CHAPTER 37: SHE WASN'T YOUIsabella was stroking Nicholas's hair when she felt the door slam shut. Her heart skipped a beat. She got up and slowly opened the bedroom door, discovering that the car keys were no longer there."Did he leave?" she whispered.Pain took over her chest at the thought of Sebastian. The idea that he left without saying anything hurt her deeply, like a dagger in her heart. She knew their relationship was a deal, but deep down she had started to harbor hopes for something more. Why was this feeling of loss so intense?"Maybe it's for the best, Isabella, maybe it's for the best," she told herself, though she couldn't stop the tears from forming in her eyes.Meanwhile, Sebastian was driving at full speed, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly and his lips pressed even tighter."Why do you care? Why the hell do you care if she rejects you?" he screamed in his mind.But he knew the answer. Since Amelia left him, he had closed himself off to love. He stopped
CHAPTER 38: TRUE FEELINGSThe words of Sebastian stirred Isabella's heart, and although she didn't want to get excited, she couldn't control this feeling. They were in the living room, the soft light of a lamp gently illuminated the space, creating an intimate atmosphere."She wasn't you," said Sebastian, looking at her intently.Isabella felt a lump in her throat. She tried to look away, but she couldn't. There was something in his eyes that kept her trapped."Sebastian, I think...""I like you," he said, not taking his eyes off her. "And I know that's not the right word to define what I feel, but..." he caressed her face tenderly, "I feel many things for you, Isabella."She gasped at his confession and tried to pull away."No, no, this isn't right. You're drunk. Tomorrow...""They say drunk people tell the truth, don't they?" he interrupted. "Then let me tell you my truth. I think... I'm falling in love with you."Isabella's heart nearly leapt out of her chest. Sebastian was being s
CHAPTER 39: INDIFFERENCE"Are you really going to do that?""Yes, I'm sure."Sleep quickly left Mateo. He got out of bed completely naked and looked out the window towards the street."Well, what can I say? I'm happy. You're making the right decision. Isabella is a good woman and she's not like Amelia. You can't condemn everyone just because of one.""So, are you going to help me?"Sebastian glanced occasionally towards the bathroom."Count on it. I'll send you a message when everything is ready.""Good, and you know, I don't want a single mistake.""Leave everything in my hands. It's not for nothing that I'm popular with women."Sebastian rolled his eyes and hung up. He left the cell phone on the nightstand and pretended to sleep. When Isabella came out, she glanced at him quickly and sighed, then went to prepare breakfast.Sebastian, with half-open eyes, watched how Isabella moved gracefully around the room. His determination strengthened with each second he saw her. He didn't want
CHAPTER 40: ROMANTIC CONFESSIONAfter getting ready, the car Sebastian had sent arrived at the appointed time. Isabella had dressed elegantly, though she didn't know if it was the right choice, and she couldn't help but feel nervous. As they drove through the city, she kept wondering where they were going. Her stomach hurt, as if butterflies were fluttering inside it.Finally, the car stopped in front of the tallest building in Sydney."We've arrived, ma'am," said the driver.Isabella nodded and hurried out of the car."A building? Could he have a meeting?"She continued forward and was soon greeted by a woman."Mrs. Ashford, your husband is waiting for you."Isabella nodded and followed the woman, but her heart was pounding. Minutes later, they arrived at what seemed to be the top floor of the building."The... the rooftop?""Yes, your husband is waiting for you behind that door, Mrs. Ashford."Isabella was nervous. She wasn't afraid of heights, but why did Sebastian want to see her
CHAPTER 41: THE ONLY ONE"I...," suddenly, Sebastian's phone rang. He gestured to Isabella to stop and looked at the screen.It was Mateo, he grimaced and ended the call, then looked back at Isabella."It's Mateo, he's probably calling to see how the dinner is going. Go on, love. What were you saying?"Isabella's hands were cold and sweaty."First, I want you to know that I don't..."The phone rang again."Damn it!" he looked, and it was Mateo again. "Sorry, love, I'm going to turn it off so we won't be interrupted again."At that moment, a message arrived: "Answer, it's urgent." Curiosity piqued him, but he wanted to hear what Isabella had to say first."If you want, you can call him. This can wait," she said suddenly."Are you sure?""Yes, go ahead." Isabella wanted to delay it as much as she could."Alright," said Sebastian, calling his friend back. "I'll be here in a second, love."Sebastian stepped away a bit and waited for Mateo to answer. When he did, Sebastian didn't hesitate
CHAPTER 42: ECSTASY AT DINNERTheir mouths clashed in a possessive kiss, Isabella moaned as Sebastian's tongue delved into her mouth and played with hers. She shivered as her body felt the warmth of his. He gripped her nape and tilted her head to kiss her more deeply, as if he wanted to swallow her whole, his other hand held her hip possessively, pressing his pelvis against hers and making her tremble as Isabella felt the hardness of his cock through his pants.Suddenly, he spun her around, pressing her breasts against the table. Isabella let out another moan as she felt his hands slide under her dress and caress her thighs. His touch was rough, rugged, masculine."I love your skin," he whispered as his fingertips traced the inside of her thighs. "But I love this even more..." he said as he reached the elastic of her panties."Sebastian..." Isabella murmured as she gripped the tablecloth. "Please..."He hooked his fingers on either side of the garment and slowly slid it down. There wa
CHAPTER 43: TRAPPED IN HER OWN GAMESebastian and Mateo were in the car, parked a few meters from the building where they believed their target was hiding. The night was cold, and the tension was palpable."Are you sure he lives there?" Sebastian asked, breaking the silence. It had been an hour since he left the apartment after Mateo's call. Isabella and he had agreed to return and postpone the honeymoon. She had stayed at the apartment with Nicholas; she didn't want to be apart for even a second.Mateo glanced slightly at his friend and saw the smile that, although he tried to hide, was still evident."Yes, I confirmed it twice. I also called the authorities. I'm not risking you killing him."Sebastian grimaced, his expression hardening."I'm not going to deny that I want to wring his neck. That bastard ruined a big deal. The best thing would be to get the information out of him. We need to find out who's behind this. That one you should wring the neck of."Sebastian took a deep brea
CHAPTER 44: ATTACK IN THE POWDER ROOMThe next day, Isabella was finishing getting ready in front of the mirror. Sebastian appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist."I'm going to be the most envied man of the night," he said proudly.She smiled and continued fixing her hair."Flatterer.""Why? I'm telling the truth, my wife will be the most beautiful of the night. I'm not going to leave your side for a second."Sebastian kissed her neck and stepped back. Isabella was wearing a black dress that highlighted every curve of her body, but the most striking feature was the backless design accompanied by a Lariat necklace, a gift from Sebastian. She looked at herself one last time and was surprised to see the sparkle in her eyes. She seemed like a different woman, a loved woman, and above all, ready to be happy.They soon arrived at the hotel where the soirée would take place. Sebastian entered holding Isabella's hand. Everyone couldn't help but murmur among themselves; Seba