Isabella’s POV
I paused, my pulse rising as the footsteps outside my door grew louder, stopping just at my doorway. The room felt completely still with every nerve in my body shivering with fear. Alex's warning repeated in my mind: “Be careful. Don't trust anybody.” I had no clue who could be outside, or what they wanted, but my instincts informed me not to answer.
I took a step back, holding onto my phone tightly as if it were my last hope. I said to myself, “Maybe if I stay quiet, whoever it is outside will leave.” But then, a calm voice called out to me with desperation.
“Isabella, it's Alex. Let me in.”
Relief surged through me, followed by a veil of confusion. Why would he be here so soon after our conversation? I opened the door carefully, taking a quick look outside only to fin
