Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 563

To Casey, what was Izabella? She was his only sun in the sky, the rare rainbow after a storm, the vast ocean a whale needs, and the flame a moth recklessly dives into.

His obsession with Izabella was just as intense; he wanted to possess her, wanted her by his side, always.

Yet, if Izabella chose to leave, his heart, filled with self-doubt, couldn't even muster the courage to reach out and ask her to stay.

If there were only one rose left in the world, with but a month to bloom, Brett would preserve it at its peak beauty, while Casey would witness its life cycle, standing by as it blossomed and wilted away. That was the difference between their notions of love.

Casey's sudden mood swings were due to his insecurity, his lack of a sense of safety. His mind, already fragile from past trauma, seemed at times to revert to Ryker's state.

Izabella didn't want to see him become a fool again, but she was at a loss about what to do. Should she resort to hypnosis to make Casey forget her once more?

Whatever Bunny went on to say, Izabella couldn't take it in. She sat on the couch, her hands unconsciously growing cold.

As the weather turned chillier and darkness fell before six, Izabella stood up. "Mom, I should get going."

"Why? Stay for dinner. I'll invite Casey over too."

"No, he's waiting for me at home."

As Izabella stood to leave, her phone rang. "Are you at your parents'?" Casey's voice came through the speaker.

"Yes, I'm about to head back." Izabella's body warmed up at the sound of his voice, her heavy heart suddenly easing. She tilted her head, her ear close to the phone as if to catch every nuance of his voice.

"It's raining outside. I'll come to pick you up."

Izabella glanced outside; it wasn't raining on her end. "It's dry here. Maybe I should just take a cab."

"I'm already on the road. Oh, and do you want some hot chocolate? I'll grab one for you on the way."

"Sure, that'd be nice."

After hanging up, Izabella saw Bunny eyeing her curiously.

"Was that Casey?"

"Yeah, he's coming to pick me up."

"Well, that's perfect. Stay for dinner; I'll get the maid to start cooking."

"Let's see when he gets here."

Izabella thought it would take a while for Casey to arrive, but in just seven or eight minutes, the sound of a car pulling up reached them.

Casey entered, the picture of bedragglement. He hadn't bothered with an umbrella, and his coat was soaked through. His hair was a mess, and he handed Izabella a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "For you."

She took it, feeling the warmth seep from her palms to her heart. Outside, the rain had drenched him, yet the cup was spotless.