Isabella Hawthorne
My heart pounded against my chest like a relentless drumbeat as Alfred's words echoed in the room. I had been anticipating Damien's arrival for the past twodays, knowing that this moment would come, yet hearing it confirmed sent a wave of nervous energy coursing through me. I gripped the glass of juice in my trembling hand, barely registering its taste as I downed it in one swift motion, the cool liquid barely quenching my parched throat.
Ashley's concerned voice broke through my anxious thoughts, her eyes furrowed with worry as she glanced at me. "Isabella, are you alright?"
.
I nodded tensely, forcing a weak smile to reassure her, though I knew my pale complexion betrayed the turmoil churning within me. Before I could offer any explanation, Alfred's voice interru
