~ Isabella’s POV

The mention of Justina seemed to sting Lucian as much as it did me. His eyes dropped to the floor, and I could see the shame in his posture.

“She shouldn’t have been here,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “That wasn’t… I didn’t invite her. You have to believe me on that.”

“I don’t care about her,” I snapped. “Not right now. This isn’t about Justina. This is about you and me, Lucian. I needed you to be honest with me, and you weren’t.”

“I know,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I messed up. I should’ve told you. I...