The desperate Lovers

Chapter 27: Shadows of Doubt and Flames of Love

Isabella stood frozen in the gallery, Victoria's words echoing in her mind.

Ask Alexander about the contract.

Her heart pounded. She had promised herself she wouldn't let Victoria get to her, but something about the way she said it—the confidence in her voice—planted a seed of doubt.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts away and focused on what mattered. Trust. She had promised Alexander she would trust him, and she wouldn't break that promise now.

But that didn't mean she wouldn't ask.

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A Night of Unspoken Questions

By the time Isabella returned to Alexander's penthouse, the weight of the day had settled deep in her chest. She found him in the living room, his sleeves rolled up, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

His eyes softened the moment he saw her. "You're late," he murmured, setting the glass down as he walked toward her. "Is everything okay?"

She hesitated for a second before forcing a small smile. "Just a long day at work."

Alexander studied her carefully, sensing the tension in her body. He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "You can talk to me, Isabella."

She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment. Trust.

"I ran into Victoria today," she finally admitted.

His body stiffened. "What did she say?"

Isabella looked up, searching his gaze. "She told me to ask you about the contract."

A flicker of something—guilt?—passed through Alexander's eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

His grip on her waist tightened slightly. "Isabella, whatever she told you—"

"I need to hear it from you," she interrupted, keeping her voice steady. "No secrets. No lies."

Alexander sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Come with me."

He led her to his office, where he opened a drawer and pulled out a folder. Placing it on the desk, he gestured for her to take it.

With a deep breath, Isabella picked it up and flipped through the pages. Her eyes widened as she read the details.

A marriage contract.

Between Alexander and Victoria.

Signed years ago.

Her breath caught. "You were legally engaged?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "It was an agreement between our families. A deal. But I never intended to go through with it."

Isabella clenched the papers in her hands. "Then why did you sign this?"

"I was young and under pressure," he admitted. "At the time, I thought it was the only way to secure my family's business. But the moment I realized what a mistake it was, I broke it off."

Her heart pounded. "Did she know?"

He nodded. "Yes. And she agreed at first. But then she changed her mind and started trying to manipulate me into marrying her anyway."

Isabella exhaled, her emotions a tangled mess. "And you never thought to tell me?"

"I didn't want it to matter," Alexander said, stepping closer. "Because you are the only woman I see my future with."

She searched his eyes, looking for any sign of dishonesty, but all she saw was sincerity.

Finally, she let out a shaky breath. "I trust you, Alexander. But if we're going to fight Victoria together, I need to know everything—before she tries to use it against us."

He cupped her face, his eyes burning with intensity. "You have my word, Isabella. No more secrets."

She swallowed, nodding.

Alexander pulled her into his arms, his lips finding hers in a desperate, searing kiss. He lifted her onto the desk, his hands gripping her waist as he deepened the kiss, pouring all his love, his promise, into it.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips.

A slow smile formed on her face. "Then show me."

And he did.

That night, in the glow of the city lights, their love burned brighter than ever—strong enough to face whatever storm was coming.

To be continued…