Chapter 51 – Poisoned Chalice
Isabel’s POV
I could clearly feel Lilith’s malice in her eyes. She didn’t just want Emerson–she wanted to erase me entirely. As if my mere existence threatened her place by his
side.
Even now, with Emerson under her spell, she seemed bothered by the thought that he still cared about my dating life. Albeit in a twisted, controlling way. As if he still had a right to decide my fate. I could see the possessiveness in his gaze. The way his eyes darkened whenever Robert spoke to me.
I turned to Robert, offering him an apologetic smile. Though I knew it wouldn’t soften the blow. “I did sign the agreement,” I admitted. The disappointment in his eyes was palpable, and I hated seeing that look on his face. He had been so kind, so understanding. And now he had to face the consequences of my past choices.
“But it had nothing to do with ‘Mrs. Williams,” I added, my voice laced with a hint of
sarcasm.
I deliberately emphasized “Mrs. Williams,” glancing over at Lilith. It was a reminder that she wasn’t actually his wife yet. No matter how hard she tried to play the part. It used to be how everyone addressed me before the divorce. Now it seemed only fitting to throw that title back in her face.
I noticed Emerson’s face change slightly, as if he was trying to suppress his conflicting emotions. The flicker in his eyes gave away more than he intended. I laughed sarcastically, unable to resist the jab. “Mr. Emerson, your fiancée doesn’t seem to like me very much.”
Lilith’s expression twisted with anger. She was clearly not used to being challenged, especially not by me. She gestured subtly to another lady standing nearby. Someone who must have been one of her friends. The woman caught the signal immediately and approached me with a glass of wine. A forced smile was plastered on her face.
“A toast to you, Isabel. To a happy future,” she said sweetly, though I could see the malice lurking beneath the surface.
I knew this was no ordinary toast. Robert, ever the protector, stepped in. “Isabel isn’t well. She shouldn’t drink more alcohol. I’ll take it for her,” he offered. His tone was firm and protective. But the woman shook her head with a sly smile, as if she had already planned her next move.
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Chapter 51 – Poisoned Chalice
+25 BONUS
“How about this juice instead?” she suggested, holding out a glass filled with a bright Orange liquid. There was something in her eyes that set off alarm bells in my mind, but I couldn’t place it.
I knew I didn’t have the right to refuse again. Not with Emerson and Lilith watching so closely. They were waiting for me to slip up. To give them a reason to humiliate me further. I took the glass reluctantly, feeling the weight of their stares on me.
As I brought the glass to my lips, a strong, sweet smell hit my nose. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the scent. “This is… mango juice?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
The woman nodded, feigning innocence. But the gleam in her eyes told me otherwise. She knew exactly what she was doing.
Panic surged through me as I realized the trap they had set. Lilith knew about my severe allergy to mangoes. The triumphant look on her face confirmed it.
She wanted to see me suffer, to see if I would actually drink it. I glanced at Emerson, hoping for some sign of hesitation, some trace of concern. But his expression remained cold, indifferent. As if none of this mattered to him.
So, this was it. This was how they wanted to push me over the edge. Ridiculous, really. What would they do if I actually drank it? Would they panic? Would Emerson finally show some emotion, some regret? Or would he just stand there and watch?
My fingers tighten around the glass, the cool liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim. Maybe I should just drink it. Maybe that would be the final act of defiance, to force them to reveal their true colors. The thought tempted me, even as my body recoiled at the idea.
As I held the glass, my fingers trembled. The sweet scent of mango filled my senses. For a moment, I let my mind wander into dangerous territory. What would Emerson do if I drank the mango juice? Would he even care?
It would be so easy to tip it back. To let the juice slide down my throat and see what happened. I wondered if it would stir any emotions in him–guilt, regret, concern?
