Isabella Leclair: taps fingers on an ancient book You d-did this? Adopted me... yourself?
he nods softly yes i did. I wanted to give you the best life possible.
Isabella tilts her head, studying her father intently.
Isabella Leclair: Why... why would you do that? You barely know me. And yet, you chose to raise me as your own.
She leans back against the bookshelf, crossing her arms over her chest.
yes I did… I had fallen in love with your mother… she wanted you so badly that I couldn’t help myself…
Her eyes widen, processing this revelation. Her fingers pause mid-tap as she takes in the unexpected confession.
Isabella Leclair: So, you... fell in love with my mother, and you decided to adopt me because she wanted me? But why... Why me?
no I didn't adopt you but I will tell you why I am here.
raises an eyebrow Oh? And why might that be?
I did… but don’t worry about that now… your mother is here…
Isabella looks up from the book, surprise and confusion crossing her face Mother? Here?
well yeah I did because I wanted to give you everything that I never had growing up.
Her eyes narrow, trying to hide her confusion. And why would you do that? Why bother adopting a daughter only to keep her in the dark about her past?
yes I did..I wanted to make sure you had a good life
Isabella looks at her father, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her eyes Why would you do that? Why adopt me, specifically?
yes, I did. watches as she flips through the pages
her eyes scan the book, taking in the information You... wanted a child with magical abilities? Why?
eyes widen slightly, taken aback by the revelation
Isabella Leclair: leans back in her seat W-why? Why would you... adopt me? You had no reason to...
yes i did. I wanted you to have a better life than what I had.
raises an eyebrow And what life would that be? Servitude? Abuse?
Yes. I couldn’t bear to let my daughter grow up without a father. And I knew your mother wouldn’t approve.
Isabella crosses her arms and tilts her head, studying her father's face Isabella Leclair: And why did you think she wouldn't approve?
I did, yes. I look at her, waiting to see how she will react.
Isabella stares at him, trying to read his expression. She taps her fingers faster, a mix of surprise and anger in her voice. Isabella Leclair: You... you kept me a secret. All these years. What kind of father does something like that? Why didn't you tell me?
opens the book, revealing old secrets Yes, Isabella. It was always part of my plan...
eyes widen, a mix of surprise and anger Part of your plan...? And what exactly did you have in mind when you decided to adopt me, huh? leans back against the bookshelf
I did… but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless
Isabella looks up from the book, her eyes narrowing slightly Powerless? What do you mean by that?
Isabella looks up at her father with a mix of surprise and confusion. Isabella Leclair: Why? Why adopt me? What made you choose me, of all people?
Leaning against a wall, arms crossed "Yeah, I did."
Isabella's eyes narrow as she looks up at him. Isabella Leclair: Why? After all these years, why now? After all this time, why reveal yourself now?