ightly colder tone, "we nee

nease growing in my stomach. "

g stern. What made you respond to

cial, Jake. The communication appeared to be pressing, and I wanted

this operation requires delicacy. Rescuing my brother is a sensitive issu

to for a bitter chill. "Jake, I didn't intend to meddle. I simply wanted to ens

rself." He let out a sigh, as though he was addressing someone who simply couldn't co

alth, and I wish for

y breath to be stolen. "Is that the main bedroom?"

ow, she needs it more than we do. You can transfer y

him with patience, empathy, and assistance - but this was more than I had ever expected. He see

is solely on Isabel, that's why you don't notice." "I, however..." I paused, sensing the heaviness of my hi

cant, something that didn't deserve his attention. He sighed, his tone infused with disbelief,

en anticipating some display of concern or affection from him, a gesture of lov

ng to take over. I've been attempting to inform you, but your attention is so

hand across his face as he was

ing the news as if it were a minor inconvenience. "At this moment, I am

flow. This was not the same man I had wed, the man I had adored. I stood there

elf to swallow, feeling the tension leave me as

ding the stairs to collect my belongings, the weight of each step increased, and my heart was burdened by the truth I coul

mile that intensified my anguish. Her gaze filled me with a combination of pit

he said in a smooth tone, feigning concern with her voice. "

rds affected me. "I have no idea what scheme you're carrying out, Isabel," I

. do you believe you would be part of this family if it weren't for my influence?" She leaned fo

mpletely. Prior to my reply, I caught Jake's footsteps approaching me from behind, and as

his hand in the bag and took out the painting I thought he had brought for me. He passed it to her gently, a

I treasured, the considerate shock I clung to as evidence that Jake s

ming with affection and empathy, a gaze