My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 1088

Just a little while ago, Isabella Austin looked so put together, so calm, like nothing could shake her. She sat up straight, refusing to let anything slip, determined not to show a single crack.

Now, she looked completely different. Her hair was a mess, loose strands falling across her cheeks. Her clothes hung off her, all wrinkled and shapeless. The peaceful look on her face was gone, replaced with something that looked hopeless, like she was carrying a pain too heavy to bear. Her eyes were red and puffy, tears clinging to her lashes, with streaks still shining on her cheeks.

She glanced up at Tate Vargas, her eyes anxious and full of emotion. As soon as she met his gaze, she dropped her head again, like she couldn’t stand to look at him, like she was embarrassed just to be seen. She looked so lost, so vulnerable, it was almost too much to watch.

Tate felt his heart tighten. Seeing her like this hurt in a way he hadn’t expected.

His hand shook as he picked up the phone receiver and pressed it to his ear.

He watched Isabella do the same. She kept her head down, and when she spoke, her voice was so quiet, like she was scared she might break something just by speaking. “Dad…”

That one word just about undid him. He felt his throat close up, his eyes stinging. “Yeah, Isabella. I’m here.”

“I finally found you…” His voice sounded older than usual, thin and shaky. “Isabella, I’m so sorry. I never should have let you go. It was my fault. I… I messed up.”

Isabella shook her head, her eyes shining red. “No, Dad, it’s not your fault. I made a stupid mistake. I did something wrong. Don’t blame yourself. I’m just grateful you still want me back now.”

Tate glanced at the prison uniform she wore. He let out a long, heavy sigh, and tears welled up at the corners of his eyes.

What was done was done. There was no going back, and talking about it now would only make things harder.

Tate’s chest ached at the sight of her. “Help you how? Tell me. Take your time. I’m right here.”

Isabella sucked in a few shaky breaths, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked so small, so lost. “Dad, I can’t… I can’t stay here. Please, can you help me? I’m really scared. I can’t take it, I just can’t…”

He understood. She wanted him to save her, to get her out.

Her eyes were so intense, so full of hope and fear, as if he was her last chance. He could tell that if he said no, she might just give up entirely.

And thinking about it, it all made sense. Isabella had grown up with the Austin family, surrounded by love and comfort. She was their princess, never wanting for anything. How could a girl like that possibly handle being in jail, or even just locked up at the station? For her, this must feel like the world had ended.