Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Married Life

Tristan jolted awake while his heart was pounding as if trying to escape his chest. He blinked against the bright morning light streaming through the window, momentarily disoriented. He immediately glanced beside him and found Isabel's side of the bed empty, with the sheets neatly arranged. Panic surged through him as he threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Isabel?" he called out, his voice hoarse and tinged with urgency.

But there was no response.

He quickly dressed himself and rushed out of their room as his mind raced with fear. Once he descended the stairs, the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of soft laughter reached his ears. And when he entered the kitchen of their humble home, he saw his mother-in-law seated at the table, feeding Liam breakfast.

"Good morning, Tristan," Teressa greeted warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Have some breakfast."

"Where is Isabel?" Tristan asked, barely able to mask his anxi