My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 766

She clung to Benjamin Gomez’s hand, desperation clouding her voice. “Do you have to go? Please, can’t you stay? Just stay home with me, please?”

Benjamin’s palm rested gently against the nape of Isabella Austin’s neck. His tone was soft but resolute. “I can’t, Bella. I already made plans.”

Isabella pressed her lips together, searching for words. “I—”

Holding Isabella close with one arm, Benjamin waved to their daughter, Ashley, who was playing on the living room rug. “Sweetheart, come here to Daddy.”

Ashley put down her stuffed animal and trotted over. “Daddy, Mommy.”

Benjamin took Ashley’s little hand and placed it in Isabella’s, saying, “Ashley, Daddy has to go out this afternoon. Be a good girl and keep Mommy company for me, okay?”

Isabella looked dazed, her face pale.

Ashley nodded obediently, curling her fingers tightly around Isabella’s. “Okay, Daddy. You go do what you need to do. I’ll stay with Mommy.”

Still, Isabella wanted to object, to hold him back.

She just couldn’t put her trust in Benjamin anymore. Ever since they reunited, it was obvious he’d slipped out of her control. He was so unpredictable now, always doing things she could never foresee. What terrified her most was the thought that Benjamin might promise her one thing, but then, when he met with Andrew Lane, he’d reveal the truth about her and Benjamin’s relationship.

“Benjamin, please, don’t go. Can’t you just stay?”

He squeezed her hand and smiled gently. “It’s alright. Just wait for me here. I’ll be back soon.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Benjamin’s eyes lowered, his smile unreadable. “We all have to say goodbye sometime.”

Isabella caught the nuance instantly. “Goodbye?”

Benjamin stroked her hair. “Yes. It’s time to say goodbye to Andrew Lane.”

Isabella’s heart skipped, a flutter of hope she tried to disguise. “You mean… you’re leaving?”

He glanced at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Are you that happy to see me go?”

Forcing a small smile, Isabella shook her head. “Of course not. I’m just… surprised, that’s all.”

Isabella watched him closely, anxious for his answer.

“It’s almost done,” he said simply.

A thrill of relief went through her, but hesitation quickly followed.

Benjamin’s expression was casual, as if it was nothing important, just a throwaway comment. But this was something that had been dragging on—she hadn’t heard any news, hadn’t slept well in days, always on edge.

Every time she’d asked Benjamin before, his answers had been vague, never clear. How could it be nearly over all of a sudden?

Isabella’s doubt got the better of her. “Are you sure?”

He smiled, the corners of his mouth curving up. “Don’t you trust me?”

She frowned. “I just—”

He cut her off, voice gentle. “Enough, Bella. Go get some rest. It’ll all be over soon.”