The crying continued, faint but unmistakable. Andrew Lane picked up on the word "Mommy" being called out in the distance.

Isabella Austin's mind raced, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst. She blurted out, “It's the little girl from next door. She's taken a real liking to me, and her parents brought her over to my room. She's just having a hard time settling down."

Isabella took a few steps and glanced into the living room.

Apparently, Ashley Gomez had tripped and fallen on the carpet. Benjamin Gomez was crouched in front of her, trying to comfort her.

Ashley was rubbing her eyes with both hands, her face blotchy and red as she looked in Isabella's direction-a picture of misery.

But Isabella didn't feel a shred of sympathy. All she wanted was for Ashley to stop crying.

"She just fell by accident, that's why she's upset," Isabella explained.

Andrew Lane didn't seem particularly interested. After hearing Isabella's explanation, he simply said, "Alright. Got it."

Dennis Lane, who hated it when his mom paid attention to other kids, immediately piped up, “Mom, I almost fell today too!"

Still on edge, Isabella seized the chance to change the subject. Her voice tightened with concern. "Oh? What happened, sweetie?"

Andrew answered before Dennis could, "Nothing much. He was running around and bumped into someone. That's all."

Isabella let out a soft laugh. "And did you apologize, Dennis?"

Dennis pouted, clearly not thrilled. "Dad made me apologize."

"Did you hurt yourself?" Isabella asked gently.

Dennis shook his head, now the model child. "No, I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry."

That night passed much like the ones before. After chatting for a bit with Andrew and Dennis, Isabella headed back to Ashley's room to be with her.

Ashley was especially fussy that evening, probably still shaken from her fall. She was clingy and impossible to soothe, her wailing grating on Isabella's nerves. But with Benjamin sitting right there, watching everything, Isabella forced herself to swallow her impatience. She rocked Ashley and whispered reassurances for what felt like an eternity before the little girl finally drifted off.

Just as Isabella thought she could finally rest, Benjamin-sitting on the sofa across the room-spoke quietly, his voice lingering in the silence. "I'm staying here tonight."

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. She blurted out, "No, you can't."

They'd already agreed: she and Ashley would share a room, and Benjamin would sleep elsewhere. Benjamin had promised he wouldn't cross any lines. That was the deal.

But Benjamin was already up, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the sofa.

Panic flared in Isabella's chest. She wanted to shout at him, but with Ashley sleeping right between them, she could only hiss in a low voice, "I said no. You need to leave."

Isabella lay on the left side of the bed, Ashley curled up in the middle.

Benjamin walked to the other side, lifted the covers, and looked over at Isabella.

Her nerves on edge, Isabella's gaze darted anxiously. "Benjamin, Ashley's right here. What do you think you're doing?"

He gripped the blanket, his voice steady. "I'm not going to do anything to you." She clenched her teeth. "That's not the point. You promised me."

Benjamin let out a bitter laugh. “And you promised me forever. Look at you now." Isabella's face went pale.

Benjamin's eyes narrowed, cold and accusing. “Now you're married to Andrew Lane, and you've got a son with him."

He drew a deep breath, voice icy. "You broke your promise. So why should I keep mine?" He paused, the threat in his words unmistakable. "Isabella, you should know -I'm already being more patient with you than you deserve."