“Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood. Ethan’s happiness means everything to me,” Sophia declared, her eyes lowering with practiced modesty while a subtle smile graced her lips.

Their cheerful exchange drifted through the manor, a light melody of laughter that seemed to warm the very air.

Upstairs, Isabella remained secluded in her room.

The faint murmur of conversation rose from the floor below, but she made no effort to listen.

Victoria had never approved of her. Having her here now only amplified Isabella’s unease.

She closed her eyes with a tired sigh, seeking temporary refuge in sleep.

A sharp rap at the door shattered the silence.

“Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood’s mother has arrived. She requests your presence downstairs.”

The servant’s voice was polite but firm at the doorway.

Isabella hesitated, craving nothing but solitude.

She began to close the door, wanting to shut out the world. But the voices from below made her pause.

“Sophia, you seem to have gained a little weight. Could it be…?” Victoria’s tone was laced with hopeful curiosity.

“Do you really think so, Victoria?” Sophia’s reply was soft, tinged with a shy, happy note.

A sudden wave of sadness crashed over Isabella.

Her hand flew instinctively to her stomach.

“You and Ethan aren’t getting any younger. It’s time to start a family,” Victoria’s voice rang out again, clear and decisive.

“I’ll leave that decision to Ethan,” Sophia responded, her voice a blend of softness and resolve.

Isabella’s face lost all color.

Each breath became a struggle.

The irony was a bitter pill. Her existence, her child’s existence, felt like a cruel joke everyone ignored.

She slammed the door shut, cutting off the sounds of laughter.

Leaning back against the solid wood, she slid slowly to the floor.

Her arms wrapped around her abdomen, her fingers trembling. Inside her, a fragile life was growing, its future as uncertain as her own.

She drew a sharp breath, fighting back the tears threatening to fall. With shaking hands, she pulled out her phone and dialed Lucas.

“Hello?” Lucas answered, his voice a mix of surprise and immediate concern. “Isabella? Is that you? What’s wrong?”

Worry and a hint of restrained hope colored his tone.

“Has Ethan been difficult? I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”

Isabella struggled to contain her emotions, her voice cracking. “Lucas, I need your help. I’m considering leaving the country.”

Lucas was stunned. “Leaving? Isabella, what’s happened?”

She shut her eyes tightly, taking another deep breath to steady herself.

“I feel trapped. He watches my every move. I’m suffocating here.”

She paused, then added, “I won’t forget this. And regarding my private dealings with Mr. King… I have to withdraw. Please handle it. I want no part of it anymore.”