Chapter 48

Alexander brought Isabella Blackwood to visit Grandpa. He brought his lover into the house to meet Grandpa. A cold shiver spread through my chest, as though icy raindrops were falling in a wild wind, soaking me to the bone. Why was he doing this to me? Just the other day, he was called away by a phone call from Isabella. Not a single message from him, yet here he was, bringing Isabella to the hospital to see Grandpa. Where did that leave me, his wife? I stood quietly at the door of the hospital room, listening to the conversation inside. Isabella’s voice was sweet, almost flattering, while Pop-Pop and Nana’s tone remained cool. "Thank you for your kind words, Miss Blackwood," they said. Nana then steered the conversation to Alexander, adding a subtle hint of reproach. "Alexander, didn’t you come back with Vivienne yesterday? Why are you here alone today with Miss Blackwood? She must be busy with work, and you too—why drag her into this? What if the me