She hated this.
Hated how her stomach twisted every time she thought of him looking at someone else.
Of him smiling at some faceless girl in his past.
Of him holding someone, whispering to her, cooking for her, taking care of her—
She sat up straighter, lips curled in irritation. "Gods, I need wine."
Instead, all she had was that stupid smile he'd given her earlier when he offered her soup.
The one she'd rejected.
The one she now regretted.
Ugh.
She dragged her hands down her face, muttering under her breath.
"Stupid, gorgeous idiot. Couldn't just say no and save me the headache."
She kicked a pebble into the river.
It plunked.
Isabella stared after it.
Still alone.
Still pretty.
Still falling—against her will—for the one man she should never want.
"I don't believe in love," Isabella muttered to herself as she yanked off the ridiculous dress clinging to her like it had a vendetta.
