Chapter Thirty Nine

In front of the stone fence, Isa sat on a large rock, her fingers intertwined on her lap as she sniffled, her eyes crimson with tears. She looked up at the clear blue sky, her gaze vacant, as if staring into nothingness.

In her mind, the images were sharp and unrelenting—her mother yelling and sobbing, the neighbours’ scornful looks, spitting words laced with disgust. Then came the memory of the girl playing the guitar with eyes closed, singing as though the world had vanished.

Tears welled up again as Isa recalled Nelson—and the lyrics they once shared. Her chest tightened. She had forgotten her dream. She had worked herself to the bone and couldn’t even remember the last time she’d picked up her guitar, written a single lyric, or let her voice free in song. She had buried her passion deep, smothered it beneath fear—fear of her mother, of the neighbours, of failure. She pushed herself harder every day, trapped in a cycle of fear, just to earn their approval.

Isa wiped her cheeks with both palms as more tears slid down her face.

“Just—Just be yourself… for yourself. That way, you’ll learn to love and care for the world around you—in your own way, with your own strength.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips as he recalled her boss’s words.

I’m done pushing myself too hard for anyone else.

She exhaled and glanced down at her hands.

Nelson stealing my lyrics isn’t the end. I can write more. I can sing again. And no one can stop me—not this time.

Isa raised her head and looked toward the hills wrapped in woods not far away. Her smile widened as she imagined it—herself standing on that hilltop, singing loudly while her mother watched, fuming, a knife in her hand.

She laughed out loud, the image absurd yet freeing, as if her fear of her mother had evaporated into thin air. Could she really kill me with that knife? The idea made her laugh harder, wild and unrestrained, like someone released from a cage.

The sound of an approaching car broke her trance. She turned her head and saw Alex’s car rolling up to the black gate. He stepped out slowly and waved with a warm smile.

Isa smiled back and stood. She gave a small bow and walked toward him.

“It’s good to see you again, Alex.”

Alex squinted at her face, his expression softening as he moved closer and gently touched her cheek.

“What happened?” His eyes drifted from the swelling on her face to her eyes, his gaze full of concern. “Did… did he hurt you?”

Isa’s smile faltered under his touch. Her heart pounded against her ribs, and when their eyes met, her breath caught in her throat. She quickly looked away and swallowed hard.

“I’m… I’m okay,” she murmured, forcing a smile. Her eyes darted everywhere but at him.

Noticing her discomfort, Alex glanced down at his hand on her cheek. He nodded and slowly pulled it back.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

Isa blinked, caught off guard. “Wh-why?” She scratched her neck. “I mean… you didn’t do anything wrong.” She gave a nervous laugh.

Alex sighed. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”

Isa’s stomach twisted as he gazed into her eyes, his own shimmering like the flicker of an unsteady candle.

Isa touched her cheek and bit her lower lip. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again. Her hand dropped to her side, and she intertwined her fingers.

“Did I upset you with my reaction?”

Alex smirked and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Why would I be upset?” He tilted his head with a teasing smile and raised a curious brow.

“I didn’t mean to react that way,” she said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry.”

She glanced at the black gate. “Let me open it for you.”

“No,” Alex said quickly, shaking his head.

Isa blinked.

“I’m not here to see Chris.” He smiled gently. “I came to see you, Isa.”

Isa froze, her eyes locked on his. Her heart fluttered like butterfly wings, her stomach twisting in knots. The sound of her heartbeat drowned out everything else.

“Can we go over there?”

She blinked out of her daze and turned to see where he was pointing—the hill.

Alex turned back to her with a wide smile and extended his hand.

“Would you like to take a walk?”

Isa stared at his outstretched hand, then back at his face, still caught in the moment.

“Shall we?” he urged softly.

She pressed her lips together and gave a small nod. She slipped her hand into his, and her heart swelled as his warm fingers wrapped around hers, gentle and reassuring.

Thank you so much for your patience and for sticking with the story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!