Chapter 108

Harrison's lips curled into a bitter, self-deprecating smile.

In the private hospital suite, Isabella's leg injuries had been properly treated by the medical team. Nathaniel stood rigidly by the bedside, his jaw clenched as he addressed the physician. "How serious are the injuries? Will she still be able to dance professionally?"

The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "Mr. Falcon, the X-rays show only soft tissue damage. No fractures or tendon injuries. With proper rehabilitation, Ms. Whitmore will make a full recovery."

Once the medical staff exited, Nathaniel felt slender fingers intertwine with his own. He looked down to see Isabella's delicate hand gripping his, her touch feather-light yet possessive.

Meeting her gaze, he found Isabella smiling weakly, her usually vibrant face now pale and fragile. "Nathaniel, really... I'm fine. You don't need to worry so much."

His visible tension seemed to please her, a secret satisfaction warming her chest.

His voice turned sharp. "Why would you throw yourself down those stairs?"

Isabella hesitated only momentarily before answering with calculated honesty. "Nathaniel, haven't you been... distant lately? I can't feel your love anymore. It terrifies me."

The accusation struck true. Nathaniel had indeed withdrawn since her confrontation with Eleanor. The innocent girl from the cave had become someone he barely recognized.

And then there was Harrison. Against all reason, Nathaniel found himself inexplicably drawn to his wife. That stormy night at the countryside inn haunted him - their unexpected intimacy replaying in his mind.

Seeing Isabella's vulnerable state now twisted his gut with guilt.

He lowered himself onto the hospital bed's edge, voice softening. "You could have been seriously hurt. Dancing means everything to you."

Isabella seized the moment, pressing her body against his chest as her arms encircled him. "Nathaniel," she whispered with practiced fragility, "I was afraid you didn't want me anymore. Remember your promise in the cave? If you've changed your mind, I'd rather break my legs - or even die - than live without you."

The cave reference worked like magic. Nathaniel's resistance crumbled instantly.

He pulled her closer. "Don't talk like that. I'll never abandon you." A Falcon's promise was binding for life.

Isabella hid her triumphant smile against his shoulder. The stair incident had been a masterstroke.

Worth every bruise.

She tilted her head up with an artful pout. "I understand about your grandmother's condition delaying the divorce. But starting today, you're not to share a bed with Harrison. I know you've been sleeping together. That ends now."

The thought of Nathaniel and Harrison's intimacy burned like acid in her veins. Worse still - his obvious physical responses to his wife.

Unacceptable.

She was his chosen one. His cave girl. Harrison's temptations had to be eliminated.

Nathaniel stroked her hair soothingly. "I've already arranged for Harrison to reside at Willowridge University. She'll stay in campus housing. We won't be sharing quarters anymore."