Chapter 161 I CHOSE YOU

Chapter 161 I CHOSE YOU
KARIMA

"Collins was here." He finally said. His voice was quiet but steady. "He spoke to me."

My heart sank. I already knew where this was going. "And?"

He looked away briefly before meeting my eyes again. “He told me something about Owain."

I let out a slow breath, shaking my head. "Can we not talk about Owain tonight?"

"I wish we didn't have to." A sad smile crossed his face. "Trust me... it's a lot harder for me than it is for you."

My shoulders dropped. "Fine." I nodded once. "What did he say?"

For a few quiet moments, neither of us spoke. We simply continued swaying to the music while the voices around us faded into the background.

Then Isaiah finally answered. "He said Owain was in prison."

I frowned.

"He wouldn't tell me why." He continued. "He just said… that Owain disappeared because he was behind bars."

Without thinking, I shook my head. "I don't believe him." The words came too quickly. "Collins has never been honest with me."

Isaiah watched me carefully. "I don't think he was lying tonight."

I held his gaze. "Maybe." I shrugged faintly. "Maybe not. But it doesn't change anything." I stopped dancing while my hands slowly rose to cup his face… His eyes searched mine, uncertain. "I don't care if it's true. I don't care if it isn't." My thumb brushed gently across his cheek. "It doesn't change what I've decided."

My throat tightened. "I chose you, Isaiah."

The words came out barely above a whisper. But I meant every one of them. For the first time since we'd stepped onto the dance floor… The uncertainty in his eyes eased. Only a little. But enough for me to see it. Enough to know he'd needed to hear those words more than I ever realized. Then I leaned in to kiss his lips.

After another slow song ended, I leaned closer. "I need to use the restroom."

Isaiah tilted his head. "Want me to come with you?"

I stared at him. "Seriously?"

He shrugged innocently. "What? I'm just being a supportive boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes. "And who's supposed to watch Julian?"

He glanced toward where Julian sat, completely absorbed in his tablet.

A groan escaped him. "Right." He rubbed the back of his neck dramatically. "I should've listened when you suggested dropping him off."

A laugh slipped from my lips. "Look at you."

"What?"

"You're getting really good at this."

He placed a hand over his chest. "None of this is my fault."

"It absolutely is."

"You keep falling for my charm." He defended.

I gave him the same unimpressed look that never seemed to discourage him. Instead, it only made him grin wider. Shaking my head, I stepped back. "I'll be right back."

He caught my hand for one brief second, squeezing it gently before letting go. "I'll be here."

I nodded and turned toward the hallway leading to the ladies' room. Just before disappearing around the corner, I glanced back.

Isaiah was already walking toward Julian. The sight pulled another small smile from me. I rounded the corner and finally spotted the ladies' room.

I was only a few steps away when I heard… "Karry."

My feet stopped instantly. My heartbeat did too. Slowly… I turned around.

Owain Luther stood a few feet behind me. His eyes never left mine. "We need to talk.”