ISABELLE
I held my breath as I tiptoed through Sage’s apartment, my heart pounding so loud I was sure she’d hear it from her bedroom.
The floor creaked slightly under my bare feet, and I froze, waiting.
Silence.
I exhaled slowly and continued toward the door, slipping my feet into my sneakers as quietly as possible.
My phone buzzed in my hand.
Matt: Outside.
I unlocked the door with trembling fingers, wincing at every tiny sound—the click of the lock, the soft squeak of the hinges, the gentle thud as I pulled it closed behind me.
The hallway was empty, dimly lit by emergency exit signs. I hurried toward the elevator, my pulse racing with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.
What was I doing? Sneaking out of my sister’s apartment at midnight like a teenager to meet a man who’
