Chapter 500

Isabella’s POV

Damien was sitting on his bed, his small frame curled up against the pillows. His eyes were fixed on the little stuffed bear I’d given him years ago, and he looked so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice me enter.

“Damien,” I said softly, closing the door behind me.

He glanced up at me, his eyes still red from the tears he’d shed earlier. “Yes, Mommy?”

I sat down beside him, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened today.”

He looked away, clutching the bear tighter. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“But we need to,” I said gently. “Because I think you might be confused about some things, and I want to help you understand.”

He didn’t respond, but he didn’t move away either, so I took that as a sign to continue.

“Damien,” I began, choosing my words carefully, “I know that woman…Mrs. Carol…said some things to you today. And I know it might have