Timothy offered to take Isabella back home, sensing the tension in the air. "Isabella, let me take you back home," he said gently.

But Isabella declined the offer, her eyes flicking at Mary who stood there, her expression hard and rigid.

"No, Timothy, I'll manage on my own," she replied softly. She didn't want to add any more fuel to the fire, especially with Mary watching closely.

As Isabella turned to leave, she felt the sadness in her grow. She wanted to defend herself, to explain that she was not the cause of Angela’s health or her mother’s hatred.

Though they never treated her with respect, Isabella could never wish...