love beyond worlds

chapter 4: A love worth fighting for

Isa wakes up to an empty bed. The warmth of Alex's body is gone, replace by a cold sheets beneath her fingertips. A sharp pang of anxiety grips her chest. She sits up, pulling the blanket around her as she scans the dimly lit bedroom. The soft sound of rain tapping against the window only makes the silence in the room feel heavier.

Then she hears it-- the low murmur of Alex's voice coming from his study.

Slipping out of bed, she grabs his silk robe from the chair and wraps it around herself before padding barefoot toward the door. The study door is slightly ajar, and she hesitates for only a moment before peering inside.

Alex stands by the window, his phone pressed to his ear, his posture tense. "No, this doesn't change anything," he says, voice clipped. "I told you-- I'll handle it."

A pause. Then a sigh. "I don't care about the board's approval. If they have a problem, they can leave."

Isla's heart swells. He's fighting for them .

Alex hangs up and turns toward the door, freezing when he sees her. His eyes soften instantly. "couldn't sleep?"

She step inside. "Not without you."

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck before walking toward her. His hands cup her face, thumbs stroking her cheeks."They want me to let you go," he admits, voice thick with frustration. "They think you're a liability. A distraction."

She swallows hard. "And what do you think?"

His grip tightens just slightly."I think they can go to hell."

A shaky laugh escape her, but it dies quickly when he leans in pressing his forehead against hers. "I meant what I said, Isla. I won't lose you."

Tears sting her eyes, she lifts a hand to trace his jaw. "Then don't."

His lips crash into hers, urgent, claiming, desperate. He walks her backward until her back meets the wall, his body pressing against hers. The robe slips from her shoulders, and his hands roam her bare skin, worshiping her.

"I'll fight for you," he murmurs between kisses. "For us."

She pulls him closer, her body molding to his."Then don't stop."

That night, they don't just make love--they seal a promise. A promise to stand together, no matter what.