Chapter Fifty

Isa descended the stairs for a glass of water to quench her thirst. The house was silent, the quiet pressing in like a heavy blanket. Halfway down, she heard footsteps approaching.

“Chris?” she called out, her voice hopeful. She quickened her steps—but froze when she saw it wasn’t him.

It was Alex.

She stumbled back, her heart thundering in her chest. Glancing behind, she realized she was halfway down the stairs with nowhere to escape. Biting her lower lip, she turned slowly back to him, forcing a nervous smile. She clutched the hem of Chris’s shirt, wishing it were longer—anything to shield her bare legs.

“G-Good morning, Alex,” she stammered, her eyes flicking around his face.

He stared at her—his gaze piercing, almost dissecting. When their eyes finally met, her breath ceased. His eyes were crimson with emotion, sharp and scrutinizing, as if cataloguing every detail of her appearance. Her gaze dropped to his fists. He was clenching and unclenching them, struggling for control.

Her stomach twisted.

She remembered the night at the gate—his warm smile, the way he’d looked at her like she was his whole world. The kiss she hadn’t resisted. The hope she had mistakenly stirred in him.

Stupid girl, she bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to slap herself.

The silence between them thickened, pressing in like the air itself was burning.

Isa cleared her throat. “I… I wasn’t—”

“Why did you do that?”

His voice cut through her like ice. Cold. Unfamiliar. It was the first time she’d heard him speak that way.

What did I do? Her mind reeled.

Her fingers twisted together as she forced a clueless smile. “Wha… what do you mean?”

Alex scoffed and looked away, rubbing his face. When he looked back, Isa blinked—his mask had dropped.

Tears shimmered in his eyes, his nose flared with restrained emotion. The heartbreak on his face made Isa freeze.

He stepped toward her.

She held her breath as he stopped just a step away. She could see every line in his face. His hand trembled as he reached up and cupped her cheek.

Isa’s heart shattered. Her throat burned, tears welling in her eyes.

Why can’t I love this man?

Then she remembered Chris’s note. The check. Her chest tightened as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Why does love always hurt this much?

“I know you love Steven.”

Her eyes snapped open. That name.

She stared at Alex, searching his face.

He gave a bitter smile. “I’ve known him a long time, Isa. I’m sorry…” He hesitated. “I’m sorry I lied. But—”

She slapped his hand away and stumbled back.

“What?” Her voice cracked with disbelief. “You knew Chris was Steven all along?”

A dry, incredulous laugh escaped her lips. “Then why? Why would you tell me he was gone—that he was dead?” Her hands tangled in her hair, her mouth hanging open.

“I had my reasons—”

“Don’t come closer!” she snapped as he tried to step toward her. “Don’t you dare!”

“He’s dangerous!” Alex’s voice rose. “He’ll only bring you pain, Isa. He’s only using you!”

Her breath grew ragged.

Alex reached for her again. “I’m doing this for you. Steven will only—”

“Stop!” she shrieked, turning away and covering her ears. “Enough… just leave! Leave now, Alex!”

“I know I lied,” Alex began, voice softer.

Isa shook her head violently, trying to block out his words.

“Have you ever wondered why he keeps people at arm’s length? Why he’s so cold?”

She turned to him, squinting.

His face was grim.

“His family… his wife—Stacy.” He dropped his arm, his voice cracking. “They all died because of him.”

He stepped back, laughing bitterly. “I’m only trying to protect you.”

Isa’s brow furrowed. Something about the way he looked at her… the curve of his smile… it twisted into something darker. Sinister.

A cold shiver threaded through her.

“I only hope…” he whispered, pausing, “you don’t end up like Stacy.”

Her heart stopped.

Alex turned and walked down the stairs without another word.

She froze, stunned, her face twisting in disbelief.

What did he mean I shouldn’t end up like Stacy, that Chris was using me?

Cold dread seeped beneath her skin as a terrifying question rose with every step he took toward the door, his back turned to her.

Who is Alex?

I hope you enjoy this chapter! I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your reactions to the story. 😊💬