning. "I don't trust anyone with her. Least of all you."
I met his gaze steadily. "Then you're going to have to learn."
He grunted but stepped back.
I closed the door softly behind him.
Alone with Isabella, I let my gaze soften. This wasn't just a simple illness. And I was going to do everything I could to help her, whether Liam liked it or not.
I reached out, placing a steady hand over hers. "I won't let them hurt you. But you have to trust me."
She looked at me, a flicker of hope buried deep beneath the terror.
"Start small," I said. "Tell me one thing you're afraid of."
Her voice was barely a whisper. " I don't know."
I leaned closer. "What do you mean?"
She stared down at her hands, fingers trembling against the blanket. For a moment, I thought she wouldn't answer. Then, just above a whisper:
"I don't know what's happening to me."
The words hung there — fragile, terrified, and full of something she wasn't saying
YOU ARE READING
Shattered Vows
RomanceAt just 18, Isabella's life takes a dark turn when her father sells her to the ruthless mafia boss, Marco. Bound in a luxurious yet imprisoning mansion and trapped in a nightmarish marriage, Isabella faces daily cruelty and control. Her world shifts...
