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?

would stay and see if she showed her true

then, Isabel's voice

the pajamas on the bed? I

why she wanted

quickly faded as he realized

pause, Xander carried

Here you go.

the bathroom door crack open, and a soft, delicate arm reached for the clothes. Xander's breath hitched, his composure momentarily

door closed again, he managed to

emerged in her pajamas, she found Xander still

don't you think it's a bit inappropriate to

at her casually and responded, "I

opened the door like that?" Isabel asked, raising an

wasn't

shut? Isabel glanced at the door, remembering she had closed it. Had she

to come out like that

replaying the

think you suffered

man has ever seen me like that!" Isabel retorted, visibly

Xander's eyes glinted with interest. He then asked probingly, "You and your fiancé were almost

could finish, Isabel cut