Chapter 17

Standing in his office, Xander looked out the wide window at the city below, which was dark. Shadows hung over the skyline, reflecting the chaos inside him, and the sun had set. He had been having trouble thinking straight since his run-in with Isabella. Her treachery turned their time together become an agonising experience.

He repeatedly took up his phone, wanting to call her to get answers, but he stopped each time. Not only were the lies hurtful, but it was also acknowledged that she had taken choices without consulting him that affected his life and work. How was he ever going to trust her?

Isabella, meantime, paced her flat, anxious. Though it seemed like her actions only made matters worse, she had attempted to protect Xander. Since he hurried out of the restaurant, his absence felt oppressive, and her phone was silent on the couch.

Marcus had texted her earlier, saying, "Everything is ready. We plan to go public tomorrow.

The following day. The proof would be made public, revealing Vivian's plot. What if she lost Xander, though? Would it be worth it to win if it meant losing her marriage?

It was an anxious morning. Both of them were nervous as they finalised their preparations when Isabella and Marcus met at a quiet downtown café. The story would be revealed within an hour by the reliable journalist.

Their phones buzzed as Isabella and her partner sat across from one another, drinking coffee they couldn't taste.

It was Xander.

We must speak. Now.

Her heart was pounding. Anxiety engraved on her features, she glanced at Marcus. "He is eager to speak."

Marcus spoke gravely as he leaned closer. "Isa, it would be best if you were honest. Give him all the details before the news leaks.

With a knot in her stomach, Isabella nodded. "I'll make an effort."

Her nerves were frazzled as she got to Xander's penthouse. She was aware that this discussion may either strengthen or weaken their bond.

Unreadable on his face, Xander opened the door. He moved out of the way and let her in silently. The silence felt heavy and uneasy.

There seemed to be a lot of room between them as they sat in the living room.

Xander was the first to speak. I read it everything. The documentation Marcus assisted you in gathering, the proof

Isabella felt her heart pound. “You read it?”

With a stern voice, Xander answered, "I had to." I was unable to wait after last night. My acquaintance who works in cybersecurity discovered everything you've been working on when I phoned him.

Isabella took a sharp swallow. "Xander, I wanted to—"

"I understand what you were attempting to accomplish," he cut in, his voice cold. "You tried to keep me alive. But you didn't let me in because you didn't trust me. You choose to hide things from me.

Guilt twisting in her chest, she looked down. "I believed that was the only option."

Leaning forward, Xander spoke quietly. "Have you ever experienced the realisation that the person you love the most doesn't believe you can handle life's challenges on your own?"

Isabella's eyes ran with tears. I felt afraid. I'm afraid you'd reject me if I told. I'm afraid Vivian will wreck everything if I don't take immediate action.

Standing, Xander started to pace. He was clearly in agony, but he was also clearly angry. "Vivian has spent years scheming to harm me. The fact that you didn't think I could handle it hurts more than anything else. Behind my back, you and Marcus—my wife and best friend—are at work. Are you aware of the impact that had on me?

With a shaky voice, Isabella wiped a tear from her face. I apologise. I never intended to cause you harm.

After he stopped pacing, Xander looked at her. "I'm not sure whether I can forgive this, Isa. I am uncertain if I will be able to get over it.

There was a heavy hush. Isabella felt the weight of his words sink into her heart.

On the table, Xander's phone buzzed abruptly. He looked at it and as he went over the screen, his face darkened.

"They just released it," he said. "The story is out."

Isabella felt nauseous. It was the time she dreaded. Vivian's empire would start to fall apart, but her marriage would too.

Xander looked at her and put down his phone. "Now, everyone is aware of Vivian's activities. But what about us?

Isabella stood, unsteady on her feet. Her heart pounding, she stepped closer to him. "I'd rather not lose you, Xander. You have my love. My actions were all motivated by love.

With turmoil in his gaze, Xander's jaw tensed up. He inhaled deeply before turning aside and speaking softly. "Isa, I need time." I must determine whether I can go past this.