Refuse the billionaire

Chapter 6

The golden sunlight spilled onto the vast beaches of City B, making the fine grains of sand sparkle brilliantly. Isabella Moriarty stood by the sea, allowing the warm ocean breeze to play with her golden hair. She took a deep breath, the salty smell of the seawater filling her lungs, bringing a sense of freedom she had never experienced before. That intense argument seemed like a thing from a past life.

Isabella closed her eyes, feeling the sunlight dance on her face. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as a surge of anticipation for the future filled her heart. Just then, her phone vibrated. She pulled it out and saw Murat's name on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat but quickly returned to its calm state. She stared at the unread message for a few seconds before tucking her phone back into her bag without hesitation.

“No, I won’t let you affect my mood anymore,” Isabella muttered to herself, a determined look flashing in her eyes. At that moment, her phone rang again. This time, it was her friend Felicia.

“Bella! You have to come to the beach party tonight!” Felicia’s excited voice echoed through the phone. “We can’t wait to see you!”

Isabella hesitated for a moment, but soon made her decision.

“Sure, I’ll be there,” she replied, her tone tinged with a bit of excitement.

As night fell, the beach was illuminated with lights. Isabella donned a flowing white dress and walked lightly toward the party scene. The music, laughter, and joy intertwined, making her feel a long-lost sense of ease and happiness.

"Isabella?" A deep male voice came from behind her. She turned and saw a tall, handsome man smiling at her.

"Hello, I’m Peter," the man said, extending his hand elegantly.

"Isabella," she replied, shaking his hand politely. The two quickly struck up a lively conversation.

Peter was witty and charming, putting Isabella at ease without her realizing it.

“You know,” Peter said, holding a glass of wine, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “I was just thinking, if we were in a romantic comedy, this would definitely be one of those classic scenes where the leads meet.”

Isabella couldn’t help but laugh. “Then I guess we missed the perfect meet-cute opportunity, didn’t we?”

They shared a knowing smile, the atmosphere between them light and joyful. But their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Isabella? Is that really you?” Isabella turned to see a familiar figure approaching. It was Rebecca.

Isabella’s smile froze, her heartbeat quickening. Rebecca gracefully walked up to her, a fake smile plastered on her face.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Rebecca said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I heard you broke up with Murat? What a shame.”

Isabella took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

“Yes, we broke up,” she replied evenly. “But that’s our business. There’s no need to explain it to anyone.”

Rebecca narrowed her eyes, clearly not expecting such a direct response from Isabella.

“Oh, darling,” Rebecca said, feigning concern, “you must be so heartbroken, right? Murat is such an amazing man, after all.”

Anger flared up inside Isabella, but she held it in.

“Rebecca,” Isabella said calmly, “I appreciate your 'concern,' but I’m doing just fine. If you’re here to see me fall apart, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

Rebecca’s expression darkened instantly.

“Who do you think you are?” she hissed. “You’re just some country bumpkin. Murat will be mine sooner or later.”

A wave of dizziness hit Isabella, Rebecca’s words like knives stabbing into her heart. Just then, Peter stepped forward.

“Excuse me, miss,” Peter said politely but firmly, “I believe you’ve misunderstood something. Isabella is my friend, and I won’t tolerate any form of harassment.”

Rebecca was stunned, clearly not expecting anyone to intervene. She shot Isabella a venomous look before turning and storming off. Isabella felt weak, but she forced herself to stand tall.

“Thank you, Peter,” she said softly. Peter looked at her warmly.

“Isabella, you’re doing great.”

Isabella took a deep breath, warmth flooding her heart. She looked into Peter’s eyes and realized that maybe life still held many beautiful possibilities for her.

“You’re right,” she smiled. “Thank you. Now, let’s enjoy the rest of this wonderful night.”

Meanwhile, in a private hospital in City H, Murat Assad sat on his hospital bed, staring blankly at the seafood risotto in front of him.

“Sir, you should eat more,” Felicia said gently. “The head chef prepared this especially for you.”

Murat mechanically scooped a spoonful of rice into his mouth, but he couldn’t taste anything. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Isabella, her figure as she left seared into his memory, impossible to forget.

“Felicia,” Murat suddenly spoke, “where is Isabella now?”

Felicia hesitated for a moment, but then answered truthfully, “According to the latest information, Miss Moriarty is currently in City B.”

Murat was silent for a moment, then waved his hand. “Leave me. I want to be alone.”

Felicia bowed and exited the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Murat leaned back against the headboard, closing his eyes as memories of the relationship replayed in his mind. For the first time, he seriously reflected on his own behavior, on all the little details he had ignored, on the grievances and disappointments Isabella had suffered.

Just then, his phone rang. Murat glanced at the caller ID — it was Rebecca de Val. He hesitated but eventually answered.

“Murat, darling,” Rebecca’s sickly sweet voice came from the other end. “I just saw your ex-girlfriend at a party in City B. Guess what? She’s already moved on and is with another man.”

Murat clenched his fist, an indescribable emotion rising within him.

“Rebecca,” he said coldly, “I don’t want to hear this. Isabella’s affairs are none of your concern.”

There was a brief silence on the other end, then Rebecca’s voice came again, this time with a trace of barely concealed anger.

“Murat, are you still thinking about that woman? She’s left you. Why are you still holding on?”

“Rebecca,” Murat interrupted her, his tone resolute, “my matters are none of your business. Goodbye.” He hung up immediately.

Murat took a deep breath and looked out the window. The sunlight streamed in, casting a bright beam across the hospital floor. He suddenly realized that his feelings for Isabella were much deeper than he had ever imagined.

At that moment, the door to his room opened, and Jason walked in. He was Rebecca’s suitor and one of Murat’s business partners.

“Murat,” Jason said directly, “Rebecca is really hurt. Why are you doing this to her?”

Murat looked at Jason with a determined gaze.

“Jason, I understand where you’re coming from. But I’ve realized that family is what’s most important. I can’t continue to ignore the people who truly love me.”

Jason was taken aback, not expecting Murat to say such a thing. At that moment, a soft sob came from the doorway. Both men turned to see Rebecca standing there, her face pale, her eyes filled with anger and resentment. Jason rushed over to console her, but Rebecca’s eyes never left Murat. There was a dangerous glint in her gaze, as though she were plotting something terrible.

Murat watched the scene, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over him. He closed his eyes, and once again, Isabella’s smile appeared in his mind.