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.

dressed up and headed downtown, hand in hand, laughing as

little bistro with dim lights and soft music playing in the background. I loved

wine, shared an appetizer, and talked about anything and

moment when I looked at him, and I felt that familiar warmth-a feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be, with exactly the person

if I can top Hawaii," he teased.

laughed, lost in our own little world. But then, out of the corner of his eye, I saw

face going still as if he'd seen a ghost. "Sarah...

his gaze, and my heart dropped. Isabelle was

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

messy, her clothes wrinkled, and her eyes

feeling creeping back. "Is... is

shook his head, clearly as taken aback as I was. "I don't

I muttered, feeling my heart pound. But the last time I had thought her presence was just a coincidence, she had shown up at

miles from Hawaii, looking

to put

us, her steps slow and

hadn't slept in days, and there 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,

going on, Isabelle?" Richard asked,

said, her voice cracking. "All my things... my wallet, my ID... gone. I don't

everything, I wasn't sure I could

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

me, and there was a rawness in

ask, but I don't know anyone here. I'm lost. I just need somewhere to stay... just for a night or

as taken aback as I was. I wanted to help-I really did-but every instinct was screaming at me

lot. We've barely just gotten back ourselves, and I think... maybe we could help you