All Chapters of Stolen Night With My Brother In Law: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

IRIS POVAnnabelle's reaction stuck with me after we put the papers on the table between us. She was never the type to give up easily no matter how tough things got. The old Annabelle would have argued with me first then questioned everything I said and somehow she would have made everyone else in the room feel like they were overreacting. That was just who she was. Maybe that is why it bothered me so much to see her sign those papers without putting up a fight.I sat there with my fingers on the arm of the chair watching her. The silence in that office felt heavy even heavier than our conversation. She picked up the pen. Started signing the papers with slow and careful movements. Her face did not change much. I saw a bit of tension in her jaw, which told me she was holding something back.That was important.Because Annabelle never kept things inside unless they were really bad.The sound of the pen on the paper was loud and for a second my mind went somewhere I did not want it to go

KATHRYN POVThe pizza had arrived by the time the silence between us changed again. The table felt warmer like food can make the world slow down when our minds do not want to. I started eating a slice without thinking just focused on eating while Iris sat across from me calm as always which always looks easy for him when I know it is not.For a minute, life was normal, with the soft sound of plates, the distant laughter from another table, and the steady hum of the restaurant. I almost forgot about the hospital, the warnings, the speeding cars, and everything that had tried to ruin the day.Then Iris leaned back in his chair his fingers around his glass. I felt something change before he even spoke.“I need to ask you something " he said, his voice quieter, not playful just careful, which made me pay attention.I stopped eating and looked at him because something in his tone did not feel right for a dinner conversation.“What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady even though

KATHRYN POVThe sound around me changed fast when the cheering stopped and everyone started mumbling, and I could feel lots of eyes staring at me while my breathing got all weird.No.No no no.Not again.My chest started hurting a lot.The stage lights seemed bright, and the music in the background started sounding weird because another memory popped into my head before I could stop it.A ring.A crowd of people.Everyone is watching me.My hands were shaking.Iris was standing in front of me years ago looking hopeful while I just stood there frozen. I could not breathe properly because everything happened too fast that day.This memory hit me hard, and I leaned back in my chair.“Kathryn?" Iris said goodbye.His voice sounded closer now. He seemed worried but I could barely focus on him because my heartbeat was really loud in my ears.I tried to take a breath.It did not work out.The room suddenly felt really small.The air felt really thin.My fingers were trembling in my lap whil

KATHRYN POVThe moment Iris’s car stopped, the air outside felt really heavy, like the whole estate was waiting for something to happen. The lights on the gate were too bright. Made sharp reflections on the ground, where every shadow seemed like it was on purpose. I got a feeling in my chest right away that feeling you get when something bad is about to happen.Before Iris could even open his door the silence was broken.Anna took a step forward first.Her high heels hit the ground with confidence. She started talking right away loud enough for everyone to hear."So this is what it has come to," she said, speaking loudly so the guards, maids, and workers could all hear her. "You two just disappear all evening while a kid is in the hospital and now you show up together like nothing is wrong?"I just sat there frozen.Her words did not just hit me. They spread like heat like she was accusing us of something.I held the door a little tighter as I tried to process what was happening out

KATHRYN POVThe room became really quiet after I left Celine's bedside. The silence made every thought in my head louder. I stood near the doorway watching her sleep under the bedside lamp. Her breathing had finally steadied, I still saw her lying weak in a hospital bed earlier.Kids should get fast.That's what people always say.Tonight showed me how fragile safety really is.I forced myself to leave the doorway and walk to my room. Every step felt strange like my body was moving. My mind was somewhere else. The house was quiet now. I could still feel the confrontation outside lingering.Mrs. Mayers was disgusted.Anna was satisfied.Jacob smiled.The memory pressed against my chest making it hard to breathe.I shut my bedroom door softly. Leaned against it. I closed my eyes because I didn't have the energy to pretend everything was okay.That thought should have scared me more.Instead, it just made me tired.I sat down on the bed rubbing my face with my palms. Exhaustion settled d