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?"

composed and polite. "Hello,

dripping with disdain at the sight of

frosty. "Mrs. Vaughan? Hearing you call me that is an insult to my family's name. We don't welcome people like you here. Leave now, or don't blame me if

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

bit the bully, pressing in on

the conversation, but it wasn't hard to guess

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

that look-it was always the first

pool. Ignoring Eleanor, she slipped past, nimble and determined, making her

pale, long hair fluttering across her face as she hurried over. From her makeup to the details of her outfit,

of breath,

catching sight of Isadora standing to the side, Elise's eyes flashed with

disdain before she quickly replaced it with a warm,

unreadable, his voice low. "Why are

came to apologize to Isadora about the wedding. I had no idea

Here? That was