Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

I looked online and saw so many photos of newborns-wrinkled, scrunched-up,

honestly not very cute at all.

I really hope our baby is a beautiful little angel.

Forgive me for being so shallow, okay?

Anyway, I'm getting off topic.

That day, Nanette and I went to The Fitzgerald Group. I was standing by the door when I overheard what you said.

You said...

At this point, Victor noticed the dried streaks of tears on the letter.

He knew-his Isadora must have cried her heart out writing these words.

A crushing ache tightened around Victor's chest. His lips trembled, tears slipping

from reddened eyes and falling silently onto the page.

After a long moment, Victor forced himself to keep reading.

It's not true that I don't mind.

But I believe in your love for me.

So I guessed-you must have said those things on purpose, right?

That's why, more than being upset, I felt worried and uneasy.

I remembered that time you came back from Europe, your chest bandaged in white but still stained with blood, covered in wounds.

You looked absolutely awful!

So, I'm not letting you get hurt again!

You hear me?

But right now, there's nothing I can do for you. The only thing I can do is take better care of myself.

But, well, that's just how women are.

Even though I know your coldness isn't real, my heart still aches, little by little.

I can't even imagine what I'd become if you ever stopped loving me.

I bet right now you want to scold me-wondering why I've got so many crazy thoughts running through my head!

Are you sad now? Do you feel guilty for making me cry?

Well then, here's your punishment: you have to be good to me for the rest of your life!

Victor, there's something I want to say.

This time, you don't have to tell me you're sorry.

This time, let me be the one who trusts you unconditionally.

Let me be the one to forgive you..."

Every word in that envelope felt like a blade—gentle, yet sharp enough to carve him open, again and again.

Victor clasped her slender hand in both of his, pressing it to his brow. Tears streamed from his fingers, unstoppable.

In her sleep, Isadora suddenly felt a warm dampness in her palm.

She stirred, then slowly opened her eyes.

She saw him sitting at her

bedside-eyes dark and bloodshot, face drawn and haggard He looked

more exhausted than she did, and she'd just given birth.

Victor's eyes lit up the moment she woke, and his low, unsteady voice quivered, "Isadora, you're awake."

A sudden thought struck her. She glanced down at her now-flat belly. "The baby— where is she? Is she okay?"

As she'd drifted into unconsciousness, she'd heard the doctor say "daughter."

Victor's throat bobbed. "Our daughter's safe. She's perfect."

Isadora let out a shaky breath. "That's good. I want to see her."

Victor's gaze never wavered, his eyes so full of things unsaid. "You will. As soon as the nurse finishes feeding her, they'll bring her in."

"Are you still in pain?" he asked softly.

Isadora's voice trembled, her nose stinging. "It hurts so much."

Victor tried to speak, but his words caught. After a moment, he managed, “I'mnoveldrama

sorry. I should have been here sooner."

Isadora looked at him, her eyes full

of warmth, and gently shook her head Vietor, you're the one who

gave me the

The strength to bring their daughter into the world...

Victor leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, reverent and tender-more

sincere than any kiss before.

His tears fell onto her eyelashes.

Isadora blinked, her clear eyes shining, and a slow, blissful smile spread across

her lips.

At the doorway, Eleanor and Nanette stood holding the baby, both of them sobbing with joy at the sight.

(The End)

This book was far from perfect as I wrote it, stumbling forward in fits and starts, but at last, it's reached its ending.

Thank you, dear readers, for walking this journey with Isadora and Victor all the way to the end!