She replied softly, "Don't waste your time on me, Rob. I'm not worth it. Allow yourself to find someone more meaningful to you who can return your feelings." "It's my decision, Iza. I'm not eager to start dating. Your friendship is enough for me now." Izabella sadly shook her head. "You make me feel bad. I don't like it this way." The man apologized, "I'm sorry, but it was not my intention." You don't have to shun me, Iza. Be my buddy like you used to be." Izabella was unable to refute the man's assertion." I'll continue to offend you." "I can handle it." She responded emphatically, "I can't take it, Robert. I feel suffocating to know someone miserable when I am..." But he only laughed at her. "Believe it or not, I'm not for you," she said. Robert jokingly said, "Ouch. And are you certain that you are the right match for him?" "I'm not sure if he's the one for me. I live with what I have now," she said before her lips parted from their gaze. "I appreciate your positive view on
Aleksander was immediately confused by his surroundings when he first woke up. When he spotted Izabella by his side dozing, a smile spread across his lips—back turned in the other direction. Her knee was propped up against the embracing pillow. His hand slipped to gently hug his wife as he shifted and brushed his thigh over hers. He buried his face in Izabella's neck and felt her stir in her sleep. His thoughts were going back over what had happened. Visions of the lake had haunted him. His last memory was of taking a steam bath with Izabella. While he was sick with a fever, his wife took care of him. Mumbling, he prayed he didn't embarrass himself. Even though he never trusted anyone, he felt fortunate to have met someone like her. Yet, with her, that coldness was gradually dissolving because of the incredible connection they shared. He could explain how she summoned him that way, but he did not intend to tell her how. He nuzzled at the side of her neck, groaning, "Hmm." He then
"Beautiful." Izabella heard Aleksander even though he whispered the word almost inaudibly. Furthermore, the way he looked at her left her stunned. A trance overcame him. Izabella knew then how carelessly she had taken of herself. She did not slop out on purpose, though. When Shanda told her about the entire episode in Greece, she lost the motivation to fix herself. It was her way of showing men she was not interested in getting into the relationship—a brush-off to anyone who would try to mess with her. She immediately thought of that as Aleksander gave her a grateful stare. She could use to add a few extra minutes to try, given that her present morning ritual consisted of donning her lenses, donning whatever clothes she grabbed first—either from the closet or nearby the bed, she wasn't fussy—tossing her hair up on top of her head, and exiting her bedroom. She also never overheard her father grumbling. No, there's more. She wanted to try. She approved of her current appearance. A lo
With her palm, Izabella hid her eyes. "My eyes," she moaned, feeling like they were on fire. She purposely told the man she spoke to, "God, I must be infected from using lenses." When Matthew attempted to touch Izabella once more, a hand obstructed him. As he turned to confront the man, Aleksander hissed, "What do you think you're doing?" He abruptly released Matthew's hand. Aleksander heard the man roaring as he turned to face Izabella. He turned to face the man again. Matthew's eyes were getting red, and he bared his teeth and looked at him menacingly. Aleksander told the man, "If I were you, I'd get out of here before the camera picks you up." Matthew looked up with his gaze. Aleksander cast a glance up at the ceiling as well. He noticed a camera in the far corner of it. "What's going on, Matt?" The three turned to face the voice's origin. The open restroom had a thin female figure standing in it. She had short blonde hair and was dressed in leatherette slacks and a black st
Aleksander observed, "You seemed stunned..." Izabella had a severe frown. "What do you expect me to learn from such a ridiculous notion? Aleksander remarked coldly, "You sounded like you despise my kind of race." "Oh. Please, Aleks. You should know I don't...now," she replied with a shake. "Well, I remember that day. We started on the wrong path. But let's not go there. I want to explore the secret of your eyes," he smiled, showing her the sorrow that had crossed his face. She snarled, "You're funny. I recently met a woman with blue eyes and several passersby we spotted, so I'm not the only person here with blue eyes." "You're probably correct," Aleksander said. Despite his reservations, he decided to stop asking questions as he stared at her with an oddly worried expression. "Is there anything you still haven't told me?" "I don't know what else to say. However, I did mention that my mother passed away up there..." He corrected her, "No, you thought she was dead. She might stil
The only thing that broke the tense stillness between them was Dr. Jansen's raised eyebrows. He gave Aleksander a stern look. "When did you start speculating like this?" "Since quite some time," Aleksander answered. "You managed to change the tale about Izabela that night she was in danger, and you said the first time I talked to you while Izabella was in my house in Greece, she died of infection. If you could change that story, you could have done more to protect her," He said. "For what? For whom?" "Yeah, Aleksander. The only thing that keeps me alive is to protect my daughter. And everything Izabella mentioned to you, Aleksander, you will hear the same from my lips." Aleksander took a long breath. Please, as my father-in-law, tell me the truth and address my worries since she is just as important to me as she is to you as her father." "Xania visiting me? I don't know what you're talking about," the elderly scientist graciously said. "When we were heading into space, I last saw
Since Brigitte already knew her size, Aleksander and Izabella were busy making wedding preparations in the following days, including measuring Izabella for her wedding dress. Brigitte and Shanda, who planned everything so they could arrange what needed to be done, always accompanied the two. The two-hour rehearsal for the wedding party came last. Yesterday, they were absent from one another for the entire day. Izabella was staying in a hotel suite with Brigitte, Shanda, and a group of males occupied another suite. Alongside Jeremy, Dax, and Marlo was Aleksander. The two will be married on the expansive rooftop of the 620 Loft and Garden. Izabella was aware of Brigitte updating Aleksander. She realized bit by bit that Brigitte was a reliable secretary and dedicated to her job. She wondered if Brigitte knew Aleksander's true identity. And she noticed for the whole day yesterday that her husband was very comfortable seeking his secretary's opinion about the preparation. "It's a beautif
"Iza, brace yourself," Dr. Jansen murmured tenderly to his daughter. He placed a soft hand on her shoulder. "Don't think about what your Aunt Esme said to you. It's best to cast everything out of your mind and to be joyful right now, for in a few seconds, you two will be bonded by destiny." She rubbed the corners of her eyes with her palm as she murmured, "Daddy, thank you for your kind words." When the door opened, she turned around, hoping her buddy had delivered good news. She hoped Shanda would be given a new bridal dress. Yet, judging by the sadness in her eyes, she could tell Shanda was disappointed. Brigitte arrived behind her. Izabella was glad to see Aleksander's assistant arrive. Her hands, however, were empty. At this time of day, Brigitte said, "It's impossible to acquire a replacement, so just put up with your attire. Should we leave?" She couldn't help but nod. She then got to her feet. As there was no time to get a new wedding attire, in her opinion, that day may ha