Chapter 53 – Breaking Through Shadows
Emerson’s POV
The evening had been a whirlwind of conversation, business talk and forced pleasantries. But my mind kept drifting back to Isabel. She had excused herself to the restroom quite a while ago. And despite the ongoing dinner, I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me.
Robert had been called away for an emergency just after Isabel had excused herself. But before he left, he had the audacity to speak to me in a low, serious tone.
“If you have any pity left for Isabel, you should really treat her better. She loved you deeply once, you know?”
His words lingered, festering in my mind. Who was he to talk to me that way? Yet, there was a part of me that couldn’t deny the truth in what he said. My feelings for Isabel were a tangled mess.
I should have hated her. Resented her for what her father did. For the past three years, I had convinced myself that I did. But now, I couldn’t get her out of my mind- her golden hair, her bright smile, those captivating blue eyes.
But I had Lilith now. The love of my life was sitting right beside me, looking radiant and gorgeous. And still I couldn’t stop thinking about my ex. It just wasn’t right.
I drank another glass of wine, hoping it would numb the unsettling thoughts. Lilith, beautiful as ever in the dress I always said was my favorite, tried to keep me engaged with her endless chatter.
But still, my mind drifted back to Isabel. Time was slipping by, and she still hadn’t returned. We were nearly done with dinner, and I noticed her bag was still on her seat. She wouldn’t have left without it.
And yet, she was nowhere to be seen. Emma, who was supposed to be her best friend, was too lost in her drunken conversations to even notice Isabel’s absence. Some best friend, I thought bitterly.
Lilith suddenly interrupted my thoughts, her voice sweet yet insistent. “Emerson, I’m tired. Will you drive me home?”
I felt a surge of irritation. I hesitated, trying to mask my impatience. “I, uh… I have
something to deal with,” I said. I took out my phone to arrange a driver for her. “Oh but darling, no, then I’ll stay with you a little longer.”
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Chapter 53–Breaking Through Shadows
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“Sorry babe, I have to take care of some business. You’re tired. You should go home,” I said in a stern voice that didn’t leave room for discussion.
Lilith wasn’t pleased. I could tell from the way her eyes narrowed and her lips tightened into a thin line. But I stood firm, kissing her on the cheek as the driver arrived to pick her up.
“Goodnight, Lil. I’ll be home soon,” I said with a sweet voice, trying to make up for her disappointment.
“Night,” she said in a cold voice, before she abruptly turned around. Her high heels clicked sharply on the pavement. Phew, she was a feisty one, I thought to myself.
I knew I would face her silent treatment tonight and for the next few days. Perhaps we would even have a shouting match about it. But at that moment, I couldn’t bring myself to care.
Something wasn’t right. I could feel it deep in my bones. I needed to find Isabel. My mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. I couldn’t leave like this. Not without knowing she was safe.
I knew the owner of the venue and quickly arranged to check the surveillance footage. A female staff member led me to the security room. We scanned through the recordings together.
There was no sign of Isabel ever leaving the restroom. But there was a blind spot by the bathroom door, and I couldn’t see what happened after she went in. My concern intensified as the seconds ticked by. I needed to act quickly.
“Can you take me to the restroom? My friend was missing.” I asked a female staff member, my voice sharper than I intended. She nodded, and we hurried to the location. When we arrived, the door was locked.
She walked towards a locker that was embedded in the wall. After entering the code and opening it, she looked surprised. “What’s wrong?” I asked impatiently.
“That’s odd,” she said, her brows furrowing. “The pass key to unlock the bathroom from the outside is usually here.”
She fumbled with the locker, searching for the key. But I couldn’t wait any longer. The anxiety bubbling inside me was becoming unbearable. What if she was trapped? What if something had happened to her?
“I’ll take care of it.” I muttered to myself. “Stand away!” I warned the staff, stepping
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Chapter 53 – Breaking Through Shadows
back before launching my body against the door. The force rattled the hinges but didn’t budge the door. Determined, I tried again. This time, the door splintered and
gave way.
“Oh, jeez!” The staff was frightened by my violent action, but I didn’t have time for
her.
“Isabel!” I called out as I pushed through the broken door. My heart was pounding, my voice thick with fear.
The restroom was dark, eerily so. The silence was suffocating. I fumbled for the light switch, but nothing happened. The power was out.
“Isabel,” I called again, my voice strained as stepped cautiously into the darkened space. The only sound was my breath, harsh and ragged in the still air. My eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. I could make out a faint silhouette against the far wall. It must be her!
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