Chapter 8 – An Unexpected Invitation
Isabel’s POV
Robert offered to pay for my cancer treatment. I was stunned. His words left me speechless, and I didn’t know how to process the overwhelming kindness he was showing me.
“Robert, I can’t accept that. It’s too much,” I replied, my voice
shaking. “We haven’t seen each other in years. Why would you do so much for me?”
He took a deep breath, his gaze softening. “You were my only friend in school, Isabel. You cared about me when I was bullied. You sat with me when no one else would. You have no idea how much that means to a lonely, insecure little boy. Now, I’m finally in a position to repay you. Please, let me help you.”
His words left me with a strange mixture of gratitude and unease. His kindness and the offer to be my support touched me deeply. But wasn’t it a bit much for something I did all those years ago? I didn’t know what to say to his offer.
Before I could gather my thoughts, my phone rang. It was Emerson’s assistant. What was this about? I picked up the phone.
“Hello, Mrs. Williams. How are you? Sir Andrew Williams is hosting a banquet this weekend and inviting many important socialites. As the wife of the Williams Family heir, your attendance is mandatory. Mr. Emerson doesn’t want you to be absent and risk humiliating the family.”
I nodded to myself, a sense of duty overriding my turmoil. Andrew Williams, Emerson’s father, held this banquet every year to maintain the family’s commercial relationships. It was a grand event, and my absence would definitely raise questions. Despite everything, I
couldn’t let the world know about the cracks in our marriage. Not
wen te father didn’t know about our impending divorce I wasn’t
how to explain to farm without causing a scene
be there,” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil within
After ending the call, I turned to Robert. His concerned gaze met mine “Everything OK?” he asked forced a smile. “Thank you for everything, Robert. I’ll seriously consider the follow–up treatment you suggested.”
He nodded, the worry in his eyes evident. “Take care of yourself, Isabel. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Leaving the hospital, anxiety gnawed at me. As the taxi wound its way through the streets of Rivermont, I gazed out the window. The city was waking up after the heavy rains. The downpour had washed everything clean, leaving the air crisp and refreshing. The sun had come out, casting a golden hue over the wet streets and making the city glisten.
Rivermont looked beautiful in the aftermath of the storm. But my mind was elsewhere, tangled in the web of my complicated life. I thought of countless scenarios, trying to find a way to explain my situation to Emerson’s father without causing more trouble. By the time I arrived home, my nerves were frayed.
To my surprise, Emerson was waiting for me in the living room. His eyes were cold and hard, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. I had expected him to be with Lilith, planning their perfect future without me.
“Emerson! What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Where have you been?” he demanded, his voice sharp.
I swallowed hard, trying to mask my fear. The last thing I wanted. was for him to know about my illness. “I… I went to see Emma,” I lied, hoping he wouldn’t press further.
Emerson’s eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. Before | could react, he suddenly stood up and crossed the room in quick strides. He grabbed my arm roughly, pushing me down onto the sofa.
“Do you think I’m a fool? If my assistant hadn’t called you, how much. longer would you have spent with him?” he growled, his face inches. from mine.
I stared up at him, heart pounding. What did he mean? That call was arranged by him on purpose?
“What are you talking about?” I tried my best to sound natural, but my voice trembled slightly.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Isabel,” he snapped, his grip tightening painfully. “I saw the man who took you away. Are you trying to protect him?”
How did he know that? He must’ve been spying on me. But why? My mind raced, trying to piece together what he might have seen. Could he have followed me from the jewelry shop? Did he see me with Robert? Panic flared, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, trying to sound convincing. “There’s no one else.”
“Liar!” Emerson spat, his eyes blazing with fury. “I saw you getting into his car. Is he your new love, Isabel?”
Tears welled up in my eyes, partly from the physical pain of his grip and partly from the emotional torment of the situation. How could he slander me like that!
“He’s just an old friend,” I managed to say, my voice trembling. “He offered me a ride because I wasn’t feeling well.”
Emerson’s expression hardened even more, if that was possible. “An
old friend? Isabel, you know I have enough power to investigate him,” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “I know you’re hiding something from me.
