Frustrated

Jude POV

Annoyance hummed under my skin. Isadora peered up at me calmly, thinking she knew everything. It was the advantage of youth—believing you knew how the world ran and convinced you could shape it to your ideals. She’d soon realize that ideals were just teenage foolishness.

“Come now,” I gritted out, not wanting to release the frustration of the last few months on her. Ultimately, it was my fault for allowing this marriage, for thinking an eighteen-year-old girl could be a wife and mother. The idea that Isadora could become Josephine 2.0 turned my stomach over.

Isadora opened her mouth as if to say more, but I sent her a warning look. She’d need to learn when to shut up. She pursed her lips but remained quiet.

I led her to Daniele’s room first. I opened the door but didn’t turn the lights on. Daniele’s bed was empty.

“Where is he?” Isadora whispered, worried, as she crossed the room toward the bed.

My heart clenched. Turning on my heel, I walked out and strode down the corridor.