The desperate Lovers

Chapter 29: Love Under Siege

The air inside Alexander's penthouse felt heavier than usual. Isabella sat on the couch, replaying Victoria's words over and over in her mind.

"What happens when love isn't enough?"

She hated how the question had rooted itself in her thoughts.

Alexander stood by the window, his posture tense, his hands in his pockets. He had been quiet since she told him about Victoria's call. Too quiet.

Finally, he turned to face her, his eyes dark with resolve. "Isabella, I need you to listen to me carefully."

She sat up straighter. "What is it?"

"I know Victoria," he said. "She doesn't make empty threats. If she's trying to shake you, she has something planned."

Isabella swallowed. "So what do we do?"

His gaze softened. "We stand together."

She exhaled, nodding. "No more secrets, Alexander. We can't afford them."

"I swear to you," he said, stepping closer, cupping her face in his hands. "No more secrets."

She closed her eyes, letting his warmth soothe her.

But deep down, she knew the storm was only beginning.

---

The Public Scandal

The next morning, Isabella's phone buzzed non-stop. When she finally checked, her blood ran cold.

Every major social media page had one headline:

"Alexander Knight's Secret Engagement Exposed – Who is the Real Fiancée?"

Her hands trembled as she clicked on an article. Pictures of Alexander and Victoria from years ago filled the screen, along with a photo of her and Alexander from a recent gala.

The article painted her as an intruder, a woman who had come between a powerful couple.

She gasped when she reached the end—Victoria had given an official statement.

"Alexander and I had a beautiful past. I only hope he remembers where he truly belongs."

Isabella felt like the air had been knocked out of her lungs.

She barely registered Alexander entering the room until he crouched before her, taking the phone from her shaking hands. He skimmed the article, his expression darkening with every word.

"That witch," he hissed, standing abruptly. "She's trying to turn the world against you."

Isabella felt nauseous. "And it's working."

Alexander pulled her up gently. "Listen to me. You are my future. Not her. I'll hold a press conference. I'll tell the world the truth."

But Isabella wasn't sure the world wanted the truth.

---

The Press Conference

That evening, Alexander stood in front of flashing cameras, his face unreadable as he addressed the scandal. Isabella watched from the sidelines, her heart pounding.

"I will say this once," Alexander said, his voice commanding silence. "The engagement between Victoria and me was a business arrangement. One I ended years ago. There is only one woman I love, and that is Isabella."

The reporters went wild, questions flying.

"Mr. Knight, Victoria claims—"

"I don't care what Victoria claims," Alexander interrupted, his voice dangerously low. "The only truth that matters is the one I just gave you."

The conference ended in chaos, but Alexander walked off the stage like a man who had won his war.

Isabella felt a lump in her throat as he reached her, ignoring the press and cameras around them.

He cupped her face in front of everyone. "You're mine, Isabella. And I'll fight the whole damn world to keep you."

Her breath caught. "And I'll stand by you, no matter what."

He kissed her then, fiercely, as the cameras flashed.

Their love was now a battlefield.

But they would fight together.

To be continued…