Chapter 15: Love Adversity
920 Words
"This could change everything."
His words felt like a stone thrown into my stomach.
I looked at him, seeking any sign of comfort, but his expression remained emotionless. My heart beat as he answered the call after taking a few steps away. His voice was cool and controlled—so unlike the guy who had just hugged me seconds earlier, pledging to stand by my side.
My head spun. Could it be the merging of Steele Enterprises? It was always about business. No matter how much I wanted, Alexander’s world wasn’t just about us—it was about the power, riches, and responsibilities he placed above us.
And now, I was afraid it would break us apart.
His talk was short, but when he turned back to me, his expression was tight. "I have to leave for a time. There’s a meeting tomorrow morning. They expect my conclusion."
"And what are you going to say?"
He paused. "I don’t know yet."
That was all it took for fear to set in. He was not sure, which meant there was a risk he would choose the merging, the empire he had built, without seeking my opinion or considering the weak love we were still trying to protect.
I faked a grin. "Then go. Do what you have to do."
His brows wrinkled. "Isabella—"
"I mean it," I cut in, my voice softer. "Just… let me know what you decide."
Something sparked in his sight. Regret. Doubt. But I could not figure it out. He stretched a hand as if to touch me, but then he dropped it as if he wasn’t sure he had the right to.
Then he turned and went away.
The realization of what my mother said started sinking in me since choosing him; I worried whether love would be enough.
The following morning, I woke up to a message from Alexander.
"Come outside."
I looked at my phone, confusion creeping in. I got out of bed, my heart beating with such an early wake, and made my way to the front door.
And there he was, standing beside his car, dressed in something casual—jeans and a white polo shirt. He looked… strange.
He grinned. "Pack your bag."
I frowned. "What?"
"We’re Leaving. Just for a day."
I paused. "What about the merger?"
His grin didn’t flinch. "I haven’t decided yet. And I won’t, not until I calm up. "I don't want to make a decision that I will later regret." He came closer, his palm holding mine. "Come with me, Isabella."
There was something so unusual in his tone, something I couldn't figure out, but since I love him, I said OK.
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The scenery was quiet. Peaceful as we stopped by a lonely lake, surrounded by woods and endless sky. The air was fresh.
Alexander spread a blanket on the ground and took out a basket full of food.
I sat beside him. "You planned an unexpected picnic? Who are you, and what did you do with the real Alexander I know?"
He laughed, but then his face turned serious. "I wanted to do something for us. No distractions. No business. Just you and me."
We ate in solitude and enjoyed our moment together. At one point, he held my palm. "I keep thinking about what you said," he whispered.
I turned to him. "What?"
"That you’re done letting them control you." His grasp tightened. "It made me realize… I’ve been letting them rule me, too."
I examined him. "What do you mean?"
He breathed. "I’ve spent years building an empire, making decisions based on wealth with many expectations. "I tried to live a life that isn’t mine due to the manipulation of my relations" He glanced at me then, his eyes fierce. "I don’t want to lose you, Isabella."
My breath hitched.
Then he spoke the words that changed everything.
"I’m turning down the merger."
I pretended as if I had never heard him.
"I don’t want it. I don’t need it." His voice was strong. "I’ve made my decision."
Shock coursed through me. "But… your company—"
"I’ll find another way. I always do." He held my hand. "I choose us."
Tears burned my eyes. This was the man I had fallen for. The one who, despite everything, still picked love over power.
I threw my arms around him, holding him tight. "I love you, Alexander."
His lips found mine, slow and deep, sealing his promise.
The realization of us being together occupied my thoughts. I believed we could truly have a future.
That night, while lying down, his phone rang.
He took it up. When he noticed the caller ID, his body tensed.
"Who is it?" I asked suddenly because I felt uncomfortable.
His jaw stiffened. "My father."
I sat up. "He knows, doesn’t he?"
Alexander exhaled. "He always knows."
The phone kept ringing. The air between us seemed heavier as if the world was going to change.
I bit my lip. "Are you going to answer?"
His fingers hovered over the screen. His father was an influential and well-known man who didn’t take betrayal lightly.
I held his hand.
He looked at me, there was something incomprehensible in his stare.
And then, just as the ringing stopped, the phone buzzed with a message.
One line.
You’ve made a mistake. And you’ll rue it.
My heart stuttered.
Alexander clenched his jaw.
Fear sunk firmly into me.
Had we just started a war?
Find out in the next chapter!
- Writer
