Isla walked through the darkened hallways of the ministry. Something inky covered the walls. Marble, it looked like black marble with white details carved into it.

Her eyes flickered to Theodore, her fingers intertwined with his as he walked close to her. Keeping steady next to each other, holding the other moored and solid as they marched into something unknown. Neither knowing how this would play out.

Mila held onto Leo tightly. Isla could nearly see how her hand was shaking around the boy's arm. She was so scared for them. So scared that she didn't quite know what to make of it.

Perhaps this was the last time they ever got to hold each other. The kiss they shared before they had to walk into the courtroom could be their last.

It hurt all of them thinking about it. It pained them so brutally, knowing that the two had built something so strong, so beautiful, only to have it questioned, talked against.

Isla knew the couple. She knew that they'd most likely break without the other. They had been in love for years, the war, the uncertainty of the world keeping them apart when all they wished were to be together. And now, when they finally gave it a chance — everyone wanted to rip them apart.

''It will be okay,'' Leo spoke, silently against Mila's lips. His hand cupping her jaw, stroking his thumb along the curve of it, ''No matter what. It will be fine. I promise.''

Isla turned around. Tears shredded in her eyes as a heartbreaking sob cleared Mila's throat. Theodore grabbed her, his arms wrapped around her body as he mumbled into Isla's head, ''He's right.'' He said, ''It will be okay. One way or another, this will be okay.''

Isla nodded, trying to take his word for it, but she wasn't convinced. None of them were.

They simply said what they thought was needed at that moment.

Her head tilted back, looking up at the brunet as he stared down at her, ''I don't think it will.''

''Don't say that,'' He whispered, shooting a sorrowful look in Mila and Leo's direction, ''Let's hope it will, for them.''

Her lips arched into a bitter smile, looking at what he did. Seeing the two holding each other tight, whispering promises, and sharing the last minute of freedom together, ''For them...'' She whispered lowly.

Loud thuds of someone walking began to echo down the hall, making Theo's head snap in that direction, ''Malfoy.'' He said, clearing his throat and letting go of Isla, ''Nice of you to join us.''

The blond didn't bother sparing the brunet as much as a glare as he halted right where Isla stood, eyeing her down, ''Can I talk to you?''

Her breath hitched, peering up at Theo. He gave her a gentle nod, ''I'll take them inside.''

Both Isla and Draco looked after them as they entered the courtroom, standing close in utter silence for minutes before she took a step back, looking at him instead, ''What?'' She asked, still hurt by the prior night's argument.

Draco sighed. Pushing his lips tight as his eyes snapped all over her, taking in every detail she carried, ''I want to apologize.'' His voice was cold, penetrating, ''For yesterday... for all the days before that.''

Her brows lifted, a confused mantle took over, ''What?'' Nearly scrunching her nose now, she frowned, ''You want to apologize? That's a first.''

''Don't—'' He swallowed hard. His fingers dragged through his hair, ''Just—'' Another sigh, ''I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did, and I shouldn't have treated your friend like that.''

''Like what?'' Her arms crossed, her fingers tapping upon them. Isla already knew what he'd done. She knew about the tantrum he'd spilled upon all of them, but she still wanted to hear it from him. She wanted to understand him, and playing clueless was the easiest way to go, ''What did you do?''

''You know what I did.'' Draco didn't fall for that. He never did. Sometimes, he was able to read her like an open book, and other times, he wasn't, but now he could, ''I know he told you.''

Her eyes flickered away from him, landing on his chest, ''I'm sorry too,'' She let out, airily, ''I hurt you, and I provoked you.''

''Still doesn't give me the right to act as I did. I was horrible to you, all of you, and for that, I'm sorry.'' The remorse in his voice said it all. He'd never hurt her in that way ever again. He'd never call her a foul word, never treat her badly. Draco had spent that entire night away from them, wandering the streets of London. He walked and walked until his feet ached.

Malfoy didn't know what else to do. He felt bad, painfully so. He hurt her in ways he never thought he'd do again, and now he wouldn't. What he spoke wouldn't be uttered ever again.

''Then I appreciate your apology, Draco.'' Isla forced a smile. Her eyes found his again. A warm color spread across her cheeks, ''Thank you.''

''Mhm,'' He breathed out, laboriously, almost like it hurt seeing her blush, watching her smile even if it was a faint one, ''God — I miss you.'' He whispered, inaudibly, but she heard it. He wasn't sure he wanted her to.

''Draco...''

''I know,'' His arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her in with her hands pushing against his chest, ''I know I shouldn't do this anymore.'' Pressing a kiss into the top of her head, he lingered, ''But that doesn't mean I don't need it.''

Isla let him. She allowed him to be close to her. She even let her hands sneak inside his suit jacket, tucking her arms around him, ''I need it too,'' Her tone thin, hesitant, ''I need you, but—''

''But I hurt you, and you need your space more than you need me.'' Another kiss was pressed against her hair before he withdrew, ''Got it.''

''No—'' She gripped at him, feeling how he pulled away, ''It's not like that. I don't want space—''

''Clarke,'' Draco looked down at her, his hand slightly shaking as he reached for the one she'd placed on his arm, ''I am ready to tell you what you need to hear, but you're not ready to hear it. You were when I wasn't, and now you're not when I am, and I don't blame you for that. My feelings for you... they won't go away anytime soon — ever if I'd say it myself, so take your time. Be with him, and find your way back to me when you're ready.''

Her heart felt like it was being ripped to pieces inside of her, hurting and crashing and burning in the missing of him. She missed him too, more than he could understand.

That was the hardest thing for her. The need of them both. The way she needed both of them to stay afloat.

Many people would say that it wouldn't be hard to choose, that she should trust her gut and pick one, end the other ones suffering, end all of their sufferings, but she couldn't.

She couldn't settle for one when she'd drown without the other. It was selfish. She knew it was. It was the most inconsiderate thing she'd ever done, but she couldn't bring herself to choose. Isla would rather end up alone than without either of them. She'd die in the absence of the other one no matter how she played it.

So she stalled it. She blocked herself from choosing.

''What if I won't be ready? Ever?'' Her eyes stained in guilt, ''What if I—''

''What if you will?'' He cut her short, raising a brow, ''What if you one day wake up, and you're ready? Like you were with him? How did it feel, being ready to hear how he felt about you?''

Isla blinked, getting rid of the threatening tears, ''It felt... safe. It felt... beautiful, knowing he loves me. His love is... pure, honest, beautiful. It's beautiful, loving him.''

Draco smiled bitterly, ''I hope you feel that for me too, someday.''

''Draco—''

''Let's go in there, shall we?'' Malfoy got rid of the arch on his lips, his jaws gritted, ''We won't do much good out here.''

Isla huffed out a breath, stalking after him as he walked towards the courtroom, and just as she was about to enter, she felt like someone was watching her.

Turning around as Draco disappeared into the room, her eyes widened, ''Mother?''

Shocked and startled, she indeed watched her mother walk up to her with quick steps, appearing out of nowhere.

''Isla...'' Her voice was shaking, ''I need to talk to you.''

Her breaths ragged as she flung forward, gripping her mother by the arm, and she dragged her behind a corner, ''What are you doing here? You're not a witch, they'll—''

Her mother smiled faintly, inches away from her daughter, ''I was asked to be here.''

''You—'' Isla scowled, the confusion of it all got to her head, nearly stumbling half a step back, ''You were asked to be here? By who?''

''Your father's side of the family.''

Isla's face slightly fell, her chest tightening at the mention of the family they'd abandoned, ''No—''

''Isla...'' Her mother tried, ''I need you to listen to me, can you do that—''

''Why would they ask you to the Ministry? They wouldn't do that. You can't be here—''

''If you—'' Her mother frustratingly sighed out, ''If you just listen to me—''

She stopped, blankly staring at her mother. A swift nod tipped her head. Giving her mother permission to speak.

Her face was filled with something that looked like sorrow, regret almost, ''They are holding a trial, for the murder of your cousin. It's been over a year, and they are beginning to sentence Death Eaters to Azkaban.''

Isla stayed quiet. The corner of her mouth twitched into a hurtful look.

''And your aunt... She reached out because—'' Another deep sigh cleared her throat, ''Because they left. They moved overseas before the trial could start. They couldn't be here, Isla. It's too hard for all of them to relive Fred's death.''

Her head spun, needing to focus on her breathing again, not to lose it. She knew what had happened to Fred. Draco told her everything. Her aunt killed his aunt, and his father retaliated by slaughtering Fred in return. And then — then Draco's parents were found cursed beyond saving on the courtyard.

''She asked me to attend because they need someone from his family there, someone needs to testify on his behalf. I was meant to do it, to be there, but I can't be here, Isla. Lucy is alone at home, and as you said, it's not safe—''

''So that's why...'' Her brows dragged together, so much pain scored so vividly within her, ''So that's the reason you let me drop out of school?'' A nervous chuckle fled her throat, combing her fingers through her hair, ''I should've known you wouldn't let me help my friends without needing something in return.''

Her veins ached, not truly sure she understood what all this meant. The betrayal went both ways, no matter how she did it. Being there for her own family, defending the Weasleys in the brutal murder of Fred, would mean she failed Draco. Everything he confided in her would shatter.

But if she didn't. She'd let her family down. Isla loved Fred. He was one of the best people she knew. Never did he see a difference in her just because her father became a Death Eater and abandoned their name.

He saw her all the same. He was there for her. He made sure she was alright. He studied with her in her dorm, cheered her up after Cedric passed. She loved him so much, and not doing this felt so wrong.

''How long have you known about this?''

''Dear—''

''No,'' She said, her voice breaking, ''How long have you known?''

''A few weeks.''

Isla threw her arms out, clicking her tongue disappointingly, ''A few weeks? You've known for a few weeks, and you're not telling me until now? I could've prepared—''

She could've talked to Draco. She could've come clean about her past and her bloodline. She should've. Isla should've done it sooner.

She knew she should've.

Perhaps that was the reason she wasn't ready to forgive him yet because she knew this wall standing between them made it easier for her to lie. To not tell him the truth.

Isla believed that she protected him by doing that, by not telling him about who she really was. She believed that it was the right thing to do, that he wouldn't hurt more if he didn't know.

''I could've thought about this, rather than being ambushed—''

''Isla...''

''When? When is the trial? When does it start?'' She asked, stepping back, ''Now?''

''Tomorrow.''

''But—''

''Isla?''

She spun around quickly as the calm voice came unexpectedly from behind her.

''What are you— Mrs. Clarke?''

Theodore stood tall in front of them, portrayed as a question mark almost. He had no idea that her mother was even allowed into the Ministry, being well aware of her lack of magical status.

His hand landed on Isla's back, halting close to her, nearly feeling the comfort she needed, ''What gives us the honors?''

''Theodore,'' Her mother smiled politely, brushing some brown curls away from her face, ''I'm happy to see you again. You look well.''

''I'm sorry,'' Isla mumbled, close to his chest, ''She just showed up.''

He hummed something inaudibly in response as he looked down at her, ''It's alright. I was just coming to get you. It's starting.''

Isla's mother locked her stare at her daughter again, ''Please, think about it. It's tomorrow, and it won't take long. I'm sorry it has to be this way, Isla, but it would mean the world to everyone if you showed up.''

''And if I don't?'' She questioned, huffing out weakly. All her secrets could be revealed. The things she believed she protected Draco from would be put on display for the world to see. ''What happens if I don't?''

''Then no one will be there to speak for him,'' She smiled faintly before she walked closer to the two, settling a hand on Isla's arm, ''He deserves this, Isla. He deserves someone that loved him — that he loved, and I don't think anyone could fit that description better than you.''

Nodding slowly at Theodore, she looked down the hall, ready to leave, ''Think about it, please? You can bring Theodore if it feels better. The important thing is that his family is there to support the memory of him.'' Her eyes stained in guilt that she couldn't be the one to do that, ''And good luck with Leo's trial.''

Isla looked down at the floor, shaking her head in denial as her mother walked away. Her heels echoed further and further down the hallway before she couldn't hear it anymore. All she caught was Theodore's pounding heart. His arm around her shifted, turning her to face him.

His eyes snapped across her face, curiously, ''What's going on?''

Isla swallowed the doubt, softening at the way his hands cupped her jaws, and he tilted her head to look up at him, ''It's... It's a Weasley thing...''

He nodded, furrowing his brows in confusion, ''Is it the trials? That they're starting?''

She arched back, scowling, ''You know?''

''It's all over the papers, how they're bringing Death Eaters to justice after the war. They have been gathering memories and witnesses for over a year now, to be able to place where everyone was and what happened.'' He said, looping pain smeared over him, ''And I guess that includes Fred? But why you? He had brothers and a sister, right? Both of his parents? Why can't they speak or him?''

''It does..'' She felt so conflicted, so hurt and confused, ''His family, the rest of them left. Mother said they fled overseas because they couldn't go through this anymore, and I don't blame them. They had to watch him die, Theo. He was taken from them right where they were... His mother... Molly, she didn't—'' Isla had to take a breath, gathering herself, ''She never became the same after that. His twin, George, he... It was horrible for all of them, and I would've left too if I were in their shoes. Anything not to relive his death.''

His arms wrapped around her, bringing her close to his chest. Theo settled his chin on the top of her head, ''I understand...'' He whispered, ''But what do they expect you to do? You weren't there during the war. Your father kept you out of it, right? Before he passed?''

''It's... It's a mess, Theo. It's a mess because his own brother killed him, and no one knows about our family. I told you, remember? Why my name is Clarke and not Weasley. My father fell in love with a muggle, and The Dark Lord would've killed him if he knew about that, so he hid us. We didn't see him for years at the time. He wasn't—''

Another heavy breath ripped through her. She nearly blurted out her words, ''He wasn't a good man. He was going to kill his own brothers... They told me all about this after the war when I went to Fred's funeral, and it makes me... I feel bad. I feel horrible. Yes, Fred was the best person I've ever known, but my father was still my father. He betrayed them, and for me to be there—''

''Isla,'' Theodore cut her short, ''He loved you. I remember everything you told me about him, and he must have loved you a lot to see past all the things your father did. You're not responsible for what he did, love. You will never be responsible for him destroying your family, and you can make amends by showing up at that trial tomorrow. Tell them all about him, as you told me. I can come with you, and we'll be a little late to Leo's trial, but we're all testifying today anyway. Tomorrow will be more... waiting for the verdict.''

The ache in her veins stilled. He always managed to make her feel better, ''Do you think he'd want that? To have me there?'' Her voice breaking, ''And his family? You think they want me there?''

''Of course, they do. They wouldn't have contacted your mother if they didn't. You saw them after the war, the nights in the Burrows you told me about? When you and George sat in front of the fire, talking about him?''

''Hi,'' Isla jumped down the last step of the stairs, seeing how her cousin sat on the floor in front of the fireplace. It was late. The sparks lightened up the quiet living room, ''Hard time sleeping?''

George peered over his shoulder, giving her a forced smile. He had been crying again. She saw the dried-up marks of tears, ''Something like that.'' He said quietly, ''You?''

Isla looked around, noticing how everyone was asleep at the late hour, ''Something like that...'' She answered, nodding for the place on the mat next to him, wondering if she was allowed to sit down. He nodded, shoving away a bit to take place for her.

''Is Ginny asleep?'' He asked, rolling some scrunched-up paper between his fingers before he threw it into the fire, making it spark a little louder.

''She is,'' Isla whispered. She'd laid in the same bed as the girl, listening to her breaths for hours. Ginny cried herself to sleep too. She'd know because the nightdress coating her body was still damp from comforting her, ''It took a few hours, but she fell asleep today.''

''That's good,'' The corner of his mouth arched bitterly, ''I'm happy that she's sleeping again. It's nice having you here and that you're looking after her. Like a... older sister, almost. You could practically be twins if you had been lucky enough to get our hair. You're not that far apart in age.''

Isla smiled too, crossing her legs, ''That's a sweet thought. She's already like my sister. It would've been a dream to be her twin.''

''Being a twin...'' George huffed out, looking down at the pieces of paper coating the rug, before he picked another bit up, rolling it, ''Being someone's twin is the best thing ever and losing one is the worst thing you could ever imagine.''

It ached. Her heart hurt at his way of speaking as she looked over her shoulder, right at the portrait of Fred hanging on the wall. He was looking down at them. He looked sad, pained.

Isla reached for his hand, taking it in hers as she tangled their fingers together, ''He's still with us. He always will be.''

George gave the portrait a look, smiling at his brother, ''I guess he is, in some ways...''

''He will always be with you, George.'' She whispered, her head falling to his shoulder.

He leaned his own head to hers, staring blankly at the fire again, ''It's worse at night. We used to... read to each other when one of us couldn't sleep, and now... It's just so quiet all the time.''

Isla brushed her thumb over his knuckles, ''I can read for you if you want? I know it's not the same, but we can try?''

His face lit up slightly, nodding, ''I think I'd like that.''

''If that's okay for him, of course,'' Isla looked back at the portrait, and the painted, silent version of Fred smiled so warmly at them both, nodding, ''I think he approves.''

George gripped her hand harder before he stood up, helping her do the same, ''I'm happy you're here, Isla.'' He said as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him, ''For Ginny, and me... Now that Ron moved out. I think it's nice having you here. For Freddie too.''

He meant the times when he caught her talking to the portrait of his twin. Isla could sit in front of it for hours, just rambling and talking about everything as he smiled down at her, nodding from time to time. She spoke about the world, the weather, food, old times in school, everything. George liked that — that even after he passed, he was so important to all of them.

''What book are we going for?'' She looked up at him, ''Tell me about your favorite one.''

He did, and she read for him every night for the rest of that week she stayed with them. She fell asleep with the book of her chest, next to him in his bed almost every time, and he picked it up for her, reading silently to her instead, just like he'd done with Fred.

''I want to,'' Isla looked at Theodore, ''I want to be there for them, for him but it's...'' The memory of Theo not knowing about Malfoy's past clocked her as she stopped herself from revealing too much, ''I'm just scared, I guess.''

Pressing a kiss onto her forehead, he mumbled, ''Don't be. I'll be there with you, and you'll be—''

''For fucks sake!'' Draco growled from down the hall, eyeing them down as he walked closer, ''I didn't spend months working on this just for you two to have some foreplay session out here when you're needed in there.''

Isla and Theo jumped apart, her sight grounded as he stopped right in front of them, ''I'm sorry—''

''Don't,'' Draco snapped, ''Just get in there, both of you.''

_____

Isla took place in the chair, standing in the middle of the room.

All eyes fell to watch her as she nervously placed her hands in her lap. She'd listened to Theodore's testimony, hearing how he spoke for Leo. How good of a person the boy lived to be, how good he was with Mila, how they were meant for each other.

She'd heard Draco's part too. He said almost the exact thing Theo did. He worked to make Leo and Mila out to be the most ethereal couple of their time. He made a good case, speaking politically. He threw in some unspoken threats every now and then, making sure to play on the fact that people were unhappy with the law, but this case could bring hope to it.

Mila had spoken as well. She didn't have the chance to say much until she burst out in tears, and Isla had to go down and bring her back up to the benches. She couldn't to this was all she whispered.

It wasn't working. Their plan wasn't working.

Looking up at the man seated behind the podium. Leo's father. Mr. Green.

She used to like him, once, but not anymore.

Not after he turned his back on his own son, putting him on trial for doing the most human thing — falling in love. He was going to punish his son for having feelings. Nothing had ever felt as wrong to her as that did.

Isla knew what to do.

''Miss. Clarke.'' The man said, his thick beard moving with his mouth as he spoke, ''I'm glad to see you again.''

Isla nodded stiffly. Not planning on greeting him back. She was mad, furious almost, and all the feelings of what her mother had asked her to do still stirred inside.

''And I guess you have some speech prepared for me as well?'' He asked, peering down at his desk as the voices around him hushed, ''Might as well get on with it, not that it will matter.'' He tried to joke, making the people laugh silently.

She didn't. Isla didn't laugh.

She had a speech. She'd memorized it letter to letter, she'd practiced on Theodore, and he said he loved it, but right now. At that moment, sitting in the middle of that room with all eyes staring down at her — she didn't know what to say. She couldn't remember what she'd written even if her life depended on it.

And right now, she didn't really care.

''How are you, Mr.Green?'' Isla let out, placing the curve of her knee over the other, leaning back into her chair, ''Must me feeling pretty good with yourself right about now, yes?''

He pushed his lips together, awkwardly looking over his sides to the people placed around him, ''I'm feeling... terrific, Miss Clarke.''

''Bet you do, having your own son up for trial must truly be amazing for you, right?'' Her hands pushed into the armrests of her seat. Sitting up properly.

Draco glared at her from a distance before he bent over to where Theodore was sitting, harshly whispering, ''What the hell is she playing at?''

Theodore only smiled, cocking his head at the way he knew Isla was about to lose it, but he didn't fear it — no. Isla spoke more sense when she was upset than she ever did while being calm. He believed this could be for the better, ''I have no idea, mate, but I'm not... against this.''

''She's acting like a—''

''Maniac?'' Theodore looked back at him dryly, ''It's getting a bit old, Malfoy. Come up with something new.''

Draco merely scoffed at that, rolling his eyes in annoyance before he bent back up, crossing his arms to see where this was going, what Isla had in mind.

Mr. Green frowned, swallowing hard, ''The law is still valid, no matter who the accused is.'' He wasn't going to play along, finding her more than provoking, ''But if that's all you wished to say, I'd be happy to move on.''

''It's not,'' Isla stood up, slowly walking around her chair, ''I have a few questions, if I may?''

He glared at her, resolutely, ''Related to this case, I hope? That's the whole point of a trial, Miss Clarke. That we stay in line, keeping our focus on the matter.''

''I some ways, yes, but this isn't an ordinary case, is it? Minister?'' Her fingers brushed over the backrest of the chair, not looking away from him, ''I just think it's fair if all the cards are to be put on the table.''

''Miss Clarke.'' His voice harder, nearly slamming his fist onto the table, ''I'd be damned if I let you turn my courtroom into a mockery.''

''It's just a few questions, Sir.'' Isla tipped her head, blinking innocently, ''Can't do much harm, can it? Unless...'' She huffed out, ''Unless you're scared that an eight-year dropout could make a fool out of you?''

''I'd bother for that type of language, Miss. Let me remind you that you are in my courtroom and that I... strangely enough, saw that you didn't make a choice of your own yet. It would've been tragic if something went wrong with it, wouldn't it?''

Isla snapped her head, looking at the lady writing it all down with a quill, ''Does she write it all down?''

''She does,'' He said, ''But I can take any parts out, whenever I'd like.''

Isla smiled, tauntingly, staring back at him, ''Then it's a great thing we have a whole room of witnesses that heard you threatening an eighteen-year-old since you might be taking it out.''

He pushed his lips together, sighing, ''Ask me your questions, and let's get this circus over with.''

''Well, in that case...'' Isla still walked around her chair, ''I'd like to start off with some questions about the unforgivable spells.''

''Nott, fucking stop her.'' Draco harshly whispered again, ''She'll ruin this.''

''Shhh,'' Theodore waved his hand at him, ''Shut up for a second, will you?''

''Miss Clarke,'' He tried to warn, ''I would once again like to remind you of the topic of this case, and that you're meant to remain to it.''

''It's just a few questions, Sir. It won't be long, I promise.'' She shrugged his warning off, ''It's a punishable offense, right? Using the unforgivable spells?''

''It is.''

''Isn't it also an offense to use Polyjuice potion to portray as someone in order to fool someone else?''

''It is, but I don't understand where you wish to go with this.'' His voice was stern, frustrating.

''So it's both unlawful, and the person in question is being a fraud, yes?''

''Yes.''

''And what goes for stealing someone else's property? For say... A letter? That's a crime too, isn't it?''

''Yes, Miss Clarke. But I still don't understand why you bother yourself with such irrelevant questions? This is a case regarding the marriage law, not petty things as the ones you just mentioned.''

''Petty, you say....'' Isla nodded, still walking around the chair, ''What if one person managed to do all of those things? Is it still petty? Or is it more serious?''

The man placed his hands upon the desk, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes in hers, ''If the same person managed to do all of those things, it's quite a serious matter, yes. But that is enough questions, Miss Clarke.''

Isla nodded again, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, ''Of course, Minister. But I just have one more question if I may?''

''No, that's more than enough—''

''Ask your question, dear.'' A lady seated next to the man let out, looking curiously at Isla, ''I'd like to know what you have to ask.''

''Thank you,'' Isla smiled politely, ''So if someone else was to be turned in, with proof, of course. They'd be found guilty, right?''

The minister nodded, ''Of course, they would. The ministry doesn't take those sort of accusations lightly.''

Draco bent over again, nudging at Theodore's shoulder, ''What the hell is she doing, Nott? Fucking stop her. We have a plan—''

Theodore smiled at Isla from where they were seated, shaking his head proudly, ''Looks like they have a plan too.''

Both of the boys caught how Isla's stare landed on Mila and how Mila nodded discreetly for Isla to do whatever she was about to do.

Isla knew what to do, so did Mila.

She rose a brow, taunting the man as she stopped walking around her chair. Standing still, she stared right at him, ''Well, in that case, since you're already prosecuting your son for falling in love... I want to add something to it.'' Courageously, Isla drew a breath, ''I'd like to report Ava Green for all the things I just mentioned.''

_____