Chapter 36 Love At What Cost

• Isabelle stared blankly at the ornate floral arrangement on the coffee table with its vibrant hues a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside her. She should have been thrilled on the verge of marrying a man as powerful and successful as Liam Callahan. Instead, all she could think about was the warmth of Max's hand on her cheek and the way his eyes had held hers with an intensity that had sent shivers down her spine. It was a kiss that had almost happened a betrayal of Liam and a threat to the fragile peace of their contract marriage.
• Penelope had promised to keep it a secret. But Isabelle couldn't shake the feeling of being exposed and of the delicate facade of their marriage crumbling before her. What would Liam do if he knew? His pride was as formidable as his wealth, and the thought of him finding out about Max filled her with a dread she couldn't ignore.
• The afternoon dragged by like a slow agonizing march of time. Isabelle found herself aimlessly wandering through the opulent mansion with her thoughts a tangle of forbidden desires and looming consequences. The silence echoed her internal turmoil, amplifying the faint thrum of anxiety that had taken root in her chest.