Page 66 of Isabelle and the Beast

“We do need to discuss her future,” Henry says. “She hasn’t had a chance to finish her degree. Maybe with Internet access she can at least take some online college classes.”

“That’s a good point,” Father says.

“But she also needs to look forward to leaving the penthouse,” Henry continues. “I’ve spoken to Aunt Agatha and she says she’d be happy to take her in. I believe letting her return to normalcy in Brookhaven would be safer than Silver Lake City.”

“Now, Henry–” Father begins.

“He’s right,” I cut in. “I know you want to protect her, but we have to think about her future. Brookhaven is a small town, it would be perfect for her to begin experiencing normal life again. If we keep her locked up forever, it’ll have the oppositeeffect of our desired goal. Either she’ll find a way to rebel, or she’ll lose all semblance of reality.”

Father is quiet for a moment. “I’ll consider it. But for now, just Internet access. And she has to enroll in college classes.”

“Agreed,” I reply.

“Adam, I have to ask where this is coming from,” Henry says. “I thought you wanted to keep her locked down as much as possible.”

“I did.” My eyes stray to the picture again, my heart clenching with the memory of happier times when we were whole. “But I think it’s time to help her heal instead of shielding her from the world.” I pause before my next words. “I think it’s what Mother would have wanted.”

Silence hangs heavy.

“Perhaps you’re right,” Father finally says.

“And perhaps there’s someone who’s helping influence your decisions,” Henry says, the implication clear in his words.

“And perhaps you can mind your own business,” I say sharply.

Henry just laughs. “I look forward to meeting her. If your feelings are what I believe them to be, the snow must be nearly clear by now.”

“Yes. We’re supposed to come back home tomorrow.”

“Then we’ll arrange a meeting. I’m sure Luna would love to meet her, as well.”

“Thank you for calling, Adam,” Father says. “I hope we can have more communication in the future, and not just about Lily.”

I swallow hard, a lump in my throat. “I hope so, as well.”

With that, the three of us hang up the phone. A glint of light hits the photo in the frame, and again I think I can see out of my left eye. It’s faint, but light is now coming through. I sense thelightness in my chest, a result of Isabelle healing all the cracks in my soul, more than she will ever understand.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

ISABELLE

Istand outside the double doors of the ballroom, ready to see Adam. He had Lionel tell me to meet him there instead of in the dining room. It feels so old-fashioned and I absolutely adore it.

Speaking of old-fashioned, my dress is FABULOUS. The fabric is a mix between yellow and gold, and it actually sparkles. It’s sleeveless, with a deep V neckline and fitted until just below my waist, then it flows out with the most incredible volume. Somehow Brigette found a pair of gold heels to match that actually fit me. I had her curl my hair in waves, and she did my makeup with dark lashes and red lipstick. I can’t wait for Adam to see.

Lionel gives me a little nod and smile. “You look lovely, Ms. Isabelle,” he says.

“Thank you, Lionel. Will you be dancing with us?”

He shifts, uncomfortable. “Mr. Stone has requested that I do, but I’m not sure I’ll have a partner.”

I raise a brow. “I think Josephine wouldn’t mind having you lead her in a dance.”

From the way his eyes widen, I’m now certain I haven’tmisread the signals between them. “Perhaps you’re right,” he says.

Then he swings the doors open, and I step into the ballroom. The entire gigantic room is lit by candles, the soft glow making the chandelier sparkle in the middle of the high ceiling. The floor is gleaming marble, and the walls are decorated with ornate wood carvings separating the panels of deep blue curtains. I can’t imagine a more romantic room in the world.

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