NovelKindleChapter 111 Sarah's POV I don't know when exactly the unease grew more intense, but it was there now, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts every tI saw Isabelle.
She was always around, always smiling that too-bright smile or lingering just a little too close to Richard.
"Sarah, you're overthinking it," I muttered to myself for the tenth tthat day. But even as I said it, I knew it wasn't true. Something about Isabelle didn't sit right with me.
It wasn't just the way she talked to Richard, though that was bad enough. It was the way she looked at him, like he was the only thing in the room that mattered. And Richard, being Richard, was completely oblivious.
I spotted them in the kitchen one afternoon, Isabelle leaning against the counter, laughing at something he said. Her laugh was too loud, too eager, and the way she tilted her head made my stomach twist.
I cleared my throat as I entered, making sure they noticed me. Isabelle straightened up, her smile faltering for just a second before she turned to me. "Oh, Sarah! I didn't see you there." Of course, she didn't.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"I'm making tea," I said, brushing past her to grab a mug. "You want some?" "No, thank you," Isabelle replied sweetly, her voice dripping with politeness. "I was just telling Richard about this amazing little café I used to go to. You two would love it." I glanced at Richard, who shrugged, clearly unaware of how annoyed I was.
"Sounds nice," I said flatly, hoping she'd take the hint and leave.
But she didn't.
Later that day, I found her in the living room, flipping through one of my photo albums. My heart skipped a beat. "Did you ask before going through that?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.
Isabelle looked up, her expression all innocence. "Oh, I'm sorry, Sarah. I saw it on the shelf and couldn't resist. Your wedding photos are beautiful. You and Richard look so happy." I took the album from her, closing it a little too hard. "Next time, ask." She blinked, surprised, then nodded. "Of course. I didn't mean to intrude." But she had. And it wasn't the first time.
*** The unease didn't go away; it grew.
The next morning, I caught her watching Richard again. He was fixing the sink, crouched under the counter, and Isabelle stood nearby, holding a flashlight.
She didn't need to be there. He didn't need help. But there she was, staring at him like he was a painting in a museum.
"Do you need something?" I asked, stepping into the room.
She jumped, startled, then smiled. "Oh, Sarah! I was just helping Richard. You know, being useful." "Right," I said, crossing my arms. "Richard, do you wantto take over?" He glanced up, confused. "It's fine, babe. Isabelle's got it." Of course, she did.
By the tafternoon rolled around, I felt more on edge than ever. It didn't help that I'd been feeling off for days- tired, queasy, and just... off.
I blamed it on the stress of having a third person in the house, especially someone as strange as Isabelle.
I found her in the kitchen later, humming to herself as she made coffee.
"Hey," she said brightly when I walked in. "How are you feeling? You look a little pale." "I'm fine," I said quickly. "Just tired." "You should rest more," Isabelle said, pouring her coffee. "Hawaii must have been exhausting for you. All that traveling, forest hiking and sightseeing." I froze. "What?" "Oh, Hawaii," she repeated, her smile too wide. "You mentioned you went forest hiking, right? It sounded so lovely. All those beautiful sunsets..." I stared at her, my mind racing. I *hadn't* mentioned our specific sightseeing to her. Richard hadn't either-not in detail, anyway. So how did she know? That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. My mind kept replaying every little interaction with Isabelle, every comment she'd made, every lingering glance she gave Richard. Something wasn't right. I could feel it in my gut. The next morning, while Richard was out running errands, I decided I'd had enough. I needed answers.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI waited until Isabelle went for her usual morning walk before sneaking into the guest room.
Her suitcase was neatly tucked in the corner, her clothes folded in a way folded that almost madefeel guilty for snooping. Almost. I dug through her things carefully, my heart pounding in my chest. And then I found them.
Photos.
Dozens of them.
Swere of Richard, taken in Hawaii. Others were from around town-outside his office, near our penthouse, even at the grocery store.
My hands shook as I flipped through the pictures, a cold knot forming in my stomach.
How long had she been watching us? How had we not noticed? And why?
The room felt like it was spinning, and I had to sit down, clutching the photos in my hands My head m throbbed and I felt lightheaded, like I and might faint. "What the hell is wrong with me?" I whispered, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. I didn't know what was happening to me, but I knew one thing for sure: Isabelle wasn't here by accident.
She definitely had been stalking us but why??
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