Chapter 47
ISABELLA
“We’re glad to have you back, Isabella,” Bentley says with a sincere smile on his face.
When I left, Slade sent a long email to him explaining my whereabouts and how I needed time away from work to refresh and start a new book.
I explained to Bentley that I was going through some personal issues so I wasn’t writing, I just needed a mental break away from work.
But now I’m back and ready to write.
Or at least I kind of am.
I tried to write last night but I couldn’t think about anything other than leaving Slade and his last words to me.
I shake my head lightly, trying not to think about it.
Instead I focus on Bentley and my agent Coraline. “I’m glad I’m back too. Honestly the break was getting a little too long. I’ve missed working and I’m happy to be back.”
Bentley and Coraline both smile at me. “Well I know it’s too soon but do you have your next book in mind? I know you were talking about writing a second book on Long Lost Love. Is that still going to be in the works or are you thinking about something else?”
I nod. “That’s still in the works. I saw all the marketing for Long Lost Love and it seems like people are really excited for it. I’m sure the next book will be more in demand since the first book ends on a cliffhanger.”
“Exactly. We’re glad you agree and are continuing the duet.” Coraline smiles. “Keep it up, Isabella. You’re doing great.”
“She’s right,” Bentley says. “You should think about writing more books like this. You and Becky could possibly co-write a book together in the near future. Who knows?”
I know he is really happy I’m back because he always said that I was one of his favorite authors he took in here.
“Yea, I wouldn’t be opposed to it. It could be fun,” I say.
“Also, I just want to apologize on Miranda and Matthew’s behalf about the whole issue that’s going on in the news and what you wrote. I think they were just a little paranoid. I hope you don’t take any offense to it,” Bentley apologizes and I shake my head at him.
I know that Georgino was the one who reported me but Miranda and Matthew were the ones who brought it to Bentley’s attention.
“No, no no, it’s fine, Bentley. They were just voicing their concerns.” I brush it off, making him smile.
Bentley concludes the meeting, letting me know that Miranda and Matthew are finishing off the edits. I leave and go back to my office so that I can start writing the second book.
Instead I end up sitting at my computer doing nothing but thinking of all the words and scenes I want to write but can’t. The cover for Long Lost Love is done and I’ll get to reveal it soon.
Things are moving along as if I never left.
Niko told me that he handled the police and everything with the book scenes. I guess Slade made it seem like these killings were connected to another murderer, not Slade.
So I’m back in New York as if nothing even happened.
As if I’m not married or I didn’t get stalked or chased around by some maniac who killed my parents.
I look down at my engagement ring while thinking about Slade.
It’s been a week since I left Russia with Becky. I gave myself a break before going into work just so I could digest what happened while I was gone.
I’ve cried maybe three times out of the week because I felt lonely in the aparment and not having Slade around is weird.
Him not bugging me or checking up on me feels so foreign because I’ve gotten used to him and his company.
The way he would hold me and care for me.
Even though I wanted to leave, I never wanted to leave him.
I wanted to leave Russia and have my life here in New York.
Finish my career, not get married.
I just wanted normal but Slade isn’t normal.
Stop.
I shake my head and rest my face in my hands.
I need to stop.
I place my hands on the keyboard and breathe.
There are too many thoughts in my head and I can’t think straight.
This is the worst thing about not being able to write. There are so many amazing stories and ideas I have but when I have my fingers ready on the keyboard, I suddenly forget how to write.
It's terrible since I like writing and it makes me happy.
It's a way for me to express my feelings and thoughts and because I can’t do that, all of my emotions and thoughts are just stuck in my head.
Slade hasn’t bothered to reach out but neither have I.
“I’ll come back for you, Isabella. I might be letting you go now but that doesn’t mean you’re not mine. If I find out anyone touched my wife while I’m not there, consider them fucking dead.”
Chills go down my spine and I get goose bumps all over my body.
I look at the title of my second book on my computer screen.
I just need to start writing.
I take a deep breath and rest my hands on the keyboard trying to think of the right words when all I can see is Slade in my mind.