Chapter 12: the bargain of love
995 Words
"Isabella, what is he talking about?"
Alexander's voice was sharp and demanding answers. My mouth closed, worry twisting around my mind like an iron grasp. Richard Steele's presence had left a storm in his path, his words like a bite of a poisonous snake.
I tried opening my mouth, yet nothing came out. My heart hammered, and my head spun through all the likely meanings Richard may have meant. What knowledge did he possess? What was he going to do?
Alexander's eyes were steady, keen and merciless. He was waiting. Expecting me to offer him something or an explanation.
"I have no idea what he meant," I whispered.
His fists tightened at his sides, breathing steadily. "He's always playing games, yet this one seems unusual."
I nodded, though confused. "He wants power. He wants to pull the ropes and make us dance to his song." Alexander continued. "but we must cut the strings."
His words were sure, like a fixed with determination. A spark of relief rushed through me. He was not just standing up for himself any longer but for us.
But even as that knowledge came, my thoughts hummed with worry. Richard’s threats weren’t just an empty treat. He held power, influence, and a hard attitude. He wouldn’t stop.
And neither would I.
---
Dinner that evening was filling.
Richard Steele sat at the head of the long, polished table, his presence ruling the room. Every word seemed planned, every look a whispered demand.
I sat alongside Alexander; my fingers curled around my fork. The food in front of me was not touched; my stomach was knotted such that I never considered eating.
Richard cleared his throat, his eyes resting on me. “You’ve been avoiding the press, Isabella. That’s a mistake.”
I swallowed, keeping my voice steady. “I’m not avoiding them. I simply don’t understand why we should put on a show for everyone.”
Richard’s lips pushed together in disgust. “You’re married to my son. The world should watch that.”
Alexander moved beside me, his stance tense. "Father, Isabella and I will handle our relationship on our terms, not yours."
Richard’s eyes clouded. "Your terms? Alexander, you seem to forget who established this company you're now standing in. Who kept it going."
Alexander leaned forward, his tone icy. "And I will be the one to carry it forward. Without being your puppet."
Silence settled like a heavyweight over the table.
Richard’s fingers drummed on the table, slow and deliberate. "We will see about that."
I wasn't myself until we left the dining room.
---
The night air was chilly as we walked into the house grounds. The sky was black, dotted with stars, the outside so big and open compared to the suffocating walls within.
Alexander walked alongside me quietly.
Finally, he sighed, staring at me. "I don’t care what my father wants. This isn’t about him anymore."
I turned to him, my heart beating faster. "Then what is it about?"
His eyes softened. "You. Us."
The words wrapped around me, warm and steady.
We stopped on the edge of a little yard, a quiet place remote from home. A seat stood beneath a cover of trees, the aroma of fresh flowers hanging in the air.
Alexander drew me gently to sit near him. “I know my father’s approval meant something to me once. Maybe it still does, in ways I don’t want to accept. But not at the risk of losing myself. Not at the expense of losing you.”
A lump developed in my throat. I had dedicated considerable time to pondering my place in his world. Hearing him say this and realizing he was willing to fight for me meant more than words could describe.
He held my hand, his fingers gently swirling over mine. "I understand that this has not been simple for you, Isabella." I recognize that I haven't consistently made things simple. However, I want you to understand… you mean more to me than just what we signed."
My breathing caught.
He extended his hand toward my face, his fingers gliding across my lips. "You are my best treasure ever."
A warmth surged within me, profound and undeniable. His words were so romantic, his penetrating gaze made me feel something so different.
As he leaned closer, his lips just inches into mine, I could not retreat.
The kiss was gentle, slow. A promise.
I could not hold it anymore. I sank into him, my fingers twisting into his head. The world around us and our worries never existed as of then; it was just but only us.
When we withdrew apart, I said, "I guess if I can survive your father, I can survive anything."
A deep laugh rumbled from him. "You might be stronger than me."
I smiled. "Oh, I know I am."
He grinned, his fingers threading with mine.
And just as the moment settled, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I paused and looked at Alexander before drawing it out.
Mom.
A fear raced through me.
I answered, putting the phone to my ear. “Mom”
Her voice was eager, tinged with worry. "Isabella, you need to come home. There’s something you have to address."
My stomach hummed.
"What is it?" he asked. My fingers squeeze on the phone.
For a moment, we didn’t say anything. Then, "It’s your father?."
I still didn't say anything because I felt bad not being at home to answer my mother's summon.
Alexander’s hand found me again, his grasp strong.
"Isabella?" His voice was low, timid. "What is it?"
I swallowed hard, the weight of the moment pushing down on me.
Have I done anything wrong? Do I leave everything here behind to face the past? Or do I stay—stay with the guy who has only started to open his heart to me?
The choice loomed, heavy and unknown.
I became so confused without knowing what to do.
- Writer
