Isabelle’s POV
Brian’s words hung in the air like a challenge I wasn’t ready to face. His hopeful gaze, the slight curve of his lips as he waited for my response—it all felt like too much. My heart raced as I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could say a word, my phone buzzed loudly on the table.
I frowned, glancing at the screen. Aunt Rita’s name flashed across it, and my stomach tightened. She never called unless it was urgent.
“Sorry,” I said to Brian, forcing a tight smile. “I have to take this.”
He nodded, leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
I swiped to answer. “Aunt Rita? What’s wrong?”
Her voice came through the line, breathless and hurried. “Isabelle, you need to come home. Now.”
My chest tightened. “What’s going on? Is Nathan okay?”
“It’s not about N
