The days following the dinner with Liam's family were filled with a quiet sense of reflection for Jenna. The Ryder family had left a strong impression on her. Liam's parents, with their polished elegance and hidden motives, had made her feel like she was under a microscope. Andrew, on the other hand, had a playful charm that made her feel at ease — but even he had an underlying sharpness that spoke to the family's deeper expectations.
It wasn't until a week later that Jenna would meet the last of the Ryder children: Liam's sister, Isabelle.
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The Unexpected Call
It was a Sunday morning when Jenna's phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number. She glanced at the screen, puzzled. The name on the display didn't ring a bell.
"Hello?" she answered cautiously.
"Jenna?" a woman's voice asked, warm and confident. "This is Isabelle Ryder. Liam's sister. I hope I'm not interrupting."
Jenna's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected to hear from Liam's sister, not so soon after the dinner. "Oh, hi! No, not at all. I'm glad you called."
"I wanted to introduce myself properly," Isabelle said. " I've seen you a few times, but I don't think I've had the chance to actually sit down with you. Would you be free for lunch today? It'd be nice to get to know you a little better — without all the family pressure."
Jenna blinked, surprised at the sudden invitation but also intrigued. Liam's family had certainly given her a lot to think about, but meeting Isabelle felt like a fresh opportunity to see a different side of the Ryder dynamic. "Sure, I'd love to. Where should we meet?"
"I know a quiet little café not far from here. It's off the beaten path, so no paparazzi or family business to worry about," Isabelle added with a chuckle.
"That sounds perfect," Jenna replied, feeling a bit of her anxiety ease. "I'll see you there in an hour?"
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The Café
The café Isabelle chose was a small, charming place tucked away on a quiet street. The atmosphere was cozy, with mismatched furniture and walls covered in local art. It was the kind of place where time seemed to slow down, and Jenna immediately felt at ease as she walked in. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes landed on Isabelle — sitting at a table near the window, her back to the light, a book in her hands.
Isabelle looked up as Jenna approached, her smile immediate and warm. "Jenna! So glad you could make it."
Jenna returned the smile, noting the ease in Isabelle's expression. She didn't have the air of someone who had been raised in a world of high expectations. If anything, Isabelle seemed remarkably grounded, even more so than Andrew.
As Jenna sat down, Isabelle closed the book and set it aside. "I figured we could keep things light," she said, her tone easygoing. "No grand expectations. Just two people getting to know each other."
Jenna smiled. "That's exactly what I need."
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Isabelle's Perspective
Over lunch, Isabelle and Jenna spoke freely about everything from travel to their shared love of food. Isabelle was an avid reader and spoke about her travels, her favorite books, and her desire to one day start a charity to help children in underprivileged communities. Unlike the rigidity Jenna had experienced with Liam's parents, Isabelle had a relaxed and natural energy, making their conversation flow effortlessly.
"So, what do you think of the family?" Isabelle asked after a while, her tone still casual but with an underlying curiosity.
Jenna paused, not wanting to sound critical but wanting to be honest. "They're… well, different from what I expected. Your parents are, um, very proper. I don't think they know how to relax."
Isabelle's eyes twinkled with amusement. "That's an understatement. They have their ways, sure. But they're not as bad as they seem, I promise."
Jenna smiled. "I'm sure they have their moments."
"They do. But honestly, it's Andrew who's the wild card. He's the one who brings a little chaos into the mix," Isabelle laughed. "Liam… well, Liam's always been the golden child. He can do no wrong in their eyes."
Jenna's curiosity piqued. "So, you and Liam… you're close?"
Isabelle nodded. "We are, in our own way. Liam's always been there for me. But the thing with Liam is, he doesn't let many people in. He's guarded. He lets the world see what he wants them to see, but the real Liam — the one who actually cares about things — that's not the version most people get to know."
Jenna absorbed her words, feeling like she was getting a glimpse into the deeper layers of Liam's life. She had always known he was a man of control, but she hadn't realized just how much of it was a defense mechanism.
---
The Family Dynamics
After they finished their meal, Isabelle leaned back in her chair, looking at Jenna with a thoughtful expression. "I wanted to talk to you because I know what it's like to be in Liam's world. It's not easy. Our family… they're a lot to handle. And sometimes, they expect more than anyone could ever give."
Jenna nodded. "I've noticed."
"I know you and Liam are getting closer," Isabelle continued. "But I want to make sure you know what you're walking into. Since he's not shared his problems with anyone, he'll probably do it with you. I won't be surprised if by now you know most things about him that we don't. Please don't get tired if him when he does that. It's not about you. It's about him. All this while he's just been trying to keep things under control, because if he doesn't, the whole family falls apart."
Jenna felt a surge of empathy for Liam. She had already seen glimpses of his protective nature and him opening up to her, and now she was starting to understand the weight of it. "I get it," she said softly. "I don't mind. I think he just needs someone who'll stick around long enough to break through."
Isabelle smiled, clearly pleased by Jenna's understanding. "I'm glad to hear you say that. You're a good match for him. Just be there for him. And try to be available when he calls for you. Sooner than you'll expect you two will be closer than ever.
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A Quiet Bond
As they finished their coffee, Isabelle gave Jenna a friendly, reassuring hug. "I'm really glad we did this. It's nice to have someone in Liam's life who isn't just looking to use him for something."
Jenna smiled, touched by Isabelle's words. "Thank you for being so honest with me. It means a lot."
"No problem," Isabelle said with a wink. "I've got your back. And if you ever need a break from all the family drama, you know where to find me."
As Jenna left the café, she felt lighter than she had in days. Liam's world was complicated — filled with expectations, pressure, and family dynamics that were as intricate as the jewels she designed. But now, with Isabelle's insight, she had a little more understanding of the man Liam was, the one who had become so important to her.
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In this chapter, Isabelle provides Jenna with a different perspective on Liam and his family. Isabelle's honesty helps Jenna see the complexities of Liam's world, offering a glimpse into why Liam is the way he is. It also strengthens the bond between Jenna and Isabelle, which could prove to be important later in the story.