Yet, as he walked away, a strange emptiness settled in the room, a contrast to the overwhelming emotions that had filled the space just moments before. I knew i needed time, but i also knew that time wouldn't erase the pull i felt towards Michael—the inexplicable connection that had formed between them amidst all the chaos.
Later that evening, as i sat alone in the guest room, i found myself staring at my phone. There were dozens of missed calls from my mother, texts from friends i hadn't had the energy to reply to, and a single, unread message from Vanessa.
My finger hovered over the screen before i finally tapped it open.
*"You really think you've won, don't you? But let me remind you, Isabella, there's more at stake here than you realize. You can't trust the Hartleys. And you can't trust Michael either. I'll be seeing you soon."*
