Third Person's POV:
"Did I? Hmm, didn't notice. Does it look like I've been crying?" Isabel feigned surprise at Martha's question, though inwardly she knew her reddened eyes likely gave her away.
"Oh... I'm sorry for prying. I just thought..." Martha's words trailed off as Isabel cut in.
"Don't dwell on it, Martha. I'm perfectly alright," Isabel replied softly, fighting back the urge to let her emotions surface in front of Martha.
Martha didn't press further, choosing instead to leave Isabel to her thoughts.
At dinner, everyone gathered around the table except for Mason. Despite Isabel's lack of appetite, she forced herself to join, not wanting Nina to suspect anything was amiss.
Nina noticed Mason's absence and Isabel's uncharacteristic silence, her concern growing.
"Is ever
