Chapter 4
Boom!
A sudden crack of thunder split the sky, followed by sheets of relentless rain pounding against the windows.
Cold wind slipped through the cracks, stinging Isabella’s swollen, tear- filled eyes like blades of ice.
She didn’t bother picking up the wedding ring she’d begged for so many times. She just turned and walked away.
James stood frozen for a moment, watching her frail figure disappear.
That night, he removed every single pot of daffodils from the house. He even brought in one of the top dermatologists.
“The doctor said you have to apply this ointment on time,” he murmured.
The cool cream carried a faint, calming scent. His touch was gentle and awkward, but tender in a way that felt unfamiliar.
Once upon a time, Isabella would’ve secretly delighted in this.
But now, her heart felt like a frozen wasteland.
After finishing with the ointment, James spoke again–his voice softer than usual. “I returned the wedding dress and necklace to you… And I’m apologizing on Jessie’s behalf, too.
“From now on, I’ll spend more time with you.”
H
Chapter 4
Isabella’s lashes fluttered.
She had waited three years for those words.
She had gone from a hopeful bride to a woman hollowed out by disappointment.
And now that the words had finally come, they only lodged like a stone in her throat–bitter, heavy, and impossible to swallow.
After she was discharged and returned to Keane’s residence, James started seeking her out more often.
He even did something unheard of. He had their wedding photo hung up in the villa.
But it had barely been put up when a maid rushed in.
“Mr. Keane, Madam Catley’s feeling faint. Can you come to take a look?”
James barely looked up. “Have the family doctor check on her. I’ve got things to do.”
The maid froze in shock for a beat, then quickly nodded and backed out.
In the living room, only Isabella and James remained.
An odd silence stretched between them before James finally looked away. He took a set of prayer beads from the butler and left.
She knew exactly where he was going.
On the 15th of every month, rain or shine, James never missed his trip to the chapel–to pray for Jessie.
Men of power rarely placed faith in religion. To them, money and
23.48
Chapter 4
influence opened all doors in life.
But this heir from Washington made an exception. For Jessie, he knelt and prayed.
A maid passed by, holding a food container.
“Mrs. Keane, should I bring this to him again tonight?“.
No matter how hurt or upset she was, every 15th, Isabella would personally prepare his favorite dishes and deliver them to the chapel.
He never ate, never drank–just sat there all night. She worried he’d ruin his health, so she kept bringing the food, even though he never once thanked her.
Isabella was silent for a long moment. Then, with a slight curl of her fingers, she gently pushed the food container back.
The moonlight was cold and pale.
The chapel door stood slightly ajar as Isabella knelt inside, offering her prayers with quiet devotion.
First, for peace in her homeland and justice to prevail.
Second, for the safety and well–being of her parents, may they return safely from missions and war zones alike. And third… That she would
paths with James again in this lifetime.
ver cross
When she finished, Isabella walked toward the exit. But just as she passed the side bedroom, she heard a faint rustling inside.
As if guided by instinct, she drifted toward the half–open door. Under the soft, golden light, James was gently tucking Jessie into bed, moving with such focus it was as if she were the only person in his world. In her sleep,
Jessie murmured, “James…”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. Then, as if he couldn’t hold back any longer, he leaned down.
Their lips drew closer–closer still until suddenly, James stopped.
Instead, he lifted a slender hand and, with a kind of reverent tenderness, tucked a loose strand of hair behind Jessie’s ear.
Isabella’s heart plunged into a pit of ice. She was more devastated than
ever.
James had never been incapable of love–he simply had none to spare for
her.
And this kind of restraint, this careful affection, hurt more than all the indifference he’d ever shown her.
“Jessie…” James whispered.
“Do you know why I never registered the marriage with Isabella these past three years?”
His voice was thick with emotion–more heartfelt than she’d ever heard.
“The world wouldn’t approve of me marrying you… But in my heart, the title of ‘Mrs. Keane‘ has always belonged to you.
“In this life, for as long as I live, you’re the only one I’ll ever know.”
11251
Chapter
Chapter 5
