Chapter 38

Isabella’s POV A quiet resilience. Silent fight. Mental arguments. If I could make a choice about the life I’d live, I would choose the most unrealistic—wealthy, problem-free, happy. The scent of the antiseptic had been lingering in my nose, but my mind was clouded by the worries I'd been keeping inside me. I sat on the edge of the metal chair in the hospital lobby, stiff. My hands were resting on my lap, unmoving. I’ve been thinking about the solution in my mind. It involves negotiating with Damon again, even if I knew that he’d just say no to me again. I just keep blaming myself because I know that the orphanage would not be put at risk if not for me. “Isabella?” Startled, I lifted my face only to see Melinda looking at me. Her brows immediately furrowed after seeing my face. “What happened to you? You look like you’ve been in a bloody war.” I let out a humorless laugh. “Bloody hellish war.” She sat beside me, putting her bag in her lap. “Tell me about it.” I looked around. “Are you