Isabella’s POV
The home seemed to be under nearly intolerable stress, as though the walls were closing in on me. Since I heard Enzo and Sofia talking, hours had gone by and the anxiety that crept into my chest persisted. As I considered it, it became increasingly obvious—I was a liability.
Breathing became difficult as Sofia's poisonous words kept playing back in my thoughts. An obligation. She saw me in this manner. Enzo had promised to guard me, but I couldn't help but question the longevity of that pledge.
Making my way back to my room, the mansion felt cooler than normal. Every squeak of the floors felt magnified, the quiet stretched unnaturally. Enzo was out, probably managing whatever crisis Ren had produced, but he did not help to calm the anxiety crawling under my skin. I could
