Page 67 of Vows of Silence

My papers dropped from my fingers, and I let them tumble to the floor, not at all concerned about hiding my presence here.

I looked at the calendar on the wall, and saw it had been marked with a big circle.

Isabelle will need tampons.

Two days from now. I had been here almost a month.

Next, I found a file named “Luca” and snatched it up. When I opened the folder, I’d been expecting more surveillance reports. Instead, I found Luca. Us. My entire relationship with him.

My stomach twisted sharply as page after page of our conversations stared back at me. Screenshots. Printed messages. Entire phone calls transcribed onto paper. Some pages had notes written in the margins, whilst others had sections highlighted, dates circled, comments scribbled beside things I had said years ago and forgotten entirely.

Silas had everything.

Not just the important conversations either. Not just the dramatic moments or the nights I’d cried to Luca after arguments with my father.

Everything.

The stupid jokes.

The flirting.

The late-night conversations about films and music.

The random thoughts I’d sent at two in the morning because I couldn’t sleep.

I lowered myself slowly into the chair, my chest tight as I picked up one of the pages.

Luca:You’re awake late.

Isabelle:I could say the same to you.

Luca:If you’re awake, I’m awake, little ember

Isabelle:Want to keep me company?

Luca:What did you have in mind?

Isabelle:Make me forget, Luca. Make me feel something other than alone.

Luca:You’re never alone. I’ll always be here.

A note had been written beneath the screenshot.

She uses sex as a distraction. She’s lonely.

My brows pulled together immediately.

I did not use sex for anything other than pleasure, bastard, I thought to myself viciously.

I flicked to another page.

Isabelle:I hate this house sometimes.

Luca:Why?

Isabelle:Because nobody actually sees me here.

Luca:I see you.