Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 585

Sitting in front of his computer, ready to record a message that felt like a last will and testament, Brett was a shadow of his former self. His face, pale and drawn, bore the unmistakable signs of a man walking the tightrope between life and death. His lips, devoid of their natural color, quivered slightly as he fixed his gaze on the camera lens. At first, his eyes seemed vacant, but as he began to speak, a spark ignited within them.

A smile flickered across Brett’s face as if he were looking through a portal in time. “Izzy,” he began, his voice a husky whisper, “if you’re watching this, it’s been seven years. Seven years is a long time. I hope life’s treated you well. You've probably got yourself a loving husband, caring family, and kids who adore you.”

He paused, his chest heaving with the effort of drawing breath. A semblance of peace washed over his features as he continued, “This message... I never really thought you’d see it. It’s more a message to the twenty-year-old me.”

Brett took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Kid, if you’re listening, this is thirty-six-year-old you talking. You got everything you ever wanted. You claimed the Windham family fortune, avenged your parents... Old man Windham is gone, but you lost the most important thing in your life.”

“When you first set foot in R City, you met the love of your life. Her name... Izzy.”

“She saved your life, risking her own. Don’t mess this up, kid. Treat her right. Don’t push her away.”

“For those four years, she was incredible to you, taught you what it’s like to be loved. But you took it for granted, always pushing her limits because you knew she loved you.”

“When you married her at twenty-three, make sure you treat her better. Don’t let her get stomach cancer, for God's sake.”

“At twenty-seven, Izzy chose to end her life in a fire, worn down by the disease and your cruelty. Losing her will break you, and you’ll regret it deeply. At thirty-six, you’ll still be alone.”

“And another thing... quit smoking when she tells you. Don’t raise your voice at her, never lay a hand on her. Because you ignored her love and care, you'll be diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at thirty-three. And now, at thirty-six, you're on borrowed time.”

“You made a promise to the godfather, vowed to take care of her, respect her, cherish her. You didn’t keep that promise. Luckily, she got a second chance and found someone better than me.”

“Brett, meet Izzy earlier, tell her sooner that she's the only woman you'll ever love.” His eyes, brimming with unshed tears, reflected a world of regret.

“And pass on a thanks and an apology to Casey for saving my life, and to Aunt and Uncle... I'm sorry.”

Rising to his feet, Brett bowed deeply toward the camera, a gesture of profound remorse.

Izzy, the woman who had burst into his life and captured his heart forever—if only he had trusted her, even the slightest bit, perhaps they wouldn’t have ended up where they did.

Trust was what pushed them apart.

Time had taken away loved ones but not the depth of emotion.

The video ended, laden with remorse, the helpless feeling of wanting to make amends but being utterly powerless to do so.

“Mommy?”

Emily’s voice called from the other side of the now-dark computer screen, pulling Izabella back to the present.

Peeking through the slightly ajar door, Emily asked timidly, “Are you done with your work, Mom? Can I come in?”

“Of course, come here, sweetie,” Izabella replied, squatting down with open arms.

Emily rushed in, followed closely by Aaron. They both tumbled into their mother’s embrace.

“Mommy, I have a secret to tell you,” Emily murmured, snuggling close.

“What is it, honey?” Izabella stroked her daughter's hair.

“Your door was open a crack, and I saw the video. Daddy saw it too. He told us not to disturb you,” Emily confessed in her innocent, singsong voice.

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