Chapter 109

Sarah pov. That morning, I woke up hoping Isabelle would be on her way. Maybe she'd slip out with a polite thank you and let us have our life back.

I knew it was a long shot, but I needed things to feel normal again, especially since Richard had completely dismissed my worries last night.

When I walked out to the living room, though, I stopped dead in my tracks. Isabelle was sitting at the kitchen table, chatting with Richard over breakfast like she'd lived here for years.

She didn't even seem like she was getting ready to leave.

"Good morning, Sarah!" Isabelle called, smiling like we were best friends.

I forced a smile back, grabbing my coffee mug and pouring myself a cup. I could feel a knot of irritation forming in my stomach. How long did she plan to stay?

"Sarah, you wouldn't believe what Isabelle's been dealing with," he said, shaking his head.

"She tried checking in at a budget motel nearby last night, but apparently, there was a break-in the night before. They warned her it wasn't safe, especially for a woman alone in the city. So she was thinking she might stay here another night." "Oh... really?" I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"And I was thinking of checking her in the best hotel, but she refused."

The story felt too convenient, too perfect. I didn't know if I was being paranoid, but every part of me felt on edge, like Isabelle was twisting things to her advantage.

But when I looked at Richard, I could see he was hooked.

everything, I just... I don't have anywhere safe to go. But really, if

trouble at

felt my mouth drop open. I was hoping Isabelle would be gone this morning, and now he was inviting her to stay indefinitely? I took

temporary place?" I suggested, trying to keep my tone even. "I mean, it

big deal. "It's no trouble. Besides, she's been through enough. Let's just let her rest here a

in her eyes. She knew she'd won him over. I gave Richard a tight smile, but inside

on, Isabelle made herself more and more at home, always finding

important, and she'd jump in with her own story, pulling his attention away. I tried to ignore it at first, but the more it happened, the harder it became. "Hey, Sarah, did you know Richard used

smile. "Yes, actually.

like it was nothing.

the way Isabelle laughed and leaned in closer made me feel like she didn't care. She

us growing, even if Richard didn't seem

that day, I found myself washing dishes, scrubbing a plate harder than I needed to as

I knew I should just let it go, but it was hard when she kept monopolizing his attention. After dinner, when Richard left to take a call, Isabelle and I were alone in the kitchen.

to have someone like Richard," she said, her tone casual but

the dish I was holding, turning to face her. "I know that, Isabelle.

course not. I'm just here for support. He's

sweet, but I could feel an edge to them, like she was trying to

I couldn't shake the feeling that

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