Refuse the billionaire

Chapter 7

Sunlight poured over the bustling streets of City B, casting a soft halo around Isabella Moriarty's silky golden hair. Her emerald eyes shimmered with hope, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing a rare sense of ease.

"This bouquet of white roses is beautiful," Isabella whispered, gently caressing the petals with her slender fingers. "Pure, like a new beginning."

She took a deep breath, as if to etch this moment into her memory forever. For the first time, she felt she had finally shaken off the shadows of her past and was ready to embrace a fresh start in life.

Just then, her phone vibrated. Isabella pulled it out and saw a message: "Congratulations! You have successfully reserved a VIP private room tonight at 7 p.m. at 'Starlight' Steakhouse."

Her eyes lit up. "What a pleasant surprise! Seems like my luck is turning around today," she chuckled, deciding to treat herself.

As night fell, the city lights flickered on. Isabella changed into an elegant black evening gown, stepped into her high heels, and gracefully entered the "Starlight" Steakhouse. Inside, crystal chandeliers sparkled, reflecting off the exquisite makeup and luxurious attire of the guests. The faint scent of perfume mixed with the aroma of grilled steak, creating a unique atmosphere.

"Good evening, Miss Moriarty." The waiter bowed respectfully. "Please follow me; your room is ready."

Isabella followed the waiter through the grand hall and stopped in front of a carved wooden door. The waiter gently pushed it open. "Enjoy your dinner."

However, the moment Isabella stepped into the room, her smile froze. Sitting at the table was the last person she wanted to see—Murat Assad.

Murat looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his deep blue-gray eyes, which quickly turned into a complex emotion. He slowly stood up, his voice low and magnetic, "Isabella, it's been a while."

Isabella's heart raced, but she forced herself to remain calm, her voice icy. "Murat, what is this? Are you stalking me?"

Murat frowned slightly. "No, this is just a coincidence. I only received the reservation confirmation just now."

Isabella sneered. "Coincidence? I doubt that word even exists in your dictionary."

She turned to leave, but Murat grabbed her arm.

"Wait, Isabella," Murat's voice carried a hint of pleading. "Can we just talk?"

Isabella jerked her arm away, her eyes flashing with disgust. "There's nothing to talk about. Let go of me!"

Murat took a deep breath. "About Rebecca, I can explain. That day at the hospital—"

"Enough!" Isabella snapped, cutting him off sharply. "I don't want to hear a single word of your explanation. Do you still think I'm that foolish girl waiting around for you?"

Murat's face paled. "Isabella, I know I hurt you. I will give you another wedding."

Isabella's gaze was cold, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Don't! Absolutely not! We are over. There will be no engagement party! Stop pestering me!"

Murat grew angry. "I'm pestering you?"

He let out a cold laugh, looking down at her with contempt. "Over these five years, who exactly was pestering whom?"

Isabella felt a sharp pain in her chest as memories from the past five years flooded her mind. She wanted to slap herself.

Murat realized he had said the wrong thing and was about to say something to make amends, but Isabella immediately looked at him with resolute eyes.

"Yes, for five years, I did pester you. I admit it! And I've paid the price. But now, I'm done. I'm letting you go, Murat."

Murat's face turned completely cold. "Paid the price? You call the past five years punishment?"

Isabella didn’t want to continue arguing with him. She knocked on the door and signaled to Murat. "Tell your people to open the door."

Murat was fuming but didn't want to keep dragging out the breakup. He knew he was at fault. Canceling the engagement without considering her feelings had been wrong. A little fuss was understandable, but making such a scene was unnecessary. Still, he wouldn’t hold it against Isabella. He pointed to the table with a cold expression, "Sit down and eat first."

Isabella knew him too well. In the past, countless times like this, things would just blow over if given time. But this time, she smiled. "No need. I've found my true self."

As her words fell, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Murat watched in shock as a strange light flickered in Isabella's eyes. An invisible force seemed to emanate from her, radiating outward.

"Boom!" The door to the private room suddenly exploded, wood splinters flying everywhere.

Murat stepped back in disbelief, staring at Isabella. "Your powers... they’ve returned?"

Isabella glared at him coldly. "This is just a warning, Murat. If you dare to pester me again, next time, it won’t just be the door that explodes. Tell Rebecca to be careful."