Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 173

Magnus's dark, sharp eyes locked onto Elise, as if searching for the truth behind her words.

His last clear memory was vivid: the woman in his arms had been Isadora. The lips he'd kissed belonged to Isadora.

Yet somehow, he had woken up to find Elise beside him.

Under the intensity of his gaze, Elise felt her scalp prickle and her heart race, terrified he'd see right through her.

Magnus finally looked away, quickly regaining his composure.

"Get dressed. We'll talk when you come out."

With that, Magnus left the bedroom and settled on the sofa in the suite's living

room.

A restless frustration coiled in his chest, tightening around his throat until he could barely breathe.

He grabbed a cigarette, clamped it between his teeth, and lit up. He took a few deep, hard drags, then exhaled slowly, the smoke blurring his vision. If anyone looked closely, they might have noticed the faint redness in his eyes.

Elise slipped into her dress and emerged from the bedroom, moving slowly.

Her face was a careful mask of obedience, tinged with a quiet hurt.

heard the door open and looked up. His gaze flicked over Elise in her blue dress, and

really mistaken

head throbbed, his stomach twisted in knots, and his whole

but he forced himself to stay

pretend none of this ever

eyes widened, tears

couldn't believe what she'd

would change everything between them. Instead, he was

Magnus's first, but she was still a woman with dignity. How could he

what did you just say? Did I... did I hear you

on his knees, his forehead resting in his

voice breaking as she

you! Magnus, I love you—I always

cigarette glowing red as

hold back her tears at his

did you

make it up to you. But

waiting for a reply, Magnus stood,

heart had been

Keep it quiet? Compensation?