Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 568

Liam remarked with a sigh, "Popping pills like they're candy, of course you're gonna have a bitter taste hangin' around. Look at ya, tongue's as white as a sheet."

Brett took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the bracelet clasped around his wrist. The silver band with its tiny lock had once adorned Izabella's delicate wrist, and now it felt oddly out of place on his own.

Initially, it had been too tight - a constant reminder of its presence. But over time, even the most ill-fitting things find a way to settle in.

He could still remember that day, Izabella's birthday, when she lay in his arms, and he had fastened the bracelet around her wrist, telling her only he could unlock it.

But in the end, it was a raging fire that claimed Izabella's life and tore the bracelet from her, leaving it to fall from her charred wrist.

After swallowing another spoonful of soup, Brett glanced at the sunlight streaming through the window.

"It's stuffy in here. Let's crack a window, get some fresh air."

"It's winter; opening the window will bring in a draft. You're not at your strongest; you could catch a cold," Liam reasoned with patience.

"But it's sunny outside, how can it be cold? If you won’t open it, I will," Brett said, attempting to rise to open the window himself. Out of options, Liam reluctantly grabbed the remote and cracked the window open.

As anticipated, a chill breeze swept through the room, making Brett shiver slightly. Indeed, even the gentlest winter wind can cut to the bone.

Upon entering the room, Liam spotted the live stream still running on the computer, the camera circling the happy couple.

Izabella's sweet voice filled the air. "I vow to take Casey as my husband, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. I will forsake my own desires, betray my nature, to be loyal, to honor, to care for, and to support him. I will share my life with him, from first sight to our final days."

It was a beautiful day, and Brett watched as Izabella blissfully married another man, his heart quietly wishing her all the happiness with her new love.

He continued to sip his soup, not noticing the tears that mingled with the broth.

There was nothing to be upset about, really. Everything had simply returned to the way it always was — he had nothing to begin with.