~Isabella’s POV

Kate and I continued chatting and just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Lucian:

"Bella, I just got word about an emergency meeting. I have to travel for a few days, leaving tonight."

The message hit me like a small shock. My fingers immediately dialed his number, and he picked up on the second ring.

“Bella,” his voice came through, warm but with a hint of stress, “I was about to call you. I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Lucian,” I said, feeling my heart sink, “what’s going on? Do you really have to go?”

He sighed, and I could almost see him running a...