Isabella groaned softly as she eased herself onto the plush bed in her room, her body still tender from the wound. The drive home had been exhausting, every bump and turn sending sharp jolts of pain through her abdomen. Her mother had insisted on hiring a nurse to help her while she recovered, but Isabella, stubborn as always, had refused. The thought of having someone fuss over her was unbearable.
Elena had helped her upstairs and tucked her into bed, making sure she was comfortable before leaving her alone to rest. The room was quiet now, the only sound the gentle rustle of the curtains as a soft breeze drifted in through the open window. Isabella stared up at the ceiling, her mind swirling with thoughts she couldn’t quite push away.
A part of her was relieved to be home, away from the
