Chapter 23

At the cabin, Xander and Isabella discovered a new rhythm as the chilly hold of winter gradually gave way to the warmth of spring. The melting snow uncovered bright flowers, green grass, and the fresh smell of the earth coming back to life. The cold, quiet mornings transformed into lively scenes filled with soft laughter, the inviting smell of coffee brewing, and the cheerful birds singing outside the window.

They had quiet days together. Piece by piece, they had put a lot of effort into repairing what was damaged. Isabella chose to forgive Xander despite his past transgressions because she thought he genuinely wanted to improve. One cautious step at a time, they were relearning how to walk together and gradually gaining trust. Xander was more tender and affectionate than ever before, and their bond felt stronger. It was authentic.

But occasionally, the ghosts of the past ambush you without warning.

Xander was outside cutting firewood for the evening on a bright afternoon. To get a few things, Isabella made the decision to walk into the nearby town. There were friendly faces everywhere in the tiny, comfortable town. She heard a voice that made her shiver as she strolled through the quaint streets, admiring the small stores.

"Isabella?"

Her heart pounded and she came to a halt. She slowly turned around and saw Emily, someone she never imagined she would see again.

Emily's appearance changed. Her hair had been chopped short, and her eyes had taken on a coldness that had never been there before. However, it was unquestionably her. The same Emily as before.

Isabella murmured, "Emily," in a surprised, quiet voice.

Emily had a tight smile that stopped short of her eyes. She tilted her head and crossed her arms. "I believed that to be you. You were back in town, I heard. Hasn't it been a long time?

"Yes, it has," Isabella said, at a loss for words. "Why are you in this place?"

Emily gave a small shrug. I moved here about a year ago. Isn't it ironic how things change? I never thought I would see you in this situation.

Isabella was uncomfortable with Emily's speech pattern for some reason. Despite her best efforts to remain composed, her heart was pounding. "Yes, the world is small."

For a time, Emily's eyes darkened. With a harsh tone, she enquired, "So... how's Xander doing these days?"

Isabella felt a knot in her stomach. Emily would mention him, of course. They had a past, a past Isabella had just recently become more familiar with. She gave a thoughtful response, "He's... he's doing well."

Emily's smile vanished, giving way to an unmistakable expression of grief. "Well done, I suppose. I'm happy to hear that he's moved on so quickly after everything that transpired.

A flood of remorse washed over Isabella. She was at a loss for words. "I sincerely apologise for what transpired, Emily. I had no idea—

With a harsh tone, Emily interrupted her. Isabella, I know you were unaware. However, that doesn't alter his actions, does it?

Unspoken words filled the heavy air between them. Emily obviously hadn't moved on from the past, despite Isabella's best efforts.

Isabella replied softly, searching for the appropriate words, "Listen." "I really apologise for the suffering that Xander brought you. However, he is no longer that person. He has evolved. He has been putting forth a lot of effort to improve.

Emily laughed bitterly, her eyes icy. "Modified? Isabella, men like him never change. Simply put, they are better at hiding who they really are.

Emily's stern remarks made Isabella's heart hurt. "I don't think so," she stated in a firm yet gentle tone. Although he's not flawless, he has changed. He is making an effort.

Emily smiled sadly as she gently shook her head. "You don't know him, but you believe you do. You have no idea how much he hurt me. Furthermore, despite his best efforts to appear different, people don't truly change. He will reveal his true self to you sooner or later.

Isabella had a slight suspicion that Emily might be correct, but she still wanted to dispute and protect Xander. What if Xander's history still harboured darkness that was just waiting to surface?

Isabella, hardly able to speak, muttered, "I hope you're wrong."

For a brief moment, Emily's expression softened, but then her barriers returned. She turned away after saying, "I guess we'll see," leaving Isabella standing there, deep in thought.

That night, Isabella came back to the cabin to find Xander preparing dinner in the kitchen. The snug sensation in her chest persisted despite the cosy room's warmth from the stove and the aroma of herbs.

"How did your walk go?" Xander turned to her and asked, grinning.

Isabella paused, heart heaving. "I... I met someone." Emily.

Xander's smile disappeared, to be replaced with concern. "Emily? Here?

Isabella watched him intently and nodded. She presently resides here. We conversed.

With trembling hands, Xander put down the knife he was holding. "What was it she said?"

Isabella leaned against the counter and folded her arms. "Xander, she's still in pain. You haven't changed, in her opinion. She warned me that I would eventually see your "true colours."

Xander's eyes flashed with pain as his face tensed. Isabella, I can't alter her opinion of me. She will never forgive me for the horrible things I committed. However, that man is no longer me. I have made every effort to demonstrate that to you.

Isabella's voice cracked slightly as she said, "I know you've tried." However, hearing her evoked old anxieties. What happens if she is correct? What happens if you haven't changed as much as I would like to think?

Xander took a step forward and touched her arms tenderly. Come look at me, Isabella. I cherish you. The man who harmed Emily is not me. That's not how I'll harm you. I swear.

As Isabella met his eyes, tears welled up in her eyes. "I also adore you, Xander. However, I must be certain that we are constructing something solid and genuine.

"We are," Xander stated steadily. "If I have to, I will prove it to you every day."

They stood there, holding onto each other, trying to find comfort in the promise of a better future. But they were reminded that the past is never really gone by Emily's remarks, which hung over them like a shadow.