The desperate Lovers

Chapter 24: Shadows of the Past

The night air was thick with tension as Alexander pulled up in front of the luxurious rooftop bar where Victoria had requested their meeting. Isabella sat in the passenger seat, gripping the hem of her dress as anxiety coiled inside her like a viper ready to strike.

"You don't have to come," Alexander murmured, his hand finding hers.

"Yes, I do," she said firmly, meeting his gaze. "Whatever she has to say, I need to hear it too."

Alexander exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Stay close to me."

With that, they stepped out of the car, hand in hand, ready to face whatever Victoria had planned.

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A Dangerous Game

Victoria was waiting for them, draped in an elegant crimson dress that hugged her figure like a second skin. She sat at the private terrace, swirling a glass of wine in her hand, her lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Alexander," she purred, standing as they approached. "And Isabella… how lovely of you to join us."

Isabella stiffened at the way Victoria's gaze lingered on her, a silent challenge hiding behind her perfectly painted lips.

"Let's get to the point," Alexander said coldly, pulling out a chair for Isabella before taking a seat himself. "What do you want?"

Victoria took a slow sip of her wine, savoring the moment before setting the glass down. "You always were so impatient." She leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "Tell me, Alexander, have you told Isabella everything about us?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "There's nothing to tell."

A smirk played on Victoria's lips. "Oh, darling, that's not true, is it?"

Isabella's stomach twisted. "What is she talking about, Alexander?"

Victoria let out a soft, victorious laugh. "Oh, sweet Isabella, do you really think a man like Alexander has no skeletons in his closet?"

"Enough," Alexander snapped, his voice deadly. "Say what you came to say and stop playing games."

Victoria tilted her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright, then. Let's be direct." She leaned back, crossing her legs. "Did he tell you that we were engaged?"

Isabella froze.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as her gaze whipped toward Alexander. "Is that true?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "It was a long time ago. It meant nothing."

Victoria feigned a look of sadness. "Oh, it meant something, darling. At least to me." Her eyes gleamed with triumph. "But you didn't just leave me, Alexander. You left me for her, didn't you?"

Silence stretched between them.

Isabella felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling.

Alexander reached for her hand. "Isabella, listen to me—"

But she pulled away. "You told me she was your past," she whispered, hurt lacing her voice. "You never told me she was supposed to be your wife."

"I didn't tell you because it wasn't important," Alexander said firmly. "I never loved her. I never wanted to marry her. It was arranged by our families, a business deal—not love."

Victoria clicked her tongue. "Ah, but I did love you, Alexander. And I wonder… if our engagement had never ended, would you still be with Isabella now?"

"That doesn't matter," Alexander growled. "Because I chose Isabella. I will always choose Isabella."

Victoria sighed dramatically, standing. "Such passion. Such conviction." Her gaze flickered to Isabella. "But tell me, my dear, how long until he gets bored and leaves you too?"

Something inside Isabella cracked.

She stood, her hands clenched into fists. "You think you can come here and shake my trust in him?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "You think I'll run just because you throw some half-baked truths at me?"

Victoria raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Isabella took a step closer, her eyes burning with determination. "You may have been his past, Victoria. But I am his present. His future. And nothing you say will change that."

For the first time, Victoria's confidence wavered.

Alexander stood beside Isabella, his hand slipping around her waist. "You heard her," he said, his voice laced with pride. "Now, if you're done, we'll be leaving."

Victoria's lips parted as if she wanted to say more, but no words came.

Alexander and Isabella turned and walked away, side by side, their love stronger than ever.

To be continued…