Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 21

Isadora wasn't offering him a second chance-not really.

She simply knew Magnus would never be able to follow through.

The moment Elise had one of her episodes, Magnus would drop everything and run to her side.

She remembered her own birthday that year. Just as she was about to blow out the candles and make a wish, Magnus received a call from Elise. Without hesitation, he left right away, abandoning her to face a room full of friends and a melting cake, awkwardness thick in the air.

Meanwhile, Elise strode confidently into the Vaughan family's grand ballroom, ticket in hand.

Eleanor spotted her immediately, her brow furrowing in irritation.

"Who let her in? Is anyone doing their job around here?" she snapped at the staff, who only ducked their heads in silence, not daring to speak up.

Eleanor marched over with several maids in tow, blocking Elise's path with icy authority.

"Ms. Harrison, what are you doing here at the Vaughan family's celebration?"

her ground, composed and polite. "Hello, Mrs. Vaughan. I'm here

her gaze dripping with

name. We don't welcome

Magnus and Isadora watched the scene unfold through the floor-to-ceiling

maids, looked every bit the bully,

but it wasn't hard to guess what Eleanor

flicking a glance at Magnus standing beside her. His face remained stoic, but she noticed the slight furrow of his

to recognize that look-it was always the first sign of his

darted around until she spotted Magnus by the pool. Ignoring Eleanor, she slipped past, nimble

wore a white sundress with a soft pink cardigan draped over her shoulders. Her complexion was pale, long hair fluttering across her face as

of breath, she called

sight of Isadora standing to the side,

quickly replaced it with a warm, friendly smile.

was unreadable, his voice low. "Why are you here all of

came to apologize to Isadora about the wedding. I had no idea your family was hosting

Here? That was