After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen

Isabel wasn't the only one caught off guard.

Xander's eyes widened in surprise, and he was momentarily taken aback. Despite his usual resistance to female allure, he struggled to tear his gaze away. "You! -" Isabel stammered before dashing into the bathroom.

The bathroom door slammed shut with a resounding thud, leaving the room in an awkward silence, though both were far from calm.

Isabel leaned against the cool door to steady her breathing, her cheeks red from embarrassment.

Outside, Xander remained rooted in place, his eyes fixed on the closed bathroom door, unmoving.

The standoff continued until Isabel finally broke the silence.

She knocked on the door and asked, "Uh, are you still out there?"

Xanders

stood

I up. "I'll head out now."

"Don't leave."

Xander froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned his attention back to the bathroom door.

Was she asking him to stay? What was she planning? Had Samuel been right about her intentions being less than pure?

were the case, he would stay and see if

then, Isabel's voice

on the bed?

the bed, frowning. Was that why

faded as he realized

carried the pajamas to

Here you go.

open, and a soft, delicate arm reached for the clothes. Xander's breath hitched,

the pajamas and the door closed again, he managed to

she found Xander still seated

you think it's a bit

her casually and responded, "I knocked, but you

the door like that?" Isabel

wasn't completely

remembering she had closed it. Had she not closed it

didn't expect you to come out like

"Isabel winced, replaying the situation in her

suffered

seen me like that!" Isabel retorted, visibly

with interest. He then asked probingly, "You and your fiancé were almost married.

could finish, Isabel cut