Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 23

The calm surface of the pool shattered once again.

Before Isadora could react, Magnus had already leapt in after her with swift, decisive movements.

In the water, Magnus's powerful strokes carried him quickly to Elise's side. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her toward the edge of the pool.

Elise, once rescued, lay gasping on the ground, coughing up water that had flooded her lungs. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw Magnus, tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Magnus, I—I thought I'd never see you again," she choked out between sobs.

Ignoring the fact that he was drenched, Magnus draped a towel over Elise's trembling shoulders, then scooped her up in his arms.

As he passed Isadora, his voice was icy and sharp. "Isadora, I never thought you could be so cruel. If you want to play games, there has to be a limit. Elise isn't well this could have killed her."

Without waiting for a reply, Magnus carried Elise straight toward the front door, not sparing Isadora a single glance.

tone flat as she called after him. "Magnus, don't say I never gave you a final chance. After tonight,

words striking something deep within him—a

up at him with anxiety. "Magnus, my chest

moment, then pressed forward, carrying her out

thirtieth anniversary celebration had turned into quite

should've known she couldn't win. If she keeps this up, Magnus

will let go? She's been obsessed with Magnus for five years. She'll never give him up,

Even if

had the energy to see their guests off. The rest of the evening wrapped

family's living room, tension hung

nearby, gulping down iced tea in a futile attempt to cool her anger. Tonight's humiliation had surpassed anything she'd experienced in her life. Slamming her glass down, Eleanor turned on her daughter. "Isadora, what were you thinking? I wanted to talk about setting a wedding date, and you dragged Magnus

finger at Isadora, his tone harsh. "Tomorrow,

downing it in one. Her words

he had before, just as he always would. And in that moment, Isadora felt utterly

foolish? Why