"I don't know if I can do this, Michael," i admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "I don't know if I'm strong enough."
Michael's grip tightened on my shoulder, his voice low and fierce. "You are, Isabella. You're stronger than you think. And you're not alone in this. We'll fight it together."
His words warmed me, even as the storm of doubt raged within her. For the first time in a long while, i felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, i wouldn't have to face this battle by herself.
Later that night, i sat alone in my room, staring out at the city skyline. Michael had retreated to his office to make calls and handle the fallout, leaving me with my thoughts. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold back the flood of emotions.
Just as i was about to head to bed, my phone buzzed with an incoming message. I frowned when i saw the sender: an unknown number.
