Under the Vineyard Sky

Chapter 17

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft light on the old wooden floors of Isabella’s childhood home. She woke to the familiar sounds of birds chirping and the gentle hum of life in Sonoma. It was a peaceful, almost nostalgic feeling, but one that didn’t quite settle her mind. Her thoughts drifted immediately to the conversation she’d had with Sophia the night before—about Ethan, about New York, and about the past that seemed so complicated now.

After a quick breakfast with her parents, Isabella excused herself, claiming she needed to get some work done. Her parents understood and didn’t press her. They’d always respected her independence. Still, a part of her felt guilty for avoiding everyone and everything, but she couldn’t shake the unease that lingered in her chest, particularly when it came to Ethan.

Isabella had barely settled into the small office space her parents had set up for her when she heard the familiar sound of the doorbell ringing. She sighed, wondering if it was someone from the vineyard or maybe a local offering to help with her storytelling project. But when she opened the door, she was met with the last person she expected.

David.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze on the doorstep, uncertain of how to react. The sight of him—the man who had once promised her everything—made her insides twist with a mixture of anger and disbelief. He didn’t look much different, still wearing that same apologetic expression that had haunted her for so long.

“Isabella,” he said softly, his voice filled with a regret she didn’t want to hear. “Can we talk?”

Isabella didn’t invite him in, though she knew her silence was more than enough of an answer. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, trying to keep her emotions in check. “What are you doing here, David?”

He looked at her with an earnestness she hadn’t seen in years. “I’ve been trying to reach you. I’ve called, I’ve sent messages. I need to explain myself. Please. I can’t just let you walk away from this without—”

“Without what?” Isabella interrupted, her voice steady but filled with an edge that betrayed her calm exterior. “What could you possibly have to say that would change anything?”

David took a step closer, but Isabella didn’t budge, her posture rigid with the walls she had built around her heart. “I made a huge mistake, Isabella. I know that. I should never have—”

She cut him off again, her voice rising with the years of pent-up anger and betrayal. “You don’t get to explain this, David. You cheated on me. You broke us, and there’s nothing you can say to fix it. I left because I had to.”

David’s face fell, his eyes pleading. “I know I messed up. I should have fought for you. I should have told you the truth right away.”

“There is no truth you could give me that would change anything. You cheated. And then you lied about it. I don’t owe you an explanation, David. There’s nothing more to say.”

Her heart pounded in her chest, each word a small release of the anger and pain she had buried for so long. She refused to let him back in, not after what he’d done.

David’s eyes filled with regret, but there was also a hint of frustration. “I never meant to hurt you. I was lost, and I made a mistake. A huge one. But I love you, Izzy. I always have.”

“I don’t want to hear it,” Isabella said, her voice breaking just slightly. She quickly wiped a tear that escaped, though she knew David would notice. “You don’t get to come here and pretend everything is okay. I’m done, David. I’m done with you.”

David stood there, motionless, as though trying to comprehend the finality in her words. He opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could say another word, a voice interrupted.

“You heard her, It’s over.”

Isabella’s breath caught, and she see Ethan standing behind David, his jaw tight with anger. His stance was strong, protective, and the look in his eyes made it clear that he wasn’t going to let David push Isabella any further.

David’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the tension between the two men hung thick in the air. “This is none of your business.”

“I live here so it is my business,” Ethan said coldly. “And I’m not going to stand by and let you manipulate Isabella.”

David’s face flushed with frustration, and his voice raised. “I’m not trying to manipulate her! I’m here to make things right.”

Isabella watched, feeling a rush of emotions as the two men faced off. She never wanted to be caught in the middle of this. She had already made her decision. She was done with David but seeing him so angry stirred something inside her she hadn’t expected.

David took a step forward, his voice harder now. “You think she’s going to forget about me? You think I’ll just walk away without trying to fix this?”

“I don’t care what you think,” Ethan snapped. “It’s not your decision anymore. It’s hers.”

David’s gaze flicked to Isabella, his eyes pleading for her to reconsider, but she didn’t respond. She couldn’t. She had nothing left to say to him.

Finally, with a last, frustrated glare at both of them, David turned and stalked off the porch. “This isn't the end.” he muttered under his breath.

Isabella stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the words hanging in the air long after he was gone.