~ Isabella’s POV

The entire day passed in a haze. I didn’t have the energy to face anyone, let alone Lucian. Every time I thought about him, my heart ached, and I felt that familiar sting of betrayal. So, I did the only thing I could—I avoided him. I knew he was trying to reach out to me, but I just wasn’t ready to confront any of it. Not yet.

I spent most of the day in my room, pacing back and forth or lying on my bed, lost in my thoughts. Every knock on the door made my heart race, but I never answered. There were a few more...