Chapter 25

After Emily left, there was silence in the room as her words lasted. Xander and Isabella stood silently, taking in the gravity of the situation. It seemed as though a chapter in their lives—one filled with suffering and regret but also with development and recovery—had just ended.

Reaching for Xander's hand, Isabella interlaced her fingers with his. "You must have found that difficult."

Xander clinched his jaw and nodded. "I am grateful that she is moving on, even if I don't deserve her forgiveness. "I never thought I'd see her again, much less hear her say those things."

Isabella gave his hand a light squeeze. That was for her as much as it was for you. To find peace, we sometimes need to forget the past.

His eyes softened as he gazed down at her. Isabella, you've assisted me in doing that. You've given me hope that I can improve and that my value extends beyond my flaws.

Isabella grinned as her chest began to warm up. "You are valuable. I'm not going away, either."

Xander drew her into his embrace and held her firmly. The world outside appeared to slow down for a while as they stood there, encircled by each other. They had finally discovered the peace they had always desired when the tempest of their pasts subsided.

AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL

Xander appeared abnormally peaceful that evening as the sun started to drop and the cottage was filled with a gentle golden glow. Lost in meditation, he sat by the fireplace and gazed into the flames. Isabella, who had been reading on the couch, noticed that he seemed to be thinking about something.

At last, she shut her book and approached him, taking a seat next to him. "What are you contemplating?"

A glimmer of emotion crossed Xander's face as he looked at her. "Us," he whispered plaintively. "And what follows."

Isabella arched an eyebrow in interest. "What do you mean?"

Xander inhaled deeply, seemingly fortifying himself. He then took both of her hands in his and turned to face her completely. "I've run away from everything, from my faults, from love for a very long time. However, I no longer wish to run. With you, I've discovered something I never believed I deserved: true love and happiness. And I'd like to keep that.

Isabella's breath caught in her throat as her heart raced. "Xander."

Then he produced a little velvet box from his pocket. When he opened it and showed her the gorgeous ring—simple but elegant—her eyes widened. Tiny rainbows were created throughout the room as the firelight flashed off the diamond.

With a calm, low voice, Xander remarked, "I know we started this whole thing in the most unconventional way." However, I want to accomplish this correctly. Will you marry me, Isabella? Really, this time?

Isabella's heart grew heavy with emotion as she gazed at the ring, tears welling up in her eyes. This moment, so pure and full of love, was something she had never thought would result from their contract marriage. She agreed instantly, her voice quivering with delight. Indeed. I will marry you, yes.

After putting the ring on her finger, Xander seamlessly drew her into his embrace and planted a kiss on her lips. The promise of eternity was mixed with the softness and tenderness of the kiss. Despite everything they had gone through—pain, heartache, and uncertainty—they had emerged stronger as a couple.

Isabella's heart was full as she pressed her forehead against his as they separated. "Xander, you are loved."

"I also love you, Isabella," he said in a heartfelt whisper. "Beyond anything else."

Organising for the Future

Planning their future together brought them calm joy in the days that followed. Still in awe of their progress, Isabella couldn't take her eyes off the diamond on her finger. In the nights, she and Xander would curl up and discuss their goals, aspirations, and the kind of life they wished to create.

However, the spectres of their past continued to hover at the periphery of their bliss despite their planning. Xander's business was flourishing, but it also brought with it new difficulties, including rivals, old foes, and the ongoing demands of preserving the empire he had established. Additionally, Isabella was still affected by the recollection of Emily's visit. She couldn't help but worry if Xander's history still contained any undiscovered ghosts.

Xander suggested leaving the city one evening when they were sitting on the veranda taking in the sunset. Pointing to the large area of property encircling the cabin, he asked, "What if we moved out here permanently?" Here, apart from everything else, we might establish a life. Only us.

Isabella grinned at the idea. For them, the cabin had turned into a haven where they could forget about the turmoil in their lives and concentrate on one another. "I adore this place," she said. However, I am also aware that escaping the world won't make it go away. We still have issues to resolve.

With a contemplative gaze, Xander nodded. "You're correct. However, no matter where we are, we can create a life together. We can manage anything as long as we're together.

A wave of calm washed over Isabella as she rested her head on his shoulder. For the first time in a long time, she felt prepared to take on the problems that still lay ahead, both in Xander's business and in their personal life. When combined, they were more powerful than any obstacle.

NEW BEGINNING

The weeks went by quickly as preparations were made. In the cabin, surrounded by nature and a few close friends, Isabella and Xander made the decision to have a small, private wedding. It was private, love-filled, and just what they wanted.

Isabella was fixing the lace on her gown while standing in front of the mirror on the morning of her wedding. She was excited, but she was also afraid. This wedding marked the beginning of a new phase in her life that she never would have imagined possible, and it was more than simply a ceremony.

Gazing at herself in the mirror, she grinned. She had changed from being in a convenience marriage to being prepared to wed the man she loved. This was just the beginning, she realized as she walked down the aisle. Xander waited for her with a loving look on his face.

They eventually arrived at a place full of love, trust, and a promising future after numerous detours. Outside, they exchanged vows, and Isabella was sure they would face any challenges together. Because in the end, all storms were defeated by love.