Chapter Isabelle Campbell
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
Happiness defined me.
So many things changed that I can’t explain them—I just feel them.
Yes, Henry said that out of nowhere, and it startled me because he usually teases Colin, not me. But like he told me recently, “Give him his freedom and you’ll understand.”
He was one of the guests and had brought Lauren along since she needed to get out for a bit. I found out what had been dragging her down—it was her job. I hated seeing her like that.
“That was a random comment.”
“I know.” Henry kept looking at Lauren; she knew what was going on. I know my friend well.
“Why don’t you tell her that? You got the courage?” I challenged, and suddenly he paid attention, locking eyes with me.
“You doubt my powers of persuasion with women?”
“Me? No way!”
“Doesn’t matter. I usually go after what I want. And it seems like she likes the same things I do…”
I laughed.
“If you do anything to hurt my friend, I’ll castrate you! That’s a promise!”
“Whoa, calm down! Don’t worry—I’ll treat her like a princess… or maybe the opposite.” He winked and drifted back into her orbit.
He’s hopeless.
Other things in my life have changed these last few months.
My mother insisted on staying in our old house—at least on living there. Colin put a lot of effort into convincing her to keep working at the mansion, and in the end he managed to get her to stay on. I can tell it’s better for her, especially because of the paycheck.
You might be wondering: if our finances are fine, why does she keep working? Don’t try to figure her out. What I can say is that Mrs. Elisa hates being idle, and it looks like nobody’s going to convince her otherwise.
Apparently stubbornness runs in the family…