When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)

Chapter 107

Sarah

pov.

The rest of our days in Hawaii felt like a breath of fresh air. Isabelle was nowhere in sight, and I finally let myself relax.

It was just the two of us again, enjoying everything this beautiful island had to offer.

We snorkeled, ate more fresh pineapple than I thought possible, and watched the sun dip into the ocean every evening.

My unease from our previous encounters faded slowly, replaced by the warm, comforting feeling that I could finally let my guard down.

This was what I had wanted all along-peace, just Richard and me, without any odd distractions.

As the trip came to an end, I felt a strange relief. Don't get me wrong-I loved Hawaii, every beach and sunset, every little moment we shared here.

But leaving meant leaving Isabelle behind, and I was more than okay with that. I didn't even want to think about her as we packed up, heading back to our daily lives and routines. We had gotten what we came for-a much-needed recharge-and I was eager to take that feeling home with us.

Back at home, things settled into a comforting rhythm. I dove back into work, back into the familiarity of our day-to-day life.

It was nice to fall into routines again, to spend nights cooking together, planning weekends, and dreaming up new places we wanted to visit.

That odd chapter in Hawaii felt like it was slowly slipping into the background, the memory of Isabelle fading like a story I'd once read but barely remembered.

Life was normal again. Peaceful. And I felt safe in that.

One evening, after a busy week, Richard suggested we go out for a nice dinner. It felt like a sweet, thoughtful way to keep the vacation vibe going.

downtown, hand in

dim lights and soft music playing in the background.

glass of wine, shared an appetizer, and talked about anything

being exactly where I was meant to be, with exactly the person I was meant to be with. I

top Hawaii," he teased. "But I'm always up for

in our own little world. But then, out of the

toward the large window beside our table, his face going still as if he'd seen a ghost. "Sarah... look," he

followed his gaze, and my heart dropped. Isabelle was

distance, I could see she wasn't the put-together woman we'd met

clothes wrinkled, and her eyes held a

chill run through me, that familiar, uncomfortable feeling creeping back. "Is... is

aback as I was. "I don't know.

But the last time I had thought her presence

looking straight

wanted to get up and leave, to put as

could say anything, she started walking toward us, her steps slow and unsure. I felt a

was a desperation in her expression that made my stomach clench. "Richard... Sarah..." Her voice was shaky, barely above a whisper. She looked between us, and for a moment, I thought she might break down. "I... I didn't know you both would be

Richard asked,

was robbed," she said, her voice cracking. "All my things... my wallet, my

I

really sorry to hear that," I started, choosing my words carefully. "But we're not sure

and there was a rawness in her eyes, something almost

anyone here. I'm lost. I just need somewhere

I wanted to help-I really did-but every instinct was screaming at me

but firm. "This... It's a lot. We've barely just gotten back ourselves, and I think... maybe we could help you