. ISABELLA'S POV Antonio stood before me, his chest heaving, his hands balled into fists at his sides as if holding himself back from crossing a line we both knew would change everything. His dark eyes locked on mine, filled with a mix of longing and restraint that sent a shiver down my spine. "Tell me to leave," he said, his voice rough and low. "If you don’t want this, tell me now." I didn’t answer. My breath caught in my throat, my body betraying me as my feet remained rooted to the floor. I hated him. I hated that he’d left me, that he’d found his way back into my life only to stand here, making me feel things I swore I’d buried long ago. But more than that, I hated how much I still wanted him. “Shut up, Antonio,” I whispered, taking a step closer, my voice trembling but firm.

