Bella's POV
Luck seemed to have finally smiled upon me. Derek had finally seen through Emily's façade and recognized her for the person she truly was. It was a moment of triumph, one of the best things that had happened to me in a long time. The fear that flickered across her face brought me a strange satisfaction.
"D-Derek," she stammered, her voice tinged with surprise. "I wasn't expecting you here," she added, attempting to hide her discomfort behind an awkward smile.
"I am here to see the prisoner, but I didn't expect to see you here," he responded, his tone carrying a hint of confusion. Did I hear him correctly? Derek just referred to me as a prisoner, and he said it in front of Emily. My humiliation was palpable.
"I am not a prisoner," I retorted, irritation seeping into my voice
