#Chapter 199: Engagement Ring

Liam’s POV I hastily shoved the ring back into my pocket, hoping Isabelle hadn’t really seen it or that she would doubt her eyes. Instead, she continued staring right where it was as if she was in a trance. It was an awkward standoff, both of us like deer caught in headlights. My dread helped me recover first. “Isabelle?” She blinked, shook her head a little, and finally glanced away. Now, rather than stare at that singular spot, her eyes darted around to everywhere but at me. “Isabelle, I can explain,” I said, though I didn’t have the faintest idea what I would say that could possibly help her deal with what she just saw. I didn’t want to have to lie about it, but I might have to, if pressed. “I didn’t see anything,” Isabelle said suddenly, a touch too loudly. Then abruptly, she swiveled on her heel to leave. At once, she swiveled back. “I forgot my book.” Hurriedly, she grabbed it off the table, then disappeared down the hallway again. “It’s not what it looks like,”