Chapter 252 - 253: That does sound very civilized
"You make me seem like I’m a bad person, Opehlia. Like I’m just too much and I don’t have a good reason for being this way. It hurts."
Isabella’s voice wasn’t loud—not yet—but the weight behind it hung thick in the air like smoke from a damp fire. Her arms were folded, but not in that usual lazy, flippant way she held herself. No, this was different. Her spine was straight. Chin tilted just so. Eyes locked on Opehlia with a look that was all storm and no rain—yet.
Opehlia stepped back, her hands wringing together like they were praying for an escape. "Let’s not do this now," she said quickly. "It’s such a nice day."
Isabella scoffed, flipping her braid over her shoulder. "A nice day? A man beat you in public, and you want to talk about the damn weather?"
Glimora, who had been curled near Isabella’s feet, let out a confused little huff, her ears twitching. She stood and walked over to Isabella’s side, leaning against her leg as if sensing the mood brewing.
"I won’t tell," Opehlia added quickly, voice smaller now. "It’s over."
Isabella blinked, stunned for a moment, then took a slow step forward.
"So you’re not going to tell me where Gerwin is now?" Her voice was still soft, but her tone sharpened like a blade being whetted. "You’re just going to let this slide? You think I enjoy being angry all the time? You think this is fun for me?"
"I think it’s best if we all let this go," Opehlia whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Let it go?" Isabella laughed—but there was no humor in it. "Oh, baby, no. That’s what he’s hoping you’ll do. That’s how men like him keep getting away with it. You let it go, and he picks the next girl. And then the next."