Can't Live Without You

 Isabelle thought of herself as a practical woman. Sensible, down to earth, however you wanted to put it. She was, in essence, the sort of person who never did anything silly and held other people to the same expectations.

Which was why, when Father sat her down and introduced her to a young man named Stephen Mills, she was at a loss for words. This had come out of nowhere, without so much as a mention in passing, and words simply failed her.

"Stephen here has been so eager to meet you," Father spoke, settling down on the sofa beside her. He patted Isabelle's shoulder, a smile on his face - as if this was the most wonderful news. "In fact, when I mentioned it to him first almost a month ago, he leapt at the chance to meet you, Isabelle. Isn't that sweet?"

Isabelle glanced across the living room to Stephen, who sat neatly with his ankles crossed and hands clasped. He was the picture of elegance, with his dark hair swept back from his face and a gentle smile on his lips. Was he attractive? Undoubtedly. Yet that didn't change the fact that Isabelle hadn't expected him here, and his presence was not a welcome surprise.