Chapter 111

Isabella’s POV I didn’t sleep in the mansion. Matteo’s confession was too heavy. He said the words I needed to hear, but all of them vanished into thin air when I saw Stella standing on the stairs, looking at me like she enjoys my misery. She’s there again. Like a ghost I couldn’t drive away. Like a memory I couldn’t bury. In darn silk, meant to attract. It meant something to me. Like she’s taking back the place that originally belongs to her. And she didn't even have to say anything. Her silence screamed victory and mocking. “Is there something wrong, Isabella?” Miss Joanna asked, looking so worried as I folded the hospital gown that Alan wore. He’s discharged today, and even if I’m genuinely happy for him, I couldn’t completely celebrate. I broke up with Matteo. He didn’t let me go. He doesn’t want to. But I have to leave. There are things I can’t do without him, and things I can do without him. Healing myself, fixing my insecurities, straightening the path I’m taking, focusing on my