ISABELLE
“You won’t run from me?”
The question hung in the air between us, weighted with everything we weren’t saying.
I stared at him, seeing the vulnerability he was trying so hard to hide.
Matt—confident, controlled, untouchable Matt—was afraid.
Afraid I’d decide his world was too much. That the complications weren’t worth it. That when things got hard, I’d choose the easier path and walk away.
My throat tightened. “No,” I whispered.
His eyes searched mine. “Isabelle—”
“I won’t run.” I reached up, my hand cupping his face. “When it gets hard. When the attention comes. When Sheila makes her move.” I took a shaky breath. “I’m scared, Matt. I’m terrified of what’s coming. But I’m not running.”
Something shifted in his expression. Relief. Raw and overwhelming.
“You promise?” His v
