Chapter 41: Liam

Liam

As I sat at the small, dimly lit table in the corner of the bustling restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me as the waiter placed the check in front of me. I had been enjoying a lovely breakfast with Isabelle, trying to take her mind off the fact that her off her past and trying to show her something new. But as I glanced at the waiter, I realize how nervous he is looking down at check, I noticed a folded piece of paper tucked in between the bill and my credit card.

Curious, I unfolded the note and began to read, my heart sinking with each word. It was from Alessandro, Isabelle's husband, and he knew that we had left the safety of my house. He even knew exactly how many men I had with me. But what really caught my attention was the way he spoke about Isabelle - his own wife. He criticized her for eating too much and dressing too casually in a sundress. Leave a promise to remind her what is the proper way to eat and dress when he gets her back. And then, the final sentence sent shivers down my spine - he reminded me that time was running out for Cara.

I couldn't keep the rage off my face, and Isabelle noticed. I made the mistake of slamming the note down on the table. Turning to the waiter I demand.

"Where did you get this? Who gave it to you?"

"Well, you see, someone called the hostess and threatened her children if she didn't deliver this note to you." The waiter nervously explained.

Turning my attention back to Isabelle, I could see the happiness that had momentarily appeared on her face disappear, replaced by the void that had taken over since her husband's disappearance. My heart ached for her, and I knew I had to do something.

"Isabelle, everything is going to be okay," I reassured her, taking a seat beside her. "Declan is at the house right now, and we are working on a plan to get Cara back."

Isabelle's shoulders visibly relaxed at my words, and she let out a sigh of relief. "What kind of plan?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"I can't say for here, but i will tell you when we leave" I replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And most importantly, once we get Cara back, you will never have to go back to Alessandro again."

I could see the internal struggle playing out on Isabelle's face as she listened to my words. The fear was there I just didn't know if it was Cara safety or being returned to her husband. I knew she had nothing to worry about about we would get Cara and I would keep my stor. but she didn't know that. One good time wouldn't have rewrote everything she as ever know.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Isabelle nodded her head slowly. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about her uncertainty and fear. I could sense her inner turmoil and it was killing me.

As we left the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency and determination. I knew time was running out, but I also knew that we had to stay strong and focused if we were going to save Cara. She was just a young girl, innocent and caught in the middle of this dangerous game. And I was not going to let Alessandro win. But I also needed to keep Isabelle safe as well.

I could feel the tension in the car as we drove back to the house. Isabelle sat next to me, her face devoid of any emotion. I wanted to reach out to her, to comfort her, but I knew she needed space and time to process everything that had happened.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, her delicate features tense and her hands tightly clenched in her lap. I wanted to tell her that she was better off without him, that she deserved someone who truly loved and appreciated her. But I knew she wouldn't believe me, not after everything she had been through with Alessandro.

Finally, Isabelle broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why does he want me? He doesn't even like me."

Her words broke my heart. I wanted to tell her that she was wrong, that Alessandro did care for her in his own twisted way. But that would

lie I know it and so does she.

He wanted you because he needed a wife. I think he saw someone he could easily control her. But i can't tell her that. It wouldn't help easy anything she is feeling.

"It doesn't matter now," I said, trying to offer some reassurance. "You're never going back to him."

Isabelle didn't respond, but I could see the fear in her eyes. I wished I could take away her pain, but all I could do was be there for her.

Isabelle nodded, but I could tell she was still struggling to come to terms with everything. I reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She doesn't respond. She is slipping away little by little where I can't reach her. I have no idea what to do.

We arrived back at the house, and Isabelle went straight to her room. I don't know it thats a good idea but I also can't force her to stay with me while I see my brother. But I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy.

I walk to the kitchen to talk to Fredia.

"Fredia, I have a favor to ask of you." I tell her. She looks at me with questions in her eyes.

"Anything."

I"I need you to go sit with Isabelle make sure she is okay and doesn't hurt herself." I haven't told anyone about what happened with the shower when she first got here. I don't want to betray her like that, but someone need to be with her, Fredia has always given off a motherly vibe.

Fredia doesn't ask any question just puts aside the silver she was polishing wipes her hands and goes to find Isabelle in her room.

After taking a moment to gather my thoughts and emotions, I make my way to the guest room where my brother stayed last night. It's only ten in the morning, but I highly doubt he got much sleep. The events of the past few days have taken a toll on all of us, and it's time to finish up our plan so we can finally move on to a happier life without the constant threat looming over us.

As I enter the room, I find my brother sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor with a tired expression on his face. I can tell he's been up all night, probably going over every detail of the day before in his mind.

"Morning," I say, trying to sound cheerful and break the heavy silence in the room.

My brother looks up at me, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Morning," he replies, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep.

I sit down next to my brother and I tell him what happened this morning, making sure we haven't missed any crucial details.

"Fuck." He says. "Is she okay?"

I can't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for my brother. Even with his own wife being missing he still asks is my girl is okay.

"Not really. I have Fredia with her so we can finish up and set the plan of getting your wife back into action."

"Let's do this," he says, and nod in agreement.

With our hearts filled with courage and determination, we head out to face our fate and finally put an end to the constant threats that have been hanging over us for far too long.