But the frown on his face deepened as he muttered, "Isabella, how did you become like this?"
I met his gaze, my heart heavy with the weight of disappointment and anger.
Turning my gaze to Dorothea beside him, her eyes gleaming with a mix of smugness and challenge, I couldn't help but lower my head. A hollow laugh escaped me.
"I’m such a fool..."
I wiped away my tears, the bitter laugh still hanging in the air.
"To think I wasted seven years on someone like you."
Charles froze, his body going rigid as my words hit him.
I chuckled bitterly at myself as I stood, but the moment I tried to put weight on my injured ankle, pain shot through me. I faltered, nearly toppling over, but someone reached out just in time to steady me.
Ignoring Charles's hand, half-extended in hesitation, I focused solely on the person who had caught me.
A man with a strikingly handsome, refined face appeared out of nowhere. His gaze swept briefly over Charles and Dorothea before landing on me with a knowing look. A sly smile curled on his lips, and he winked at me playfully, his voice dropping low, just for my ears.
“Sweetheart, didn’t we agree you'd come to my place tonight?”
“I’ve been waiting for you forever.”
“Why are you out here wasting time with these bystanders? I’ve missed you so much.”
