---- Chapter 2 "Why are you still up?" The hairs on my neck stood on end. But when Vincent walked toward me, his eyes held a rare, calculated gentleness. I kept my face a placid mask. "Couldn't sleep." He sat beside me, reaching out to pull me into his arms. "T went too far tonight." Vincent kissed my forehead. " I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that in front of everyone." "It's fine," I said, gently pushing him away. "I understand you have to protect the family's image." "No," he insisted, taking my hand. "Isabella, you're important to me. More important than anyone." More important than anyone? ---- Including Sophia? "I got you something." Vincent pulled a velvet box from his pocket. Inside was a diamond necklace that could buy a house. "vincent, this is too much..." "Try it on." He fastened it around my neck himself. " My wife deserves the best." In the mirror, the diamonds glittered, cold against my skin. My heart was colder. "I'm sorry, Isabella," he murmured against my hair." I know how much those designs meant to you. But your hand... it's over. For the sake of peace in this family, just let them go." There it was. The real reason for this show of affection. "Tonight is just for us," he said, leading me toward ---- the bathroom. "I've neglected you." "You've been busy. I understand." My body trembled with revulsion, but I let him lead me. "No, it's my fault." Vincent turned to face me as steam filled the room. "Isabella, I love you. I want you to know that." He said it with such sincerity, it would have made me weep if I didn't know the truth. "T love you too," I managed, the words tasting like poison. He turned on the shower, warm water cascading over us. "Remember our first time in here?" he asked, his eyes soft with memory. "You were so nervous you could barely let go." "T remember." Back then, I thought I'd found my soulmate. How naive I was.