Chapter 36 – Temporary Refuge
Isabel’s POV
The moment I heard that familiar but cold voice, a chill ran down my spine. I froze. My steps faltered as fear gripped me. It was Emerson. How did he find out about our escape plan?
But before I could respond, Robert pulled me along to the exit. My heart raced as we pushed through the glass revolving doors. I stole a glance. back, dread pooling in my stomach. But to my relief, I realized Emerson had mistaken another doctor and nurse for us. He hadn’t seen us.
As the cold air hit my face, reality settled in. I was finally out of Emerson’s grip. But where to now?
I couldn’t go back to Emerson’s villa. The place was a prison of misery, filled with memories of betrayal, of Lilith’s presence everywhere. I couldn’t face that. Not now.
I had other priorities, more pressing ones. Keeping my father alive and saving his house were at the top of the list. His life depended on the payment of his medical account, and my own illness was a ticking time. bomb that I didn’t have the luxury to ignore.
Robert, sensing my turmoil, offered to drive me home. But the truth. was, I didn’t have a home anymore. My father’s house was being held in custody by the bank. Emma’s apartment was under repair, and she’d moved back to her parents‘ place after making sure I was okay. I couldn’t burden her again.
I stared out the car window. My mind was racing. “Robert, I… I don’t know where to go,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. It felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me.
Robert glanced at me. His eyes softened. “I have an idea. My sister just left for a month–long trip abroad,” he said after a moment of silence.”
She needs someone to stay at her house and take care of her cats. She’s wiling to pay a small fe for it’s not much, but it’s a place to
SPL
His offer was unexpected but comforting. I hesitated, weighing my actions. My finances were stretched thin, and this would at least give me a roof over my head and some extra money. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than being homeless or worse, returning t
erson’s cold
marsion
Thank you Robert. That works out perfectly. I do it” I replied, a sense of relief washing over me. Robert nodded, and within minutes, we were driving toward the house that would be my refuge. At least for the time
being
When we arved, I was taken aback by how beautiful the suburban
home was Nested in a quiet neighborhood, it had a warmth that felt inviting. The house was a charming two–story, painted in soft, pastel colors. A well–tended garden surrounded it full of blooming flowers and lush greenery. It was the kind of place that felt like a sanctuary. A safe haven away from the chaos that had become my life
Robert handed me the keys and gave me a quick tour. The inside was just as lovely as the exterior–cozy furniture, soft lighting and large windows that let in the afternoon sun
Two cats greeted me as soon as I stepped inside, their curious eyes following my every move. One was a sleek black cat with bright green eyes. The other was a fluffy tabby with a sweet, gentle demeanor. They seemed to sense my unease and rubbed against my legs. Their purring was a small comfort
“This is Sophie.” Robert said, gesturing to the black cat, “and the tabby
Bella. They’re friendly, but Sophie can be a bit shy at first.”
I knelt down, scratching Sophie behind her ears after she cautiously sniffed my hand. Bella was more forward, already circling my feet,
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demanding attention. A small smile tugged at my lips as I pet them both.
Robert showed me the rest of the house–the cozy living room with a fireplace, the fully stocked kitchen, and finally, the guest bedroom where I’d be staying. It was a simple room, but it had everything I needed–a comfortable bed, a small desk, and a window that
overlooked the garden.
I didn’t have much to unpack. The small backpack I carried held the few things I managed to save from the fire–some clothes, a photo of my father, and the journal I kept tucked away under my pillow.
Unpacking took only a few minutes. Soon I found myself standing on the balcony, a cup of coffee in hand, as the afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow.
The peace was short–lived. My phone had been off since I left the hospital, and I knew I couldn’t avoid reality forever. With a deep breath, I powered it on.
Instantly, it buzzed with notifications. Missed calls. Messages. Most of
were
them from Emerson. I couldn’t bring myself to read them. I
couldn’t deal with whatever he had to say. Not yet.
But then, one text caught my attention. It was from the lawyer. My breath hitched as I read the message
“Emerson has agreed to give you part of your common property as compensation.” It was the first olive branch he’d extended. But of course, there was a catch. I had to sign the papers in person.
I stared at the screen, my heart pounding in my chest. Going back meant facing him. Facing everything. But I couldn’t let my father’s health and home slip away. I needed that money, and a place to live.