The desperate Lovers

Chapter 21: The Storm Before the Calm

The morning after their unforgettable night on the beach, Isabella awoke to the soothing rhythm of waves crashing against the shore. The golden sunlight streamed through the open curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. She stretched lazily, her body still tingling from the love she and Alexander had shared.

Turning over, she found him already awake, his head propped up on one hand as he watched her with that smoldering gaze that never failed to make her heart race.

"Good morning, my love," he murmured, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face.

She smiled, placing a soft kiss on his bare chest. "Good morning."

"How do you feel?" he asked, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back.

"Like the happiest woman in the world," she whispered, snuggling closer to him. "Last night was perfect, Alexander."

He kissed her forehead. "It was just the beginning. I plan to spend every day making you feel loved."

Her heart melted at his words. How did she get so lucky to have a man like him? Strong, passionate, and utterly devoted to her.

Just as she was about to respond, Alexander's phone buzzed on the nightstand. He sighed, reluctant to break the perfect moment, but when he glanced at the screen, a strange look crossed his face.

His entire body tensed.

"Who is it?" Isabella asked, noticing the way his jaw clenched.

Alexander hesitated for a moment before answering. "An unknown number."

Something about the way he said it made her uneasy.

"Are you going to answer?"

He exhaled sharply, then nodded. "Yeah, let me take this."

Isabella watched as he sat up and pressed the phone to his ear. "Alexander speaking."

There was silence for a moment. Then, his entire expression darkened, his grip on the phone tightening.

"What the hell do you want?" His voice was cold, distant—a stark contrast to the warmth he had shown just moments ago.

Isabella sat up, concern flashing in her eyes. Who could be calling him that would make him react this way?

She couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but whatever was being said, it had Alexander on edge.

"You have no right to contact me," he snapped. "Stay out of my life."

Then, without another word, he hung up, tossing the phone onto the nightstand with more force than necessary.

"Alexander?" Isabella touched his arm gently. "What's wrong? Who was that?"

For a moment, he didn't answer. Then, after a deep breath, he turned to her, his eyes clouded with something unreadable.

"It was no one important," he said, forcing a small smile.

But Isabella knew better.

She reached for his hand. "Talk to me, Alexander."

He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Just someone from my past trying to stir up trouble."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Your past?"

He hesitated, then shook his head. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

But that was the problem—she was worried.

Something told her that whoever had called had the power to shake the foundation of their love. And that terrified her.

A Ghost from the Past

The tension lingered between them throughout the morning. Even though Alexander tried to act normal, Isabella could sense the shift in his mood. His usual easy smiles were strained, his touches still loving but distracted.

By afternoon, her curiosity had reached its peak. She needed answers.

While Alexander was in the shower, his phone buzzed again on the nightstand. Isabella glanced at the screen.

Unknown Number.

Her heart pounded.

Without thinking, she reached for the phone and answered.

"Hello?" she said hesitantly.

There was silence. Then, a woman's voice—smooth, confident, and laced with familiarity—spoke.

"Ah, you must be Isabella."

Her breath caught in her throat. "Who is this?"

The woman chuckled. "I suppose Alexander hasn't told you about me yet. How disappointing."

A chill ran down Isabella's spine. "I asked you who you are."

The woman sighed dramatically. "My name is Victoria. And once upon a time, I was the love of Alexander's life."

The words hit Isabella like a freight train.

What?

No. This had to be a mistake.

Alexander had never mentioned another woman from his past—at least, not one who spoke like this.

"You're lying," Isabella said, gripping the phone tighter.

Victoria laughed. "Am I? Ask him about me, darling. Ask him why he disappeared from my life without a word. Ask him why, despite all these years, he still can't seem to escape his past."

The call ended.

Isabella's hands trembled as she slowly placed the phone back down.

Her mind was spinning. Who was this woman? Was she telling the truth? And if she was… what did that mean for her and Alexander?

The sound of the bathroom door opening snapped her out of her thoughts. Alexander walked out, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp.

"Hey, love," he said, flashing her a small smile. "What's wrong? You look pale."

Isabella met his gaze, her heart pounding.

"Who is Victoria?"

His entire body went rigid. The smile vanished from his lips.

Silence filled the room.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Alexander said, "Where did you hear that name?"

Isabella swallowed hard. "She called again. I answered."

A muscle in his jaw ticked. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

"Damn it," he muttered.

"Who is she, Alexander?" Isabella demanded, stepping closer. "And why does she think she was the love of your life?"

Alexander looked at her then, his eyes filled with something she couldn't quite decipher—pain, regret, and something deeper.

"It's complicated," he said finally.

"Then explain it to me!" she pleaded. "Because right now, I feel like I don't even know the man I'm in love with."

His hands balled into fists at his sides. "I never wanted you to get dragged into this."

"But I am in this, Alexander. You asked me to be in this with you. So don't shut me out now."

He exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "Victoria and I… we had a past. A long time ago. But I walked away from her for a reason."

"Why?" Isabella whispered.

His gaze darkened. "Because she betrayed me in a way I could never forgive."

A shiver ran down Isabella's spine. "Betrayed you how?"

Alexander hesitated, as if debating whether to tell her. Then, finally, he spoke.

"She was engaged to me… but she was also in love with another man."

Isabella's breath caught.

Alexander's voice was quiet but filled with deep emotion. "She lied to me. Used me. And when I found out, I walked away without looking back. I never expected her to return."

Isabella's heart ached at the pain in his eyes. But one question still lingered.

"Then why is she back now?"

Alexander clenched his jaw. "I don't know. But I swear to you, Isabella—whatever she wants, it won't come between us."

She wanted to believe him.

But deep down, she knew this was just the beginning of a storm that could change everything.

To be continued…