CHAPTER 1: LETTING GO
ISABELLA
“Are you really sure about this, Bella?” Emma asked, her brows knitting together as she studied my face. “You’ve been head over heels for Dylan for as long as I can remember. What changed?”
Of course, she was surprised. Anyone would be. I’d spent nearly a decade chasing the dream of a man who was never really mine. I had painted him in colors he never wore and believed in a future he never promised. That was my mistake.
I let out a long, quiet sigh, bracing myself. I knew Emma. I knew that once I told her the real reason, the fire in her would ignite. She had warned me before. Many times. But I never listened.
“Aurora’s back,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I closed my eyes as I said it, as if that might dull the sting.
There was a pause. Then she asked, calmly, “And?”
Her composure caught me off guard. I expected a gasp, a scoff—something. But her tone was even, almost cautious.
“And I’m tired, Em.” My voice cracked a little. “I’m tired of being second to someone who never had to try. Of loving someone who never saw me, not really. I’ve spent too long fighting a battle I was never meant to win.”
Emma leaned forward slightly, searching my face. “So, this time… you’re not backing down, are you?”
I met her eyes and shook my head. “No. I’m done. Actually, I already drafted the papers. As my lawyer—and my best friend—I was hoping you’d take a look and make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
Emma’s eyes widened, then softened with pride. “Why wouldn’t it be okay?” she said, reaching for my hand. “Bella, we’ve been trying to get you to this point for years. Dylan never deserved you. And you?” Her voice rose with emotion. “You’re a diamond, Bella. You don’t belong in some dusty corner, waiting to be picked. You belong in the spotlight, on display, shining. And Dylan? He doesn’t even know how to hold something precious.”
A small smile tugged at my lips, and for the first time in a long while, I felt light. Free. Maybe even ready to start again.
