Chapter 113

Sarah

pov.

I purposely did not bring up the photos that I saw in Isabelle's belongings yet because I need to have just more than pictures to prove her wrong.

At first, I convinced myself it was paranoia. After everything Richard and I had been through, wasn't it natural to be a little on edge?

But the coincidences kept piling up, each one more unsettling than the last.

I sat on the edge of our bed that morning, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair looked dull, my skin paler than usual. I felt off-nauseous even-but I told myself it was the stress. "Sarah, you can't keep ignoring this," I muttered to myself, running a hand over my face. I hadn't been sleeping well, and the tension in the house was eating away at me.

When Richard appeared in the doorway, I forced a smile. "Morning," I said, but my voice sounded weak even to me.

"Morning," he replied, leaning against the frame. "You look tired."

"Gee, thanks," I said dryly.

He chuckled softly and walked over to kiss my forehead. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm just... worried about you. You haven't been yourself lately."

I wanted to tell him everything-about Isabelle, about my suspicions-but I hesitated.

Every time I tried, Isabelle managed to twist things in her favor. I wasn't sure Richard would believe me anymore.

"I'm fine," I said instead, brushing him off. "Just a lot on my mind."

Later that day, while folding laundry, memories began creeping back.

At first, it seemed like a strange coincidence-Richard and I were in Hawaii and we met her there, on the beach while trying to have a picnic.

Meanwhile Richard had met her earlier. I remember she was staring right at us, pretending not to notice us until Richard waved at her.

I didn't think much of it then, though a small voice in

her bag had been stolen and she had nowhere to stay,

night turned into a week. A week turned into her becoming a

Back to present.

Isabelle made my morning coffee without asking how I

said

pinch of cinnamon. I hadn't told her that. "Did Richard tell you how I

"Oh, no. I just

It didn't sit right with me, but I let

the week, I knew I needed to talk to someone. Someone who would

our family lawyer, he had a way of seeing things clearly. When

just need to

course," Martins replied. "Want to meet

met that afternoon. Martins was sitting behind his desk, his tie loosened like he'd been dealing with a

mind, Sarah?" he asked, his tone warm but

hesitated, unsure of where to begin.

The woman staying with you and

about her. She keeps showing up, knowing things

leaned back in his chair, his brow

my thoughts. "She's playing some kind of game. I don't know what her end goal is, but I don't

bitter laugh.

fingers on the desk, considering my words. "Do you

in her room," I admitted. "But they are not

nodded slowly. "Alright. Keep me updated. And, Sarah... be

just trying to fit in-she was trying to push

around, she became this picture of helpfulness,

Richard ate it up, oblivious to the way she glanced at me with a smug little smile when his back

I couldn't shake the exhaustion. Even the smell of coffee, which

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255