Chapter 19

Isabella's heart pounded as she stood. The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the city outside. She could still feel Xander's eyes on her, and it was like a burden. She was aware that she had only one more chance to preserve all they had. The next thing she uttered would determine everything.

She inhaled deeply in an attempt to relax. "Xander," she said in a quiet but firm voice, "I realise I've made a lot of mistakes. I violated your trust by keeping secrets. I'm prepared to go to any lengths to put things right now, though.

Xander turned away from her and once more peered out the large window. Below, the lights of the city glistened like stars. He was simultaneously filled with love, grief, and rage. He was experiencing so many emotions that it was difficult to think straight. Isabella had been the object of his intense affection, but her falsehoods had wounded him in ways he was unaware were possible.

Isabella moved forward a little, trying to get closer to him. Reaching out to touch him, she wanted to remind him of their past love. She kept her hands by her sides, though, because she was worried he might pull away.

"Please," she uttered in a tremulous voice. "I didn't intend to harm you. I now realise that my assumption that hiding things from you would protect you was incorrect. I tried to manage things alone because I was afraid of losing you.

Xander exhaled deeply and slowly. He hasn't yet turned back. He wanted to know if he could truly trust her once more. He murmured softly, "Isabella, you ought to have told me." "You ought to have had enough faith in me to confide everything."

Isabella nodded while her eyes filled with tears. She had never seen Xander so withdrawn. He seemed to have erected a wall around his heart, and she wasn't sure whether she could get beyond it. "I should have, I know," she continued, her voice breaking. "I was mistaken." That makes sense now. However, Xander, I'm here. I'm attempting to fix it while standing here.

When Xander did turn to look at her, his eyes were reserved. "Now that you say that," he added in a calm, low voice, "how can I be certain that you won't conceal something again? What happens if you feel afraid again? To keep yourself safe, will you simply keep secrets?

Wiping a tear from her cheek, Isabella did so. "No," she answered emphatically. "I'll never do that again. My lesson is now clear. I swear to be honest, even if it's difficult. Whatever happens, I will be honest with you.

There was a lengthy silence. It was as if the room were weighted with unsaid words. Isabella's heart hurt while she waited. It hurt her heart again when she saw the anguish in Xander's eyes.

She stepped closer and whispered, "Xander, I love you." I have loved you without ever ceasing. Furthermore, I don't want to lose you. I'll stop at nothing to regain your confidence.

Xander's face relaxed slightly, but his eyes retained a glimmer of uncertainty. The hurt was still raw, but he could see how earnest she was. "It's not that easy, Isabella," he remarked, softly shaking his head. You betrayed my confidence. Furthermore, trust is difficult to regain.

"I understand," Isabella said, her voice barely audible. It will require time, I am aware. I'm not expecting your forgiveness right now. I'm prepared to wait, though. To prove to you that I have changed, I am prepared to put in the effort.

Xander's mind was racing as he gazed at the ground. Despite his fear, he wanted to believe her. He wished to avoid further harm. Nevertheless, he continued to love her. That love remained despite everything she had done.

Finally, with a hushed voice, Xander murmured, "All right." Not that everything is good right now. I don't mean to claim that I fully forgive you. I'm prepared to give this a chance, though. I simply require time. It's time to check your meaning.

Isabella displayed a little, hopeful smile. She said in a murmur, "Thank you." "Xander, I swear to you. I promise not to disappoint. I will exercise patience. I will stop at nothing to prove my seriousness to you.

The air was still heavy, but a little lighter than before, and they stood there. The room was filled with a glimmer of hope, a tenuous bridge gradually being constructed between them. It was a beginning, but it wasn't flawless.

Xander seemed uncertain, but he nodded. He stated, "At this time, I must concentrate on the business." "Everything is collapsing due to Vivian's actions. First, I have to repair that.

Isabella hurriedly answered, "I get it." "Take as much time as you need. I'll wait right here.

Xander nodded a bit. He chose to take things slowly, uncertain about what lay ahead. Isabella watched him with a mixture of relief and worry. She was aware that she had a lot to prove and that it would not be simple.

She glimpsed a glimpse of their past love, though, as she gazed into his eyes. For the time being, that was sufficient to sustain her.