---- Chapter 4 Tears slid down my temples as I let out a soft, deliberate cough. Vincent's entire demeanor shifted. He burst through the door, his face a mask of concern, clutching a bouquet of my favorite white roses. " Isabella, you're awake?" I kept my expression blank, as if I'd heard nothing. "How are you feeling? The doctor said you and the baby are both fine." He sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hand. "We're having a baby," I said, meeting his eyes. "Are you happy?" "Of course." He kissed the back of my hand. "This is a miracle." Amiracle he planned to orphan. "Vincent, I love you," I whispered, pulling him intoa hug. "No matter what, I'll always trust you." ---- His body stiffened for a fraction of a second. "I love you too, Isabella. Always." Always. The word was a joke on his lips. The next day, a scandal erupted. The headline on Art Weekly's cover was a bombshell: " GENIUS OR FRAUD? SOPHIA MARTINEZ ACCUSED OF PLAGIARISM!" Isat in the living room, watching the news report. "An anonymous source alleges many of Sophia Martinez's signature works were stolen from. acclaimed artist Isabella Torrino, who has been unable to create since a tragic accident three years ago..." Vincent stormed down the stairs, his face a thundercloud. "Did you do this?" He grabbed my shoulders. "Did you leak this?" "T don't know what you're talking about." ---- "Isabella! Are you going to keep playing the innocent? "he shook me. "Do you have any idea the trouble you've caused this family?" "Tf the work is mine, why can't I say so?" I shoved him away. "Or are you afraid of the truth?" Crack! He slapped me again. "Enough! You will not say another goddamn word about this!" Iheld my burning cheek, refusing to let him see my tears. That afternoon, Vincent held an emergency press conference in our living room, packed with reporters. Sophia sat on the sofa, looking like a fragile, wronged angel. "Ladies and gentlemen, I've called you here to address a malicious rumor," Vincent began, his tone grave. "The accusations of plagiarism against Sophia Martinez are utterly baseless."