Luther did not just like Isabella; he also wanted to possess her. He wished for Isabella to stay by his side forever, with him being her sole focus."If you like her, why not try to get better?" This was the question that puzzled Isaiah the most. "You rarely seek medical advice. When you do, it's almost only when your condition becomes severe, and you don't follow the doctor's recommended staged treatment."A simple question stunned Luther. Why? Well, he never thought he could truly have her. He always believed someone else would be more suitable for her, someone as bright and warm as she was. Yet, his selfish desire to possess her battled with the belief that she should only belong to him.These clashing emotions led to the situation they were in. He wanted her but kept her at arm's length."I've selfishly thought about not letting her come here," Isaiah admitted. As men, they needed to confront their problems head-on. "But she's the type who won't give up until she reaches
"I don't know. I'm going out for a bit and won't be back tonight," Isabella responded nonchalantly, displaying little interest in these matters and being unclear about Isaiah's exact intentions for coming to Jiverton.Joshua simply nodded.Around ten in the evening, Isabella went to the hotel where Isaiah was staying. Her first question upon seeing him was whether he had indeed met with Luther.Isaiah hid nothing. "Yes.""But didn't we agree that you wouldn't meet him?" Isabella inquired, puzzled."We agreed that I wouldn't interfere in your relationship, but that doesn't mean I can't meet him," Isaiah clarified,Isabella wanted to argue but soon realized that he was right. She took a few steps into the room, sat on the living room sofa, and asked, "So why did you meet with him?""I wanted him to face his issues and actively seek treatment. I wanted to emphasize your feelings for him once more," Isaiah explained as he handed her a glass of juice."How did he react?" Isabella
With Isaiah's assurance, Isabella felt at ease. She knew Isaiah's capabilities well, and when he made a promise, he had a 100% success rate. Just as Isabella had expected, Isaiah had already discovered the reasons behind Luther's behavior by Friday evening.Inside their hotel suite, Isabella looked at Isaiah, who had called her over but was not saying anything. Puzzled, she asked, "Didn't you find out? What's the reason?""Take a guess," Isaiah replied.Isabella was confused. "Stop playing games.""There are three reasons. The first reason is that he came to Nexuria to see you, and you were playing a game with Jojo and Nick. He saw you then," Isaiah said, ticking them off one by one. Isabella racked her brain but eventually gave up. They had played games together countless times, and it was hard to recall which specific instance he meant."Wait!" Isabella seemed to have a moment of clarity. She guessed, "Could it be the time we played a murder mystery game where Jojo and I g
Once Isabella shattered that carefully controlled wall within him, everything would become unpredictable."What do you think of Luther as a person?" Isabella asked suddenly.Isaiah hesitated for a moment and then replied, "He's a good guy."Isabella was surprised. "A good guy?"Isaiah nodded in agreement. Initially, he strongly disapproved of Isabella being with Luther. However, after learning about Luther's condition and the reasons behind his disappearance, he realized Luther had a kind heart. He did not take advantage of Isabella's feelings and was focused on controlling his emotions, ensuring he did not hurt her.Isabella was focused on one thing. "So, if I choose to be with him, you won't object?"Isaiah observed her briefly before saying, "I will."Isabella was perplexed. "But you said he's a good guy."Well, I would object to you being with him from Luther's perspective. To you, it might seem like it's just a matter of being together or not, but for Luther, it's the diff
"Got it. Don't worry," Isabella said with a smile, feeling relatively relaxed.Isaiah did not respond. There was no way he could truly relax until there was a positive resolution for both of them.After their conversation, Isabella left to meet Luther. She had about an hour to spare before Luther finished work, so she took the time to decorate Luther's home. She rearranged his room and set up a candlelit dinner. This was her last formal attempt to win Luther over, the final step in her pursuit.Luther, who often traveled for work and had a busy schedule, had installed surveillance in his living room. He could see Isabella bustling around, and it pained him. They could continue their distant, separate lives, but it seemed that he had to completely ruin their relationship. Luther did not want her to see that side of him."Mr. Brooks?" Roderick tried to get his attention, calling him several times. "Mr. Brooks!"Luther slowly snapped back to reality, his voice somewhat hoarse. "W
Roderick nodded and replied, "Yes, Mr. Brooks." Luther did not say much and entered the apartment. As he closed the door, Isabella heard him and hurriedly ran over with a beaming smile."Come and have dinner.""Isabella..." Luther suddenly did not know what to say."Let's eat first. This is specially prepared by the chef," Isabella responded naturally as if it were just an ordinary day. Luther changed his shoes and walked over, still staying quiet as he looked at the delicious spread on the table. Isabella led him to wash his hands. After everything was ready, they sat down to eat."This is delicious." Isabella said as she served him a few dishes, "And this one too."Luther's gaze gradually darkened. Isabella noticed he was not eating and looked at him in confusion, asking, "Why aren't you eating? I remember these are your favorites." "Isaiah came to see me," Luther responded.He had no appetite, feeling overwhelmed by his troubled thoughts. Without self-control, he would
Luther forcibly pulled Isabella's hands away, transforming into an entirely different person. "You like me, huh?""Yes." Isabella nodded.Luther continued, "No matter what I'm like, you won't leave?"Isabella nodded again. "Mmhmm."Luther pursed his thin lips, holding back the impending breakdown. He wanted to tell her his true thoughts but feared it might scare her away. Moreover, the original purpose of his return was to make her see the real him and run away. Yet..."If I ask you to give yourself to me right now, would you?" Luther simply went straight to the aspect she would find most challenging to accept."Sure, why not?" Isabella, holding his hand, walked toward the bedroom. As they walked, she continued, "But after that, you must marry me."Luther locked eyes with her, trying to discern if she was putting on a brave front. However, it did not seem like she was acting at all. While he was lost in these thoughts, Isabella's hand wrapped around his neck, and she tiptoed t
"Just tell me what you need me to do. Let's take it slow, and I'll accompany you through this lifetime," Isabella said patiently.Perhaps Isabella was too sincere, or maybe because the person he loved loved him back that all the emotions that surged within Luther dispersed. At this moment, he was just Luther, shedding the disguises as he calmed down.Luther was no longer as cold as before, nor did he have an episode of explosive paranoia. All that remained was the confusion and bewilderment in his dark eyes.Isabella tenderly embraced him and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. With the softest tone, she asked him, "Is it okay?""Okay..." Luther's voice carried a huskiness."Give me the phone." Isabella extended one hand.Luther handed over his phone."My phone," Isabella said, pointing at her own phone.Luther glanced again at the phone placed aside. The thought of her possibly using that phone to contact others soured his mood a little."Do you want to show your face or kee